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Use of Computer, Internal Network, Electronic Mail, and Internet

Student Use Computer, Internal Network, Electronic Mail, and Internet  
Our District uses technology resources to support and enhance established curricular goals and academic success as outlined by the Department of Instructional Services.  
 
  • “Technology resources” are defined as laptop and desktop computers, cell phones, smartphones, telephones, tablets, servers, e-readers, storage media, handheld devices, printers, scanners, software, facsimile machines, and any other District-owned or contracted-for electronic communication equipment.  
  • Technology resources are classified as school property, and are owned by our District and are subject to our District’s rights under contract and law.  Technology resources must be used efficiently in the interests of our District and for educational purposes for which they were intended.  Users are required to follow the guidelines outlined in this Policy, as well as other school rules and related policies.
  • “Web resources” are a collection of tools that enable interaction on the Internet and include, but not limited to, blogs, wikis, podcasts, social media, email, and other forms of electronic communication.  Our District provides access to many hosted (in-district) web resources for use by its staff and students. 
Limitations
Technology resources provided by our District are for educational purposes only.  Acceptable uses are those which support Our District mission, vision, and Strategic Plan.  Technology resources, like any other school property, are owned by and the property of our District and subject to our District’s rights under contract and law.  At any time without warning, our District may remove computer software and move or delete data stored on networked systems.  The use of technology resources and web resources are considered an extension of the classroom.  
 
  • Compliance with all District policies, guidelines, rules, and acceptable standards of behavior are necessary and required.  
  • Our District emphasizes to all users that access to technology is a privilege not a right; therefore a user will be held responsible for his/her/their actions while using the technology system.  
  • Inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and can lead to prosecution under those laws.
  • Students failing to abide by the Appropriate Use Policy may lose network/computer privileges along with consequences that may arise from violations of normal school rules and District Handbook guidelines, up to and including possible expulsion.
Property of Our District - Expectations of Privacy
Users should have no expectation of privacy in the contents of any communications or files on District technology resources, individual storage systems, or Web resources unless such expectation is granted by law.  Our District maintains the right to access, inspect, investigate, and monitor all use and its technology resources, including all files, communications and information created on, with, or transmitted using its technology resources or Web resources, and including email, text messages, internet usage, and any other communications or information, without notice to or consent of the user.  All such files, communications, or information can be reviewed by our District for any purpose and at any time, and may be subject to monitoring, review and disclosure pursuant to civil and criminal matters, investigatory purposes, or any other lawful reason. 
 
In addition, we have added Gaggle starting in the 20-21 school year.  The Gaggle safety management solution uses a combination of artificial intelligence and trained safety experts to provide real-time analysis and review of students’ use of online tools within the Google Suite. It constantly scans accounts for harmful content and alerts school officials when students show signs of self-harm, depression, thoughts of suicide, substance abuse, cyberbullying, credible threats of violence against others, or other harmful situations. With this solution, WAWM can proactively identify students who are struggling, provide support where needed, and create a safer school environment. 
 
Gaggle will send notifications to the school principal and our District Student Services Leadership Team who will follow up with the student and families to identify needed supports or enact a safety response in accordance with our safety policies and our code of conduct. 
 
Responsibilities and No Liability of our District
Our District technology system shall be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner, and all users shall abide by our District’s policies and procedures.  It is essential that each student recognize his or her responsibility in having access to services, sites, and people that the network provides.  The user (student) is ultimately responsible for his or her actions.  Parents and guardians must set and convey high standards that their children should follow when using technology resources. 
 
  • Our District uses a filtering system in an attempt to limit student access to material that is harmful to students, obscene or disruptive to the educational or work environment.  
  • Our District reserves the right to block sites that do not enhance established curricular goals.  Our District shall be in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
  • Although CIPA defines “minor” as any individual who is under the age of 17 years, District policies will apply to all students, regardless of age.  
  • No technology measure can block 100% of inappropriate content so our District emphasizes the importance of staff supervision in monitoring student use of technology.
  • Access to the Internet provides connections to other computer networks and personnel all over the world, users should understand that our District does not control the content of information available on such networks.  
  • Our District is not responsible for the accuracy, quality, or appropriateness of the information obtained through the Internet and makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, that the information or services contracted by or through the Internet will be error-free or without defect. 
  • Our District is not liable for any damages suffered by a user of the system, including but not limited to, loss of data stored on or transmitted by technology resources or interruptions of service.  
  • Our District is not responsible for any mistakes or negligence, liability, copyright infringements or other costs incurred by the person using our District’s technology resources. 
If a user inadvertently becomes connected to a site that contains material with prohibited content, the user must disconnect from that site immediately and inform a staff member of the incident.  Students are encouraged to inform a staff member if they are aware that another user is accessing or has accessed prohibited material via our District’s technology resources. 
 
Education, Supervision, and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all instructional members of our District staff to educate, supervise, and monitor appropriate use of technology resources, including access to the Internet in accordance with this policy.
 
Our District will promote safe online activity for students and educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and cyberbullying awareness and response. This includes, but is not limited to:
 
  • Teaching students how to locate and evaluate appropriate electronic sources;
  • Teaching students information literacy skills, including understanding of safety, copyright, ethical practice and data privacy; and,
  • Teaching students proper safety procedures when using email, social networking websites, texts, and other forms of direct electronic communication
Use and Guidelines of Our District Technology System
  1. All use of District technology resources, including access to the Internet, must be in support of the educational goals of our District. All Board, student Handbook, and school policies must be followed when using any technology resource.
  2. Use of District technology to access and/or distribute any material that violates U.S., state, or School Board policy is prohibited.
  3. Use of technology to access/use copyrighted materials, pornography, materials harmful to minors, obscene materials and/or similar materials is prohibited.
  4. Students may not use our District’s technology system in an offensive, harassing, illegal, or defamatory manner. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, cyber bullying, and other antisocial behaviors are unacceptable in Internet and other network communications. Our District prohibits the use of the system to send or receive offensive or improper messages such as derogatory messages about other students or staff members. In addition, our District prohibits the use of the technology system in any way that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others.
  5. Use of proxy sites to bypass District web filters is prohibited.
  6. All information accessible through the Internet should be assumed to be private property and subject to copyright protection. Internet sources should be credited appropriately, as with the use of any copyrighted material. 
  7. Students have a responsibility to respect the privacy and property of other users. Students should not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, data or passwords of other users. A student will not allow another student to access computers or network resources using his/her/their login credentials.
  8. For their own safety, students should not reveal any personal information, such as last names, addresses, phone numbers, or photographs.
  9. Employing the Internet for commercial purposes is prohibited. Students may not use the system to solicit for commercial activities, religious or political causes, outside organizations or other non-school related matters without prior authorization from the building principal.
  10. Students should not expect that files stored on District servers will always be private. School and network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that the network is being used responsibly.
 
  1. Technology resources must be handled with care. Physical damage or network interruptions such as the introduction of viruses or deleting of files are prohibited.
  2. No eating or drinking near computers.
  3. Students are directed to keep passwords for their own private use and should log-off the network when leaving the desktop station.
  4. Students may not access social networking sites (such as MySpace, Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat,etc.), personal websites, personal blogs, online gambling sites or personal email accounts formaon District computers except for educational purposes specifically approved by the classroom teacher. Students may not engage in cyberbullying activities.
  5. Students may not load, save, download, or otherwise install software on technology without approval from our District technology department.
  6. Students who create web pages, blogs, profiles or other online postings outside of school that result in the student’s online posting being accessed and viewed in the school environment may be disciplined if there is a disruption at the school as a result of the online posting.
  7. Students may not use our District’s technology system to develop programs or to institute practices that harass other users or gain unauthorized access to any entity on the system. Students may not damage the components of an entity on the system.
  8. Students should not share documents, emails, blog postings or any other information created by someone else unless specifically permitted to do so by the creators.
Student Owned Technology – Outside of School
Students’ home and personal Internet or other communication tool technology use can have an impact on our District, school and on other students. If a student’s personal Internet expression, such as a threatening message toward a staff member or another student, or a website advocating violence or defamation of another’s character, creates a substantial disruption at school, offenders may be subject to school disciplinary action and/or legal action.
 
Substantial disruption is defined as any of the following:
 
  • Necessary cessation of instruction or educational activities;
  • Inability of students or educational staff to focus on learning or function as an educational unit because of a hostile environment (including cyberbullying);
  • Severe or repetitive disciplinary measures are needed in the classroom or during educational activities;
  • Exhibition  of  other  behavior by students  that  substantially interfere with the learning environment; or,
  • Other similar disruption.
Student Owned Technology – Inside School
Students may bring technology into our District, including laptops, smartphones, mp3 players, etc. Our District is not responsible for the security or safety of student owned technology while on school property or under supervision of a school authority. 
 
  • Students must follow the school rules regarding use of that technology during the school day. This typically will include not using the technology during class time, as our District has provided technology to students where appropriate for reaching established educational goals. 
  • Students who use student-owned technology while on District property, outside of the school day, must follow all rules and guidelines of this Acceptable Use Policy.
  • Administrators may confiscate and search student-owned technology while on District property if the administrator has reasonable suspicion that the use of the technology is in violation of this Acceptable Use Policy, school rules, or state law.
  • Student owned technology may be confiscated, but not searched, by classroom teachers for the length of the class if the student or technology is creating a disruption
  • During emergencies, our District may require student owned technology to be turned off so emergency networks are not overwhelmed.
Consequences
Inappropriate use of our District’s technology resources, Web resources or District property and any other violation of District policies, guidelines or rules may result in suspension of technology privileges, report to criminal authorities, legal action, and discipline up to and including suspension and expulsion for students, in accordance with the Student Handbook. Appeals may be made in accordance with appropriate Board Policies and procedures.
 
Failure to follow the Acceptable Use Guidelines may result in disciplinary actions including loss of technology privileges, suspensions, expulsions or, when applicable, law enforcement involvement.
 
  • Individual school sites have the liberty to create a system of classroom and school-wide rules, consequences, and policies in accordance with the “Student Owned Technology-Inside School” at the individual school level that is relevant to their school and student body.  These will be developed with school staff and will be communicated to students as part of school-wide behavior expectations.   
  • If a student fails to comply with the school rules, the student will receive consequences that are outlined by the school policy. 
At any time, our District can and will review the individual procedures being utilized in each school and make changes as necessary.
 
Parental Opt-Out Provision
Our District will provide students access to technology resources, including the Internet, unless the parent/guardian notifies the appropriate building principal in writing that our District should prevent access to technology resources for his/her/their student(s).  Parents or guardians have the right to view the contents of their child’s user account or network activity, if possible, accessible, and within the confines of applicable law, or to revoke their child’s technology permissions, upon written request.  
 
Investigations
Our District will cooperate fully with local, state and federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any illegal activities conducted through our District’s system. In the event that there is an allegation that a student has violated our District’s policy, an investigation will ensue with the possible end result being that technology privileges may be withdrawn from students who do not respect the rights of others and who do not abide by established District policy or other discipline up to and including possible expulsion. Specific disciplinary actions will be tailored under the guidance of our District Rights and Responsibilities Handbook to meet the specific concerns related to the violation, as well as local, state and federal law.
 
The iPad or Chromebook that students receive is a technology resource owned by the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District. Our District retains the sole right of possession of the iPad or Chromebook and any issued accessories for the device. Regardless of whether or not the iPad or Chromebook is used on District premises or at an external site or whether it is during the school day or outside of it, the student is bound by our District’s Technology Usage policies and guidelines when using Our District-issued device. (Board Policy)  Disciplinary action for violation of District policies and guidelines will be in accordance with school procedures.  
 
  • Students are prohibited from attempting to disassemble or change the configuration of the iPad or Chromebook.
  • During the school day, students are to either keep their iPad or Chromebook in their possession or secured at all times. Students are not to leave their iPad or Chromebook unattended at any time.  
  • Our District is entitled to reclaim, search, or format/wipe the iPad or Chromebook at any time for any reason.  
  • The student is responsible for the appropriateness of all files and data stored on the iPad or Chromebook, including all files and data contained within temporary internet storage areas and computer storage areas such as caches and cookies.  
  • Misuse of the iPad or Chromebook may require the student to return the device to our District.  
  • The iPad or Chromebook is provided for the sole use of the student whose name is listed in the agreement. Siblings, friends, etc. are not to use this District issued device.
Do…
  • Use your phone to engage in the lesson (only when your teacher has given permission).
  • Be present; talk to your peers, listen to instructions, answer questions, engage in activities.
  • Know if there is an emergency, your parents can contact the office and the office will find you.
  • If you have your phone out and you are not engaging in the lesson, put away your phone if the teacher asks you to.
  • Follow the school rules for cell phone use in hallways, cafeteria, and common areas.
Don’t...
  • Use your phone without the teacher’s permission.
  • Use your phone in the restroom or locker room.
  • Expect your phone back at the end of the class if an administrator needs to take it away.
  • Expect your phone back without a parent meeting if the administrator needs to be called to the classroom because of your phone.
  • Expect school to replace your phone if it is taken due to misuse, damaged, lost, or stolen on school grounds.
  • Use your phone to engage in social media that threatens or bully others (“cyber bullying”). 
  • Make the Superintendent ban all phones in school by not following the rules.
Technology Security 
Under no circumstances should you give anyone your password.  Do not reveal your personal address or telephone number. 
 
Technology Vandalism 
Vandalism, defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy electronic information including data or equipment, is prohibited.  Uploading or creation of computer viruses is considered vandalism.
 
Maintenance of the iPad/Chromebook
The iPad, Chromebook, or iPad Case is NOT to be defaced or permanently altered in any way which includes stickers, engraving, writing, etc. Removal of any District applied markings or identification is strictly forbidden. 
 
  • Battery management is the responsibility of the student. Students should expect to plug in and charge their iPad or Chromebook within the classroom.   
  • It is recommended that students completely power down their iPad or Chromebook every night rather than leaving it in “sleep” mode. Doing so will save battery life and ensure that all applications running in the background are closed.  
  • Students are responsible for backing up copies of their data.  
  • Students must keep the iPad in Our District-issued case at all times.  
  • The iPad or Chromebook should be kept away from any eating areas, any food or drink, and any hot or cold surfaces.  
  • The iPad or Chromebook should always be placed on a stable surface and should not be exposed to any risk of dropping. 
Cleaning of the iPad or Chromebook
To clean the iPad or Chromebook, unplug all cables and turn off the device. Use a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not apply moisture or liquid directly to the device. Do not use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia or abrasives to clean the device.
 
Personal Health and Safety
Users should avoid extended use of the iPad or Chromebooks while resting it directly on their laps. The bottom of the device can generate significant heat. Users should take frequent breaks when using devices for long periods of time. Look away from the screen of the device approximately every fifteen minutes.  
 
Damage to an iPad, Chromebook or Mac
Repair of an iPad or Chromebook’s broken glass/LCD screen (most likely due to the dropping or misuse) costs between $70 and $179 depending on the severity of the damage. Full replacement cost of an iPad is $299, Chromebook is $275 and MacBook Air is $799.  As with any other District resources of which a student has been loaned, (e.g., textbooks, library books, musical instruments) the loss, damage, or theft of a District device will result in a financial liability for the family. It is the responsibility of each family to protect the iPad, Chromebook or Mac from damage.  
 
Repair/Replacement Costs
iPad Repair/Replacement Costs
Chromebook Repair/Replacement Costs
Charging Cable $38
 ($19 for power cable, $19 for power adaptor)               
Charging Cable $29
iPad Case Replacement $50
Keyboard Repair/Replacement
  • damage/fee assessed on an individual basis
  • may need full replacement if damage is severe
Cracked/Broken Screen
  • $70 1st instance, $120 if LCD needs to be replaced
  • $100 2nd instance, $120 if LCD needs to be replaced
  • $179 3rd instance, must be sent out for repair
  • $179 any instance (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) in which iPad must be sent out for repair
  • $299 replacement cost (if lost or stolen)
Cracked/Broken Screen
  • $90 1st instance
  • $110 2nd instance
  • $225 replacement cost (if lost or stolen)
Mac Repair/Replacement Costs
Hot Spot
Charging Power Brick $39
Charging Cable $19 
Charging Cable $38
 ($19 for power cable, $19 for power adaptor)   
Cracked/Broken Screen
Keyboard Repair/Replacement
  • damage/fee assessed on an individual basis
  • may need full replacement if damage is severe
Full replacement cost (if lost or stolen) $50 
Full replacement cost (if lost or stolen) $799