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

The WAWM School 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, smart phones, 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 the District and are subject to the District’s rights under contract and law.  Technology resources must be used efficiently in the interests of the District and for the 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.  The District provides access to many hosted (in-District) web resources for use by its staff and students.

Limitations

Technology resources provided by the District are for educational purposes only.  Acceptable uses are those which support the District mission, vision, and Strategic Plan.  Technology resources, like any other school property, are owned by and the property of the District and subject to the District’s rights under contract and law.  At any time without warning, the 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.  

  • The 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 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 the District, No Expectation 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.  The 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 the 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.  

Responsibilities and No Liability of the District

The District technology system shall be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner, and all users shall abide by the 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.

  • The 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.  

  • The District reserves the right to block sites that do not enhance established curricular goals.  The District shall be in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

  • No technology measure can block 100% of inappropriate content so the District emphasizes the importance of staff supervision in monitoring student use of technology.

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 the District’s technology resources.

Education, Supervision, and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of all instructional members of the District staff to educate, supervise, and monitor appropriate use of the technology resources, including access to the Internet in accordance with this policy.

 

The 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 the District Technology System

 

  1. All use of District technology resources, including access to the Internet, must be in support of the educational goals of the District. All Board, student Handbook, and school policies must be followed when using any technology resource.

 

  1. Use of District technology to access and/or distribute any material that violates U.S., state, or School Board policy is prohibited.

 

  1. Use of technology to access/use copyrighted materials, pornography, materials harmful to minors, obscene materials and/or similar materials is prohibited.

 

  1. Students may not use the 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. The 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, the District prohibits the use of the technology system in any way that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others.

 

  1. Use of proxy sites to bypass District web filters is prohibited.

 

  1. 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.

  2. Students have a responsibility to respect the privacy and property of other users. Students should not intentionally seek information about, 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 login credentials.

 

  1. For their own safety, students should not reveal any personal information, such as last names, addresses, phone numbers, or photographs.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. No eating or drinking near computers.

 

  1. Students are directed to keep passwords for their own private use and should log-off network when leaving the desktop station.

 

  1. 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 on District computers except for educational purposes specifically approved by the classroom teacher. Students may not engage in cyber-bullying activities.

 

  1. Students may not load, save, download, or otherwise install software on technology without approval from the District technology department.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. Students may not use the 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.

 

  1. Students should not share documents, emails, blog postings or any other information created by someone else unless specifically permitted to do so by the creator.

 

Student Owned Technology – Outside of School

Students’ home and personal Internet or other communication tool technology use can have an impact on the 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 the District, including laptops, smartphones, mp3 players, etc. The 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 rule regarding use of that technology during the school day. This typically will include not using the technology during class time, as the 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, the District may require student owned technology to be turned off so emergency networks are not overwhelmed.

 

Consequences

Inappropriate use of the 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 schoolwide 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, the district can and will review the individual procedures being utilized in each school and offer suggestions for changes as warranted.  

 

Parental Opt-Out Provision

The District will provide students access to technology resources, including the Internet, unless the parent/guardian notifies the appropriate building principal in writing that the District should prevent access to technology resources for his/her student(s).  Parents or guardians have the right to view 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

The District will cooperate fully with local, state and federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to any illegal activities conducted through the District’s system. In the event that there is an allegation that a student has violated the 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 guidance of the School 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. The 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 the District’s Technology Usage policies and guidelines when using the district issued device. (Board Policies 363.2 and 363.2R)  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.  

  • The 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 the 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.

  • District owned devices will be checked out to students and checked back in during the school day.  No district owned device will be taken home.  

 

Do…

  • Use your phone to engage in the lesson only when your teacher has given permission.

  • Use the storage/charging station for your phone when it is not needed for class.

  • Be present; talk to your peers, listen to instructions, answer questions, engage in activities..

  • Know if there is a home emergency, your parents can contact the office and the office will find you.

  • Hand over your phone if the teacher asks for it.

  • Follow the school rules for cell phone use in hallways, cafeteria, and common areas.

 

Don’t...

  • Use your phone without the teacher’s permission.

  • Expect your phone back at the end of the class if the teacher needed 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.

  • 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 the 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. Slightly dampen the 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 or Chromebook

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 and a Chromebook is $225.  As with any other District resource 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 or Chromebook 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 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)