Acceptable Use Policy
(Updated July 2022)
Taliaferro County Charter Schools K-12
1:1 Technology Acceptable Use Policy – Student Code of Ethics
PURPOSE: In keeping with Taliaferro County School’s Technology Policy, students will utilize technology as a tool to challenge, expand, and enhance learning. Taliaferro County Schools (TCS) may provide and assign student computing devices such as a Surface Pro 4, Dell, or other laptop computer for use at school and an LTE-enabled hotspot for use at home as a means to promote achievement and provide flexible learning opportunities. Students may not bring their own technology as a substitute learning tool due to concerns with data rights, privacy, and content control. All technology used in the school shall align in productivity with that of the technology plan. This policy provides guidelines and information about district expectations for students and families who are being issued these one-to-one (1:1) computing devices. Additional rules may be added as necessary and will become a part of this policy.
The district’s expectation and belief is that students will use technology responsibly and that they understand the appropriate and acceptable use of both the technology and district network resources. We also expect that students will make a good-faith effort to keep their district-issued devices safe, secure, and in good working order. Our policies and procedures include the following specific responsibilities and restrictions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The student will:
1. Adhere to these guidelines each time the device is used at home or at school.
2. Charge their 1:1 device nightly by placing the device in the appropriate charging cart within the classroom or turning the device into the teacher before leaving for the day. (Classrooms do not have the capacity for all students to charge their devices during the day, so plan accordingly.)
3. Use appropriate language in all communications avoiding profanity, obscenity, and offensive or inflammatory speech. Cyberbullying, including personal attacks or threats toward anyone, made while using either district-owned or personally-owned technology, is to be reported to the appropriate school personnel. Communication should be conducted in a responsible, ethical, and polite manner.
4. Respect the Internet filtering and security measures included on the laptops. The use of anonymous proxies or other methods of bypassing content filtering is strictly prohibited and is a direct violation of this agreement.
5. Back up important data files regularly. TCS will update and maintain 1:1 devices by periodically imaging them. All student files not backed up to the individual student file storage space (OneDrive) may be lost during these processes. Ask for assistance if you do not know how to back-up files.
6. Use technology for school-related purposes ONLY during the instructional day while refraining from use related to commercial or political purposes.
7. Follow copyright laws and fair use guidelines and only download or import music, video, or other content that students are authorized or legally permitted to reproduce or use.
8. Make available for inspection by an administrator or teacher any messages or files sent or received to or from any Internet location using district technology. Files stored and information accessed, downloaded, or transferred on district-owned technology ARE NOT private insofar as they may be viewed, monitored, or archived by the district at any time.
RESTRICTIONS
The student will not:
1. Mark, deface, or place stickers on the devices or district-issued cases. Reveal or post identifying personal information, files, or communications to unknown persons through email or other means via the Internet.
2. Attempt to override, bypass, or otherwise change the Internet filtering software, device settings, or network configurations. The use of anonymous proxies or other methods of bypassing content filtering is strictly prohibited and is a direct violation of this agreement.
3. Attempt access to networks and other technologies beyond their authorized access. This includes attempts to use another person’s account and/or password or access secured wireless networks.
4. Share passwords or attempt to discover passwords. Sharing a password is not permitted and could make you subject to disciplinary action and liable for the actions of others if problems arise with unauthorized use.
5. Download and/or install any programs, files, or games from the Internet or other sources onto any district-owned technology. This includes the intentional introduction of computer viruses and other malicious software.
6. Tamper with computer hardware or software, attempt unauthorized entry into computers, and/or vandalize or destroy the computer or computer files. Intentional or negligent damage to computers or software may result in criminal charges.
7. Attempt to locate, view, share, or store any materials that are unacceptable in a school setting. This includes but is not limited to pornographic, obscene, graphically violent, or vulgar images, sounds, music, language, video, or other materials. The criteria for acceptability is demonstrated in the types of material made available to students by administrators, teachers, and the school media center.
In addition to the specific requirements and restrictions detailed above, it is expected that students and families will apply common sense to the care and maintenance of district-provided computer technology. In order to keep tablets and laptops secure and damage-free, please follow these additional guidelines:
§ Do not loan your device, charger, or cords to anyone.
§ Do not leave the device in a vehicle or leave it unattended at any time.
§ Do not eat or drink while using the device or have food or drinks in close proximity.
§ Keep your device away from precarious locations like table edges, floors, seats, or around pets.
§ Do not stack objects on top of your device, leave it outside, exposed to the elements, or use near water such as a pool or sink.
Despite these safeguards, we understand that there is always a risk that district-provided technology may be damaged, lost, or stolen. All students receiving 1:1 technology are required to participate in the TCS 1:1 Student Technology Device Agreement, which is provided to limit family liability for fines that may be imposed if damage or loss does occur. More details on this program can be found on the “Taliaferro County School District 1:1 Student Technology Device Agreement” provided along with this policy. A TCS 1:1 Student Technology Device Agreement form must be signed and submitted before 1:1 technology is issued to a student.
TCS is not responsible for any loss resulting from use of district-issued technology or technology brought to school from the students’ homes and makes no guarantees that the technology or the district network systems that support student use will be available at all times. By signing this policy you agree to abide by the conditions listed above and assume responsibility for the care and proper use of TCS district-issued technology. You understand that should you fail to honor all the terms of this Policy, access to 1:1 technology, the Internet, and other electronic media may be denied in the future. Furthermore, students may be subject to disciplinary action outlined in the TCS Student Code of Conduct.
Technology Use Permission:
REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS
(Complete Policy is located in Student Handbook and available upon request)
As the parent/guardian, my signature indicates I have read and understood this Technology Acceptable Use Policy.
Parent/Guardian Name (please print):_____________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________Date: _______________
As the student, my signature indicates I have read or had explained to me, understand this Technology Use Policy, and accept responsibility for abiding by the terms and conditions outlined.
Student Name (please print):_________________________________________ Grade: _____________
Student Signature (if 13 or older): ___________________________________________________Date: _____________
PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED FORM TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL.
Having read the details previously outlined, please choose ONE of the following options for your student(s).
Option 1: My student will use the school-issued device. As the parent/guardian, my signature indicates I have read and understand this Technology Acceptable Use Policy and give my permission for my child to have access to and use the described district-issued technology. I also agree to pay the $20 registration fee for school technology before my child will receive a device for school use.
Parent/Guardian Name (please print): ______________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________Date: ________________
As the student, my signature indicates I have read or had explained to me and understand this Technology Use Policy and accept responsibility for abiding by the terms and conditions outlined and use of these resources for educational purposes.
Student Name (please print): _________________________________________ Grade: _____________
Student Signature (if 13 or older): ___________________________________________________Date: _____________
Option 2: My student will NOT use the school-issued device. As the parent/guardian, my signature indicates I have read and understand this Technology Acceptable Use Policy and give my permission for my child to have access to a DESKTOP COMPUTER and will NOT be permitted under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES to use the described district-issued technology—unless this form is amended and agreed upon by all parties.
Parent/Guardian Name (please print): ______________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________Date: ________________
As the student, my signature indicates I have read or had explained to me and understand this Technology Use Policy and accept responsibility for abiding by the terms and conditions outlined and use of these resources for educational purposes.
Student Name (please print): _________________________________________ Grade: _____________
Student Signature (if 13 or older): ___________________________________________________Date: _____________
PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED FORM TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL.
REQUIRED for SCHOOL-ISSUED Technology Devices (GRADES K-12)
Payment Selection: Cost is dependent upon the claim number, see below.
Student Laptop:
For all student laptop devices (Dell, HP, or Surface Pro) that are damaged, a one-time fee of $100 will be charged for the first incident of damage. The second incident will cost $200, while the third will be the full cost of the device. Payment plans are available to ensure that all fees are paid before a student completes the given school year. Any fees left unpaid will result in withholding of end-of-year documentation, including but not limited to report cards, diplomas, and permanent records.
I have read and understood the rules and the financial responsibilities of the TCS 1:1 Program.
I agree to all terms and conditions of the program.
____________________________ _______________________________ _______________
Print Parent Name Parent Signature Date
____________________________
Print Student Name
PLEASE RETURN THIS COMPLETED FORM TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL.