Boothbay Region High School Acceptable Use Policy
BRHS is committed to preparing students to be successful in a global economy. Developing 21st century skills is an important requirement in this preparation. Providing a technology rich learning environment will enable our teachers and students to learn, use, and develop these 21st skills. The 1:1 laptop/iPad program is a significant component of this technologically rich environment.
General Information
A laptop or iPad, including a case and charger, will be issued to each student at Boothbay Region High School.
All laptops, iPads, cases, and chargers will remain the property of Boothbay Region High School. Students should arrive at school with fully charged devices.
By using a BRHS laptop, computer or iPad students agree to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy stated below and the specific guidelines for a laptop, computer or iPad.
Technology and Internet Use Rules
All students are responsible for their actions and activities while using Boothbay Region High School computers, laptops, iPads, network and Internet services, computer files, passwords, and accounts. These rules provide general guidance concerning the use Boothbay Region High School’s computers and Internet resources. The rules provide examples of prohibited uses and do not attempt to describe every possible prohibited activity. Students, parents, and school staff who have questions or concerns about whether a specific activity is prohibited are expected to contact a BRHS administrator.
These rules apply to all BRHS computers, iPads, laptops, or Internet capable devices and all uses of BRHS’s servers, Internet access, or servers regardless of where or how they are accessed (here after called BRHS Technology Resources).
Acceptable Use
BRHS’s computers, laptops, iPads, network and Internet services are provided for educational purposes consistent with BRHS’s educational mission, curriculum, and instructional goals.
Students must comply with all BRHS policies, rules, and expectations concerning student conduct and communication when using BRHS computers, laptops, and iPads, whether on or off school property. Students also must comply with all specific instructions from BRHS staff and administration when using BRHS computers, laptops, and iPads.
Prohibited Uses
Unacceptable uses of BRHS Technology Resources include, but are not limited to, the following: Accessing or Communicating Inappropriate Materials- students may not access submit, post, publish, forward, download, scan, or display defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, bullying, and/or illegal materials or messages.
Illegal Activities- students may not use BRHS Technology Resources for any illegal activity or in violation of any BRHS policy, procedure, or rules or in violation of any local, state or federal law. BRHS assumes no responsibility for illegal activities of students while using BRHS Technology Resources.
Violating Copyrights or Software Licenses- students may not copy, download, or share any type of copyrighted materials (including music, films, software, or video) without the owner’s permission. Unauthorized copying of material is illegal and may subject the copier to substantial civil and criminal penalties. BRHS assumes no responsibility for illegal activities of students while using BRHS Technology Resources.
Plagiarism- students may not represent as their own work any materials obtained on the Internet or by electronic means. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or works of others and presenting them as if they were original to the user.
Language- students will not use inappropriate language in public messages, private messages, and materials posted on web pages. Students will not post information that, if acted upon, could cause damage, harm, or the disruption of the educational environment. Students will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks. Students will not harass another person. If a student is told by any person to stop sending them messages, they must stop. Students will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.
Misuse of Passwords or Unauthorized Access- students may not share passwords; use other user’s passwords; access or use other users’ accounts; or attempt to circumvent network security systems and filters.
Malicious Use or Vandalism- students may not engage in any malicious use, disruption, or harm to BRHS’s Technology Resources, including but not limited to hacking activities and the creation or uploading of computer viruses.
Avoiding School Filters- students may not attempt to or use any software, utilities or other means to access internet sites or content blocked by the school filters.
Unauthorized Access to Blogs/Social Networking Sites, Etc.- during the school day students may not access blogs, social networking sites, etc. to which student access is prohibited except under the direction and supervision of BRHS staff.
Compensation for Losses, Costs, and/or Damages
The student and his/her parents/guardians may be responsible for compensating BRHS for any losses, costs or damages incurred for violations of BRHS policies, procedures, and rules while the student is using BRHS’s computers, laptops, iPads, or network and internet services. The student and his/her parents/guardians will be responsible for the loss, theft, damage or neglect of any BRHS computer, laptop, or iPad issued to or used by the student. An insurance program, to cover loss, theft, or damage will be provided as an option to all parents at their cost.
Student Security
Students will not post or reveal personal contact information (including full names, address, telephone number, social security number or other personal information) about themselves or other people on the Internet or local network while using BRHS computers, laptops, or iPads. Students will not agree to meet with someone they have met on-line or Internet without their parent’s approval and participation. Students will promptly disclose to their teacher or other school employee any message they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
System Security
The security of BRHS’s computers, laptops, iPads, network and Internet services is a high priority. Students will immediately notify an administrator, network coordinator or other staff member if they have identified a possible security problem. Students will not demonstrate the problem to other students, access unauthorized material, or attempt to go looking for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.
Expectations of Privacy
Students do not have an expectation of privacy for any information on BRHS’s computers, laptops, iPads, or network and Internet services. Students may be asked at anytime to give their computer, laptop, or iPad to a member of the BRHS staff and administration for examination. Failure to comply with any request for examination will result in immediate administrative disciplinary action.
Recording or Taking of Pictures, Audio, and Video
Students may not record or take pictures of any student, staff, or member of the BRHS community without their permission. Any recording or picture taken of another student may not be published in any public or private forum without the permission of a BRHS staff member who must determine if parental permission has been given for its’ publication. Students may not tape or record classroom activities without first receiving the permission of the teacher.
Disciplinary Action
Violations of this agreement could result in disciplinary action including but not limited to loss or restricted use of any BRHS’s computers, laptops, iPads, network and Internet services, further BRHS disciplinary measures, or the involvement of law enforcement.
Additional Rules for iPads Issued to Students
iPads are loaned to students as an educational tool and may be used for purposes authorized by BRHS staff.
Both the student and his/her parent must sign the school’s acknowledgement form before the iPads are allowed to go home with the student. There will be informational sessions available, as well as online resources for parents.
Students and their families are responsible for the proper care of iPads at all times whether on or off school property, including costs associated with repairing or replacing the iPad. BRHS offers an insurance program for parents to cover replacement costs and or repair costs for damages or loss not covered by the iPad warranty. Parents who choose not to purchase insurance should be aware that they are responsible for any costs associated with loss, theft or damage to an iPad issued to their child.
If an iPad is lost or stolen, a report must be made immediately to Brynne Roseberry (IT Director). A report of a stolen iPad should also be made to the local police.
BRHS’s policies and rules concerning computer and Internet use apply to the iPad at any time or place, on or off school property. Students are responsible for observing any additional rules issued by school staff for the care and maintenance of their iPad.
Upon request by BRHS administration, students must grant all access to the iPad. Violation of policies or rules governing the use of the iPad or network and internet services, may result in a student’s iPad being confiscated and/or a student only being allowed to use the iPad under the direct supervision of school staff. The student will be subject to disciplinary action for any violation of the BRHS’s policies and procedures.
Parents are responsible for supervising their child’s use of the iPad and Internet access when in use at home or outside of the school.
Only the student to whom it is assigned may use the iPad.
Any use of the iPad by any person must comply with BRHS’s Acceptable Use Policy.
iPads must be returned in acceptable working order at the end of the school year, when a student withdraws from BRHS, or whenever requested by school staff.
Additional Rules for Personal Devices
Students may use a personal iPad or laptop (Mac operating system) when at BRHS.
Students must allow IT staff to install passwords and Internet access on their device.
The student is responsible for proper care of his/her privately owned device, including any costs of repair, replacement, or any modifications needed to use the computer at BRHS.
The student is responsible for providing software or apps for their device and must maintain the same software as the devices issued by BRHS to other students.
BRHS is not responsible for damage, loss, or theft of any privately owned device.
Student’s have no expectation of privacy in their use of privately-owned devices if there is a reasonable suspicion that the student has violated BRHS’s policies, administrative procedures, rules, Acceptable Use Policy, or engaged in other misconduct while using the device.
Violation of any BRHS policies, administrative procedures, rules, or Acceptable Use Policy involving a student’s privately owned device might result in the revocation of the privilege of using the device at school and/or disciplinary action.
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