Educational Web Sites

Parents are advised to supervise their child's explorations of these (and other) web sites. Just like when children browse any encyclopedia or other resource text, some topics are presented that parents may feel are not approporaite for their child at this time.

In addition to the resource links provided here, our school has purchased subscriptions to two Internet resource sites for students. Enchanted Learning is a wonderful web site for Kindergarten through 4th grade students. Students will find age-appropriate activities and other resources on high-interest and educational topics.

The other web site, BrainPop, is more suited for 4th through 8th grade students. This site offers short, educational videos on a variety of educational topics. The BrainPop subscription is available from 7am to 5:30pm Monday through Friday only.

Internet-Related Issues

"What's Up With Teens and Blogging Web Sites?" (PDF format, 52K)

Internet Safety

The Los Altos Police Department gave a presentation at St. Simon School regarding internet safety. The following tips will help parents to ensure children's safety:

  • Discuss your home rules about use of the computer — the amount of time your child may spend on the computer, sites he/she may visit, use of e-mail and instant messaging, etc.
  • Keep your home computer in a common area such as the family room, rather than in your child's room, so that you are better able to monitor his/her activity.
  • Be aware of excessive use of the Internet. Some people get addicted to it.
  • Be aware that your child may use computers at a friend's home or at the library. Remind them that your home rules apply to all computers.
  • Remind your child that there is a person at the other end of e-mail and instant messages, and that writing harmful things is no different than saying them in person.
  • Be aware of phone calls or gifts for your child from strangers.
  • Keep communication open with your children and asssure them that they can come to you any time they have a concern or feel they are in trouble.
  • Put a spam filter on your computer to help eliminate unwanted and inappropriate e-mail.
  • If you find that your child has been contacted by an Internet predator, do not respond to the mail, do not delete it, and do not turn off the computer, although you may turn off the monitor. Contact your local police department.