Technology

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

All students and visitors are expected to use technology devices, the network, and their resources with appropriate etiquette and respect for people and property. The district network, hardware, and software, collectively known as District Technology, are designed to facilitate the exchange of information for the school community's academic, educational, and research purposes. District Technology may not be used for private commercial purposes or personal entertainment. Students who abuse computer privileges may face disciplinary action including, but not limited to, exclusion of technology privileges over a designated period of time, paying to repair or replace damaged District Technology, and reimbursing the district for unauthorized electronic commerce.

Students may not engage in activities that:

• Interfere with the ability of others to learn or use District Technology;
• Use District Technology for illegal purposes or for unauthorized access to systems, software, data, or websites;
• Maliciously attempt to harm, destroy, or alter the data of another user;
• Engage in electronic commerce;
• Does not meet the purposes of District Technology discussed above.

Responsible use and expectations are outlined by grade level, distributed at the beginning of each year, and reviewed with students by classroom teachers. Review Student Technology Expectations and Parent FAQ for more information.

Electronic Devices

Cell phones and other hand-held devices that are capable of sending and/or receiving text or electronic messages or images should be turned off during school hours and should be kept secured in a student’s locker unless otherwise authorized by school personnel. Smart Watches must be set to ‘school mode’ to prevent sending/receiving calls and messages during school. Under no circumstances are students permitted to take and/or transmit digital images (pictures or videos) at school, on school property, or at school events (including field trips) where students and/or staff reasonably expect privacy. Electronic devices may be confiscated by a staff member who determines that one or more of these procedures have been violated.

A student's personal electronic devices can be confiscated if district personnel become concerned about their appropriate use. Examples of district concerns include safety, the potential for disruption to educational processes, and security issues related to connecting a personal computer to the district network.

Safety and Security of Personal Technology

Students who bring personal electronic devices to school do so at their own risk. District 28 is not be responsible for personal electronic device safety, security, loss, or damage. When the devices are used on school property, they will be treated as school property. The district may examine students’ personal electronic devices and search their contents if there is reason to believe that school policies, rules, or regulations have been violated. The building administration may involve law enforcement if the device is used for an illegal purpose or for a purpose that causes harm to others.

Social Network Passwords

School administrators may request a student’s social media password information in if they believe the student’s account on a social media networking site has evidence that the student has violated a school rule or policy.

Technology Fees

The district will charge families in grades 6-8 an annual fee of $10 per device, which the district will use to self-insure against lost or stolen devices.

Repair Fees

Accidental damage to iPads, keyboards, and cases may incur the following fees:

• First Incident: $50 or the cost of the repair, whichever is less
• Second Incident: $50 or the cost of the repair, whichever is less
• Third Incident: $50 or the cost of the repair, whichever is less
• Subsequent incidents: full cost of repair

Full replacement fees will be charged for malicious damage, as determined by district staff.

Lost or Stolen Devices

In all cases of loss or theft of a device outside of school, the district requires that a police report be filed and a copy of the report be submitted to the school before a permanent replacement device is issued. Full replacement fees will be charged each subsequent time the device is lost or stolen more than twice during a student’s enrollment at a district school.

Lost or damaged iPad chargers will result in a fee of $38.