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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

2. RETURNING YOUR CHROMEBOOK:

    • All district owned Chromebooks must be returned following the guidelines posted in respective buildings.
    • Students Leaving the District must return district owned Chromebooks to the Technology Office.
    • Any Chromebook not returned will be considered stolen property and law enforcement agencies will be notified.

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?

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.
6b: Virus Protections & Additional Software
        • 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.
6c: Procedures for Restoring your Chromebook
        • 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.
6d: Software Installation
        • 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.
9. REPAIRING/REPLACING YOUR CHROMEBOOK:

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.
10. NO EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY:
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.

Website & Social Media Guidelines:

Think before you act because your virtual actions are real and permanent!


 

Be aware of what you post online. Website and social media venues are very public. What you contribute leaves a digital footprint for all to see. Do not post anything you wouldn’t want friends, enemies, parents, teachers, future colleges, or employers to see. (THINK, Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind?)

 
 

Follow the school’s code of conduct when writing online. It is acceptable

to disagree with other’s opinions; however, do it in a respectful way. Make sure that criticism is constructive and not hurtful. What is inappropriate in the

classroom is inappropriate online.

 
 

Be safe online. Never give out personal information, including, but not limited to, last names, phone numbers, addresses, exact birth dates, and pictures. Do not share your password with anyone besides your teachers and parents.

 
 

Linking to other websites to support your thoughts and ideas is recommended. However, be sure to read and review the entire website prior to linking to ensure that all information is appropriate for a school setting.

 
 

Do your own work! Do not use other people’s intellectual property

without their permission. Be aware that it is a violation of copyright law to copy

and paste other’s thoughts. (Plagiarism) It is good practice to hyperlink to your sources.

 
 

Be aware that pictures may also be protected under copyright laws. Verify that you have permission to use the image or that it is under Creative Commons attribution.

 
 

How you represent yourself online is an extension of yourself. Do not misrepresent yourself by using someone else’s identity.

 
 

Online work should be well written. Follow writing conventions including proper grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. If you edit someone else’s work, be sure it is in the spirit of improving the writing.

 
 

If you run across inappropriate material that makes you feel uncomfortable or is not respectful, tell your teacher right away.

 
 

Students are not allowed to change any Chrome settings.

 
 

Students will have access to YouTube. They are expected to use it for school provided/related links only.

 

Arcata School District Technology Policy Handbook

Student Pledge


  • I will take good care of my Chromebook and know that I will be issued the same Chromebook each year.
  • I will never leave my Chromebook unattended in an unsecured or unsupervised location.
  • I will never loan out my Chromebook to other individuals.
  • I will know where my Chromebook is at all times.
  • I will charge my Chromebook’s battery to full capacity each night.
  • I will keep food and beverages away from my Chromebook since they may cause damage to the device.
  • I will not disassemble any part of my Chromebook or attempt any repairs.
  • I will protect my Chromebook by always carrying it in a secure manner to avoid damage.
  • I will use my Chromebook in ways that are appropriate for education.
  • I will not place decorations (stickers, markers, writing, etc.) directly on the Chromebook.
  • I understand that the Chromebook I am issued is subject to inspection at any time without notice and remains the property of Arcata School District.
  • I will follow the policies outlined in the Technology Policy Handbook and the District Acceptable Use Policy while at school as well as outside the school day.
  • I will file a police report in case of theft or damage caused by fire.
  • I will be responsible for all damage or loss caused by neglect or abuse.
  • I agree to pay the full replacement cost of my Chromebook, power cord/charger, in the event that any of these items are lost or intentionally damaged.
  • I agree to return the Chromebook, power cord/charger in good working condition at the end of each school year.
  • In order to use technology resources, I agree to abide by the Arcata School District Acceptable Use Policy Guidelines as stated in this document. 
  • In consideration of the privileges and opportunities afforded by the use of Arcata School District technology and computer resources, I hereby release Arcata School District and its agents from any and all claims of any nature arising from my student’s use or inability to use Arcata School District technology and computer resources. 

ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT

AND RELEASE OF DISTRICT FROM LIABILITY (STUDENTS)

The Arcata Elementary School District authorizes students to use technology owned or otherwise provided by the district as necessary for instructional purposes. The use of district technology is a privilege permitted at the district's discretion and is subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in applicable Board policies, administrative regulations, and this Acceptable Use Agreement. The district reserves the right to suspend access at any time, without notice, for any reason. The district expects all students to use technology responsibly in order to avoid potential problems and liability. The district may place reasonable restrictions on the sites, material, and/or information that students may access through the system. Each student who is authorized to use district technology and his/her parent/guardian shall sign this Acceptable Use Agreement as an indication that they have read and understand the agreement. 

Definitions

District technology includes, but is not limited to, computers, the district's computer network including servers and wireless computer networking technology (wi-fi), the Internet, email, USB drives, wireless access points (routers), tablet computers, smartphones and smart devices, telephones, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants, pagers, MP3 players, wearable technology, any wireless communication device including emergency radios, and/or future technological innovations, whether

accessed on or off site or through district-owned or personally owned equipment or devices.

Student Obligations and Responsibilities

Students are expected to use district technology safely, responsibly, and for educational purposes only.

The student in whose name district technology is issued is responsible for its proper use at all times.

Students shall not share their assigned online services account information, passwords, or other information used for identification and authorization purposes, and shall use the system only under the account to which they have been assigned.

Students are prohibited from using district technology for improper purposes, including, but not limited to, use of district technology to:

  • Access, post, display, or otherwise use material that is discriminatory, libelous, defamatory, obscene, sexually explicit, or disruptive
  • Bully, harass, intimidate, or threaten other students, staff, or other individuals ("cyberbullying")
  • Disclose, use, or disseminate personal identification information (such as name, address, telephone number, Social Security number, or other personal information) of another student, staff member, or other person with the intent to threaten, intimidate, harass, or ridicule that person
  • Infringe on copyright, license, trademark, patent, or other intellectual property rights
  • Intentionally disrupt or harm district technology or other district operations (such as destroying district equipment, placing a virus on district computers, adding or removing a computer program without permission from a teacher or other district personnel, changing settings on shared computers)
  • Install unauthorized software
  • "Hack" into the system to manipulate data of the district or other users
  • Engage in or promote any practice that is unethical or violates any law or Board policy, administrative regulation, or district practice

Privacy

Since the use of district technology is intended for educational purposes, students shall not have any expectation of privacy in any use of district technology.

The district reserves the right to monitor and record all use of district technology, including, but not limited to, access to the Internet or social media, communications sent or received from district technology, or other uses. Such monitoring/recording may occur at any time without prior notice for any legal purposes including, but not limited to, record retention and distribution and/or investigation of improper, illegal, or prohibited activity. Students should be aware that, in most instances, their use of district technology (such as web searches and emails) cannot be erased or deleted.

All passwords created for or used on any district technology are the sole property of the district. The creation or use of a password by a student on district technology does not create a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Personally Owned Devices

If a student uses a personally owned device to access district technology, he/she shall abide by all applicable Board policies, administrative regulations, and this Acceptable Use Agreement. Any such use of a personally owned device may subject the contents of the device and any communications sent or received on the device to disclosure pursuant to a lawful subpoena or public records request. Reporting If a student becomes aware of any security problem (such as any compromise of the confidentiality of any login or account information) or misuse of district technology, he/she shall immediately report such information to the teacher or other district personnel.

Consequences for Violation

Violations of the law, Board policy, or this agreement may result in revocation of a student's access to district technology and/or discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion. In addition, violations of the law, Board policy, or this agreement may be reported to law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

Student Acknowledgment

I have received, read, understand, and agree to abide by this Acceptable Use Agreement and other applicable laws and district policies and regulations governing the use of district technology. I understand that there is no expectation of privacy when using district technology. I further understand that any violation may result in loss of user privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.



User’s Name (Print)

Home Phone: User’s



Signature:  

Date: Address:

 

Parent or Legal Guardian Acknowledgement

(If the applicant is under 18 years of age, a parent/legal guardian must also read and sign this agreement.) 

  • As the parent or legal guardian of the above named-student, I have read, understand and agree that my child shall comply with the terms of the Arcata School District’s Technology Acceptable Use Policy and District-Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks for the student’s access to the District’s computer network and the Internet. 
  • I understand that access is being provided to the students for educational purposes only. However, I also understand that it is impossible for the school to restrict access to all offensive and controversial materials and understand my child’s responsibility for abiding by the policy. 
  • I am, therefore, signing this Agreement and agree to release from liability,  indemnify and hold harmless the District, the School, the Trustees, Administrators, teachers, and other staff against all claims, damages, losses, and costs, of whatever kind, that may result from my child’s use of access to such networks or violation of the District’s policy or of the failure of any technology protection measures used by the district. 
  • Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision of my child’s use of their account if and when such access is not in the school setting. 
  • I hereby give my child permission to use the building- approved account to access the District’s computer network and the Internet.
  • I accept full responsibility for the device assigned to my student including any repair costs that result from damage to the device assigned to my student.

 

Parent/Guardian (Print) Home Phone:  



Parent/Guardian’s Signature:  

Date:  



Address: