Schools Connect Consortium
Network-connected computers, email, and efficient student information systems are now part of the day-to-day functioning of every school. Through the Schools Connect Consortium, SCOE provides schools and districts with technical expertise, support, and resources related to these technology tools.
The Schools Connect Consortium provides Wide Area Network (WAN) resources to Sonoma County districts. These services include Internet access, domain name services, web-server hosting, spam-filtered e-mail accounts, and content filtering that complies with the Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The Consortium’s network infrastructure is continually upgraded to give members more robust connections to the Internet so that they can take advantage of new education applications as they are made available.
Email
Schools Connect Consortium members have the option of obtaining SCOE-hosted email via Google Apps. Please contact your district technology support staff for directions on accessing your account. If your district contact is not available, send an email to helpdesk@scoe.org or call Bob Herbstman at (707) 524-2936.
E-Rate Application
E-Rate is a program of the Federal Communications Commission that is administered by the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company. It provides eligible K-12 schools and libraries with discounts on approved telecommunication, Internet access, and internal connection (equipment) costs. Schools and libraries in low-income urban communities and rural areas may qualify for larger discounts. Schools Connect Consortium can apply for your district’s E-Rate discounts. If you want participate in the Schools Connect E-Rate application, contact Robin Horwinski, rhorwinski@scoe.org or (707) 524-2808.
Internet Filtering
Internet filtering services that are compliant with CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act) are built into Sonoma Schools Connect Consortium connections. SCOE has also developed a collection of Internet links for teachers and students to use when looking for audio, image, and video resources for classroom assignments. Use of these links will help reduce random searches and connection attempts to blocked or inappropriate content. SCOE also has online information and resources related to Digital Citizenship.
Contacts
