SBMS Technology Policy

Arcata School District

Sunny Brae Middle School

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Arcata School District understands that technology is a critical tool in the pursuit of your child’s education. We use technology of many types to provide depth to your child’s education, engaging them in the world both now and in the future and to prepare them for the next phase of their education (middle school/high school).

The mission of the 1 to 1 Chromebook program at Sunny Brae Middle School in the Arcata School District is to create a collaborative learning environment for all learners. This environment will enable and support students and teachers to implement transformative uses of technology while enhancing students’ engagement with content and promoting the development of self- directed and lifelong learners. Technology immersion does not diminish the vital role of the teacher. Arcata School District encourages students to use a variety of technologies to enhance their learning. To ensure the privacy, safety of our students, and appropriate use and responsibilities of our computers, we ask parents and students to become familiar with the policies and regulations that have been established for technology use in the district. Arcata School District’s aim is to maintain an environment that promotes ethical and responsible conduct in all electronic resource activities. With this privilege and opportunity comes responsibilities for parents and for students.

• Personal devices (laptops, tablets, etc) are not permitted onsite.
• Arcata School District provides access to a chromebook that provides the same experience and safe use to everyone, including appropriate filtering to comply with CIPA(Child’s Internet Protection Act).
• Any efforts to circumvent the Web Filtering including but not limited to VPN's and Proxies are strictly forbidden and will result in disciplinary action.

1. RECEIVING YOUR COMPUTER:

• • Chromebooks will be distributed within the first two weeks of each school year.
  • Parents/Guardians and students MUST sign and return the ASD Chromebook Agreement/Technology Policy document before the Chromebook can be issued to their child.
  • This Chromebook Policy Handbook outlines the procedures and policies for families to protect the Chromebook investment for the Arcata School District.
  • Chromebooks will be collected at the end of each school year and students will retain their original Chromebook each year while enrolled at ASD.
  • Chromebooks are locked to a student’s login, someone else cannot use your Chromebook. 
  • You may not use someone else’s Chromebook for any reason.
    Do not “borrow” someone else’s Chromebook, you won’t be able to use it.
  • Do not “borrow” an unassigned Chromebook, again you won’t be able to use it as it has not been assigned to someone.
  • You are responsible for your own Chromebook – Do not allow someone else to retrieve or replace your Chromebook in the charging stations. If they break it, lose it, or steal it, you are still responsible.

1a: Probationary Student Privileges

To protect the assets of the Arcata School District, some students will be required to turn in their Chromebooks to the SBMS/AES Office at the end of each day for a period to be determined unless otherwise specified in the Acceptable Use Policy. The office will secure the equipment during the evening and the student will be allowed to check it back out on a daily basis. Students who will be included as probationary will be the following:

• Students who have violated the Acceptable Use Policy during the current or previous semester
• Students whose parents have not completed required paperwork

3. TAKING CARE OF YOUR CHROMEBOOK:

Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook they have been issued by the school. Chromebooks that are broken, or fail to work properly, must be taken to the Technology Office as soon as possible so that they can be taken care of properly. Do not take district owned Chromebooks to an outside computer service for any type of repairs or maintenance.

3a: General Precautions

• • No food or drink is allowed next to your Chromebook while it is in use.
  • Cords, cables, and removable storage devices must be inserted carefully into the Chromebook.
  • Never transport your Chromebook with the power cord plugged in. Never store your Chromebook in your carry case or backpack while plugged in.
  • Students should never carry their Chromebooks while the screen is open.
  • Chromebooks must remain free of any writing, drawing, or stickers.
  • Vents CANNOT be covered. Chromebooks must have an Arcata School District asset tag on them at all times, this tag must not be removed, altered, or covered in any way. If the tag is removed disciplinary action will result.
  • Chromebooks should never be left in a car or any unsupervised area.
  • Students are responsible for making sure their Chromebooks are charged for use each school day.
  • For screen adjustment do not grasp screen by wrapping hand around screen, your thumbs will shatter the screen.

3b: Carrying Chromebooks

• • Transport Chromebooks with care (with two hands).
  • Chromebook lids should always be closed and tightly secured when moving.
  • Never move a Chromebook by lifting from the screen. Always support a Chromebook from its bottom with the lid closed.
  • If your chromebook was issued with a protective zip case it must remain on the device at all times. If you have not been assigned a zip case, it is recommended that you purchase one.
  • DO NOT store your chromebook in your backpack. The other items in your backpack(like books) can crush your chromebook. Being in the backpack can break the delicate buttons on the side(like the power button). Items can get jammed into the ports of the computer(like the charging port). 
  • The protective shell of the Chromebook will only provide basic protection from everyday use.  It is not designed to prevent damage from drops or abusive handling. 

3c: Screen Care

• • The Chromebook screens can be easily damaged! 
  • The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure on the screen.
  • Do not lean or put pressure on the top of the Chromebook when it is closed.
  • Do not store the Chromebook with the screen in the open position.
  • Do not place anything near the Chromebook that could put pressure on the screen or lid.
  • Do not place anything in a carrying case or backpack that will press against the cover.
  • Do not poke/scratch the screen with anything that will mark or scratch the screen surface.
  • Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g. pens, pencils, or disks).
  • Clean the screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth or anti­static cloth.
  • Be cautious when using any cleaning solvents; some individuals may have allergic reactions to chemicals in cleaning solvents and some solvents can even damage the screen. 

     3d: What Do I Do If I Damaged My Chromebook?

• Arcata School District has created a Help Desk ticketing system to make it easy to ask for help.
• Under the ArcataSD bookmark folder in chrome click Help Desk. Or go to https://ticket.arcatasd.org
• As Needed follow the guide for instructions on first time setup of your help desk account https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IsyymxlB6WEKDz1vmtEgv6edb9WMHNqe/view?usp=sharing

4. USING YOUR CHROMEBOOK AT SCHOOL

ACCOUNT INFORMATION:

Gsuite accounts will be created for each student following an ASD approved naming scheme. This account is owned by ASD and can be modified, reset, monitored, and deleted at Arcata School District’s discretion. This account allows the student to log into their Chromebook, the internet, the web filtering service, and all of their Google Docs, etc.

This account is not to be used outside the school setting, i.e personal use.

• • • • Chromebooks are intended for use at school each day.
      • In addition to teacher expectations for Chromebook use, StudentVUE, school messages, announcements, calendars and schedules may be accessed using the Chromebook.
      • Students must bring their Chromebook to all classes, unless specifically advised not to do so by their teacher.

4a: Chromebooks left at home

• If students leave their Chromebook at home, they will be allowed to phone their parent/guardian to bring it to school.
• If unable to contact parents, the student will have the opportunity to use a replacement Chromebook from the Technology Office if one is available.
• Repeat violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

4b: Chromebooks under repair

• Loaner Chromebooks may be issued to students when they leave their Chromebook for repair at the Technology Office.
• Students using loaner Chromebooks will be responsible for any damages incurred while in possession of the student. Student/Parent/Guardian will pay full replacement cost if it’s lost or stolen.

4c: Charging your Chromebook

• Chromebooks must be brought to school each day fully charged.
• Students need to charge their Chromebooks each evening.
• Repeat violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action.

4d: Backgrounds and Password

• Inappropriate media may not be used as a screensaver or background.
• Presence of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, gang related symbols or pictures will result in disciplinary actions.
• Take care to protect your password. Do not share your password.
• Do not write your password on your chromebook, or on a piece of paper attached to your chromebook.

4e: Sound

• Sound must always be muted  unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes.

• Headphones may be used at the discretion of the teacher.

4f: Printing

• It is highly encouraged to use the digital printing options available on your Chromebook whenever possible to reduce printing expenses.

4g: Account Access

• Students will only be able to login using the arcatasd.org account.
• Students must always use the Chromebook with their own account.

5. MANAGING & SAVING YOUR DIGITAL WORK WITH A CHROMEBOOK

• Google Docs is a suite of products (Docs, Presentations, Drawings, Spreadsheets, Forms) that lets you create different kinds of online documents, work on them in real time with other people, and store your documents and your other files ­­ all online.
• With a wireless Internet connection, you can access your documents and files from any Chromebook, anywhere in the world.
• All items will be stored online in the Google Cloud environment.

6. OPERATING SYSTEM ON YOUR CHROMEBOOK

6a: Updating your Chromebook

• • • • When a Chromebook starts up, it updates itself automatically, so it has the latest version of the Chrome operating system without you having to think about it. No need for time ­consuming installs, updates, or re­imaging.

• • • • With defense­ in­ depth technology, the Chromebook is built with layers of protection against malware and security attacks.
      • And since files are stored in the cloud, there’s no need to worry about lost homework.

• • • • If your Chromebook needs technical support for the operating system, all support will be handled by the Technology Office. Do not Factory Reset your Chromebook.

• • • • Chromebooks can seamlessly access Google Apps for Education suite of productivity and collaboration tools, as well as apps available in the Chrome Web Store and content across the entire web. The Student is not authorized to add apps or change their Chromebook settings, all additions or changes are made by the technology office.
      • If there is a Web App or Extension that you believe you need, contact your teacher or principal and make a request with some educational justification, they will forward any approved requests to the Technology Office.

7. ACCEPTABLE USE GUIDELINES

7a: General Guidelines

• Students will have access to all available forms of electronic media and communication which is in support of education and research and in support of the educational goals and objectives of the Arcata School District.
• Students are responsible for their ethical and educational use of the technology resources of the Arcata School District.
• Access to the Arcata School District technology resources is a privilege and not a right. Each employee, student and/or parent will be required to follow the Acceptable Use Policy.
• Transmission of any material that is in violation of any federal or state law is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to the following: confidential information, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, and viruses.
• Any attempt to alter data, the configuration of a Chromebook, or the files of another user, without the consent of the individual, building administrator, or technology administrator, will be considered an act of vandalism and subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the student handbook and other applicable school policies.

7b: Privacy and Safety

• Do not go into chat rooms or send chain letters without permission. If applicable, teachers may create discussion groups for communication among students for educational purposes.
• Do not open, use, or change files that do not belong to you.
• Do not reveal your full name, phone number, home address, social security number, credit card numbers, password or passwords of other people.
• Remember that storage is not guaranteed to be private or confidential as all Chromebook equipment and Arcatasd.org accounts are the property of Arcata School District.
• If you inadvertently access a website that contains obscene, pornographic or otherwise offensive material, exit the site immediately.

• Students have no expectation of confidentiality or privacy with respect to any usage of a Chromebook, regardless of whether that use is for school-related or personal purposes, other than as specifically provided by law. The school may, without prior notice or consent, log, supervise, access, view, monitor, and record use of student Chromebooks at any time for any reason related to the operation of the school. By using a Chromebook, students agree to such access, monitoring, and recording of their use.
• Teachers, school administrators, and the technology department staff reserve the right to monitor activity of students.
• Bullying or Cyber Bullying in any form will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action.

7c: E­mail Electronic Communication

• Always use appropriate and proper language in your communication.
• Do not transmit language / material that may be considered profane, obscene, abusive, or offensive to others.
• Do not send mass e­mails, chain letters or spam.
• Do not create email groups.
• E­mail & communications sent / received should be related to educational needs.
• E­mail & communications are subject to inspection by the school at any time.

7d: Consequences

• The student in whose name, system account, and Chromebook hardware is issued will be responsible at all times for its appropriate use.
• Noncompliance with the policies of this document will result in disciplinary action.
• Electronic mail, network usage, and all stored files shall not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated district staff to ensure appropriate use.
• The district cooperates fully with local, state or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to violations of computer crime laws.
• Contents of email and network communications will be given to proper authorities to access their content as required.

8. PROTECTING & STORING YOUR CHROMEBOOK

8a: Chromebook Identification

Student Chromebooks will be labeled in the manner specified by the school. Chromebooks can be identified in several ways:

• Record of district asset tag and serial number
• Individual user account name and password

• Chromebooks are the responsibility of the student. This device will be yours for the duration of your time at ASD. Take good care of it!

• Under no circumstances are students to modify, remove, or destroy identification labels.

8b: Account Security

• Students are required to use their aracatasd.org login and password.
• Students are required to protect their accounts and are required to keep that password confidential.

8c: Storing Your Chromebook

• When students are not using their Chromebook, they should store them in the charging station.
• Nothing should be placed on top of the Chromebook when stored in the locker.
• Chromebooks should not be stored in a student’s vehicle at school or at home for security and temperature control measures.

8d: Chromebooks left in Unsupervised Areas

• Under no circumstances should Chromebooks be left in an unsupervised area.
• Unsupervised areas include the school grounds and campus, the cafeteria, computer labs, gym, locker rooms, media center, unlocked classrooms, bathrooms and hallways.
• Any Chromebook left in these areas is in danger of being stolen.
• If an unsupervised Chromebook is found, notify a staff member immediately.
• Unsupervised Chromebooks will be confiscated by staff. Disciplinary action may be taken for leaving your Chromebook in an unsupervised location.
• If you have lost your Chromebook, report it to the office and request the Secretary to put it in the announcement.

9a: Vendor Warranty:

• The equipment vendor has a one-year hardware warranty on the Chromebook.
• The vendor warrants the Chromebooks from defects in materials and workmanship.
• This limited warranty covers normal use, mechanical breakdown or faulty construction and will provide normal replacement parts necessary to repair the Chromebook or Chromebook replacement.
• The vendor warranty does not warrant against damage caused by misuse, abuse, accidents or malicious software/devices.
• Report all Chromebook problems to the Technology Office.
• Submit a ticket in the Help Desk ticketing system to report any issue. Library computers and classroom loaners will let you submit a ticket if you are unable to do so on your assigned chromebook.

9b: Chromebook Repair

• Unfortunately Chromebook insurance is no longer available due to lack of participation.
• All Chromebook repairs will be invoiced and billed to Parent/Guardian. The invoice will only include the necessary parts required to complete the repair, labor will not be charged.
• If Chromebook is deemed not repairable by the Technology Office the Parent/Guardian will be required to pay for the replacement cost of the Chromebook.
• Repairs will be estimated on a case by case basis at current replacement costs.
• The parent or guardian is responsible for all costs for repairs to the device.

• Parents and Students are not qualified to suggest alternate replacement parts/vendors. The school district must use their standard vendors for sourcing replacement parts to guarantee the correct and appropriate quality part.
• Cost of parts varies depending on what is available for purchase through vendors. The cost of a touch screen is often nearly the cost of replacing the Chromebook. Chromebook replacement cost varies by model but is often in the $300 range.