The videos below outline the new Technology Safeguards for Northwest ISD. It is recomended that you view your grade level video to ensure you are aware of how these safeguards may impact your classroom and students. Additional information can be found at screentime.nisdtx.org.

Unblocking and Blocking Websites

What you've used in the past may no longer be available this year because our expectations for digital tools have evolved. Educational games will be blocked by default for teachers and students, unless they've been approved for instructional use. As a result, our list of accessible sites is being rebuilt based on current instructional needs and district guidelines. What does this mean?

• Plan ahead: Many blocked resources may not be approved, even if previously available. Please have an alternative ready, especially for tools outside the adopted curriculum.

• Approval Process: Submit a Helpdesk ticket under the "Unblock a Site" category. Having a direct link from your curriculum fast tracks the approval process. Education Games not included in curriculum go through 3 layers of approval which takes time to process.

What sites are currently available at your grade band?  See below:

Grades PK-2

No email access

Grades 3-8

NISD students in grades 3–8 can only email NISD staff and their guardians/emergency contacts.

• The Parent/Guardian approval list is populated based off of the email address we have on file in HAC. If they use a different email address, their message will be blocked.

• Only one email address can be listed for each parent/guardian. Parents/guardians can see the email address currently listed for them in HAC under Contacts.

• If a parent needs assistance in making these changes, guide them to the elementary office managers and middle school registrars

• If a parent/guardian needs to change their email address, they can

  1. 1. send the request from the email address currently on file

     2. have another parent/guardian send the request from an email address currently on file

     3. come to the campus in person. 

Grades 9-12

No change in email access; continue to send and receive from all contacts