Technology Policy & Procedures

1. I will take good care of my school-issued device.
   1. Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the device to prevent damage.
   2. Devices must never be left in an unlocked locker, unlocked car or any unsupervised area.
   3. Report any software/hardware issues to your teacher as soon as possible.
   4. Keep the device in a well-protected, temperature controlled environment when not in use. 
2. I will never loan out my school-issued device to other individuals.
3. I will keep food and beverages away from my device since they may cause damage to the device. I will not disassemble, jailbreak or hack into any part of my or any school-issued device or attempt any repairs.
4. I will protect my school-issued device by only carrying it in the case provided.
5. I will use my school-issued device in ways that are appropriate and meet the school's expectations—whether at school, at home, or anywhere else. If I use my device in a way that is inappropriate, I may be disciplined by the school.
6. I will not place decorations (such as stickers, markers, etc.) on the school-issued device. I will not deface the serial number sticker on any school-issued device.
7. I understand that my school-issued device is subject to inspection at any time without notice and remains the property of the Fayette County Schools. Nothing I do with the device is private, and nothing I have on the device is private.
8. I will not share my password(s) with anyone other than a teacher or adult from my school or my parent/guardian.
9. I understand that if I damage or lose my device, or if it is stolen, I will have to pay a fine.

* The term ‘parent’ used throughout this agreement also refers to legal guardians and caregivers.

Important terms used in this document:

1. ‘Cybersafety’ refers to the safe use of the Internet and technology equipment/devices, including mobile phones.
2. ‘School technology’ refers to the school’s computer network, Internet access facilities, computers, and other school technology equipment/devices as outlined in (c) below.
3. The term ‘technology equipment/devices’ used in throughout this document, includes but is not limited to the following: computers (such as desktops, laptops, PDAs), storage devices (such as USB and flash memory devices, CDs, DVDs), eReaders, cameras (such as video, digital, webcams), all types of mobile phones, gaming consoles, video and audio players/receivers (such as portable CD and DVD players), and any other, similar, technologies as they come into use.
4. ‘Objectionable’ in this agreement means material that deals with matters such as sex, cruelty, or violence in such a manner that it is likely to be injurious to the good of students or incompatible with a school environment. This is intended to be inclusive of the definition used in the Films, Videos and Publications Classification Act 1993.

Additional information can be found on the Georgia Department of Education’s website http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/cybersafety.aspx. For more information and resources on keeping your child safe online, please visit www.commonsensemedia.org

The measures to ensure the cybersafety of our students in Fayette County Schools are based on our core values. The school’s computer network, Internet access facilities, computers and other school technology equipment/devices bring great benefit to the teaching and learning programs and to the effective operation of schools throughout the district.  The district has rigorous cybersafety practices in place for all school staff and students.

The overall goal of the district is to create and maintain responsible digital citizenship a cyber safety culture, which is in keeping with the values of the school, the district, and our legislative and professional obligations. This use agreement includes information about student and parental obligations, responsibilities, and the nature of possible consequences associated with cybersafety breaches, which undermine the safety of the school environment.

The district’s network, Internet access facilities, computers and other school technology equipment/devices are for educational purposes appropriate to the school environment. 

The district employs filtering and/or monitoring software to restrict access to certain sites and data, including email.  The district may audit its computer network, Internet access facilities, computers and other school technology equipment/devices or commission an independent forensic audit.

As a safe and responsible user of technology, I will help keep myself and other people safe by following these rules:

1. I can use school technology equipment only after my parents/guardians have signed and returned the Parent/Guardian Signature Page of the Student Code of Conduct.
2. My user name provides me with access to the computers, portals, and other resources of the district. I will log on only with that username. I will not allow anyone else to use my user name.
3. I will change my password twice per school year (2nd-5th grades).
4. I will not tell anyone else my password.
5. I understand that I must not at any time use technology (such as posting to social media or texting), to upset, offend, harass, threaten or in any way harm anyone connected to the school or the school itself, even if it is meant as a joke.
6. I understand that the rules in this use agreement also apply to all electronic devices. I will only use the device(s) at the times that I am permitted to during the school day.
7. I understand that I can only use the Internet at school when a teacher gives permission and there is staff supervision.
8. While at school, I will not:
   • Access, or attempt to access, inappropriate, age restricted, or objectionable material.
   • Download, save or distribute such material by copying, storing, printing or showing it to other people. This includes copyrighted content such as movies, documentaries, music, published materials.
   • Make any attempt on any FCBOE device (Chromebook, desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.) to bypass in-place security safeguards (monitoring and filtering.)
   • Open attachments unless there is a verbal direction from the person sending the attachment.    
9. If I accidentally access inappropriate material, I will adhere to the following procedures:
   • Not show others,
   • Turn off the screen or minimize the window and,
   • Report the incident to a teacher or other school staff member immediately.     
10. I understand that I must not download any files without the permission of a teacher or administrator to comply with copyright laws. I also understand that anyone who infringes copyright may be personally liable under this law.
11. I understand that cybersafety use rules apply to any privately owned technology equipment/device (such as a laptop, mobile phone, tablet, USB drive) I bring to school or a school-related activity. Any images or materials on such equipment/devices must be appropriate to the school environment.
12. I will not connect any device (such as a USB drive, camera or phone) to, or attempt to run any software on, school technology resources without a teacher’s permission. This includes all wireless technologies.
13. I will not give out any personal information (including photos) online about myself or any other person. Personal information includes name, address, email address, phone numbers, and photos.
14. I will respect all technology systems in use at school and treat all technology equipment/ devices with care, including the following:
    • Not intentionally disrupting the normal operations of any school technology systems
    • Not attempting to hack or gain unauthorized access to any system
    • Following all school cybersafety rules, and joining in if other students choose to be irresponsible with technology
    • Reporting any breakages/damage to a teacher or staff member
15. I understand that the district, school administration, and my teacher may monitor my browser history, traffic, and/or material sent and received using the school’s technology network.
16. I understand that the school may audit its computer network, Internet access facilities, computers and other school technology equipment/devices or commission an independent forensic audit. Auditing of the above items may include any stored content, and all aspects of their use, including email.   
17. I understand that if I break these rules, the school may inform my parent(s)/guardian(s). In serious cases, the school may take disciplinary action against me. I also understand that my family may be charged for repair costs. If illegal materials or activities are involved, it may be necessary for the school to inform law enforcement.

To the parent/caregiver/legal guardian, please:

• Read this carefully, to ensure your understanding of your responsibilities under this agreement.

I understand that Fayette County Schools will:

• Do its best to keep the schools cybersafe by maintaining an effective cybersafety program. This includes working to restrict access to inappropriate, harmful or illegal material on the Internet or school technology equipment/devices at school or at school-related activities, and enforcing the cybersafety rules and requirements detailed in this use agreement.
• Respond appropriately to any breaches of this use agreement
• Provide members of the school community with cybersafety education designed to complement and support this use agreement initiative
• Welcome inquiries from students or parents about cybersafety issues                

My responsibilities include:

• I will read this cybersafety use agreement carefully.
• I will follow the cybersafety rules and instructions whenever I use the school’s technology resources.
• I will also follow the cybersafety rules whenever I use privately-owned technology on the school site or at any school-related activity, regardless of its location.
• I will avoid any involvement with materials or activities which could put at risk my own safety, or the privacy, safety or security of the school or other members of the school community.
• I will take proper care of school technology. I know that if I have been involved in the damage, loss or theft of technology equipment/devices, my family will have responsibility for the cost of repairs or replacement.
• I will ask the teacher or an administrator if I have questions. 

Internet

Only the Internet gateway provided by the school district within the school may be accessed while on campus. Personal Internet connected devices, such as but not limited to personal hotspots or VPN’s, are not permitted.    

Security and Damages

Responsibility to keep the device secure rests with the individual owner. The Fayette County School System, its staff, or employees, are not liable for any device lost, stolen or damaged on campus. If a device is lost, stolen or damaged, it will be handled through the administrative office similar to other personal artifacts that are impacted in similar situations. It is recommended that skins (decals) and other custom touches are used to physically identify your device from others. Additionally, it is recommended that protective cases are used and optional insurance is purchased.

The use of technology to access educational materials is not a necessity or a right, but a privilege. A student does not have a right to use his or her laptop, cell phone or other electronic device while at school. When abused, privileges will be taken away. When respected, they will benefit the learning environment as a whole. Additionally:

• The technology is allowed for educational purposes and only to enhance the classroom experience. Teachers will decide when it may be used and for what purpose(s). The technology may only be used to access files on computer or Internet sites, which are relevant to the classroom curriculum.
• Students take full responsibility for their personal electronic/digital devices. The school/district is not responsible for the security of the electronic devices. Additionally, students are responsible for management, troubleshooting, and technical support of their personal devices. The school/district is not responsible for technical support of or repairs to personal devices.
• The technology may not be used to cheat on assignments or tests.
• If technology is used for non-instructional purposes (such as making personal phone calls and text/instant messaging) it must be authorized by the teacher or administration.
• The technology may not be used to record, transmit or post photographic images or video of a person, or persons on campus during school activities and/or hours unless authorized by the teacher or administration.
• Teachers can utilize digital resources for instruction in compliance with the website’s Privacy Policies and Acceptable Use terms.

Students acknowledge that:

• The school's network filters will be applied to one's connection to the Internet, and there will be no attempts to bypass those filters.
• Bringing on premises, attempting to infect, or infecting the network with a Virus, Trojan, malware, or program(s) designed to damage, alter, destroy, or provide access to unauthorized data or information is in violation of Policy IFBG and the student acceptable use policy outlined in the Code of Conduct.
• Processing or accessing information on school property related to “hacking”, altering, or bypassing network security policies is in violation of Policy IFBG, and the student acceptable use policy outlined in the Code of Conduct.
• The school district has the right to collect and examine any device that is suspected of causing problems or was the source of an attack or virus infection.
• Printing and scanning from personal devices will not be possible at school.
• Personal devices must be in silent mode while on school campuses and while riding school buses.
• Students are responsible for using personal devices according to teacher rules.

I understand and will abide by the above guidelines. I further understand that any violation is unethical and may result in the loss of my network and/or technology privileges, as well as other disciplinary action.