The Minot Public School (MPS) District believes that all students should have access to technology, and thus issues a Chromebook to students. This tool aids them throughout their educational careers and has built-in protections, such as personal Google accounts or any other non-school accounts are not compatible with and cannot be used on these school-issued Chromebooks. Another valuable protection could be web safety education in which you could take part!
When in Elementary School, students use their Chromebook in the classroom and are required to review and sign a “K-1 Responsible Use Policy,” which reminds students to be responsible, respectful, and safe in five areas (written with corresponding pictures to facilitate understanding): 1. Computer use is not private and may be viewed, 2. Do not share your password, 3. Act politely and considerately, 4. Do not take credit for other people’s work (plagiarize), and 5. Use equipment carefully, do not use sites or programs not being used in class. Of course, the document has much more positive language and goes into more detail with regard to bullying and consequences, but that’s the basic gist of it. These rules are necessary to keep students safe.
When in Middle School and High School, students have the opportunity to take the Chromebook home. Prior to this, both the student and his/her parent(s) must review the district’s MPS Access Contract, and sign a form titled “MPS Access Form,” which can be found at the bottom of this link: https://www.minot.k12.nd.us/en-US/parents-8c8d3486. Students are also required to sign the “ACDA: Responsible Use Policy,” which can be found in Google Docs when selecting the hyperlinked “Responsible Use Policy” in the MPS Access Contract.
The MPS Access Form is very in-depth with various sections, two of which are “Student Expectations” and “Inappropriate Use.” The latter section warns: “Misuse or willful destruction of the device may result in school discipline.” The Responsible Use Policy adds further clarification: “Violations of this policy, or any federal/state law, rule or regulation, may result in loss of network privileges, as well as further disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion for students or termination of employment for staff, as determined by the Superintendent or designee and in accordance with board policy, law, and, when applicable, the negotiated agreement.” These MPS expectations and subsequent consequences for misuse exist to support students in school by encouraging proper use, but what can we do—as parents—to support them on all apps and internet use both in school and outside of school?
Last SY 2025/2026, the MPS District utilized a GoGuardian app, which permitted parents to view their student’s Chromebook use while in school, but the MPS District has since decided to discontinue it. This is unfortunate, as I have had three meetings with different parents expressing their appreciation for this parental supervision tool. If this sounds like you, I recommend you attend MPS School Board Meetings to express your desire for a replacement app or program to aid in your awareness of your student’s technology use in school.
Regarding device use outside of school, I recommend you view and utilize all the resources offered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on online safety for children at ftc.gov/kidsonline. The Youville free, downloadable educational program is especially user-friendly and interactive, designed to help children ages 8-12 develop skills to be safer online. I thank our Air Force Services Center’ leaders for featuring this resource in their Child and Youth Programs March 2026 newsletter and encourage all parents and schools to share this with families.
Lastly, I recommend you participate in the Vigilant Parent Initiative, which empowers parents to guide and protect their children online. There are three sessions at Minot AFB available in 2026 on the following dates: May 21st, June 23rd, and July 27th. Parents are encouraged to attend all three dates. I registered and look forward to having you join me!
We have made great strides in North Dakota with regard to technology, but more can be done. Effective this SY, our state passed phone-free K-12 legislation to help protect our students’ instructional time in public schools, which has resulted in increased student presence, peer sociability in the lunchroom, and focus in the classroom. Now, let’s continue to stay aware and ahead of our students’ exposure to online dangers. Who knows, another policy may need to be implemented or additional protections enacted to ensure student success and you could be just the person to spark these initiatives!
The information in this article is provided as a resource and does not constitute endorsement by Minot AFB, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense of the external website, or the information, products, or services contained therein.
