Technology
Technology Access
Technology is an important educational tool that we use to support teaching and learning. A team of nine full-time employees maintain a robust network and wireless infrastructure that provides reliable connectivity with access to tools and resources for our nearly 5,000 students and staff. Each classroom is equipped with a digital projector or interactive display panel. Every student receives an iPad and protective case in grades K-12. An integrated keyboard case is provided in grades 1-12. Students also have access to desktop or laptop computers based on the courses they select. A robust wireless network supports connectivity throughout the district. The district invests in technology to support programs so our teachers can provide students with access to multiple software suites and online educational experiences.
Electronic Learning Tools
The district utilizes a variety of educational applications, software, and online services to support student learning. Devices are pre-loaded with district approved programs and software. No other programs may be installed on student devices. A list of educational resources is maintained on the districts technology department webpage. Parents are encouraged to review this evolving list and may contact their building’s school principal with any questions they may have.
Technology Use
The district maintains a variety of policies that govern the use of technology. We recommend that families take time to review policies with their students to better understand these expectations. All School Board Policies are available via BoardDocs.
Acceptable Use of Internet, Computers and Network Resources
The school district provides access to technology hardware, software, services, and the Internet to support learning and operations. This access is a privilege and must be used responsibly. This policy ensures a safe and productive digital environment for all users.
Key points for families
- Purpose: To enhance learning and daily operations.
- Access: Available to students, staff, and authorized individuals.
- Privacy: No expectation of privacy; usage may be monitored.
- Prohibited Activities: Includes illegal activities, commercial use, bullying, hate speech, and accessing inappropriate content.
- Consequences: Misuse can lead to loss of access, disciplinary action, and legal consequences.
Electronic Devices
The school district supports the use of electronic devices (including "smart" devices (phones, watches, etc.) for educational purposes while ensuring a safe and orderly environment. Students are provided with a dedicated device for educational needs as such, the use of personal technology for educational needs is strictly at the discretion of the district.
Key points for families
- Purpose: Support educational use while maintaining safety.
- Definition: Devices that can take photos, record/play audio or video, store/transmit data, or connect to the Internet.
- Authorized Use: Building principals, in consultation with the Superintendent, determine the rules for electronic device use within their buildings and programs. Usage rules may vary by school level and program.
- Liability: The district is not responsible for loss or misuse.
- Prohibited: Use of personal devices at school is a privilege. No obscene or illegal images; violations may lead to discipline and confiscation.
Electronic Device Misuse Discipline Process
At the end of the handbook, See classroom-managed code 109.0 “Misuse of Electronic Device/Network – Minor” and office-managed code 211.0 “Misuse of Electronic Device/Network – Major,” in the Code of Student Conduct. Appendix A: Discipline Decision-Making Guide provides details for the application of disciplinary action for these specific infraction codes.
- 1st Offense is a Level I Offense -- The cell phone and all its contents are confiscated; to be returned to student at the end of the school day.
- 2nd Offense is a Level II Offense -- The cell phone and all its contents are confiscated; only returned to the parents with the appropriate disciplinary action taken.
- Subsequent offenses are considered a Level III Offense and may result in suspension and will result in confiscation of the cell phone and all its contents; returned only to the parent.
Device Damage
Appropriate use and care for all district property, including technology, is expected of all stakeholders. The district takes steps to protect equipment and recognizes that accidents can occur, intentional or repeated damage/misuse of district property will not be tolerated.
Key points for families:
- Policy 224: It is the policy of the Board that students who willfully cause damage to school property shall be subject to disciplinary measures. Students and others who damage or deface school property may be prosecuted and punished under law. Parents/Guardians shall be held accountable for the actions of their child.
- Policy 237: The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage or misuse of any electronic device.
- Policy 815: Users of district computers and network resources shall be responsible for damage to the equipment, systems, platforms and software resulting from deliberate or willful acts.
Accidental Damage:
Generally, the district provides coverage for up to two (2) accidental incidents with their district issued iPad per school year. Subsequent incidents in the same school year will result in financial obligation to the student and their family. Families will be responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement for damages due to negligence or if the device and/or power adapter/charger is lost or stolen. Lost, damaged, or stolen devices and/or accessories should be reported to your Building Principal immediately. Replacement charging cords/bricks are available for $10 (K-5 front office and 6-12 in the library). A full list of associated costs for lost/damaged devices are detailed on the districts technology department webpage.
Device Care Expectations:
Student devices are to be used for school related purposes both during and after school. Students are responsible for maintaining their district-issued device, power adapter/charger, and protective case. Students are responsible to bring their iPad to school fully charged and ready to be used in class each day. District iPads are not permitted to travel outside the district’s geographic area (i.e. vacation, travel, etc.) without prior approval by the Building Principal. Devices must be properly transported, stored, and secured at all times.
Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Education (Policy 815.1):
We believe Artificial Intelligence education is imperative for our students and staff, and we will work to provide our stakeholders with foundational AI Literacy throughout the district. Under School Board Policy 815.1 the district provides guidelines and expectations for the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support student education. The policy emphasizes Responsible Use of AI, Privacy and Security of data, and maintaining Academic integrity.
Community Access
PowerSchool Family Account
The district utilizes the PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) to maintain a variety of student academic and behavioral records. Parents can gain valuable insights and receive crucial communications from the district by creating a free PowerSchool Family account. Families can create their free parent account following the directions on the district’s technology department webpage.
Instructional Learning Hub
The district provides two primary learning resources for our students. These platforms serve as a digital classroom to complement in person learning in our schools.
- Elementary: Seesaw is the primary learning hub for our elementary students. Beginning in grade 4, students also have access to the Schoology Learning Management System.
- Secondary: Schoology is the primary learning hub for all secondary students. No other learning platform should be used by district staff with students, except for students attending CVVA or others who have specific accommodation.
Student Device Monitoring Tools for Parents
We strongly encourage parents to support their students by actively monitoring students' use and activity on their district issued devices. Frequent conversations about respect, responsibility, in person and digitally can make a big difference in choices students make. Each student device includes the Securly website filtering service.