If you have a Chromebook, you must enter a username and password in order to use the computer. If you log in to the Chromebook using your OJCS student email address and password, the Chromebook will load your school settings, things like your wallpaper, bookmarks, extensions, saved passwords, apps, and files (if they’re saved to Google Drive). Because it is a school-owned account, certain bookmarks, apps, and extensions will automatically be loaded onto your account by the school. 

If you are using another device (Mac, Windows, etc.), and you want to log into your OJCS school account, you will need to download Google Chrome (this is a requirement as part of our BYOD program). Once you open the Chrome browser, you can log into your Google account by clicking the profile icon in the top right-hand corner. If you are logged into your OJCS student account, your Chrome settings (bookmarks, extensions, etc.) will load, just like they would on a Chromebook. However, you are able to have multiple profiles, and can easily switch between them.

At OJCS, we have multiple security layers to ensure our students are using their devices appropriately throughout their school day.  We block specific sites directly at the root network level (i.e. roblox.com) and we also deploy a cloud web filter (Securly) that monitors and blocks based on filters (i.e. gambling). 

The difference between these two settings is that the former will block sites only while students are connected to the OJCS Wifi network; while the latter will block sites anywhere, regardless of WiFi connection, so long as they are logged in with their OJCS student account. 

The way these protections apply will depend on the type of device your child is using. 

If your child has a Chromebook and uses their OJCS account to log in to the device, all Securly filters will automatically be in effect. Whatever is blocked at school through Securly will also be blocked at home (or anywhere else). However, anything blocked only at the network level at school will not be blocked unless you have privacy settings set up on your home network as well.

For example, Instagram is blocked on our Student WiFi network, but it is not blocked by Securly. Therefore, while students are at school and connected to our WiFi, they cannot access Instagram. However, if they connect to a different network (like your home WiFi), they will be able to access Instagram unless you block it yourself at home.

If your child has a Chromebook but logs in with a personal account instead of their OJCS account, they will not be protected by Securly.

If your child has a different device (Mac, Windows, etc.) and uses Google Chrome and their Chrome profile is connected to their OJCS account, then all Securly filters will be active, just like on a Chromebook. However, if they use a different web browser (like Safari or Firefox) or a different Chrome profile, Securly filters will not protect them.

Students must be logged into their OJCS accounts in order for us to properly monitor what they are accessing and adding to their profiles, and to ensure they are using their devices safely and in an age-appropriate way. It is much easier to ensure students are using only their OJCS accounts when they are on a Chromebook.

As we become aware of apps, extensions, and websites that students are using inappropriately, we can quickly respond and manage access at the System Administrator level, but only if students are using their OJCS accounts.

If you’ve already purchased a device for your child that isn’t a Chromebook, we definitely don’t want you to buy a new one. Instead, start by checking which browsers are installed on their device and remove any that are not Google Chrome. Next, check to see which profiles are loaded onto the device. If there are multiple profiles, there’s a chance your child may be using them throughout the school day to bypass our security settings. You can use this article to help manage profiles on Google Chrome. You might need to do regular checks on your child’s device if you suspect they will add the browsers or accounts back on. 

If your child has a personal Google account other than their OJCS student account, you can still manage it through Family Link. This article will guide you through the steps for managing your child’s personal Google account.

For Microsoft devices, Microsoft Family Safety offers parental controls. If your child has an Apple device, Family Sharing will help you manage their device. 

There are many useful extensions with excellent educational value. However, there are also many that offer little value and can even be distracting (like a giant pizza slice replacing the cursor).

We’ve recently updated the settings at OJCS so that students logged into their OJCS accounts can no longer install new extensions. However, we cannot see which extensions they may have already installed, nor can we delete them. This is something you will need to do on your own. Follow this article to help you manage extensions. 

If your child is using any other browser, you will need to specifically check how to manage extensions for that browser. A quick Google search will help you with this.

We’ve been getting this question a lot lately. These laptops can be heavy and difficult to manage at home. The short answer is yes, students may leave their devices at school.

However, please note that we currently do not have a locked storage space for them. We are exploring more secure storage solutions for next year, but for now, devices would need to be kept either in the classroom or in the student’s locker.

Additionally, please ensure that if your child has schoolwork to complete at home that requires a device, they have access to one at home.