Technology Use Expectations
This document outlines the acceptable use of technology hardware, software, systems, networks, websites, Internet connections and/or other equipment, hereafter referred to as “technology,” belonging to, or in possession and/or control of, Wrentham Public Schools (WPS). These expectations shall apply to all WPS students hereinafter referred to as “Users,” who utilize WPS technology. All parents/guardians are required to confirm that they read this document, reviewed it with their WPS students, and that the students agree to abide by the expectations.
Protection Measures for Student Safety
WPS uses multiple measures to protect users and data. Students will not be given access to technology that can communicate with anyone outside of a WPS employee or student. Only the first name and the first initial of the last name of a student will be used on the WPS website. The name of a student will not be associated with their picture. Only authorized WPS staff, the State of Massachusetts, and Student Information System (SIS) hosting company will have direct access to the Student Information System (SIS). All material placed on a student created web page must be pre-approved by a WPS teacher. The WPS filtering system attempts to block user access to inappropriate and/or harmful content on the Internet; however, WPS is not liable if a user accesses inappropriate content. If that happens, the student should immediately close the connection to the site and refrain from downloading any material. The student should then report the incident to the classroom teacher. The teacher will then report the incident to the building principal and provide the address of the site to the Director of Technology.
Teachers will supervise any classroom created collaboration and interactive learning tools. Access to the collaboration and interactive learning tools should require a username and password and be limited to staff and students within WPS. Individuals outside the school system will have viewing access only. Students will only share their username and password with their teachers and parents/guardians. They will keep all personal information out of their posts. WPS will maintain compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) at all times.
Privacy
WPS monitors all device use and no user has an expectation of privacy regarding use of WPS technology. All internet usage, messages, data, and information viewed, created, sent or retrieved through WPS technology or services are the property of the WPS. WPS reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, delete, destroy, maintain and/or store all Internet usage, messages, data, and information on its network and property. All information maintained on WPS technology is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records law. Limited student and parent/guardian information may be shared with contracted third- parties and school organizations depending on the nature of their service. These services include school district outreach, special education evaluation, and curriculum software.
Personal Responsibility
Users agree to follow all rules outlined in this document and be personally responsible, both legally and financially, for their use of WPS technology, and shall use WPS technology only in conformance with these expectations. WPS may, acting in its sole discretion, limit or deny the privilege of access to WPS technology to any user at any time. Users of WPS technology are expected to refrain from unacceptable uses. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Using the Internet in a manner that would violate any federal, state, or local statute, regulation, rule or policy.
- Using threatening, defamatory, discriminatory, or harassing language or language that constitutes a criminal offense or that is detrimental to or in opposition to the WPS’ educational mission in any email message or other Internet communication.
- Displaying or downloading any kind of inappropriate image, document or drawing. In addition, inappropriate material may not be archived, stored, distributed, edited, or recorded using WPS technology.
- Knowingly engaging in any activity that could result in damage to WPS technology.
- Sharing passwords or assigned accounts, without the express authorization of the WPS.
- Engaging in activities designed to or that may potentially expose WPS technology or other computers to computer viruses, other harmful software, attempts to access technology function in unauthorized ways, or other injury or damage.
- School business use of instant messaging, chat room, or social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) for communication with staff is prohibited. Please use direct phone or email contact for all school business conversations.
- Unauthorized copying, downloading, or distributing of copyrighted or pirated software, materials or data. This includes, but is not limited to: licensing information, e-mail, text files, program files, image files, database files, sound files, music files, and video files.
- Providing private and/or confidential information about any individual other than the user, or the user’s immediate family, over WPS technology.
- Using WPS technology to transmit or display material confidential to the WPS to uninvolved parties without the authorization of the WPS. This includes material posted in chat rooms, newsgroups, blogs, or other public forums.
- Recording or photographing any live online lesson or recorded lesson.
- Posting to social media or any publicly accessible website a recording or photograph of a live online lesson, recorded lesson, online class, individual or small group meeting, classroom event, school event, or any similar WPS activity.
- Downloading/Installing software, programs, or apps on WPS technology.
- Attempting to harm, maliciously modify, or destroy data that has been created by another.
- Plagiarizing.
Failure to Follow the Technology Use Expectations
Violating any of the guidelines listed above may result in restricted technology access, loss of technology access, and/or disciplinary action against the user. Referral to law enforcement personnel and/or legal action including, but not limited to, criminal or civil prosecution and/or penalty under appropriate state and federal laws.
Warranties/Indemnifications
Wrentham Public Schools makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, in connection with its provision of access to and use of its technology provided in this document. WPS is not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, injuries or costs or fees of any kind suffered or incurred, directly or indirectly, by any user arising from use of the WPS’ technology.
The user takes full responsibility and agrees to hold harmless and indemnify the WPS, its Internet Service Provider (ISP), the town of Wrentham, and all of the WPS’, its ISP’s officers, and the town’s employees, agents, servants, representatives, administrators, teachers, volunteers and staff from any and all claims, losses, damages, injuries or costs or fees (including attorney’s fees) of any kind resulting from the user’s access to the WPS’ technology, including, but not limited to, any fees or charges incurred through the purchase of goods or services by the user.
Liability
The WPS is not liable for any users’ inappropriate use of electronic resources or violations of copyright restrictions, users’ mistakes or negligence, or costs incurred by users. The WPS shall not be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, safety, harmlessness, or usability of any information found on the Internet. The WPS shall not be responsible for any claims, losses, damages, injuries, or costs or fees (including attorneys’ fees) of any kind suffered or incurred, directly or indirectly, by any user arising from use of the WPS’ technology.