Alvarado Junior High Student/Parent Laptop Handbook

Transcription

1 Alvarado Junior High Student/Parent Laptop Handbook This document will outline the policys and procedures that are in place for the AJH student laptop program. Terms of this handbook are subject to change with notice. Page 11 must be signed and returned for laptop to be issued to student. I.Deployment Parent/guardian(s) will be informed by letter and/or Automated calling message of location, date and time of mandatory orientation/meeting. The program and Student/Parent Laptop Agreement will be explained. The parent and student must sign the agreement in order for the student to be issued a laptop. A. Prior to students being issued a laptop: 1. Parent/guardian must attend an orientation/meeting (mandatory) 2. Student must attend an orientation/training (mandatory) 3. Parent/guardian and student must sign Student/Parent Laptop Agreement II. Terms of Laptop Loan A. Terms of Loan 1. Alvarado Junior High will issue a laptop to each student upon compliance with the following: a) Student Orientation/Training session b) Parent/Guardian Orientation/Meeting session c) A signed Student Acceptable Use Agreement (Internet Use) d) A signed Student/Parent Laptop Agreement 2. Legal title to the property (laptop) is with Alvarado ISD. A student s right of possession and use is limited to and conditioned upon full and complete compliance with the Board Policy - Acceptable Use Policy, Campus Handbooks, Code of Conduct, and other Guidelines as outlined in the Student/Parent Laptop Handbook. 3. Students may be subject to loss of privilege, disciplinary action and/or legal action in the event of intentional damage and/or violation of policies and guidelines as outlined in the Student/Parent Laptop Handbook. 4. A student s possession of the laptop terminates no later than the last day of the school year unless there is a reason for earlier termination by the District (e.g., drop-out, expulsion and transfer to another school). Laptops not returned, for any reason, at the end of the school year or when a student withdraws will be considered stolen. Under the Texas Penal Code, section The laptops will be covered by an Accidental Damage Policy as explained in follow sections (Damage). 1

2 B. Loss or Theft C. Damage D. Repossession E. Appropriation 6. The student may have loss of privilege or disciplinary action or legal action in case of intentional damage and/or violation. 1. Third party insurance is available to reduce the cost/liability in the event of loss/vandalism or intentional damage not covered by AISD Accidental Damage Policy. 2. The student or parent/guardian is required to immediately file a police report in all cases of stolen or lost laptops. After filing the police report, the student or parent/guardian shall notify the school s administration and submit a copy of the police report. 3. AISD will coordinate with the police department to alert pawn shops and area law enforcement agencies of lost or stolen laptops. 4. Each laptop will be tracked through an asset recovery system which can locate a stolen/lost laptop when it is connected to the Internet. 1. AISD will provide an Accidental Damage Policy for student laptops which will cover the laptop. Accidental Damage means a loss to a laptop accidental in nature. 2. The Accidental Damage Policy will provide coverage to repair, rebuild or replace the damaged laptop computer with another of like kind and quality, whichever is less. 3. The student and/or the student s parent/guardian shall be responsible for compensating the school district for any losses, costs or damages which are not covered by the Accidental Damage Policy. The student and/or parent/guardian is liable for replacement(s) costs resulting from intentional damage and/or neglect as outlined in this document. Replacement and repair cost(s) will be based on fair market value, as the laptops are new, they will require 100% of their value to be replaced. The purchase price of the laptops in 2010 is $ If unapproved changes or software installs are made to the laptop, the laptop will be re-imaged to its original configuration. There will be a $15 Re-Image Fee to Correct These Problems after the second violation AISD reserves the right to repossess the laptop at any time if the student does not fully comply with all terms of this agreement. Failure to return the property at the designated times and/or the continued use of it for non-related school purposes may be considered unlawful appropriation of Alvarado ISD property. Laptops not returned, for any reason, at the end of the school year or when a student withdraws will be considered stolen. Under the Texas Penal Code, section F. Modification to the One to One Program As the one to one laptop distribution program is new to Alvarado Junior High, the district reserves the right to revoke or modify the program or its terms at any time. 2

3 III. Expectation of Privacy for Student Laptops A. The laptops are considered property of Alvarado ISD and are not subject to the same privacy expectations as private property. However, there is a limited expectation of privacy afforded to the student laptops when taken off the AJH Campus. B. While connected to the AISD network; AISD has the right to monitor the laptops in the following ways: 1. Teachers and administrators may remotely view and control student laptops while in class. This is required for effective classroom management. 2. Teachers and administrators may search the computer for inappropriate material if they have reasonable suspicion of its existence. 3. Technology staff will have the ability to remotely control student laptops to troubleshoot technical issues. 4. Technology staff will have the ability to monitor all network traffic to troubleshoot network issues. 5. All Internet traffic will pass through the content filter. This filter will log all attempts to access inappropriate material. Repeated attempts will result in disciplinary action. 6. Restrictions on the laptop will block the student from certain functions such as accessing administrative software or installing certain programs. Any attempt to circumvent these restrictions, on or off campus, will be seen as a violation of this contract and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. C. While not connected to the AISD network, the following will apply: 1. All Internet traffic will pass through a local copy of the AISD content filter. This filter will log all attempts to access inappropriate material. Repeated attempts will result in disciplinary action. 2. The laptop will receive antivirus and security updates from district servers. 3. Restrictions on the laptop will block the student from certain functions such as accessing administrative software or installing certain programs. Any attempt to circumvent these restrictions, on or off campus, will be seen as a violation of this contract and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. 3

4 IV. General Care of the Laptop A. Students are responsible for the laptop they have been issued. Laptops in need of repair or damaged must be reported to the AJH help desk on campus. Failure to report damage will result in disciplinary action. B. Help desk technical support will determine whether the laptop can be repaired onsite or if a loaner laptop should be issued. Loaner laptops are also covered by all rules and regulations as outlined in this document. C. Guidelines to follow: 1. Always close the lid before moving and/or transporting your laptop. 2. For prolonged periods of inactivity, you should shut down completely before closing the lid. This will help to conserve the battery. 3. Please be aware that overloading the laptop case will damage the laptop. Take precaution when placing the case on a flat surface. Please store the laptop in a separated section of the case. Textbooks, notebooks, binders, etc. should NOT be in the same section of the laptop bag as the laptop itself. Never sit or place any object on the laptop case. 4. When using the laptop, keep it on a flat, solid surface so that air can circulate. For example, using a laptop while it is directly on a bed or carpet can cause damage due to overheating. 5. Liquids, food and other debris can damage the laptop. You should avoid eating or drinking while using the laptop. DO NOT keep food or food wrappers in the laptop bag. 6. Take extreme caution with the screen. The screens are very susceptible to damage from excessive pressure or weight. In particular, avoid picking up the laptop by the screen or using excessive force. 7. Dimming the LCD brightness of your screen will extend the battery run time. For help, consult your teacher, technician or technology specialist. 8. Never attempt repair or reconfiguration of the laptop. Under no circumstances are you to attempt to open or tamper with the internal components of the laptop. Nor should you remove any screws; doing so will render the warranty void and will result in disciplinary action. 9. Take care when inserting cords, cables and other removable storage devices to avoid damage to the laptop ports. 10. Do not expose your laptop to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or ultraviolet light for extended periods of time. Extreme heat or cold may cause damage to the laptop. 11. Do not write, draw, paint or place stickers/labels on your laptop or bag. Remember the laptops and bags are the property of Alvarado ISD. 12. Keep your laptop away from magnetic fields, which can erase or corrupt your data. This includes but is not limited to large speakers, amplifiers, transformers, and old style television sets. 13. Do not leave the power cord plugged into the laptop while in the laptop bag. This will cause damage to the laptop. V. Cleaning Your Laptop A. Routine maintenance on laptops will be done by the AISD technology support team. However, students are encouraged to perform simple cleaning procedures as outlined below: 1. Always disconnect the laptop from the power outlet before cleaning. 4

5 VI. General Security 2. Never use liquids on the laptop screen or keyboard. 3. Clean the screen with soft, lightly dampened, lint free cloth or use anti-static screen cleaners or wipes. 4. Wash hands frequently when using the laptop to avoid buildup on the touch pad. Grease and dirt can cause the cursor to jump around on the screen 5. Clean the touch pad with lightly dampened cloth. A. Never leave your laptop unattended or unsecured. Laptops should be secured in a designated storage facility or a secured locker. B. During after-school activities, you are still expected to maintain the security of your laptop. Unsupervised laptops will be confiscated by staff, and disciplinary actions may be taken. C. Each laptop has several identifying labels (i.e., AISD asset number, serial number, and engravings). Under no circumstances are you to modify or destroy these labels or markings. D.Each laptop will be tracked through an asset recovery system which can locate a stolen/lost laptop when it is connected to the Internet. VII. General Use of the Laptop A. Students are REQUIRED to bring his/her laptop to school each day with a fully charged battery. Students will not be given the use of a loaner laptop if he/ she leaves his/her device at home. Students leaving laptops at home will be required to complete assignments using alternate means (as determined by the teacher). B. Students will be able to save files directly to the laptop. However, files for instructional use should be backed up to the student s home directory, and it will then be backed up by the district. Only school related data should be placed in the home directory. Personal files such as pictures or music will be deleted without notice when discovered. If a laptop is experiencing a technical issue, it is likely to be reimaged which will destroy all local data that is not backed up. C. Students will receive disciplinary referral from their teacher for repeatedly refusing to bring the laptop to class. D. Be mindful not to cause a tripping hazard when it is necessary to plug in your laptop. E. Avoid using your laptop in areas which may lead to damage or theft. Do not use your laptop around sporting activities, events or in the cafeteria area when food is being served/consumed. F. Laptops are not allowed on overnight trips or field trips without the expressed written approval of the lead chaperone and the parent/guardian. G. LAPTOP USE IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE DINING AREA (LUNCH ROOM) DURING LUNCH PERIODS. The laptop may be used in designated commons areas (away from food or drink) during this time. H. Laptop sound will be muted at all times unless permission is obtained from the teacher for instructional purposes. I. Do not delete any folders or files that you did not create or that you do not recognize. Deletion of files could result in a computer failure and will interfere with your ability to complete class work. J. Students may not download or install software applications on AISD issued laptops. K. Students are prohibited from playing games in the classroom. 5

6 L. Chat rooms are not to be accessed without specific permission from the classroom teacher. M. The use of the Internet at school is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in suspension/termination of user privileges. N. Student laptops will be subject to routine monitoring by teachers, administrators, and technology staff. While off campus, parental monitoring is highly recommended. O. Students will provide access to any laptop computer and /or accessories that they have been assigned upon the district s or school s request. An individual search of the laptop and other stored student files may be conducted by administrators if there is suspicion that policies or guidelines have been violated. P. Students will continue to be assigned a space on the server for storing educational files (home directory). This directory should be used for backing up and storing files as directed by the teacher. Additional common storage space may be provided by your teacher. VIII. AISD does manage and monitor student accounts. Student is only open to sending and receiving in district. Access to any thrid party solution is prohibited (yahoo, gmail etc) A. Always use appropriate language. B. Do not transmit language/ material that is profane, obscene, abusive, or offensive to others. C. Do not send mass s, chain letters or spam. Group s may be sent only with permission from the Principal s office. D. Students should maintain high integrity with regard to content. E. No private chatting during class. F. AISD is subject to inspection by the school staff, administration and the School Resource Officer. IX. Virus Protection All laptops have Sophos antivirus protection software installed. The virus software will automatically scan any unprotected storage space at startup. Do not remove or add any virus protection software. X. Internet Access/Filtering A. As required by the Children s Internet Protection Act, a current filtering solution (Lightspeed TTC) is maintained by the district for school use on this laptop. This is a good faith effort to block all inappropriate content; but, the district cannot guarantee that access to all inappropriate sites will be blocked. It is the responsibility of the user and parent/guardian to follow guidelines for appropriate use of the network and the Internet. AISD will not be responsible for any problems suffered while on the network or the Internet. Use of any information obtained through the Internet is at the user s own risk. B. A local copy of the Lightspeed TTC Internet filter will continue to filter content outside the AISD network. It is the responsibility of the user and parent/guardian to follow guidelines for appropriate use of the Internet. AISD will not be responsible for any problems suffered while on the Internet. Use of any information obtained through the Internet is at the user s own risk. 6

7 In order to access the Internet away from campus: XI. Login Procedures You must have access to an Internet service provider. The laptop can be hardwired to a switch, hub, or router using an Ethernet cable. If you have access to an existing wireless access point, the laptop can join your wireless network. AISD can t provide direct assistance in connecting your laptop to any non-aisd network A. School Use: Students will log in to the AISD network by using their assigned username and password. Students will have access to network home directory storage when logged in to the AISD network. It is students responsibility to backup any school-related files to their home directories. B. Home Use: Away from school, students will log in to their laptop using the same username and password they use at school. Students will not be permitted to download or install programs to their laptop. A designated area on the hard drive will be available for storing school related files; backup of any data stored on the hard drive is the responsibility of the student. C. DO NOT share passwords. Students are responsible for anything done using their login. XII. Copyright Compliance with federal copyright law is expected of all. "Copyright" is legal protection for creative intellectual works, which is broadly interpreted to cover just about any expression of an idea. Text (including and Web information), graphics, art, photographs, music, and software are examples of types of works protected by copyright. Copying, distributing, downloading, and uploading information on the Internet may infringe the copyright for that information. Even an innocent, unintentional infringement violates the law. VII. Usage Guidelines to avoid Repetitive Stress Injuries (Ergonomics) Ergonomics is defined as the science of making things fit people instead of asking people to fit things. Ergonomics uses knowledge from anatomy, mechanics, physiology and psychology to utilize human energy most effectively. Please read the following guidelines to promote safe, comfortable and efficient use of the student laptop. A. Use a pillow, folded blanket or towel to raise the seat high enough so that your elbows are bent at about 90 degrees and hands and wrists are in a neutral posture. If the chair is not high enough or the work surface is not low enough, place the laptop on your lap, but make sure your knees are level with your hips. B. Reduce pressure on your neck by tucking in your chin to view the monitor rather than bending your neck down. If possible, lower your eyes instead of bending your head forward to see the screen. C. Make sure the screen is adjusted to minimize glare. D. Take frequent mini breaks and change your work posture often. For example, place the laptop in your lap to achieve better wrist position for approximately 30 minutes. Then, switch and place the laptop on a table to achieve better neck position. E. The arm support and padding of work surfaces is also important when working at a table or desk with hard leading edges. Use a pillow or folded towel as a wrist rest or arm support while typing. 7

8 F. If seated in a chair that does not provide adequate lumbar support, use a rolled up towel or small pillow as a lumbar support device. G. Reduce the weight of the laptop bag as much as possible by ensuring only the most needed items are included. Ensure the shoulder straps and handles have adequate padding. Switch shoulders and hands often while carrying the laptop bag or try using a backpack or other bag which has two straps or wheels. H. Ergonomic exercises can be helpful for end users. See the NTSP Ergonomic Guidelines for more detailed information on Exercises. XIII. Usage Guidelines Tier 1: Inappropriate Use: Includes but not limited to: 1. Using proxy sites 2. Using computers not assigned to you (Teachers may allow students to look on with another student for instructional purposes only) 3. Videoing or taping on school property is not permitted when not related to an assignment 4. ing or chatting during class (when not related to an assignment) 5. Profanity 6. Gaming (when not related to an assignment) Tier 2: Unacceptable Use: Includes but not limited to: 1. Pornography (real life or cartoon) Pornography can be a felony offense and if so will be turned over to authorities. a. Possession b. Manufacturing-using a camera to create pictures/movies c. Distributing sending/sharing with others 2. Images of Weapons 3. Gang Related Files 4. Bootleg movies or music 5. Logging into a computer/application using someone else s login 6. Cheating 7. Using a computer to plan a fight, cause harm or commit a crime 8. Profanity directed to the faculty or staff 9. Threats and/or cyber bullying. 10. Sexting XIII. Screensavers / Background images 1. Inappropriate media may not be used as a screensaver/background. IV. Printing 2. Presence of guns, weapons, pornographic materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, gang related symbols or pictures will result in disciplinary actions. 3. Passwords on screensavers are not to be used. 4. Hard drive passwords are forbidden. If used, students may be responsible for the cost of replacement hardware. Students may use the printers located in various locations around the school with teachers permission during class or breaks. 8

9 V. Deleting Files Do not delete any files that you did not create. Deletion of certain files can affect your laptops performance. There will be a $15 Re-Image Fee to Correct These Problems after the second violation VI. Music, Games, or Programs VII. Inspection Music and games are not allowed on the laptop during school hours in the classroom without permission from the teacher. Do not save any music, games, or programs to the AISD network or the Home Directory File. All software must be district provided. There will be a $15 Re-Image Fee to Correct These Problems after the second violation Students may be selected at random to provide their laptop for inspection. The laptop may be inspected by Tech Department Personnel, Administration or the School Resource Officer. VIII. Procedure for re-loading software If technical difficulties occur or illegal software is discovered, the technician will copy all files in the My Documents folder.the hard drive will then be re-formatted. Authorized software will be installed and the data files reinstated in the My Documents Folder. The school does not accept responsibility for the loss of any software deleted due to a reformat and re-image There will be a $15 Re-Image Fee to Correct Illegal Software Problems after the second violation XIII. Care and Responsibility Guidelines Tier 1: Care and Responsibility: Neglect and Misuse Includes but is not limited to: 1. Carrying your laptop out of the assigned case or with the screen open 2. Overloading or carrying books and binders in the same compartment of the laptop bag with the device 3. Leaving laptop unattended 4. Allowing someone else to use your assigned laptop 5. Removing labels and identifying stickers on laptop/bag Tier 2: Care and Responsibility: Intentional Misuse or Abuse Includes but is not limited to: 1. Intentional actions which are harmful or potentially harmful to the laptop, charger, and/or laptop case 9

10 All students will begin the school year with Standard Privileges. Student records will be reviewed quarterly to determine whether they have earned the opportunity to keep all standard privileges. Description of Privileges Standard Privileges: Laptop computer Home use of laptop computer Assistance for home internet & printer set-ups Approved Software installation at the Help Desk A student may be put on Suspended Privileges Suspended Privileges: Laptop computer use at school Laptop may be checked out with teacher s permission Criteria for Privileges Standard Privileges Criteria All students will begin on this level at the beginning of the school year. To remain at this level, students will have Less than 3 incidents of accidental damage No more than 1 incident of a Computer Laptop Violation No incidents of Computer Network Violations Suspended Privileges Criteria Students will be placed at this level if they have Three or more incidents of accidental damage Two or more incidents of Computer Laptop Violations One or more incidents of Computer Network Violation 10

11 Student/Parent Laptop Agreement PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION Student Name: Last Name First Name Middle Name Grade Parent/Guardian Name: Last Name First Name Student AISD # Address: Street City ZIP Telephone(s): Home Phone Work Phone Other Laptop Agreement I HAVE read and understand all the terms of the Student/Parent Laptop Agreement. I AGREE to allow my child to participate in the AJH Laptop Project I HAVE discussed the Student/Parent Laptop Handbook and Student Acceptable Use Policy with my child and assure they shall comply with all documented terms. I also acknowledge and understand that my child will have access to the Internet and may be subject to the risks associated with Internet Usage. I AGREE to allow my child to take the school-issued laptop home. I further agree that while at home the computing resources will be used as an educational tool. I acknowledge that we are finacial liable for any damage not covered by the districts accedential protecton plan as outlined in this handbook. Terms of Agreement I hereby agree to the above statements. I also understand that my right to the use and possession of the property terminates the last calendar day of the current school year, unless terminated earlier by the school. I also understand if the property is not returned by the last day of classes, it will be considered stolen. Parent/Guardian Signature Student Signature Date Property Asset/Serial No. AISD Asset # Serial # Student Initials Date 11