Marlin ISD Chromebook Program Student and Guardian Responsibilities
11-1-17
Marlin ISD is excited to offer Middle School students the opportunity to work with Chromebooks on a daily basis as part of the normal instructional toolset available to teachers. Along with the tremendous opportunities for collaboration and research, the use of Chromebooks demands special consideration and care to keep the device “healthy” so that it can be an investment that will last.
By signing this document, you also acknowledge that you have discussed and agree to the following for your student.
General Precautions
- The Chromebook is school property and all users will follow this policy and the Marlin ISD Acceptable Use 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 Marlin ISD.
- Do not stack any books, heavy materials, etc. on top of the Chromebook as it could cause the device to break.
Photo Library/Screensavers/Background photos
- Inappropriate media should not be on the device and may not be used as a screensaver or background photo.
- Presence of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, gang related symbols or pictures, or any other photo deemed inappropriate will result in disciplinary actions and may also result in a loss of Chromebook privileges.
- Only photos that are for an educational purpose should be saved to the device. All other photos/videos should not be taken or stored.
Sound, Music, Games, or Programs
- Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes.
- The student will use the Chromebook only for the appointed activity at the time the instructor allows. Games, music, videos, or other distractions are not allowed during instructional time.
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 when it is closed.
- 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
- Do not "bump" the Chromebook against desks, walls, floors, etc. as it will eventually break the screen.
Printing
- Printing will not be available at school with the Chromebook. Students should submit assignments to their teachers electronically through the system’s learning management system or according to the teacher’s instructions.
MANAGING YOUR FILES & SAVING YOUR WORK
- Students may save work to their Google Drive accounts via the Chromebook.
- Storage space will be available on the Chromebook, but since the device has storage limitations it is vital that the storage space be privileged for educational use only. It is also important to note that Chromebooks will NOT be backed up by the district in cases of resetting or re-imaging.
- It is the student's responsibility to ensure that their work is backed up and, therefore, not lost due to mechanical failure or accidental deletion.
- Chromebook malfunctions are not an acceptable excuse for not submitting work.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS
Parent/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 on the use of all media information sources such as television, telephones, movies, and radio.
- Become increasingly active participants by asking your child/children to show you what sites they are navigating to and/or what apps are being used and how they work.
- The following resources will assist in promoting positive conversation(s) between you and your children regarding digital citizenship as it relates to Internet safety, conduct, and Netiquette. NetSmartz: www.netsmartz.org CommonSense Media: http://www.commonsensemedia.org
School Responsibilities
- Provide Internet and online course materials access to its students during school hours.
- Provide Internet filtering and blocking of inappropriate materials as able.
- Chromebooks will be treated similar to the policy surrounding school lockers. Marlin ISD reserves the right to review, monitor, and restrict information stored on or transmitted via Marlin ISD owned equipment and to investigate inappropriate use of resources.
- Provide staff guidance to aid students in doing research and help ensure student compliance of the acceptable use policy.
Student Responsibilities
- Using computers/devices in a responsible and ethical manner.
- Obeying general school rules concerning behavior and communication that apply to technology use.
- Using all technology resources in an appropriate manner so as to not damage school equipment. Taking a proactive role to aid Marlin ISD devices in the protection of our computer system/device by contacting an administrator about any security problems they may encounter.
- Comply with trademark and copyright laws and all license agreements. Ignorance of the law is not immunity. If you are unsure, ask a teacher or parent.
- Plagiarism is a violation of the Marlin ISD Code of Conduct. Give credit to all sources used, whether quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music, and text.
- Use or possession of hacking software is strictly prohibited. Violation of applicable state or federal law may result in criminal prosecution or disciplinary action by the District.
- If a student should receive emails containing inappropriate or abusive language or if the subject matter is questionable, he/she is to make a teacher or administrator aware immediately.
- Monitoring all activity on their account(s).
Student Activities Strictly Prohibited
- Students are strictly prohibited from the following actions while using their Chromebook. (Marlin ISD reserves the right to modify this list at any time.)
- Illegal installation or transmission of copyrighted materials
- Any action that violates an applicable existing or future Board policy and any applicable laws
- Sending, accessing, uploading, downloading, or distributing offensive, profane, threatening, pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit materials
- Use of chat rooms, sites selling term papers, book reports and other forms of student work
- Messaging services except those provided by and integrated with the student’s G Suite account.
- Use of outside data disks or external attachments without prior approval from the administration
- Changing of Chromebook settings (exceptions include personal or accommodation settings such as font size, brightness, etc.)
- Spamming-Sending mass or inappropriate emails
- Using the internet to access personal (non-school related) accounts - i.e. non-school provided e-mail accounts (yahoo, Hotmail), Facebook, other social media sites, etc. (NOTE: It is unlawful for children under the age of 13 to enter into contracts used by social media and e-mail account user agreements.)
- Gaining access to other student's accounts, files, and/or data
- Use of the school's Internet/E-mail accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity
- Sending anonymous or misleading communications for any inappropriate purpose via any means
- Students are not allowed to give out personal information, without the permission and supervision of their parents or a school staff member, over the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, setting up internet accounts including those necessary for chat rooms, eBay, email, etc.
- Participation in credit card fraud, electronic forgery or other forms of illegal behavior
- Vandalism (any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, software or data, including, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses or computer programs that can infiltrate computer systems and/or damage software components) of school equipment will not be allowed
- Transmission or accessing materials that are obscene, offensive, threatening or otherwise intended to harass or demean recipients
- Bypassing the Oneonta City Schools web filter through a web proxy
- Any other items deemed inappropriate by administration
Chromebook Care
- Only labels or stickers approved by Marlin ISD may be applied to the device.
- Chromebooks that malfunction or are damaged must be reported to the administration. The school district will be responsible for repairing Chromebooks that malfunction. Chromebooks that have been damaged from student misuse, neglect or are intentionally damaged will be repaired with cost being borne by the student. Students will be responsible for the entire cost of repairs to Chromebooks that are intentionally damaged or lost.
- Students may be responsible for any and all damage as circumstances warrant.
- Chromebooks that are stolen must be reported immediately to the Marlin Police Department and to school administration.
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP
School-issued Chromebooks should be used for educational purposes and students are to adhere to the Acceptable Use Agreement and all of its corresponding administrative procedures at all times. While working in a digital and collaborative environment, students should always conduct themselves as good digital citizens by adhering to the following:
- Respect Yourself. I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will select online names that are appropriate. I will use caution with the information, images, and other media that I post online. I will carefully consider what personal information about my life, experiences, or relationships I post. I will not be obscene. I will act with integrity.
- Protect Yourself. I will ensure that the information, images, and materials I post online will not put me at risk. I will not publish my personal details, contact details, or a schedule of my activities. I will report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me while online. I will protect passwords, accounts, and resources.
- Respect Others. I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to antagonize, bully, harass, or stalk others. I will show respect for others in my choice of websites. I will not visit sites that are degrading to others, pornographic, racist, or inappropriate. I will not enter other individual’s private spaces or areas.
- Protect Others. I will protect others by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications. I will avoid unacceptable materials and conversations.
- Respect Intellectual Property. I will request permission to use copyrighted or otherwise protected materials. I will suitably cite all use of websites, books, media, etc. I will acknowledge all primary sources. I will validate information. I will use and abide by the fair use rules.
- Protect Intellectual Property. I will request to use the software and media others produce. I will purchase, license, and register all software or use available free and open source alternatives rather than pirating software. I will purchase my music and media and refrain from distributing these in a manner that violates their licenses.
As the parent or guardian of a student who will be given the opportunity to use a Chromebook, you will accept financial responsibility for your student’s actions, provided sufficient evidence, according to the following schedule:
Issue | Action(s) Necessary | Cost |
Accidental Damage (1st Instance) | A report must be made immediately to administration, The device must be pulled from the cart so that a replacement can be issued. | $10 or no cost dependent on investigation of cause. |
Accidental Damage (2nd Instance) | A report must be made immediately to administration, The device must be pulled from the cart. There may be a delay in returning the device, in the event of a lack of a spare. However, the student may have restricted solo use of the device. | $25 or no cost dependent on investigation of cause. |
Accidental Damage (3rd and additional instances) | A report must be made immediately to administration, The device must be pulled from the cart.
The student will lose Chromebook privileges and will not be able to participate in Chromebook lessons, an alternative lesson will be provided. This may also result in a referral and disciplinary action. | $25-$40 |
Intentional Damage | A report must be made immediately to administration. The student will lose Chromebook privileges and will not be able to participate in Chromebook lessons, an alternative lesson will be provided.
Deliberate damage will be referred to administration. Any and all appropriate discipline for damage to school property or as otherwise may be appropriate and as set forth in applicable existing or future Board policies or school building policies. | High Level Fine - All costs of whatever kind that are associated with replacing or repairing the device. |
Loss | A report must be made immediately to administration | $170 (or a higher amount depending on cost at time of loss) |
Theft | A report must be made immediately to administration and a police report MUST be filed with the Marlin Police Department or your law enforcement agency. | No cost |
Power cord, extension cable, accessories, etc. (Loss or Damage) | A report must be made immediately to administration, the Chromebook, power cord, etc. must be pulled from the cart pending part replacement. | $15 each |
Marlin ISD reserves the right to adjust or amend this document at any time. Up-to-date versions can be found via www.marlinisd.org
Failure to return the attached signature page will result in the loss of Chromebook privileges for your child.
Signature Page: Please return this page to the School’s front office.
Acceptance of Participation:
By signing below you are stating: “I acknowledge that I give my child permission to participate in the Chromebook program, with the above provisions, and that I have discussed acceptable and ethical behavior with the device and its capabilities. I acknowledge that my child and I will follow the responsibilities and consequences in this document.”
Signed: ________________________________________________ Date: ___________
Refusal of Participation:
By signing below you are stating: “I DO NOT give permission for my child to participate in the Chromebook program. I will contact the school or teacher to make allowances for alternative assignments.”
Signed: ________________________________________________ Date: ___________