Technology

Western School Corporation is a 1:1 iPad district. Every student in grades K–12 receives a full-size iPad.

• Grades K–2: iPad with a protective case (no keyboard)
• Grades 3–12: iPad with a case featuring a built-in keyboard

Caring for Your Device

Students are responsible for the proper care of their iPad. Treat it as you would your own personal device.
Please remember to:

• Keep devices away from water, dirt, and unsafe environments.
• Avoid dropping, tossing, or mishandling the device.
• Never leave the device unattended.

Cost & Damage Fees

As of 2024, student devices are provided at no cost. Families do not pay fees toward devices or cases.
However, repair and replacement fees apply for damage or loss:

Internet Use and Filtering

• When students are off campus, parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring device use (email, streaming, videos, etc.).
• Students may connect to networks outside the school’s Wi-Fi.
• All devices are filtered on and off campus in compliance with CIPA requirements, regardless of the network used.

Frequetly Asked Questions

Q: Can students keep their devices over the summer?
A: No. Devices must be returned at the end of the school year to preserve battery life.

Q: Can families purchase the device at the end of the year?
A: No.

Q: What happens if one student damages another student’s device?
A: The building administrator will review the situation and notify the Technology Department, who will determine responsibility.

Q: Where can I find the Student Responsible Use Policy?
A: It is located in each school’s student handbook.

Skyward is Western’s student information system. It serves as the central hub for important student and parent information, including grades, schedules, attendance, contact information, and more.

How You Can Use Skyward

Students

• View grades, schedule, and teachers
• Complete enrollment
• Access bus information
• Access locker information
• And much more

Parents

• Update contact and personal information
• View grades, schedule, and teachers
• Complete enrollment
• Access bus information
• And much more

Accessing Skyward for the First Time

If you are a new student or a new Kindergarten parent accessing Skyward for the first time, follow these steps:

1. Visit Skyward Family Access
2. Locate the username and password provided by the district.
3. If you are unsure, click “Forgot your Login/Password?”
4. Enter the email address you used when enrolling your student and click “Submit.”
5. You will receive an email with further instructions.
6. If you do not receive an email or are unable to log in, please contact your school for assistance.

Accessing Skyward as a Parent or Student

Skyward can be accessed from any internet-connected device.

1. Visit Skyward Family Access
2. Confirm the page says “Welcome to Western School Corporation Skyward Access.”
3. Log in with your username and password.

Forgot Your Login?

1. Click “Forgot your Login/Password”
2. Enter your email address (the one used for school communication) or your Skyward username.
3. Follow the instructions emailed to you.

ParentSquare is the district-approved communication platform for school-to-home communication. ParentSquare takes the place of personal cell phones, text messaging, Facebook, and other third-party communication tools. 

Having a consistent platform creates a better experience for families, guarantees vital updates remain visible, while also safeguarding students, parents, and staff through a safe, secure, and archived communication environment.

ParentSquare also provides multiple tools like notification personalization, direct messaging, templates, calendars, signup forms, volunteer requests, and more to help enhance productive efficient communication.

With ParentSquare, you’ll receive all district announcements: delays, cancellations, etc, school information, and classroom messages in one place whether by email, text, app, or web.

PARENT TIPS

Teacher Technology

Each classroom is equipped with:

• A desktop computer connected to a ceiling-mounted projector
• An iPad with a Logitech keyboard
• Mirroring software that allows teachers to display their iPad screen through the projector for instructional purposes
• Integrated audio systems for high-quality sound
• Access to hallway printers for quick retrieval of printed materials
• Optional document cameras available upon request

Student Technology

Every student receives an iPad for daily use:

• Grades K–2: iPads with Nutcase protective covers
• Grades 3–12: iPads with Logitech keyboard cases

Students may also use mirroring software to present their work on the classroom projector for assignments and projects.

Optional Technology (Available First Come, First Served)

Each building offers additional tools that teachers may reserve:

• Mobile interactive touch-screen TVs (available in libraries or classrooms)
• MakerSpace areas in the Intermediate, Middle School, and High School, featuring:
  • STEM carts with hands-on materials
  • 3D printers
  • Green-screen recording rooms equipped with cameras, microphones, and screens

STEM Special Areas (K-5)

Beginning in the 2022–2023 school year, Western added STEM as a special-area class for grades K–5. A certified STEM educator leads these classes and provides students with hands-on learning opportunities. Students have access to classroom-level versions of many MakerSpace tools.

Questions or Support

Nate Schmidt
Technology Integration Specialist
nschmidt@western.k12.in.us