Woodbine School District
Student Laptop, Network, and Internet Access
Acceptable Use Policy
Educational Purpose:
Laptops, network, and Internet access are provided for a limited educational purpose. The term “educational purpose” includes classroom activities, projects, career development, and limited high-quality personal research connected to the student’s education. Students are responsible for good behavior while using the laptops, network, and Internet access. WES has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the materials that students access or post through the network or Internet. Students are expected to follow the rules set forth in the Student Handbook as well as federal, state, and local laws.
Access to laptops, network, and Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use of these resources by a student will result in disciplinary action up to and including cancellation of privileges, detention, suspension, or expulsion.
Teachers may set additional requirements for computer use within their classrooms.
Laptop Access:
Sixth grade students will be provided a laptop for use during the 2010-2011 school year. Laptops will be distributed in the fall. Parents and students will sign and return this Acceptable Usage plan before the laptop is issued to their child. Laptops will be collected at the end of each school year for maintenance, cleaning, and software installations. Students will retain their original laptop each year while enrolled at WES.
Network Access:
Students will have access to a school network that permits them to save documents, back up files, and print. Students must use this network and services for educational purposes only. Students may only print to a school printer if given permission by a WES staff member.
Internet Access:
Electronic resources are increasing daily, and the Internet has become as valuable an educational tool as a textbook or library book. WES students will have access to the Internet while at school. The Internet access provided by WES has a filter in an effort to block unacceptable content. Staff will supervise the computers the students are using and have a right to manage and/or restrict student use of the laptop, software, and Internet within the confines of their class. It is impossible, however, to block every site that students may attempt to access. Students and parents/guardians are advised that despite the school’s efforts, students may gain access (intentionally or unintentionally) to material that may be offensive, objectionable, controversial, or not authorized for educational purposes.
Inappropriate Content:
Students will immediately disclose to their teacher or other school employee any information they view that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable. If you inadvertently access a web site that contains obscene, pornographic, or otherwise offensive material, immediately close your laptop and notify a teacher, the Principal, or other staff member so that such sites can be blocked from further access. THIS IS NOT MERELY A REQUEST; IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY.
Deliberate attempts to access inappropriate sites will result in disciplinary action.
Acceptable Uses and Responsibilities:
● Students are responsible for their ethical and educational use of the technology resources of the Woodbine School District.
● 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 computer viruses.
● The software originally installed by WES should remain on the laptop in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times.
● Students should not download any software, including shareware, without permission from an IT staff member. These downloads can often bring a virus or spyware to the computer or system.
● Students will not gain or attempt to gain unauthorized access to the laptop, network, or Internet, or go beyond their authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another person’s account or accessing another person’s files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purpose of “browsing”.
● Any attempt to alter data, the configuration of a computer, or the files of another user, without the consent of the individual, school administration, or technology administrator, will be considered an act of vandalism and subject to disciplinary action.
● The laptops may only be used for sole educational purposes approved by your teacher, not for personal use such as sending personal emails, instant messaging, updating social networking status, etc.
● Students must take laptops to all classes daily. Students will be assigned a cart slot for laptop storage. Laptops will be picked up each day during first period. If laptops are not taken home at the end of the day, they are to be returned to assigned cart slot.
● Laptops will be collected and stored in carts over the summer months.
Legal Propriety:
● Students will comply with trademark and copyright laws and all license agreements. Ignorance of the law is not immunity. All music, information, images, and games on the Internet are owned by someone. If you are unsure, ask a teacher or parent.
● Plagiarism is a violation. Give credit to all sources used, whether quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music, and text.
● Students are responsible for their individual account and must take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their account. Under no condition should students provide their passwords to others.
● Use or possession of hacking software is strictly prohibited and violators will face disciplinary and/or legal action.
● Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising their child’s use of laptop, network, and Internet access outside school and for reinforcing expectations pertaining to responsible use of laptops and Internet access. Use of the laptop
outside of the school day must still meet other sections of this acceptable use policy.
Search and Seizure:
● Students should not expect privacy with regards to their assigned laptops or network folders.
● Routine maintenance and random monitoring of the system may lead to discovery that students have violated the policy, Student Conduct Code, or the law. The technology coordinator, Principal, or their designees, may randomly review files, network and Internet activity, and messages on laptops to maintain system integrity and insure that students are using the system responsibly.
● An individual search may be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that students have violated the policy, Student Conduct Code, or the law. The investigation will be reasonable and related to the suspected violation.
Privacy and Safety:
● Do not go in chat rooms unless authorized to do so by a WES staff member specifically for instructional purposes.
● Do not send chain letters without permission.
● Do not open, use, or change computer files that do not belong to you.
● Do not reveal your full name, phone number, home address, social security number, credit card numbers, or passwords to other people.
● Remember that storage is not guaranteed to be private or confidential.
Loss of Laptop Privileges:
In the event laptop privileges are revoked, students are still accountable for class participation and assignments. Possible network access can be acquired in the following ways:
● After school computer labs
● Classroom computers during class
● Media center
● Home access
● Woodbine Elementary School
Limitation of Liability:
WES makes no guarantees or warranties that the functions or the services provided by or through the system will be error-free or without defect. WES will not be responsible for any damage students may suffer, including but not limited to, the loss of data or interruptions of service. WES is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored in the network or Internet access. Use of the Internet occurs at the risk of the student. WES will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the laptop, network, or Internet by students. Students and/or their parents can be held financially responsible for any harm to the laptop or network as a result of intentional misuse.
Lost or Stolen Laptops:
Students should notify school immediately if laptop is lost or stolen.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR LAPTOP:
Students are responsible at all times for the general care and responsible use of the laptop they have been issued by the school.
General Precautions:
● Food and beverages can damage your laptop.
● Cords, cables, and removable storage devices should be inserted carefully into the laptop.
● Students should never carry their laptops by the screen or while the screen is open.
● Laptops should remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels that are not the property of the Woodbine School District.
● Laptops should never be left in a car.
● Laptops should never be left unattended.
● Laptops should not be left at home. “Laptops left at home” is not an acceptable excuse for not submitting work or participating in class lessons.
● Laptops should be brought to school each day in a fully charged condition.
● When left at school, laptops should be placed in assigned slot of storage cart.
Screen Care:
Laptop screens can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure.
● Do not lean on top of the laptop when it is closed.
● Do not place anything near the laptop that could put pressure on the screen.
● Do not poke the screen.
● Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing lid (e.g., pens, pencils, disks…)
● Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth. Do not use commercial glass cleaners.
● Inappropriate media may not be used as a screensaver. Presence of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, gang related symbols or pictures are not permitted.
Tips for Parents:
At school the Internet is mostly used to support teaching and learning. At home, however, it is often used differently. Not only is it a study resource for students, but it is increasingly being used as a social space to meet, play and chat.
● Have laptop with Internet access in a shared place – not your child’s bedroom.
● Set appropriate times for your child to engage in online activities.
● Discuss with your child how they are using the Internet and who else is involved in Internet activities.
● Ask for a tour of their “space” if they are using a site which allows them to chat, publish photos, play games, etc.
● If your child is using social networking sites, always get them to set the space to “Private”.
● Discuss risks and dangers of Internet.
Laptop Acceptable Use Policy
STUDENT: I understand and will abide by the Woodbine School District Laptop and Internet Acceptable Use Policy. I further understand that any violation of the regulations outlined is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken, and/or appropriate legal action.
Student's Name (please print):__________________________________________
Signature:__________________________________________________________
Date:______________________________________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN: As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Internet Use Agreement. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. I recognize it is impossible for Woodbine School District to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting. I hereby give permission to issue a laptop for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.
Parent or Guardian's Name (please print):_________________________________
Signature:__________________________________________________________
Date:______________________________________________________________
BOTH STUDENT & PARENT/GUARDIAN: In cases of theft, vandalism and other criminal acts, a police report, or in the case of fire, a fire report SHOULD be filed by the student or parent. A copy of the police/fire report should be provided to the principal’s office.
INTENTIONAL DAMAGE: Students/Parents are responsible for full payment of replacement costs associated with intentional damages to laptops.
Student Name(Please Print): _____________________________________________
Student Signature: _________________________________ Date: _______________
Parent Signature: __________________________________ Date: _______________
Student Pledge for Laptop Use:
1. I will take good care of my laptop and know that I will be issued the same laptop each year.
2. I will never leave the laptop unattended. .
5. I will charge my laptop's battery daily.
6. I will keep food and beverages away from my laptop.
7. I will not disassemble any part of my laptop or attempt any repairs.
8. I will use my laptop computer in ways that are appropriate and educational.
9. I will not place decorations (such as stickers, markers, etc.) on the District laptop.
10. I understand that my laptop is subject to inspection at any time without notice.
11. I will follow the policies outlined in the Laptop Acceptable Uses Procedures and Policy.
12. I will notify the principal and file a police report in case of theft, vandalism, and other acts covered by insurance.
13. I will be responsible for all damage or loss caused by neglect or abuse.
14. I agree to pay for my laptop, power cords, and battery if they are lost or stolen.
15. I agree to return the laptop and power cords in good working condition.
Date: _______________________________
Student Name (Please Print): _______________Student Signature: ______________________
Parent Name (Please Print):________________ Parent Signature: ________________________
