Responsible Use of Device

The School Board supports the District’s 1 to 1 initiative to facilitate teaching and learning, to provide access to information, to aid in research and collaboration, and to foster the educational mission of the District.

The device is the property of the Donegal School District and is to be used solely by the student it has been issued to. The device is to be used for appropriate school-related educational and operational purposes that are consistent with the educational mission of the District. Use for educational purposes is defined as use that is consistent with the curriculum adopted by the District as well as the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities and developmental levels of students. All use must comply with all applicable codes of conduct, policies, procedures, and rules of the Donegal School District.

Inappropriate or unacceptable uses of the device include, but are not limited to:

Using the device to violate the law, facilitate illegal activity, or to encourage others to do so.

Using the device to violate any District policy.

Using the device to engage in any intentional act which might threaten the health, safety, or welfare of any person or persons.

Using the device to cause, or threaten to cause harm to others or damage to their property.

Using the device to bully, or to communicate terroristic threats, discriminatory remarks, or hate.

Using the device to communicate words, photos, videos, or other depictions that are obscene, indecent, vulgar, rude, profane, or that advocate illegal drug use.

Using the device to create, access, or to distribute obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, pornographic, harassing, or terroristic materials, firearms, or drug paraphernalia.

Using the device to attempt to interfere with or disrupt District technology systems, networks, services, or equipment including, but not limited to, the propagation of computer “viruses” and “worms."

Altering or attempting to alter other users’ or system files, system security software, system or component settings, or the systems themselves, without authorization.

The attempted physical harm or attempted destruction of District technology resources.

Using the device in a manner that jeopardizes the security of the District’s technology resources, or in a manner that attempts to circumvent any system security measures.

Using the device to intentionally obtain or modify files, passwords, and/or data belonging to other users or to the District.

Use that conceals or attempts to conceal a user’s identity, including the use of anonymizers, or the impersonation of another user.

Unauthorized access, interference, possession, or distribution of confidential or private information.

Using the device to send any District information to another party, except in the ordinary course of business as necessary or appropriate for the advancement of the District’s business or educational interests.

Using the device to commit plagiarism.

Installing, loading, or running software programs, applications, or utilities not explicitly authorized by the District technology staff.

Installing unauthorized computer hardware, peripheral devices, network hardware, or system hardware onto technology resources.

Copying District software without express authorization from a member of the District’s technology staff.

Using the device for commercial purposes.

Using the device for political lobbying or campaigning, not including student elections (e.g. student government, club officers, homecoming queen, etc.)

Using the device to tether or otherwise connect to a non-District owned device to access an unfiltered and/or unmonitored Internet connection.

The use of proxies or other means to bypass internet content filters and monitoring.

Using the device to gamble.

Unauthorized access into a restricted system or changing settings or access rights to a restricted system or account.

The use of encryption software that has not been previously approved by the District.

Sending unsolicited mass-email messages, also known as spam.

Scanning the District’s technology resources for security vulnerabilities.

Students are expected to demonstrate the same level of ethical and professional manner as is required in face-to-face or written communications. All users are required to maintain and safeguard password protected access to both personal and confidential District files and folders.

The District reserves the right to engage in routine computer maintenance and housekeeping, to carry out internal investigations, to check Internet access history, or to disclose messages, data, or files to law enforcement authorities. Files stored or transmitted on District equipment, cloud services, or the network are property of the District and are subject to review and monitoring. The District reserves the right to confiscate the property at any time.

This agreement applies to stand-alone devices as well as devices connected to the network or Internet. Any attempt to violate the provisions of this agreement will result in revocation of the user's privileges, regardless of the success or failure of the attempt. In addition, school disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action may be taken. The decision of the District regarding inappropriate use of the technology or telecommunication resources is final. Monetary remuneration may be sought for damage necessitating repair, loss, or replacement of equipment and/or services.

Liability

The device is issued to the student who, with his or her parents or legal guardians, are the only authorized users of the device. Although each student accepts responsibility for the care and use of the device, the device remains the sole property of the District. The District owns licenses for the software installed on the device. Under no circumstances may any of this software be transferred to any other device. In the event of damage to the laptop caused by vandalism or negligence, parents will be charged for the required repair.

Case

Each student will be given a case for the device. The device must be transported in the provided case at all times. Students may NOT personalize the District provided case in any way.

Daily Use

Students are expected to arrive at school every day with their device battery fully charged and with the device power adapter.

Network Access

Use of the District network is governed by the District’s Acceptable Use Policy.

Care

Devices should not be left in temperatures below 35 degrees or above 90 degrees. Food, drinks, or pets should not be near the device to avoid damage. Rain, wet hands, and high humidity are risky to devices and should be avoided. Devices are not to be left in a vehicle; this encourages theft and exposes the device to temperature changes outside of their normal operating limits.

Students may not personalize the device, case, or peripherals in any way. This constitutes vandalism and will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action and where appropriate, monetary restitution.

Security

The device should be with the student, locked in his or her locker (or elementary classroom), or in a charging station in the school building at all times. Students should always guard their device closely. It must not be left on car seats, on benches, or anywhere that might be tempting to others.

Students who use school bus/van transportation will transport the device to and from school inside the District provided carrying case. Under no circumstances shall a student take out his/her device on the school bus/van.

Loaner Devices

Should the device become inoperable, a student will be issued a loaner device while their device is being repaired. The loaner device assumes all aspects and policies of the student originally issued device.

Backing Up of Data

Students are responsible for saving their files to their Google Drive. Files that are saved to other locations could be lost. The District is not responsible for students who lose files or data because they failed to save it in the right place. If you don’t have access to the Internet at home, and need to work offline, be sure to copy the updated files to your Google Drive upon returning to the District. If a device fails or has a virus, it will be wiped clean. The Technology Department will not take any measures to save or recover data stored on the device.

Troubleshooting

Students should report any device problems to the classroom teacher (younger students) or to the Technology Department as soon as possible. Device service kiosks and loaner devices are available in each school's library. Under no circumstances shall the District owned device be taken to a third party for repair or troubleshooting.

Failure to abide by this policy, regardless of the resolution, will be considered vandalism and or negligence. (Please refer to the section titled Liability)

Damage / Theft

All physical damage to the device must be reported immediately to a responsible adult-either at home or at school. It must be reported to the Technology Department no later than the next school day. The Technology Department will arrange for repair and a loaner as needed. Intentional damage is not covered by our warranty. The parent/student is responsible for all damages to District issued devices and subject to a cost of repair or replacement. Insurance is recommended and can be purchased to offset the cost of accidental damage.