Interested Parents
Q: Does this mean that my child needs a
computer?
A: No. While a computer with internet access at home is a
great tool and will support your child’s learning, it is not necessary. Computer
access to students will be available before and after school, and we will work
with community organizations (such as libraries, community centers, and youth
arts organizations) to identify alternative locations where students could
access computers.
Q: Will my child also be doing traditional school work as well, or is it all
movies and video games and computers?
A: While our classrooms may look
very different, students will be learning the same content as they would at a
traditional school. We understand that young people are already exposed
to a lot of screen time, so there will also be a lot of time during every day
when students are not “plugged in.”
Q: If the school will be using social media, how do I know that my child will
be safe online?
A: Your child’s safety is
incredibly important to us, and we take that very seriously. CPS and state
policy require schools to develop digital citizenship knowledge and skills in
all students. The Convergence Academies will adhere to that policy by asking teachers
to dedicate time to teaching students how to be safe online, how to avoid cyber
bullying, and how to protect their privacy. We want to share the amazing
work the students do with a national audience, but we will not share anything
from your child without your written approval. We will be using a closed
social networks within the school community that is only accessible to
teachers, parents, and students, and there will be strict guidelines for
positive online behavior that students will be held accountable for.
Q: I think this program would be great for my child's school, how do I get more information to my school's principal?
A: Please share this website with your child's principal as well as requesting an info session to be held at your school by emailing us at convergenceacademies@colum.edu.
