South PasadenaUnified School District

STUDENT USE OF TECHNOLOGY

ACCEPTABLE USE OF DISTRICT-WIDE COMPUTER

NETWORK AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY POLICY

The South Pasadena Unified School District Board of Education recognizes the educational value of technology, including Internet access to provide learning and communication opportunities for students, and to enhance student learning.  Since the Internet is a vast and expanding resource that holds appropriate and inappropriate opportunities for students, this policy is set forth to communicate acceptable and unacceptable use.  This policy also serves to release liability of the District in the event that a student uses the network in an unauthorized manner. 

Definitions

The district-wide computer network includes, but is not limited to: computers, the Internet including cloud-based applications, Wi-Fi and access points, servers, routers, switches, cabling, printers, Chromebooks, tablet computers, telephones, cellular phones, hotspots, copiers, any wearable technology, emergency radios, and USB devices.

Rules and Regulations

1. The student in whose name a login account is issued is responsible for its proper use at all times. The student shall keep personal account numbers, home addresses, social security numbers, and telephone numbers private.  The student shall only use his/her account, and not the account of another student or staff member.

2. The District’s computer network shall only be used for educational purposes, and purely commercial, political, and/or personal use is strictly prohibited.

3. The student shall not use the District’s computer network to encourage the use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, nor shall she/he promote unethical practices or any activity prohibited by law or District policy.

4. The student shall not transmit, download, or communicate material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive or sexually explicit, or that could be construed as harassing, bullying, or disparaging to others based on their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or political beliefs. This includes online social media networks including: social networks, online forums, wikis, blogs, and any other social media.  Web conferencing platforms, Learning Management Systems, including but not limited to Google Classroom, and breakout rooms are also included.

5. Materials that are in violation of the United States and/or the State of California, copyrighted, or protected by trade secret may not be placed onto the system without the author’s permission and the permission of the system administrator. Any program with access to illegal copyrighted materials is strictly prohibited.  In addition, no computer programs shall be installed on District computers without prior permission.

6. Participation in online CHAT is prohibited unless facilitated by a SPUSD staff member. This includes but is not limited to Google Meets, Zoom, Google Classroom, Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, Line, Discord, Slack, Snapchat, Skype, etc.

7. Students shall not “hack” or enter any restricted system to access/manipulate data of the district or other users. Keyloggers, both physical and software-based, are banned from use anywhere on the District computer network.

8. Students should be aware that computer files and communications over the network are not private and there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. The District reserves the right to monitor these systems at any time without advance notice or consent.  This includes web searches, internet browsing, e-mail, activity in web conferencing platforms and learning management systems, social media posts, and files saved on the network and in the cloud.

9. Students shall not vandalize or make any malicious attempt to destroy or delete data of another user or department that is connected to the network. This includes physical damage and damage by uploading malware or computer viruses.

10. The District will implement the use of a Technology Protection Measure, or internet filter, to protect against access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, and materials that are harmful to minors, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act. The filter will also be configured to protect against access to other material considered inappropriate for students to access.  The filter may not be disabled or bypassed via a proxy server or proxy site, or by any other manner at any time. 

11. Equipment is owned by the District. As a result, students are not allowed to alter or tamper with the configurations on any District technology device.

12. The District will allow the use of student-owned personal digital devices (bring your own device – BYOD) in the context of instructional classroom activities that are in accord with the provisions set forth in this policy and when permitted by faculty and site administrators. The District reserves the right to determine which uses constitute acceptable use and to limit access to such users.  If the student requires constant access to their BYOD device for medical reasons, then the District will work to make those accommodations but must be notified, so prior arrangements can be made.

Some student-owned devices use cellular or other networks that are not subject to the District Internet Filter’s measures to block or monitor access.  The District will not be responsible for a student accessing electronic resources outside of the bounds set forth in this policy irrespective of which network is being used by the student.  Regular student disciplinary procedures will be enacted if acceptable use policies are not followed with student-owned devices.  Students bring their devices to school at their own risk.  The District will not be liable for lost, stolen, or broken student-owned devices.

While SPUSD strives to provide the perfect safe virtual environment, it is impossible to restrict exposure to all controversial materials and events.  This policy contains rules and guidelines, that together with responsible student actions, will lead to reduced incidents for all. 

Chromebook Device Usage Agreement

Chromebooks are the standardized device to support the District's instructional curriculum.  The following guidelines were created to approximately maintain a 1:1 device program, to protect the computer network, including its users, and to ensure each student stays focused on his/her educational directives.  In order to participate in our online curriculum, students must use a district owned device.

1. Each student will bring the issued Chromebook fully charged to class each day, regardless of whether the student is on-campus or attending a virtual classroom.
2. Students will not deface the device in any way, including stickers or any markings.
3. Parents and students must report theft, loss, damage, or malfunction of the Chromebook to school personnel as soon as possible.
4. All activity on the Chromebook is subject to being monitored and filtered at all times.
5. Chromebooks are the property of the South Pasadena Unified School District, and per California Education Code 60010(h), shall be considered instructional material that must be cared for. Parents and students accept fiscal responsibility for any damages or loss (California Ed Code 48904(a)(1)). 
6. The District shall provide information on Chromebook Insurance plans via a third party.
7. Devices stolen outside of school grounds must be reported to local law enforcement, and a copy of the police report must be submitted to school administration.
8. South Pasadena Unified School District reserves the right to request the Chromebook returned at any time, for any reason. Chromebooks shall be returned prior to a student's withdrawal, graduation, and Chromebook End of Life Refreshes.
9. Parents have the obligation to explain the provisions of this user agreement to their students.

Penalties for Improper Use

The use of a District account and use of the District Computer Network is a privilege, not a right.  Violations of the law, Board policy, or this agreement will result in the restriction or cancellation of the account and the use of the network’s resources.  Misuse may also lead to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension and expulsion for the student.  Violations of the law may also be reported to law enforcement agencies.

Student Acknowledgment

I have received, read, understand, and agree to abide by this Acceptable Use Agreement and other applicable laws and District policies and regulations governing the use of district technology.  I understand that there is no expectation of privacy when using the District Computer Network.  I further understand that any violation may result in loss of user privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.

Name: ____________________________________________________   Grade: ___________

                                                     (Please print)

School: ______________________________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________   Date: ____________

Parent or Legal Guardian Acknowledgment

If the student is under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian must also read and sign the agreement.

As the parent/guardian of the above-named student, I have read, understand, and agree that my child shall comply with the terms of the Acceptable Use Agreement.  By signing this agreement, I also grant my child permission to use the District Computer Network which includes the Internet.  I understand that despite South Pasadena USD’s best efforts to restrict all access to offensive and controversial materials it can never be 100% guaranteed.  I agree to release from liability the school, district, and district personnel against all claims, damages, and costs that may result from my child’s use of the District Computer Network or the failure of any technical protection measures used.  Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision of my child’s use of his/her access account if and when such access is not in the school setting.

Name: ___________________________________________________ Date: ______________

                                   (Please print)

Signature: ___________________________________________________________________