Section (6000) Instruction
Policy Name Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Protocol for the Use of Technology in the Schools
Policy Number 6141.328
Date Approved 05/13/13
Date Revised  
Date Revised  
Date Revised  
Date Revised  
Policy

Instruction

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Protocol for the Use of Technology in the Schools

Students, with permission of their parent(s)/guardian(s), or the student him/herself if over eighteen years of age, may be in possession of personal electronic devices such as smart phones, cellular telephones, laptops, tablets, e-readers, or other related electronic devices on school property. The devices shall not be used in a manner that disrupts the educational process, including, but not limited to, posing a threat to academic integrity or violating confidentiality or privacy rights of another individual. Unless an emergency situation exists that involves imminent physical danger or a certified District employee authorizes the student to do otherwise (such as use in class), use of devices shall be limited to the period before classes begin in the morning, during the student's lunch period, and after the student's last class in the afternoon. 

Access to the devices is a privilege and not a right. Each student will be required to follow the Acceptable Use Policy.

Students may only access the Internet through the filtered District connection, regardless of whether they are using their personal device or a District-issued device. District staff will not provide software or technical assistance for student-owned devices.

Based on the belief that power cords stretched out in classrooms become a safety issue both for the students and devices, charging the device in any classroom, hallway, or any other location that is deemed to be a safety concern will not be allowed.

The use of cameras in any type of electronic device is strictly prohibited in locker rooms, restrooms, and classrooms unless a certified District employee authorizes the student to do otherwise. 

Students found to be using any electronic communications device to in any way send or receive personal messages, data, or information that would contribute to or constitute cheating on any student assessment, project, or assignment shall be subject to discipline and the device shall be confiscated and not returned until a parent conference has been held.

Students are responsible for safeguarding devices they bring to school. The District shall not be responsible for loss, theft, damages, or destruction of student owned devices brought onto school property.

Students shall comply with any additional rules developed by the school concerning appropriate use of telecommunication or other electronic devices.

Students violating the provisions of this policy are subject to disciplinary action, including losing the privilege of bringing their own device onto school property, detention, suspension, or expulsion. In addition, an administrator will confiscate the devices, which shall only be returned to the student's parent(s)/guardian(s), or student if over 18 years of age. Where appropriate, police authorities may be contacted.

The controls on electronic communication devices contained in this policy do not apply to special education or Section 504 students or students with an Individualized Education Plan when any of these or other such similar plans conflict with educational uses outlined herein.

(cf. 5114 – Removal/Suspension/Expulsion)

(cf. 5131.911 – Hazing/Bullying)

 Includes:

--Use of Electronic Devices

--Cyberbullying

(cf. 5131 – Conduct at School and School-Sponsored Activities)

(cf. 5131.8 – Acceptable Use Policy)

Includes:

--Internet Acceptable Use: Filtering

(cf. 5144 – Discipline/Use of Reasonable Force)

 Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-221 Boards of education to prescribe rules

 Form 1

Bring Your Own Device/School Issued Chromebooks

 Student Agreement

The use of technology to provide educational material is a privilege at school that we wish all students to have beginning in grade 6 in September, 2013. When abused, privileges will be taken away. When respected, they will benefit the learning environment tremendously.

 Students and parents who bring their own device must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct as well as all Board policies, particularly the Acceptable Use Policy. Additionally, students must adhere to the following:

 Devices are to be used for instructional purposes connected to the approved curriculum, not to cheat on assignments or tests, not to make personal phone calls, not to send text messages, and not to post information, photos, or videos not authorized by the teacher.

Students acknowledge the following:

· The District's network will be used exclusively with all District filters applied to one's connection to the Internet. Attempts will not be made to bypass them.

· Only authorized data can be accessed. Infecting the network with a virus, or any program designed to damage, alter, or destroy the network; and hacking, altering, or bypassing security policies are not allowed.

· 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.

· All data must be stored on the student's hard drive. Backing up the data through a jump drive, an external drive, or another media device regularly is strongly encouraged.

· As we are working to achieve a more paperless environment, printing of personal, unauthorized material will not be permissible.

· As we do not have enough outlets for students to charge their devices in classrooms, each student must charge his or her own device prior to bringing it to school daily.

· Using a personal device to transmit or share inappropriate content during the school day will result in the loss of BYOD privileges. Additional consequences may be applied depending upon the circumstances. Transmission of material of a bullying nature or sexual nature will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

· Using a personal device at unauthorized times will result in the loss of BYOD privileges. Use of these devices in the locker rooms, hallways, and bathrooms is strictly prohibited. The purpose of BYOD is purely for the extension and enrichment of the learning environment.

· Lost, stolen, or damaged Chromebook is the responsibility of the student/parent. For 2013-14 cost of replacement will be $275. Parents have option of insuring Chromebook (see enclosed form).

· Devices cannot be used during assessments, unless otherwise directed by a teacher.

· Students must immediately comply with teachers' requests to shut down devices, close the screen, put in silent mode, and/or put away when asked.

· Students are not permitted to take, transmit or post photographic images/videos of any person on campus on public and/or social networking sites unless done as part of an authorized assignment by a teacher and permission of any/all individuals involved.

· Students can only access files on the computer or Internet sites which are relevant to the classroom instruction and suggested by a teacher.

· Students are not to physically share their personal devices with other students.

· Personal or district provided devices may not be used to cheat on assignments, tests or for non-instructional purposes.

As a student, I understand and will abide by all on this agreement. I further understand that any violation is unethical and may result in the loss of my device privileges as well as other disciplinary action.

As a parent, I understand that my child will be responsible for abiding by the policy pertaining to this program and its guidelines. I have read and discussed them with him/her and he/she understands the responsibility he/she has in the use of their personal device.

Furthermore, I understand that under Connecticut General Statute 10-221(d) Boards of Education are authorized to assess charges against students who lose or damage educational materials and they may withhold grades, transcripts, or report cards until such payments are made.


Signature of Student: _________________________________________

Signature of Parent: ______________________

Printed Name: (Student)

Printed Name: (Parent________________________________

Date: (Student)

Date: (Parent) _______