DeKalb Community Unit School District 428

The purpose of the DeKalb School District Executive Parent Advisory Council #428 (EPAC) is to positively contribute to the educational environment by being a proactive resource in promoting, strengthening and celebrating the partnership that exists among schools, families and the community.

To improve communication among parents, students, educators, administrators and the school board.
To solicit and report parent concerns.
To consistently and directly communicate with parents and PTA’s on district and educational matters.
To serve as a forum for discussion of education related issues.
To provide educational opportunities for parents in District #428.
To enhance parent involvement opportunities throughout all schools in District #428.
To strengthen the partnership and communication among the 12 schools in the district.
To connect schools with community initiatives.
To advise and communicate directly with the Superintendent regarding issues concerning parents and students.

EPAC officially formed on August 17, 2006.
The group formed as a result of parents wanting to improve relations among all schools in the DeKalb school district.
In EPAC’s first year of inception, group members were (obviously) all parents. Each of these individuals also served as PTA/PTO board members in their child’s school. This year, all PTA/PTO groups have created an official EPAC liaison position for their parent group. Eight of the twelve schools in the district have appointed a liaison for the 2007/08 year and have regularly participated in meetings.
There is a school board member appointed to EPAC.
The superintendent, an assistant superintendent, and schools/community relations liaison regularly attend meetings.
During the 2006/07 school year, EPAC largest initiative was organizing and implementing the “Take Your Family to School Week”. This was held from February 13 – 16, 2007. There were (roughly) 978 parents/family members that visited their child’s school during this event.
EPAC meets regularly on the first Wednesday of the month at the District education center.

Sometimes adults feel like they don't know quite as much as their children do about the Internet. In this day and age, in order to keep your children safe, you must monitor and control your children's Internet usage. A few tips:

Internet access should be available in a well-traveled family area, where children can be monitored. Children should not have Internet access in their bedrooms.
Set time limits for Internet usage.
Parental controls should be set so that you can monitor and control your childrens' Internet Access. Check the "History" often...and a "cleared" history can be an admission of guilt!
Social Networking sites (Xanga, MySpace, Facebook, etc.) are not all bad. If you allow your children to use these sites, make sure you monitor them (see "SafeKids" link below for detailed information regarding accessing MySpace). Remind your children to never give out personal information like name, address, or phone number, and children should not share photos with people they meet online.
Talk to your children often about their online activities.

Remind your children to use only their log-in name and/or e-mail address when chatting or sending e-mail. Never give out personal information like name, address, or phone number, and children should not share photos with people they meet online.
Remind your children that nothing they write on the Web is completely private -- including e-mail, so they should be careful and think about what they write and what they tell people they meet online.
Remind your children that people do not always represent themselves honestly online, and they should NEVER plan to meet in person anyone they have met online (unless they bring their parents with them).
Ask your children who is on their IM "buddy" lists, and who they e-mail and who they are receiving e-mail from.
Tell you children what to do when they get to an unacceptable web site. Make sure they let you know immediately.

Commercial software is available to more closely monitor your childrens' Internet activity. Review the article listed below ("Consumer Research") for the top rated software recommendations.
With younger children, know their passwords so you may monitor what they are doing. Check their "buddy" lists and make sure you know who everyone is. Check their e-mail, and make sure you know who everyone is.
Be aware of "cyber-bullying". See Resources listed under "Cyber Bullying" below.

Web Resources

SafeKids
    "Your family's guide to making the Internet and technology safe, fun and productive." Includes video and audio slide shows to help you set up parental controls and to set up a MySpace account (to monitor your child's use).
NetSmartz
    "NetSmartz411 is parents' and guardians' premier, online resource for answering questions about Internet safety, computers, and the Web." Answers many of your questions, especially for more "novice" internet users.
iKeepSafe
   A parent resource center. Includes information from Laura Bush, as well as information specific to Illinois.
Stay Safe Online
    A site to protect yourself and your family online.
OnGuard Online
    OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
FBI Internet Safety
    Internet Safety information from the FBI.
Walt Disney's Internet Safety Site
    This is a great place for both new and advanced Web users to find information on using the Internet wisely.

Parental Control Software

Windows "Parent Controls"
    Microsoft Windows' informational page for setting up Parental Controls.
Consumer Search Article
    Reviews parental-control software.
PC Home Software
    Click on "Downloads" for some free parental controls tools. Includes screenshots to assist in setup.
ShareWare Connection/Parental Control Software
    Free and inexpensive parental control software to download.

Cyber Bullying

Cyberbully.org
    Mobilizing educators, parents, students, and others to combat online social cruelty.
Stop Cyber Bullying.org
    Specific information for most age-groups.
Connect For Kids
    Filled with tips for dealing with cyber-bullying.
Cyber Bullying
    Includes current issues related to cyber bullying, including legal and policy issues.