Pleasant Ridge High School

Laptop Policy, Procedures, and Information

 

INTRODUCTION:

The intent of Pleasant Ridge High School's laptop initiative is to provide a common device for all teachers and students to utilize for the enhancement of teaching and learning for all students. Providing a common device for all high school students will allow students and teachers to have a technology device for more hours of the day. Over time, our students will be afforded changes in instructional practices and the opportunity to develop their academic skills in ways that are unprecedented. Our intent is to enhance the learning opportunities across the curricula and allow students to have more opportunities to learn away from the classroom setting by having an information pipeline at their fingertips. These policies and procedures include expectations, responsibilities and direction of student use of laptops as a tool to enhance teaching and learning.

 

Receiving Your Laptop & Check-In

Receiving Your Laptop

Laptops will be distributed at the beginning of the year. The laptop is district property. Students will be required to attend a meeting and must sign and return the Student Pledge documents before the laptop will be issued to any student to have on a 24/7 basis during the school year. It is the desire of the USD 449 School District for each student in grades 9-12 to have access to a laptop to enhance the learning environment for each student. In order for this endeavor to be successful, it will take a joint effort between the students, staff and parents/guardians to ensure the success of this program.

 

Failure to Check-in Consequences

If a student fails to return the laptop at the end of the school year or upon termination of enrollment at PRHS, that student will be subject to criminal prosecution and/or civil liability. The student/parent will also pay the replacement cost of the laptop. Failure to return the laptop will result in a theft report being filed with local law enforcement. In the instances where a student has agreed to only the use of the laptop during the school day, failure to check in the laptop at the end of each day would constitute a theft report being filed with local law enforcement.

 

The student/parent will be responsible for any damage to the laptops, consistent with the USD 449 School District policy and must return the laptops and all accessories to PRHS in satisfactory condition. The student/ parent will be charged a fee for any needed repairs, not to exceed the replacement cost of the laptop.

 

Taking Care of Your Laptop

Students are responsible for the general care of the laptops that have been issued by the school. Laptops that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the designated location for an evaluation of the equipment (Mrs. Clay in the library).

General Precautions

The laptop is school property and all users will follow this policy and the USD 449 Acceptable Use Policy for technology.

• Only use a clean, soft cloth to clean the screen, no cleansers of any type.

• Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the laptop to prevent damage.

• Laptops and cases must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels that are not the property of the USD 449 School District.

• Laptops must never be left in an unsupervised area including an unlocked locker, unlocked car, the gym, commons, or any place that is not secure.

• Students are responsible to ensure their laptop’s battery is charged for school each day.

• Students must keep their laptop in the protective case, provided by the school, at all times when not in use.

 

Carrying Laptops

The protective bags provided with the laptops have sufficient padding to protect the laptops from normal treatment and to provide a suitable means for carrying the device within the school. The guidelines below should be followed:

• Laptops must always be within the protective bag.

• Some carrying cases (i.e. backpacks) can hold other objects (such as folders and workbooks), but these must be kept to a minimum to avoid placing too much pressure and weight on the laptop screen.

 

Screen Care

The laptop screens can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure on or striking the screen.

• Do not lean on the laptop.

• Do not place anything near the laptop that could put pressure on the screen.

• Do not place anything in the protective case that will press against the laptop.

• Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth. Use of chemicals will damage the screen.

• Do not bump the laptop against lockers, walls, car doors, floors, etc, as it may crack or break the screen.

 

Using Your Laptops at School

Laptops are intended for use at school each day. In addition to teacher expectations for laptops use, school messages, announcements, calendars and schedules may be accessed using the laptops. Students should bring their laptop to all classes, unless specifically instructed not to do so by their teacher.

 

Laptops Left at Home

If students leave their laptops at home, they are responsible for getting the course work completed as if they had their laptop present. If a student repeatedly leaves their laptop at home, the privilege to take the device home will be suspended for a designated period of time. If students fail to bring their laptop to school for three consecutive days, (with the exception of excused absences) the laptop will be considered stolen and reported to law enforcement. Students will not be permitted to leave the building to go home and retrieve their laptop and come back to school.

 

Laptop Undergoing Repair Loaner Laptop

Loaner laptops may be issued to students whose device is being repaired.

 

Charging The Laptops

Laptops must be brought to school each day in a fully charged condition. In cases where use of the laptop has caused batteries to become discharged, students may be able to connect their laptops to a power outlet in class as designated by the teacher.

 

Laptops Identification

When a laptop is checked out to a student the device will have the student’s name and an identifying number on it. That information should always remain on the laptop . Inappropriate media may not be used as a screensaver or background photo. Pictures of guns or weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, tobacco, and gang related symbols or pictures will result in disciplinary actions.

 

Sound, Music, Games, or Programs

Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes. Appropriate music is allowed on the laptops and can be used at the discretion of the teacher. Ear buds/ headphones should be used in the classroom based upon individual teacher approval.

 

Home Internet Access/Printing

Students are allowed to set up additional wireless networks on their laptops. This will be necessary to use web-based services outside of the school setting. Printing at home will require a USB connection or wireless printer, proper settings on the laptop for an eprint compatible printer, and possibly an additional app or software on your home computer/printer.

 

Personal Apps

Students are allowed to install acceptable apps, pictures, video, music, etc. on the laptop. Apps which allow time messaging or temporary display of texts, photos, etc. and do not store that information are NOT allowed on USD 449 School District laptops. Examples of this type of Apps are Snapchat and Instagram. The USD 449 School District will, within reason, provide configuration settings that will not allow inappropriate content/apps/music to be installed on the laptops. If space on the device becomes a problem student’s personal music, photos, apps, etc. will be removed from the device to provide additional space. District purchased or required apps and information takes priority over student’s personal materials. It is suggested students backup their personal material as the district does not guarantee or restore any personal material on the laptop.

 

Laptops and Extra Curricular Activities

Coaches/sponsors for individual activities may limit whether or not laptops are allowed to be on buses or at particular events.

 

Originally Installed Software/Apps

The apps and operating system originally installed by USD 449 must remain on the laptop in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times. From time to time the school may add additional apps and iOS upgrades. Periodic checks of laptops will be made to ensure that students have not removed required apps, installed inappropriate material or altered the operating system (also known as jail breaking the device). Students are not to remove any district installed software, app, profiles, restrictions or tamper in any manner with the device profiles. Students are not permitted to share any passcodes with other students. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a suspension of the use of the district laptops and other disciplinary action.

 

Additional Software/Apps

Other software or apps may be added by the school or the student throughout the school year. Some apps will be free and others may have a cost.

 

Inspection

Students will provide their assigned laptop for inspection at any time requested by a school official. Laptop use and contents will also be monitored remotely.

 

Procedure for Re-loading Software/Apps

If technical difficulties occur, the laptops will be restored by the system administrator. The school does not accept responsibility for the loss of any apps or documents deleted due to the necessity of a re-format and/or re-image.

 

Software/App Upgrades

Upgrade versions of licensed software/apps are available from time to time. Students may be required to check in their laptops for periodic updates. Operating systems with devices change, and PRHS will notify students on how to update apps, should updates be necessary.

 

Technology Support

Technology support for laptops will be available during the normal business day at PRHS during the normal hours of operation. After hours support will not be available.

 

Acceptable Use

The use of the USD 449 School District technology resources is a privilege, not a right. The privilege of using the technology resources provided by the USD 449 School District is not transferable or extendible by students to people or groups outside the district and terminates when a student is no longer enrolled in the USD 449 School District. This policy is provided to make all users aware of the responsibilities associated with efficient, ethical, and lawful use of technology resources. If a person violates any of the User Terms and Conditions named in this policy, privileges may be terminated, access to the school district technology resources may be denied, and appropriate disciplinary action shall be applied. The USD 449 School District Student handbook and acceptable use stipulations shall be applied to student infractions. Any repair to district owned laptops is restricted to district authorized technicians. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension and/or expulsion for students. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

 

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Parents/guardians are asked to talk to your children about values and the standards that your children should follow on the use of the Internet just as you do on the use of all media information sources such as television, telephones, movies, and radio.

 

Student laptops 24/7 access opt out is a parent consideration. In order to do so, submit a single letter to the school principal stating the reason why. The student is still responsible for meeting the course requirements. The student will be required to check in the laptop at the end of each school day.

 

Students will have access to their device during the school year 24/7. Obviously, parents will establish ground rules for laptop use outside of the school day. The USD 449 School District will restrict, within reason, legally purchased content that can be installed on the device. (ie. Explicit Music, R rated movies, etc.)

 

School Responsibilities

The school will provide:

• Internet access to students on campus.

• Access through the internet to a student’s school-issued email account.

• Internet blocking of inappropriate materials as able while in the school facility.

• The USD 449 School District reserves the right to review, monitor, and restrict information stored on or transmitted via USD 449 School District owned equipment and to investigate inappropriate use of school resources.

• Staff guidance in doing research and help ensure student compliance of the Acceptable Use Policy.

 

Student Responsibilities

Students will:

• Use computer/devices in a responsible and ethical manner.

• Obey general school rules and district policy concerning behavior and communication that apply to laptop/computer use.

• Use all technology resources in an appropriate manner so as not to damage school equipment. This “damage” includes, but is not limited to, the loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, miss-deliveries or service interruptions caused by the student’s own negligence, errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via USD 449 School District's designated Internet system is at your own risk. The USD 449 School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

• Help the USD 449 School District protect its computer system/devices by contacting an administrator about any security problems they may encounter.

• Monitor all activity on their account(s).

• Close and secure their laptop after they are done working to protect their work and information.

• Report any email containing inappropriate or abusive language or questionable subject matter.

• Return their laptops to the designated location at the end of each school year or on the date when attendance is terminated for any reason.

 

Student Activities Strictly Prohibited

• Illegal installation or transmission of copyrighted materials.

• Any action that violates existing Board policy or public law.

• Sending, accessing, uploading, downloading, or distributing offensive, profane, threatening, pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit materials.

• Use of chat rooms, sites selling term papers, book reports and other forms of student work.

• Spamming – sending mass or inappropriate emails.

• Gaining access to another student’s accounts, files, and/or data.

• Use of the school’s internet/email accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity.

• Students are not allowed to give out personal information, for any reason, over the internet. This includes, but is not limited to, setting up internet accounts including those necessary for chat rooms, eBay, email, etc.

• Use of anonymous and/or false communications such as MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, etc…

• Students are not allowed to give out personal information, for any reason, over the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, setting up Internet accounts including those necessary for chat rooms, eBay, email, etc.

• Participation in credit card fraud, electronic forgery or other forms of illegal behavior.

• Vandalism (any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, software, or data, including, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses or computer programs that can infiltrate computer systems and/or damage software components) of school equipment will not be allowed.

• Transmission or accessing materials that are obscene, offensive, threatening or otherwise intended to harass or demean recipients.

• Bypassing the USD 449 School District web filter.

• Uninstalling or altering apps and operating systems installed by USD 449 School District is prohibited.

• Uninstalling profiles or changing the laptop name.

 

Laptop Care

Students will be held responsible for maintaining their individual laptops and keeping them in good working order. Students will be responsible for damages to their laptops.

• NO LABELS should be placed on the laptop.

• Laptop cases furnished by the school district must be used unless otherwise approved by the school authorities.

• School cases should be returned with only normal wear and no alterations to avoid paying a replacement fee.

• Laptops that malfunction or are damaged must be reported to the school office or other school designated location. The school district will be responsible for repairing laptops that malfunction. Laptops that have been intentionally damaged from student misuse or neglect will be repaired with the cost being borne by the student/parent. Students will be responsible for the entire cost of repairs to laptops that are damaged intentionally or be responsible for full replacement cost. Payment is expected at the time of the repair. A laptop will not go home with the student until the repair is paid in full.

• Laptops that are stolen or lost must be reported immediately to an administrator and the local law enforcement.

• Laptop batteries must be fully charged and ready for school each day.

 

Legal Propriety

• The student will comply with trademark and copyright laws and all license agreements. Ignorance of the law is not immunity. If you are unsure, ask a teacher or parent.

• Plagiarism is a violation of the PRHS student code of conduct. Give credit to all sources used, whether quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music, and text.

• Violation of applicable state or federal law could result in criminal prosecution and/or disciplinary action by the District.

 

Student Discipline

If a student violates any part of the above policy, he or she will be subject to consequences as listed in the Acceptable Use Policy and PRHS Student Handbook or BOE District Policy.

• Student will lose the privilege of having the device 24/7 by checking-in/checking-out their laptops from the designated location daily.

• Loss of individual laptop and be issued a generic loaner laptop.

• Coursework will be required to be completed in accordance with the classroom teacher’s expectations and deadlines.

• Disciplinary/legal action as deemed appropriate.

 

Protecting and Storing the Laptop

Laptop Identification

Student laptops will be labeled in the manner specified by the school. Laptops can be identified based on serial number and USD 449 School District identification number.

 

Storing the laptop

When students are not using their laptops, they should be stored in a secured setting such as their locked locker. Nothing should be placed on top of the laptop. Students are encouraged to take their laptops home every day after school, regardless of whether or not they are needed. Laptops should not be stored in a student’s vehicle at school or at home. If a student needs a secure place to store their laptop, they may check it in for storage at the school designated location.

 

Laptops Left in Unsupervised Areas

Under no circumstances should laptops be left in unsupervised areas. Unsupervised areas include the school grounds and campus, commons area, the lunchroom, the gym, locker rooms, library, unlocked classrooms, dressing rooms and hallways or any location off school property that the student is not in direct contact of the device outside of their home. Any laptop left in these areas is in danger of being stolen or damaged. If a laptop is found, it will be taken to the office.

 

School Rights

• USD 449 School District’s network, facilities, and/or technology devices are to be used in a responsible, efficient, and ethical manner in accordance with the philosophy of USD 449. Students must acknowledge their understanding of this policy as well as the following guidelines. Failure to adhere to these standards may result in disciplinary action and/or revocation of the offender’s mobile device and/or network privileges.

• The administration and/or their designee(s) have the right to inspect any computer, mobile device, application, or peripheral device associated with any or all USD 449 technology. This includes but is not limited to email, documents, pictures, music, or other components associated with all USD 449 School District technology.

• The USD School District reserves the right to define inappropriate use of technology.

 

 

Individual school laptops, cover and accessories must be returned to PRHS at the end of each school year. Students who graduate early, withdraw, are suspended or expelled, or terminate enrollment at PRHS for any reason must return their individual school laptop in proper working condition upon termination

 

• Replacement cost of the cord - $20

• Replacement cost of the bag - $45

• Damaged laptop - $100 (minimum)

• Replacement laptop - Replacement cost (TBD at time of replacement)

 

 

I agree that I have read and understand the above rules/regulations concerning the use of school issued laptops at Pleasant Ridge High School.