Clever & MPS Toolbox
The secure starting point for many district-approved learning apps. Students practice finding and opening the correct resource independently.
TECHNOLOGY IN OUR CLASSROOM
Technology with purpose.
Third graders learn to use digital tools safely, responsibly, and independently. A screen is one learning tool—not the goal—and it works alongside books, conversation, handwriting, hands-on investigation, movement, and creative play.
Our classroom promise
We use technology when it makes learning more accessible, gives useful practice, supports creativity, or helps students show what they know. Students are still expected to think, discuss, write, read, build, and solve problems away from a screen.
DIGITAL LEARNING
Tools students may use
Students access school-approved content through their MPS accounts. The exact tool and amount of screen use depend on the learning goal.
ST Math
Students use visual models and problem solving for 15 minutes per school day to strengthen grade-level mathematics understanding.
HMH & Classcraft
Approved digital curriculum content and engaging classroom activities that connect to current reading and subject-area learning.
Google Classroom
A place to receive directions, open teacher-assigned materials, turn in digital work, and practice responsible online organization.
Google Slides & creation
Students gradually learn to create presentations, organize ideas, select appropriate visuals, and speak clearly about their work.
Typing & digital literacy
Students practice keyboarding, safe searching, password privacy, respectful online behavior, and choosing the right tool for a task.
Current intervention-program status
At this time, the school has not identified an online reading or mathematics program as a Tier 2 intervention. ST Math is listed here as daily math practice, not as a Tier 2 intervention. Families will be notified if the school or district adopts a designated program later.
ASSIGNED CHROMEBOOKS
One student, one assigned device
Each student is assigned an MPS Chromebook checked out to their S-number. At the beginning of the year, families receive a parent–student–teacher agreement explaining appropriate classroom technology use.
Student responsibilities
- Use only the Chromebook assigned to their S-number.
- Sign in independently with their S-number and password.
- Keep passwords private and never use another student's account.
- Carry the Chromebook carefully and keep food and drinks away.
- Follow directions about which website, app, or tab should be open.
- Plug the Chromebook into its assigned charging space.
- Report damage or a technical problem immediately—do not hide it or try to repair it.
If a device is damaged
The student may receive paper work or another learning option while the Chromebook, account access, or classroom-use concern is reviewed and resolved. This keeps learning moving while the device situation is corrected.
Accidents should be reported right away. Prompt, honest reporting helps adults respond appropriately.
PHONES & PERSONAL ELECTRONICS
School is safest when personal devices stay home.
!
Personal items are the family's responsibility
I am not responsible for phones, tablets, smartwatches, earbuds, headphones, chargers, video-game systems or controllers, or any other personal technology that is lost, stolen, damaged, or left in a locker, desk, classroom, or other school space.
- Leave personal electronics at home unless the school has specifically approved them.
- If brought to school, the item must follow MPS and school rules and remain stored where staff direct.
- Personal devices may not record, photograph, message, play games, or interrupt learning.
- Families should label necessary approved items and understand that staff cannot guarantee their security.
Family-friendly summary; official MPS policy controls
The classroom guidance above highlights the expectations families use most often. MPS Policy 5136 is the controlling source for personal communication devices, permitted use, responsibilities, exceptions, and responses to violations.
Read the controlling MPS Policy 5136 ↗HEALTHY HABITS AT HOME
Make room for a full childhood.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends looking beyond one universal number and considering the child, the content, the context, and what media use may be crowding out. Families can create consistent limits that fit their child and household.
Protect what matters
Recreational screen time should not replace:
- Sleep and a calm bedtime routine
- Books and reading for enjoyment
- Family conversation and shared meals
- Outdoor time, nature, and physical play
- Creative, imaginative, and hands-on play
- Homework and daily responsibilities
Start small. Stay consistent.
- Choose screen-free places and times, such as meals and bedtime.
- Use device timers and parent settings so the rule does not depend on repeated arguments.
- Keep phones and tablets outside the bedroom overnight.
- Turn off autoplay and unnecessary notifications.
- Co-view sometimes and ask what your child is watching, playing, or creating.
- Adults should model the same habits they expect children to practice.
Keep learning positive
Families may choose earned recreational screen time as a privilege after responsibilities are complete. Please do not use reading, math, or other school learning as a punishment; we want children to connect learning with growth, curiosity, and success.
Educational screen use and recreational screen use serve different purposes, but both still benefit from breaks, good posture, and adult awareness.
Build a plan together.
The free AAP Family Media Plan helps families agree on screen-free times, device locations, content choices, privacy, kindness, and healthy routines.
Create a Family Media Plan ↗PARENTAL CONTROLS
Practical settings families can use
Controls work best when adults also explain the family rule, check in regularly, and adjust settings as a child grows.
Apple iPhone & iPad: Screen TimeSet downtime, app limits, web restrictions, purchase controls, and communication settings.+
- Open Settings, then select Screen Time.
- Under Family, choose your child.
- Set Downtime and App Limits, then open Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Create a Screen Time passcode the child does not know and review the activity summary together.
Android & Chromebook: Google Family LinkCreate daily limits, schedules, app limits, bedtime controls, and supervised account settings.+
- Open the Family Link app and select your child.
- Choose Screen time, then Time limits.
- Set a daily limit or weekly schedule and review individual app limits.
- Use lock, unlock, or bonus-time tools when needed—then keep the family agreement consistent.
YouTube & YouTube KidsUse supervised experiences, content levels, autoplay controls, history settings, and family conversations.+
- For children under 13, use YouTube Kids or a parent-managed supervised YouTube experience instead of an unrestricted account.
- Choose a content setting appropriate for your child and review it periodically.
- Turn off autoplay to prevent one video from automatically becoming a long viewing session.
- Use Family Center controls to manage watch/search history and other available settings.
- Watch together sometimes and teach children to tell an adult when content feels confusing, frightening, or inappropriate.
FAMILY LINKS
Trusted places to learn and get help
MPS Student Toolbox / CleverOpen district-approved student applications ↗Khan AcademyFree practice in math, science, computing, and more ↗AAP Family Media PlanCreate healthy household media agreements ↗Apple Screen TimeOfficial parental-control instructions ↗Google Family LinkOfficial screen-time and supervision instructions ↗MPS Policy 5136Official student personal communication device policy ↗MPS Policy 7540.02Official web content, apps, and services policy ↗MPS Policy 7540.03Official student technology acceptable-use policy ↗MPS Technology Helptechnology@milwaukeepublicschools.org • (414) 438-3400 ↗
Family guidance links were reviewed in August 2026. Features and menus can change, so use the linked official instructions for the most current steps.