Lowell Middle School Computer Use Agreement Addendum Assignment of Computers Computers (laptop with hardware and software, a charger with extension cord and a computer carrying bag) will be assigned to students at the beginning of the school year. All students will be assigned an Apple MacBook Air. 7th and 8th Grade Students will be taking the assigned Computer home each evening along with a charger. 6th Grade This Computer will remain with the student throughout the school day and the school year. The Computer will remain at school and will not be available to be taken off school property at this time. Parent and student pre requisites All 6th grade and new parents and students to LMS are to attend a mandatory informational meeting prior to the student gaining access to the assigned Computer. Also, all students and parents are required to agree to the computer use agreement and acceptable use policy by providing signatures that will remain on file in the office annually. This also includes the COPPA agreement. Optional meetings and information regarding any changes to policy will be shared at the building and through the website. Students are required to complete the online safety and digital citizenship course provided by the school annually. This is currently provided through Learning.com. A parent course is also provided and strongly recommended for all parents. Information on logging in will be provided to parents at the start of the school year. 6th Grade Only Pick up Where: The Computer will be picked up daily during bonus time at the beginning of the day. The student s Computer will be in a cart within the student s bonus classroom. When: The student is to report to his or her locker to obtain appropriate materials for the day, including the student s computer bag and then to his or her bonus class for attendance, Computer pick up, announcements, and bonus class. How: The student will line up in a single file manner at the cart to obtain the Computer. The student will unplug the computer at the power supply attached to the laptop (not using the cord). The student will then move the computer to the desk and place it into his or her carrying bag. Please see the handling of equipment section below and in the Tri Creek computer use agreement for the appropriate way to move and carry the computer. Drop off Where: The student will return the Computer to bonus class. When: During the last few minutes of the school day, the student will return the Computer to the cart in the bonus class they are scheduled into. How: Students will line up in a single file fashion, carrying the Computer as stated in the handling of equipment section. Students will plug the computer in, being sure the computer is turned correctly and the plug is attached appropriately to ensure charging overnight. The student will then be responsible for returning the carrying bag to his or her locker and locking the bag in the locker. The carrying bag is to remain at school, and not travel off school property with the student. Any necessary items to be taken home can then be transferred to the student s book bag or carried out of the building.
Late Arrival If the student arrives late to school for the day, he or she will report to the office for a pass. The student will then report to his or her bonus class to retrieve the Computer during the next passing period. Early Departure If a student is being signed out of school early, the Computer will be left in the office. The student will fill out a ticket with information so the Computer can be returned to the cart and charged overnight for the student. 7th and 8th Grades All 7th and 8th grade students will be carrying the Computer throughout the day as well as bringing it home each evening. Students are responsible for caring for and charging the Computer each evening and weekend to be prepared for the educational day. The same acceptable use policies and school filters will be in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please see below for specific supports in place for students taking computers home. To promote responsible use, time management and a healthy lifestyle, Lowell Middle School has determined the internet will not be available on Tri Creek issued student laptops for students bringing them home between the hours of midnight and 5AM. Computer Charging Policy and Consequences Students are expected to come to school each day with a laptop that is fully charged. Computers that are not fully charged at the beginning of the day will, most likely, run out of power before the end of the school day thus restricting student s participation in class. When a student comes to school without a charged laptop, a teacher may send the student down to the computer charging area. At that time, the student s name and the date will be recorded. A file will be maintained containing a list of dates and times that each student has required a laptop charge at school. To promote responsibility with the machine, abuse of this service will result in consequences. It is also recommended that students comply with energy management suggestions from the staff so battery life is extended throughout the day. If necessary, students are encouraged to use the charging area in the media center during the following times, with adult permission: before school study hall bonus lunch PE Charging in the classroom is strongly discouraged. Teacher discretion is applied when an educational need is present. The following consequences will be in place for students. When a pattern of excessive use of the charging station is established, the following will occur: Verbal warning Parent notification Possible computer violation consequences (outlined below under acceptable use)
All Students Lunch The student will not bring the Computer to lunch. Prior to entering the cafeteria, the student will report to his or her locker to lock the Computer (inside the carrying case) for the duration of lunch. PE The student will not bring the Computer to physical education class unless instructed by the teacher. The humidity from the locker rooms is harmful to the Computer. Passes out of Class If a student needs to leave the classroom (EX: Restroom, Nurse, etc), he or she will carry the laptop up to the teacher and leave the Computer in the possession of the teacher while out of the room. At no time is the student to leave the Computer unsecured or unattended. If the end of class bell rings while the student is out of the classroom the student must get a pass from their next period teacher to return to pick up the laptop. During passing periods, students are to report to class before using the restroom. The student is able to use the above procedure so the laptop is not unattended in the restroom. Summer TCSC will collect all student computers over the summer for inspection, maintenance, and repair. Laptops may be available for summer school and online courses at TCSC s discretion. More information on availability will be given closer to summer school registration. Highlighted Student responsibilities **These are expressed in detail in the Tri Creek Computer Use Agreement Handling of Equipment Moving Close lid when moving check light Within the classroom carry cafeteria tray style (two hands, against body) stem to stomach Outside of the classroom Must be in zipped bag and worn messenger style (strap across the body) Meeting pickup and drop off expectations as stated. Meeting other expectations as outlined in the LMS procedures. Meeting charging and at home responsibilities. *Managing energy and battery life responsibly (use suggested energy management tips). This is essential for the computer to be available for educational purposes throughout the school day. Consequences for Acceptable Use Policy violation These consequences are subject to change based on the severity of the violation and are all made at the discretion of the administration. Progressive Flowchart of Consequences 1st offense: Warning from Technology Office and notification home.
2nd offense: 3rd offense: 4th offense: 5th offense: 6th offense: After School Detention with reteaching of appropriate computer use Multiple detentions plus community service, Movement to Level 1 access 5 day referral to 6 to 6 program plus community service, Level 1 access 10 day referral to 6 to 6 program plus community service, Level 1 access 5 day referral to the opportunity center plus community service, Level 1 access These will be documented in Harmony (the student management system) as discipline records and marked as computer violations. Tiered Access: Lowell Middle School 1:1 Tiered Access System: In order to support student responsible use of laptops for appropriate academic purposes during the school day, LMS administration and the Technology Department have come up with the following plan for allowing access to certain websites and technological tools. To promote a safe and responsible online learning environment, LMS has outlined the tiered access system aligned with Lowell High School and a digital literacy plan for educating students on the appropriate uses of their computers. Level 2: Limited Access this is the default level for all students ichat, AirDrop, FaceTime blocked Access to all Social Media blocked Access to Tri Creek Email only can only email within the district USB drive access limited to document access only no access to games or applications Limited Internet access filtering profile. **Students are placed in this level by default, but students will be placed in a lower level of access based on academic and or behavioral issues (including, but not limited to computer violations). Level 1: Restricted Access. itunes, ichat, AirDrop, and all social media blocked Access to all Social Media blocked Access to all Email blocked Take home privileges revoked USB drive access blocked Limited Internet access filtering profile Students placed in this level: students on the multiple F list (checked quarterly) students on an attendance contract students assigned to the 6 to 6 program students assigned to the Opportunity Center students who do not complete the Online Safety assessment students that are at the 3rd computer offense or greater Level 0: Severely Restricted Access. Students may only be placed in this level by an administrator. This level is for chronic abuse of technology use. This may include specific individual customizations for each student s level of responsibility.
LMS Administration will send out a letter to all parents explaining the new access levels and the reasons for their need. Included in this letter will be a description of the new access levels as well as information for parents who would want their child placed in a lower level than is assigned. All students will be placed at default Level 2. During the school year, students may have their level of access lowered based on the criteria listed above. Students who have been moved to a lower level of access will have their status reevaluated at the end of each quarter. Students also have an opportunity to have their Level of access increased based on leadership and community service. Student technical issues When technical issues arise for students, they should utilize the following resources or services. Flowchart 1. Student FAQ on LMS website 2. Teacher 3. Media Center Student help desk 4. Technology Office Personalization/Allowable Customizations The student is permitted to customize the assigned Computer to his or her own working styles (EX: default fonts, background screens, and other system enhancements). The student is permitted to download legally obtained music or podcasts to itunes, but cannot download or install any other software or files without permission from the TCSC Technology department. All customizations must meet acceptable use and student handbook expectations. School Wide Expectations for use in the classroom Respect Keep hands to self and own Computer at all times. Use Courtesy Mode Close lid when others are speaking or presenting. Treat the Computer with care. Responsibility Follow all expectations as stated in the Computer Use Agreement Move the computer using the expectations: Close lid when moving check light Within the classroom carry cafeteria tray style (two hands, against body) stem to stomach Outside of the classroom Must be in zipped bag and worn messenger style (strap across the body) Follow Pick up and Drop off, charging, and storage procedures as stated. Positive Leadership Encourage others to follow responsible use Report any known violations of the Computer Use Agreement or Acceptable Use Policy in a timely manner. Model respectful and responsible Computer Use
COPPA Consent and Tiered Access Form July 12, 2013 Dear Parents, As we embrace technology as a tool in the classroom, Web 2.0 tools are an important part of your child s education in the 21st Century. In decades past, school districts purchased software, installed it on servers or hard drives, and allocated machines for student use with access to the purchased software. Now the software our students need lives on the Internet, in the cloud. In 1998, before Web 2.0 software was invented, the Federal Trade Commission created a rule called COPPA (Children s Online Privacy Protection Act) that causes any website that collects information (name, email address; the information needed to create a unique account) to prohibit use by children under 13 without parental consent. We are asking for your consent to allow your child to use these tools in the classroom as part of the educational process. Here are several steps we take to protect your students when using Web 2.0 tools: Students are all assigned a district email address if needed for use by the Web 2.0 tool. Students cannot receive any email communications from outside our district. If a website did want to try to market to our students, they would not be able to. Students are supervised when using technology services at school. Students are always directed to age and subject appropriate sites without deceptive or excessive advertisements. Teachers have researched the tools being used and determined age and subject appropriateness. Parents, we are requesting your consent for your student to use Web 2.0 tools in the classroom. If you ever have a concern about your student s education or the tools being used, please contact the teacher. Providing a 21st Century education that will prepare your student for his/her future is our highest priority, and using the appropriate software for learning is an extremely important part of that education. Please sign below indicating that you will allow your student to use Web 2.0 tools at Lowell Middle School and return to the school. If under 13 years of age, this consent must be on file for your student to proceed with use of the tools. We are asking all students to complete and return this consent. Also, we have placed all students into Level 2 Access. We feel this is the most appropriate level of access to encourage safe and responsible use of the computer and online tools for educational purposes. Please refer to the Tri Creek Computer Use Agreement and Acceptable Use Policy for additional details regarding digital citizenship education and safety measures put into place. If you feel strongly that your student should start at Level 1 Access (see above), please indicate below. If you have any questions, please contact the main office. Sincerely, Rebecca Pavich
Principal, Lowell Middle School Please check which Level of Access the named student will be assigned for the 13 14 school year. Level 2 Access Level 1 Access Student s Name (printed) Parent/Guardian Signature Grade Date