Laptop Initiative
by Mary Dobbins
October 01, 2008
Laptop Policies and Procedures
Introduction
Comstock ISD is pleased and proud to offer our students in Grades 9-12 access to an Apple MacBook Laptop computer and the Internet. Use of the wireless network will provide Comstock students access to numerous software programs and the Internet for educational purposes. Comstock ISD believes that teaching using 21st Century tools will improve the educational opportunities for our students.
We hope that you share our excitement of being able to offer the laptop computers as an instructional resource to our students and teachers. The impact on teaching and learning will be enormous. Our students will gain access to up to date information and will be able to use this information to enhance learning. In addition, their technology skills will increase and They will be better prepared for higher education and the workforce. As with any new initiative, there will be constant assessment and necessary changes to make this project work to the maximum benefit of our students. We are committed to that goal.
The Apple MacBook and carrying case that have been issued to you are the property of Comstock ISD. This computer is on loan to the student, and must be used in accordance with the following Policies and Procedures, the District’s Acceptable Use Policy and any applicable laws. The use of this computer, as well as access to the computer network, the Internet and e-mail area are privileges and not rights. These items are provided for educational purposes only, and are intended to support the learning objectives of Comstock ISD.
Using the Computer at School
• Each computer is assigned to an individual student. Students should never “swap” or “share” their computer with another student. Laptops should be in a student’s possession, or secured in the appropriate classroom at all times.
• Students are not allowed to leave their laptops in their locker. If a student is participating in an activity that is not conducive to using their laptop (i.e., field trip, assembly, etc.), they are required to leave their laptop in the appropriate classroom.
• Students may never share their password with another student. Passwords should always be kept confidential. The District Technology Director will keep a confidential record of student passwords. This is done so that District technology staff can perform service and maintenance when necessary.
• Students who have permission to take their laptop home are responsible for bringing their laptop, fully charged, to school each day. If a student fails to bring their fully charged laptop to school each day, they will no longer be allowed to take it home.
• Students who do not have permission to take their laptop home may pick up their laptop in their 1st period classroom each morning, and are required to return their laptop to that classroom at the end of each day. Students are responsible for making sure their laptop is plugged in for recharging each night.
• Computers will be checked each day during 1st period.
• Students will be allowed to recharge their laptops each day during tutorials, lunch, and/or their athletic period.
• Students are not allowed to take their computer into the cafetorium and the dressing rooms. Laptops must be left in the student’s 4th period classroom during the lunch period. Students may pick up their laptops after lunch in their 4th period class for use in their afternoon classes. Athletes will be allowed to leave their computers in the athletic offices during athletic period.
• Students are responsible for saving or backing up their documents to the server.
• Computers are to be used only in the classroom, and at home for homework.
• Students are not allowed to download or install any software or other materials without the permission of the District Technology staff.
• During school hours, game playing on computers is not allowed unless the game is directly related to a school assignment or activity.
• Files stored within the school computer systems (both laptop and fileservers) should be limited to those relating to formal school courses or activities. Games, commercial software, or graphic files that are not for a school project or formal activity should not be stored on the school computer systems.
• Students will not be allowed to alter or change the settings of school supplied software.
Using the Computer at Home
• Students must have the written permission of their parent or guardian before they will be allowed to take their computer home.
• Parents/guardians will be given the child’s login name and password, so that they can supervise the student’s use of the computer at home. When in use at home, the computer should always be used under adult supervision in a common family location (i.e., kitchen, living room, dining room).
• If the computer is lost or stolen, parents/guardians should immediately report the loss or theft to the local law enforcement and Comstock administration
• If the computer is damaged or not working properly, it must be turned in to District Technology staff for repair or replacement. Parents/guardians are not authorized to attempt repairs themselves, or contract with any other individual or business for the repair of the laptop.
• Students are responsible for recharging the laptop at home on a daily basis.
Using the Computer for Internet and E-mail
• Students and parents/guardians understand that Comstock ISD does not have control over information found on the Internet. Students should act responsibly when accessing the Internet. Students should notify their teacher immediately if they accidentally access and inappropriate website. While every attempt is make to block access from inappropriate material while the student is at school, the district is not able to monitor student usage of the computer while at home. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to supervise the information that a student is accessing from the Internet while at home.
• Students should never share personal information about themselves or others while using the Internet or e-mail. This includes a student’s name, age, address, phone number or school name.
• Parents/guardians and students are required to read and agree to the District’s Acceptable Use Policy prior to receiving Internet and e-mail access.
• Students should be aware that Internet access and e-mail, and other media that are accessed, created or stored on their computers are the sole property of the District. The District has the right to review these items for appropriateness, and to limit or revoke a student’s access to them at any time, and for any reason.
• The school’s internet connection should be used only for research or information gathering that is directly related to academic assignments or extracurricular projects supervised by Comstock ISD faculty.
• Email (or any other computer connection) should be used only for legitimate and responsible communication between students, faculty, and the outside world. Rude, abusive, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate language is not permitted.
• Use of chat rooms or instant messaging systems or free email on the Internet is prohibited.
General Use and Care of the Computer
• When transporting their laptop to and from school, students should always be sure it is placed in the carrying case, and the case is fully closed. Laptops bags can then be placed inside the student’s book bag or backpack.
• Students are expected to treat their laptop with care and respect. The computer and case are the property of Comstock ISD, and should be kept clean and free of marks at all times. Placing stickers, writing or drawing on, engraving or otherwise defacing the laptop or carrying case are not allowed and will result in loss of privileges.
• Students are encouraged to help each other in learning to operate their computer. However, such help should be provided with voices and not hands. Students should operate their own computer at all times.
• Any inappropriate or careless use of a computer should be reported to a teacher or other staff member immediately.
• Students should not use their laptop while walking, on the bus, or otherwise being transported. Laptops should only be used while they are on a flat, stable surface such as a table. Laptops can be fragile, and if they are dropped they may break.
• Students should protect their laptop from extreme heat or cold. Laptops should never be left in a car, even if the car is locked.
• Computers should be protected from the weather, water or other liquid, food, and pets. Students should never eat or drink while using their laptop, or use their laptop near others who are eating and drinking.
• Heavy objects should never be placed or stacked on top of your laptop. Use care when plugging their power cord, phone cord and when using their CD ROM drive.
• Computers should never be placed in their carrying case while they are turned on. The computer should either include books, musical instruments, sports equipment, etc.
• Students should be turned off or in “sleep” mode. In addition, computers should not be placed on or under soft items such as pillows, chairs or sofa cushions, or blankets. This will cause the computer to overheat, and will result in damage to the computer.
Breakage or Loss
• For students to gain maximum benefit from the laptop computers, they will need to use them at home as well as in school. These computers and software are expensive instructional tools. The District has incurred the cost of insuring the computer against breakage or loss. Should any breakage or loss occur, they must be immediately reported to school administration or the appropriate law enforcement officials. If the laptop or accessories are damaged, lost or stolen, the following charges for each occurrence are as follows:
• First Breakage: The actual cost or $250(1/2 of the $500 deductible) – money due before the laptop is retuned to the student (maximum charge $250)
• Second Breakage: The actual cost or $500 (entire deductible) – money due before the laptop is retuned to the student (maximum charge $500)
• Third Breakage: The student and parent(s) will meet with the Laptop Leadership Team to ascertain consequences.
• These fees must be paid before the student is re- issued another computer.
Consequences of Inappropriate Use
The use of any district technology is a privilege and not a right. Students are expected to use their computer in accordance with these Policies and Procedures, and District Acceptable Use Policy and any applicable laws. Failure to use this computer in an appropriate manner will result in the following consequences, as determined by the staff and administration of Comstock ISD.
• Cancellation of student use or access privileges, including the privilege of taking the computer home.
• Suspension from school.
• Expulsion from school.
• Civil or criminal liability under applicable laws.
