District 15 remains committed to ensuring all students are safe given the increased demand and use of technology while in the classroom and at home. We encourage you to partner with us and take advantage of Bark Plus and GoGuardian Beacon to keep all learners safe online. 

When schools give students access to devices and online accounts, an incredible world of learning opportunities opens up — as well as potential dangers. Digital safety is critically important to McHenry School District 15, which is why we upgraded our student safety resources to aid in helping our students stay safe online and in everyday life.  The two resources are GoGuardian Beacon and Bark Plus. 

What is GoGuardian Beacon and How Does It Help My Student(s)?

GoGuardian Beacon protects students by notifying school administrators and faculty if a child searches, creates, views, or interacts with online content that could be related to self-harm, or potential harm to others.  GoGuardian Beacon may help intervene even when a student may have difficulty asking adults for help. District 15 administrators receive GoGuardian Beacon alerts continually, but oftentimes families are in a better position to respond to urgent alerts after hours, on weekends, and during breaks.

What is my role as a parent/guardian with GoGuardian Beacon?

Parents/guardians continue to play a vital role in each child’s support network. In an effort to assist our families, District 15 has enabled parental notifications after school hours and during the summer months. Parents will automatically be notified to the email address on file in Skyward if the system identifies a student may be at risk for self harm. 

What is Bark Plus and How Does It Help My Student(s)?

When possible dangers arise on school-issued accounts, Bark Plus sends us alerts so we can address the situation in a timely manner. These alerts also give us insights that help us promote the wellness of the entire student body.  Parents can now also sign up to get alerts. 

What is my role as a parent/guardian with Bark Plus?

Students use their school-issued accounts both at school and at home, and families are often in a better position to respond to urgent alerts after hours, on weekends, and during breaks. You will receive an email asking for you to confirm your contact information. Upon confirming this information, you’ll begin to receive after-hour alerts if Bark Plus detects potentially time-sensitive issues.

What is the difference between GoGuardian Beacon and Bark Plus?

Go Guardian Beacon is the system that continually screens student web browsing activity to also ensure student internet and web safety.  Bark Plus is the system that continually screens student district emails and Google Workspace to ensure internet and web safety.  Please note these services only monitor district student accounts and devices.