Back To School

District 191 uses ParentSquare for school communication, primarily with email, text and app notifications. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for each parent, using their preferred email address and phone number. 

We encourage parents to access their accounts so they can download the mobile app and update their preferences on when and how they are notified. Parents are not required to download the app to view messages from the school district. However, downloading the app makes it easier to receive and respond to messages. 

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LEARNING TECHNOLOGY

ParentVUE accounts provide families direct access to their child’s information and data. ParentVUE enables families to monitor their child's educational progress and includes the following information:  

• Attendance
• Quarterly Progress Grades
• Health information
• Student schedules
• Meal account information
• Emergency contacts

District 191 encourages all families to create a ParentVUE account. 

Depending on what grade students are in, District 191 uses two platforms that allow families to track their students' learning in real time. Elementary students use Seesaw as a digital classroom, and students in grades 6–12 use Schoology to track class materials, assignments, turned-in work, daily grades, and class calendars. 

These connections bring families into the classroom and provide an ongoing snapshot of how and what your student is doing in school.

Learn more about learning technology

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

If your student is having a problem with a device, please contact us. The help desk system provides self-help solutions to many common technology issues.

Contact technical support by submitting an online request. When school is in session, students can visit tech support at their building during school hours.

For families with students enrolled in Virtual Academy, tech support is available by calling 952-707-2900. 

Contact Technology Support

CHROMEBOOKS 

All Chromebooks, other student devices, and issued accessories are the property of ISD191. Students will take care of the equipment, use the equipment in accordance with our Acceptable Use Policy, and return the equipment when requested or when the student leaves ISD191. More Information and the One91 Chromebook Loan Expectations can be found at www.isd191.org/chromebook.

POLICY 634: ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY 

We understand the importance of students being able to access resources on the internet, both for current educational work and to help ensure students have the skills they need for future study and work. We provide students access to our computer system, including the internet, expressly for educational purposes, including classroom activities, research and college/career readiness activities. Students are expected to use our system in a safe manner and for these appropriate purposes. If the system is used in an unacceptable manner, students may face consequences as outlined in this policy. The system is subject to periodic maintenance and possible unforeseen downtime.

STUDENT DATA PRIVACY NOTIFICATION 

ISD191 uses a variety of digital tools to support student learning. Technology vendors and software is utilized to support work as we help all students develop the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world. We have an inventory of our curriculum, testing, and assessment tools posted on our website.

All District 191 students in grades 9-12* are required to opt-in (register) to receive transportation to and from school. This helps us create more efficient bus routes, ensuring students get to school as quickly as possible.

Breakfast and lunch will continue to be free of charge for all students attending in person at physical school sites.

This year, all students in grades K-5 will also receive a free, sample size snack of a fresh fruit or vegetable two days per week. 

As always, additional meals and a la carte purchases can be paid for via MySchoolBucks.

MySchoolApps Application for Educational Benefits 

Even though meals are free for most students, District 191 asks all families to complete the Application for Educational Benefits. By filling out the Application for Educational Benefits, families may qualify for additional benefits such as reduced or waived athletic and activities fees, reduced transportation fees, discounts on internet service, emergency food benefits and more. Apply for educational benefits at MySchoolApps. 

• English application
• Spanish application

Filling out the Application for Educational Benefits also helps support District 191 schools, as some of the funding schools receive is determined by the number of families that qualify for benefits. So by completing the form, families are helping ensure District 191 schools receive everything we need to support students, including additional funding for teachers, interventionists and other student  support services.

No Shots, No School

State law requires that all District 191 students receive immunizations against certain diseases before attending school, or have a legal exemption on file. Over the last two years, students may have fallen behind on immunizations. Please check with your medical provider to make sure your child is up to date and, if needed, send an updated immunization record to your school health office before orientation or open house events in August. 

Until the immunization record is complete, your student will not be able to attend classes.  For more information about what immunizations are required, go to www.isd191.org/immunizations. 

Student Vaccination Clinics

• Aug. 13, 2-6 p.m. (Community Education Resource Fair)
• Aug. 27, 3-7 p.m.

District 191 uses an emergency notification system to communicate with families and staff in the event of an emergency or severe weather event that affects the school day. The contact information used is synced with the district's student information system. Parents/guardians may update their information through their ParentVUE account or by contacting your child's school directly.

Parents/guardians can sign up to receive texts by sending "Subscribe" to 67587. Please note that just because you have a cell phone number on file does not mean that you will receive text messages from the school district. Parents/guardians must subscribe to receive texts by texting the number listed above.

To learn more about emergency notifications in District 191, visit the link below.

Emergency Notifcations

Because the safety of our students and staff is our top priority, District 191 regularly reviews its emergency response plans. This year, in order to ensure a coordinated and consistent response to different emergency situations, the district has adopted the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP). This fall and throughout the school year, students and staff will be training, practicing and drilling the protocol.

Standard Response Protocol

In some cases, an event may occur at school that requires parents to pick up their students in a formalized, controlled release. This process is called a “reunification” and may be required due to weather, a power outage, hazardous materials or if a crisis occurs at the school. 

District 191 uses a protocol called the Standard Reunification Method (SRM), which makes this process more predictable and less chaotic for all involved. District staff work closely with law enforcement and emergency response professionals in our community to plan for reunification events, and conduct training to improve plans and practice for different scenarios. 

Learn more about reunification in One91