August 1, 2022

Sumner-Fredericksburg

Computer Usage and Loan Agreement

The focus of the Sumner-Fredericksburg 1:1 initiative is to prepare students for their future, a world of digital technology and information. Increased access to technology is essential for that future and one of the learning tools for 21st century learners is a computer. We believe that if students have and use technology daily in their studies they will be more engaged in class activities and will be more likely to become lifelong learners and productive members of society. We are supplying this technology in an attempt to provide more equal access for all students.

The policies, procedures, and information in this document apply to all computers used at Sumner-Fredericksburg, including any other device considered by the Administration to come under this policy. Teachers may set additional requirements for computer use in their classroom.

Device Check-out and Check-in

Chromebooks will be distributed each fall during an orientation session. Parents and students must sign and return all required documents and fees before the computer can be issued.

Chromebooks will be returned during final week of school so they can be checked for serviceability. If a student leaves Sumner-Fredericksburg during the school year, the Chromebook will be returned at that time. The student will be responsible for any damage to the Chromebook and may be charged a fee for any needed repairs, not to exceed the replacement cost of the device. Failure to return the Chromebook may result in criminal prosecution or civil liability for the replacement cost.

Taking Care of Your Chromebook

Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook. Chromebooks that are broken or do not work properly must be taken to the Technology Office for an evaluation.

General Information

• The Chromebook is school property and all users will follow this policy and the Sumner-Fredericksburg 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 Chromebook to prevent damage.

• Chromebooks must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, or labels that are not the property of Sumner-Fredericksburg.

• Chromebooks must never be left in an unlocked locker, unlocked car or any unsupervised area.

• The Chromebook must be in the school-provided protective case.

• Students are responsible for keeping the battery charged for school each day.

Screen Care

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

• Do not lean on the top of the Chromebook at any time.

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

• Do not place anything in the carrying case that will press against the cover.

• Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth.

• When carrying the Chromebook in a book bag, extra weight must be kept to a minimum to avoid placing too much pressure and weight on the Chromebook screen.

Using your Chromebook at School

Chromebooks are intended for use at school each day. In addition to teacher expectations for computer use, school messages, announcements, calendars, and schedules may be accessed using the Chromebook. Students are responsible for bringing their Chromebook to all classes unless specifically instructed not to do so by their teacher.

Chromebooks Left At Home

If students leave their computer at home,  they are responsible for getting the coursework completed as if they had their computer present. If a student repeatedly (three or more times as determined by any staff member) leaves their Chromebook at home, they will be required to “check out” their Chromebook from the Technology Office for 14 calendar days.

Chromebook Undergoing Repair

Loaner Chromebooks may be issued to students from the Technology Office when they leave their Chromebooks for repair.  There may be a delay in getting an Chromebook should the school not have enough to loan.

Charging Your Chromebook’s Battery

Computers must be brought to school each day in a fully charged condition. Students may need to charge their Chromebook each evening. Repeat violations (minimum of three days-not consecutively) of this policy will result in students being required to “check out” their Chromebook from the Technology Office for 14 calendar days.  The administration will deal with repeat offenders. In cases where use of the computer has caused the batteries to drain, students may be able to connect their computer to a power outlet in the classroom.

Screensavers and Background Photos

Inappropriate media may not be used as a screensaver or background photo. Presence of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, or gang related images or pictures will result in disciplinary actions. Students cannot use passwords in a futile attempt to deny access to the Chromebook by school personnel.

Printing

Items will be sent to the teacher digitally. Printing will take place at the teacher’s discretion.

Home Internet Access

Students are allowed to access home or public wireless networks on their Chromebook.

Manage Your Files and Saving Your Work

Saving to the Chromebook

Students must be responsible for backing up their own files. Students may save work to the their Google account. Students can save documents locally to enable working on those documents offline.  Students should be aware that files on the Chromebook will not be backed up if the Chromebook needs to be repaired. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that work is not lost due to mechanical failure or accidental deletion. Chromebook malfunctions are not an acceptable excuse for not submitting work.

Network Connectivity

Sumner-Fredericksburg makes no guarantee that the network will be up and running 100% of the time. In the rare case that the network is down, Sumner-Fredericksburg will not be responsible for lost or missing data.

Acceptable Use

The use of the school district’s technology is a privilege, not a right.  The privilege of using the technology resources provided by the school is not transferable or extendable by students to people or groups outside the district and terminates when a student is no longer enrolled in the district. This policy is provided to make all persons 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 may be applied. Violations may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion for students. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

Parent or Guardian Responsibilities

• Talk to your children about values and the standards that your children should follow on the use of the Internet just as you do with all media information sources such as television, telephones, movies, and radio.

• Monitor the use of the Chromebook and Internet when students are at home.

• Do not attempt to repair the Chromebook.

School Responsibilities

• Provide Internet access to students at school.

• Provide Internet filtering  of inappropriate materials while at school.

• Provide network data storage areas.  Sumner-Fredericksburg reserves the right to review, monitor, and restrict information stored on or transmitted via district-owned equipment and to investigate inappropriate use of resources.

• Provide staff guidance to aid students in doing research and help ensure student compliance with the acceptable use policy.

Student Responsibilities

• Use devices in a responsible and ethical manner.

• Obey general school rules concerning behavior and communication that apply to 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, loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the student’s negligence, errors, or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the district’s designated Internet system is at your own risk. Sumner-Fredericksburg specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the Internet.

• Help district personnel protect the computer system by contacting an administrator about any security problems they encounter.

• Monitor all activity on their account.

• Turn off and secure the Chromebook when they are done working to protect their work and information.

• Keep the Chromebook in a safe, secure environment when not in use. If placed in a locker the locker  must be locked appropriately.

• If the student discovers content containing inappropriate or abusive language or questionable subject matter, they should take a screenshot and report it to school personnel.

• Return the Chromebook to the district at the end of each school year. Students who graduate early, withdraw, are suspended or expelled, or terminate enrollment for any reason must return their Chromebook on the date of termination.

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.

• Plagiarism, including accessing sites that sell term papers, book reports, and other forms of student work.

• Spamming-sending mass or inappropriate emails.

• Using another student’s accounts, files, and/or data.

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

• Use of anonymous and/or false communications.

• Use or possession of hacking software.

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

• Bypassing the district Internet filter through a web proxy.

Chromebook Care

Students will be held responsible for protecting their individual Chromebooks and keeping them in good working order.

• Batteries must be charged and ready for each school day.  

• Only labels or stickers approved by the school district may be applied to the Chromebook

• Protective cases furnished by the district must be returned with only normal wear and no alterations.

• Chromebooks that malfunction or are damaged must be reported to the technology staff. The district will be responsible for repairing Chromebooks that malfunction. Chromebooks that have been damaged from student misuse, neglect, or are accidentally damaged will be repaired. The student may be responsible for any deductible. Multiple incidents during any one school year may incur additional charges.

• Chromebooks that are stolen must be reported immediately to the office so a report can be filed with the police.  Chromebooks that are stolen will be replaced. The student will be responsible for the cost of replacement.

Student Discipline

If a student violates any part of the above policy, he/she will put on the following disciplinary steps

• First offense – the student will check-in and check-out their Chromebook from the Technology Office daily for 14 calendar days.

• Second offense  – a 14 calendar day  Chromebook privilege suspension (the student is still responsible for all required work).

• Third offense – disciplinary action will be determined by the administration.