Getting Started with Canvas as a Parent

As a parent, you can sign up for a free Canvas account that lets you observe your child's activities. This allows you to view assignments, due dates, announcements, and grades without interacting with the course content.

To begin, your student will need to generate a "pairing code" from their Canvas account. This code is unique to them and will link your observer account to theirs. Make sure to get this code from your child.

Creating Your Observer Account

Once you have the pairing code from your student:

1. Go to our district's Canvas login page: Canvas Login Page
2. Click on the "Click Here For an Account" link (or similar, typically below the login fields).
3. Select "Parents sign up here."
4. Enter your name, email, create a password, and enter the student pairing code.
5. Click "Start Participating" to create your account.

You can add multiple students to your observer account after initial setup.

Simplified Access with Clever

Clever simplifies how students access educational applications with a single sign-on. Students typically log into Clever using their school-provided credentials, meaning they only need to remember one username and password to access many tools.

This central portal organizes all their learning apps in one easy-to-find place.

How Your Student Logs In

Depending on their grade level and school, students can usually log in to Clever using:

• Log in with Google: Common for students with district Google accounts.
• Log in with Active Directory: Often used by older students.
• Clever Badge: Younger students (K-2) typically use a unique QR code badge provided by their teacher for quick and easy login.

Once logged in, they will see a personalized portal with all the applications they have access to, making it easy to find their assignments and resources.

PowerSchool – SACS’ Student Information System

PowerSchool is our official Student Information System (SIS). It allows parents to securely access their child's attendance records, official grades, schedules, and demographic information. This is where the most up-to-date and authoritative information about your child's academic standing resides.

It's distinct from Canvas, which focuses on daily assignments and learning activities, while PowerSchool maintains the formal record.

Accessing Your PowerSchool Account

To access your PowerSchool Parent Portal:

1. Go to the SACS PowerSchool Parent Portal login page: PowerSchool Login Page
2. Enter your parent username and password.
3. If you don't have an account or have forgotten your credentials, please contact your child's school office for assistance.

Once logged in, you can view information for all your linked students, ensuring you have a complete picture of their progress.

Your Central Communication Hub
ParentSquare is Southwest Allen County Schools' (SACS) primary platform for school-to-home communication. It's designed to keep you informed and engaged in your child's education, providing a safe and secure environment for all communication from the district, your school, and your child's teachers.

It streamlines messages, alerts, and information into one easy-to-manage platform.

Key Features & Benefits

With ParentSquare, you can easily:

• Receive important alerts, notifications, and emergency messages.
• Check school and classroom updates.
• View the school calendar for upcoming events and activities.
• Fill out forms and permission slips digitally.
• Sign up for parent-teacher conferences and volunteer opportunities.
• Communicate directly with teachers and school staff in a secure environment.
• Receive photos and videos of school activities.
• Access information in your preferred language.
• 

  Getting Started & App Download

  Most SACS families will automatically receive an invitation email or text from ParentSquare to activate their account. We highly recommend downloading the ParentSquare mobile app for the best experience and instant notifications.

  App Store                              Google Play

  If you haven't received an invitation, please contact your child's school office.

Empowering Responsible Digital Citizens

Empowering your child to be a safe, responsible, and ethical digital citizen is a shared responsibility. In today's connected world, it's more important than ever for students and families to understand the principles of good digital citizenship.

This section provides resources and guidance for parents to navigate the digital landscape with their children.

Essential Online Safety Tips

Here are some essential online safety tips:

• Privacy Matters: Teach children not to share personal information with strangers online.
• Think Before You Post: Remind them that anything posted online can be permanent.
• Be Kind Online: Promote positive interactions and teach about cyberbullying.
• Recognize Scams: Educate them about phishing and suspicious links.
• Strong Passwords: Emphasize unique, strong passwords.
• Report Concerns: Encourage open communication about anything uncomfortable online.

Understanding Parental Controls

Parental controls can be a useful tool to help manage your child's online experience. Many devices, operating systems, and internet service providers offer built-in features.

Areas for Controls:

• Device-level: Screen time limits, app restrictions on phones, tablets.
• Operating system: Family settings on Windows, macOS.
• Browser: Safe search, website blocking.
• Router: Network-wide filtering and time limits.
• App-specific: Privacy settings in social media/gaming apps.

Remember, controls are a tool, not a substitute for open communication.