Mill Pond Technology Guide
Mill Pond School 1:1 Technology Program Guide |
Dear Mill Pond families,
Westborough Public Schools and the Mill Pond School are excited to offer iPads for all 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students enrolled in Mill Pond School. The iPad program has been created to expand the tools and resources available to provide a 21st Century education to all of our students.
- WPS Technology Vision
- MPS Tech Overview
- Internet Acceptable Use Policy
- Student Technology Responsible Use Policy
- Mill Pond 1:1 iPad Program
- iPad Care
- iPad Use
- Student Privacy
- Responsibilities
- Google Accounts: Google Apps for Education (GAfE)
- Technology Take-Home Liability for District-Owned Devices
- Family Resources
WPS Technology Vision
- We believe that the teacher-student relationship is central to creating and maintaining an effective learning environment.
- Technology will be used as a dynamic tool that will enhance teaching and learning, prepare our students to become innovative, knowledgeable, contributing members in the world community, and to be continuous learners.
- Technology will be used to support and enhance the learning environment.
- In an ever-changing world, technology skills are evolving at an unimaginable pace. Our students will need to know if technology can support their search for solutions when faced with a problem and if so, which technology should be used.
- Technology is a utility that should be available when and where needed.
- Westborough Public Schools will provide the necessary access, support, and environment for critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication for all stakeholders.
When a school provides enough technology devices such as iPad, so that there is one device dedicated to each individual student, this is called a 1:1 program. It does not, however, mean that students will be on devices all day! The iPad becomes one of the tools available to the student, at the teacher direction, just like a textbook, a calculator, or a ruler. This is also known as a Blended Learning Environment, one in which teachers and students blend the use of technology with other methods of instruction and learning. Mill Pond Blended Learning Environment is one in which the teacher is the facilitator of learning for students that is both personalized and collaborative; that builds skills and knowledge; that develops critical and creative thinkers; and that enables ALL students to adapt, thrive, and excel in an evolving world. Technology becomes a tool to be used at teacher and student discretion to enhance and transform learning, enabling students to progress through rigorous standards with a personalized balance of support, challenge, choice, and voice, ultimately preparing them to be knowledgeable, innovative, and flexible-thinking citizens who contribute to the world community. We are thrilled to bring this enhanced opportunity for learning to all of our students.
To prepare our students to use their iPads as an educational tool in an appropriate and successful manner, staff members provide training for our students with lessons on the following:
- iPad care
- Network usage and Google Apps for Education (GAfE)
- Digital Citizenship lessons:
- Rings of Responsibility
- Personal and Private/ Safe vs. Unsafe Digital Behavior
- Cyberbullying
These lessons are the collaborative efforts of our homeroom teachers, technology staff, and library staff. They provide a thorough and consistent message to all students at Mill Pond which are then reinforced throughout the school year. To begin the year, all iPads will remain in school. Early in trimester 1, once 6th grade teachers observe that 6th graders have demonstrated strong and consistent responsibility with their iPads, they will be allowed to take them home. We will notify parents when this time comes. Later in the year, 5th graders should be able to take their iPads home, once they too have demonstrated good digital citizenship and iPad care for a period of time. 4th graders may be able to take their iPads home later in the year and this decision will be made after students have had a solid period of time to develop good digital citizenship and iPad care habits. We will keep parents informed of the progress of our 1:1 program and its impact on student learning, and we will offer periodic training opportunities for parents as well. We look forward to an exciting year of learning with your students and thank you for your support!
MPS Tech Overview
At the start of the school year, students will receive three accounts to access technology: a network account, a Google account and an Apple ID. Each student will need to remember his/her username and password for each of these accounts, and students should never share these passwords with anyone except parents, teachers, and staff.
The network account provides access to school computers and WiFi. The username is based on the student's name and year of graduation. Students will set their passwords when they receive their account at the start of 4th grade.
The Google account provides access to Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Classroom and even more. In 7th grade this will be used for email, but students will not have access to email at Mill Pond School. Their username is their network username with “@student.westboroughk12.org” and they will set their password when they set up their Google accounts at the start of 4th grade. It is okay for students to use the same password for both network and Google accounts, however Google passwords require 8 characters and insecure passwords such as “password” and “12345678” are not allowed. Students can log into their Google account from any device connected to the Internet. Students can store their work in their Google Drive which they can access from home, a computer lab, or their iPad.
An Apple ID allows students to sign into their iPad and receive apps assigned to them. Their username is their network username with “@appleid.westboroughk12.org” and they will set their password when they set up their iPads at the start of this year. Apple ID passwords will be a 4 digit pin. Students will set their password to be the first four digits of their student ID number, though this might change if they need to reset their password. Students will not be able to download any apps that have not been assigned by the school.
If students forget their password, they should see their teacher. If needed the technology department can reset passwords. Passwords should never be sent by email and we will never request the password by email. We will also never reset a password as the result of an email or phone call from a parent since the reset should happen while the student is with a staff member. For the safety of our students and the school’s network, a password will only be reset if forgotten when a school employee is present with the student to reset it with them. Please know that a password may also be reset if there is a need for security, disciplinary, or emergency situations.
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
We encourage and invite students to use the computer network to enhance their educational environment at the Westborough Public Schools. When students are using the Westborough Public Schools' Computer Network System, they should understand that they leave "electronic footprints." Personal responsibility should always be considered. Unlimited use of the Internet is a privilege. Violations may result in denial of access to the network system. Consequences for violations of this policy are building specific. For more information on potential violations and student rights, please see the full text of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy, below. Information on violation consequences is also available upon written request.
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Educational Purpose
The Westborough Public School District offers Internet access for student use. Access to the school network and the Internet System is a privilege, not a right. This document contains the Acceptable Use Policy for student use of the Westborough Public Schools' Internet System.
- Westborough Schools' Internet System has been established for a limited educational purpose. The term “educational purpose”includes classroom activities, career development and quality independent learning.
- The Westborough Public Schools' Internet System has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. The Westborough Public School District has the right to place reasonable restrictions on material students’ access or post through the system.
- Students may not use the Westborough system for commercial purposes. This means that students may not offer, provide, or purchase products or services through the Westborough Internet System.
- Students may not use the Westborough Public Schools' Internet System for political lobbying. Students may use the system to communicate with elected representatives and to express opinions on political issues.
- Westborough Public Schools filters Internet content in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act.
Student Internet Access
- All students will have access to the Internet information resources through their classroom, media center or computer lab.
- Students who use email will do so only for educational purposes.
- Students will promptly disclose to their teacher or other school employee any messages they receive that are inappropriate or make them feel uncomfortable.
- Respect resource limits. Students will use the system only for educational and career development activities and quality, independent learning. Educational use will be given priority.
User Guidelines
The following uses of the Westborough Schools’ Internet System are considered unacceptable:
- Personal Safety
- Students will not post personal contact information about themselves or other people. Personal contact information includes home addresses, telephone numbers, etc.
- Students will not agree to meet with someone they have met online.
- Students will not post personal contact information about themselves or other people. Personal contact information includes home addresses, telephone numbers, etc.
- Illegal Activities
- Students will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Westborough Network System or the System’s Internet Access Provider.
- Students will not attempt to disrupt the computer system.
- Students will not use the system to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging for the purchase or sale of drugs or alcohol, or engaging in criminal activity, or threats of any kind.
- Students will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Westborough Network System or the System’s Internet Access Provider.
- System Security
- Students are responsible for their individual account and should take reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their account. Under no circumstances should students provide their password to another person.
- Students will immediately notify a teacher or the system administrator if they have identified a possible security problem. Students should not go looking for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.
- Students will not download or install any software.
- Students are responsible for their individual account and should take reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their account. Under no circumstances should students provide their password to another person.
- Inappropriate Language
- Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on web pages and email.
- Students will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language.
- Students will not post information that could cause damage or a danger or disruption to the educational environment.
- Students will not engage in bullying or personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.
- Students will not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If students are asked by a person to stop sending messages, they must stop.
- Students will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.
- Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on web pages and email.
- Respect for Privacy
- Students will not repost a message that was sent to them privately without the permission of the person who sent them the message.
- Students will not post private information about a person or organization.
- Students will not repost a message that was sent to them privately without the permission of the person who sent them the message.
- Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement
- Students will not plagiarize works found on the Internet. Plagiarism is defined as taking the idea or writings of others and presenting them as if they were your own.
- Students will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when someone inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, students should follow the expressed requirements. If students are unsure whether they can use a work, they should request permission from the copyright owner. Copyright law can be very confusing. If students have questions, they should ask a teacher or librarian.
- Any material that students obtain from the Internet and include in their own work must be cited and credited by name or by electronic address or path on the Internet. Information obtained through email or new sources must also be credited as to sources.
- Students will not plagiarize works found on the Internet. Plagiarism is defined as taking the idea or writings of others and presenting them as if they were your own.
- Inappropriate Access to Material
- Students will not use the Westborough computer system to access material that is profane, obscene, or pornographic, that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature.) A special exception may be made if the purpose of student access is to conduct research approved by a teacher.
- If students mistakenly access inappropriate information, they should immediately tell their teacher or another District employee. This will probably protect them against a claim that they have intentionally violated this policy.
- If students' parents should instruct them that certain materials are inappropriate for them to access, the District fully expects that students will follow their parents' instructions.
- Students will not use the Westborough computer system to access material that is profane, obscene, or pornographic, that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature.) A special exception may be made if the purpose of student access is to conduct research approved by a teacher.
Student Rights
- Free Speech
A student’s right to free speech applies to communication on the Internet. The Westborough Public School Network System is considered a limited forum similar to the school newspaper, and therefore the District may restrict a student’s speech for valid educational reasons. The District will not restrict a student’s speech on the basis of a disagreement with the opinions that a student is expressing.
- Search and Seizure
- All data stored or transmitted on school computers may be and will be monitored, and Students have no right to privacy with regard to such data.
- Routine maintenance and monitoring of the District system may lead to discovery that students have violated this Policy or the law.
- An individual search will be conducted if there is suspicion that a student has violated this Policy, or the law. The investigation will be reasonable and related to the suspected violation.
- All data stored or transmitted on school computers may be and will be monitored, and Students have no right to privacy with regard to such data.
- Due Process
- The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the District.
- In the event that there is a claim that a student has violated this Policy in their use of the District system, the student will be provided with a written notice of the suspected violation and an opportunity to present an explanation before the building Principal or administrator.
- If the violation also involves a violation of other provisions of student handbook guidelines, additional restrictions may be placed on a student’s use of the computer network.
- The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the District.
Limitation of Liability
- The District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the District system will be errorfree or without defect.
- The District will not be responsible for any damage a student may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service.
- The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system.
- The District will not be responsible for financial obligations resulting from the unauthorized use of the system.
Personal Responsibility
When students are using the Westborough Public Schools' Computer Network System, they should understand that they leave "electronic footprints." Personal responsibility should always be considered. Unlimited use of the Internet is a privilege. Violation may result in denial of access to the network system. Consequences for violations of this policy are buildingspecific. This information is available upon written request.
We encourage and invite students to use the computer network to enhance their educational environment at the Westborough Public Schools.
Student Technology Responsible Use Policy
By using the Westborough Public School district technology resources students are agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions of this policy.
The Westborough Public Schools (WPS) provides employees and students with access to the district-wide school network, which also serves as our gateway to the Internet, and school-issued technology. The network has been developed for educational purposes. It is intended to assist in preparing students for success in life in the 21st century by providing access to a wide range of information resources and the ability to communicate with people throughout the world. The system/network may not be used for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any activity prohibited by district policy, including circumventing firewalls, filters, or access controls and/or accessing forbidden or inappropriate material.
The WPS utilizes and maintains a CIPA compliant content filter to reduce the risk of inadvertent exposure while recognizing that it will never provide assurance of complete filtering. To read more about the specific guidelines in place to protect student privacy and ensure safety, please see full text of the Student Technology Responsible Use Policy, below.
Student Technology Responsible Use Policy
By using the Westborough Public School district technology resources students are agreeing to abide by the terms and conditions of this policy.
The Westborough Public Schools (WPS) provides employees and students with access to the districtwide school network, which also serves as our gateway to the Internet, and school issued technology. The network has been developed for educational purposes. It is intended to assist in preparing students for success in life in the 21st century by providing access to a wide range of information resources and the ability to communicate with people throughout the world.
The system/network may not be used for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any activity prohibited by district policy, including circumventing firewalls, filters, or access controls and/or accessing forbidden or inappropriate material.
The WPS utilizes and maintains a CIPA compliant content filter to reduce the risk of inadvertent exposure while recognizing that it will never provide assurance of complete filtering. To protect student privacy and ensure safety, the following guidelines are to be followed:
Responsible Use:
- I will use the Internet, network, and school devices for educationally relevant purposes.
- I will only use websites that are appropriate for student at my age level.
- I will respect the rights of copyright owners and will not plagiarize work that I find on the Internet or make unauthorized copies of digital media.
- I will not use communication tools (e.g., email, chat rooms, instant messaging, Facetime, Skype, Snapchat, etc) without teacher and parent consent.
- I will not download any files or execute attachments from unknown sources that I did not request or expect to receive.
Privileges:
- Using computers and the Internet at school and home is a privilege, and my teacher and the principal make the decision whether and when I may use it or not. If my behavior online is inappropriate, I may lose this privilege.
Manners and Respect:
- I will coordinate with teachers and/or librarians any large scale downloading and printing to prevent network slowdown and conserve resources.
- I will respect all school hardware and never load software or do anything to damage any equipment.
- I will not send, forward, access or post any material that is likely to be offensive, personal, or threatening to recipients or viewers. This includes personal social media accessed on school issued devices.
- I will not share my personal account information with anyone, use an account assigned to another user or leave the account open or unattended. I will not trespass, delete or tamper with anyone else’s files, folders, applications, or work.
- I will promptly inform a teacher if any messages I receive are inappropriate.
- I will only use email for schoolrelated communication.
- I will not send or read emails, access personal accounts or games at inappropriate times, such as during class instruction.
- I will not promote cheating in any way.
Roles and Responsibility:
- I will bring my device to school every day.
- I will be responsible for having my device’s battery charged and working.
- I understand that there will be consequences administered by the teacher and/or principal if I do not bring my charged device to class or if I violate any of the Responsible Use Policy rules. Uses for Student Email: Email can be a powerful communication tool for students to increase communication and collaboration.
- Students are encouraged to check their Gmail at least once per day.
- Teachers may send email to their students to communicate reminders, course content, and pose questions related to class work.
- Students may send email to their teachers with questions or comments regarding class.
- Students may send email to other students to collaborate on group projects and assist with school classes.
Monitoring Use and Expectation of Privacy
At any time and without prior notice, WPS reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store any and all usage of the network and the Internet, as well as any information sent or received in connection with this usage. The district reserves the right to temporarily block any device suspected of interfering with the proper operation of the network, school, or district or of posing an immediate risk to people or property until it can be demonstrated that the issue has been resolved. Students using district devices can expect the same level of privacy as from their lockers and students using personal devices can expect the same level of privacy as from their phones.
Parent/Guardian Responsibility:
Monitor student internet and social media use at home. Contact a teacher if any questions arise. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to monitor their children’s computer usage at home. When school issued devices are used at home it is recommended that they are used in a central location where supervision can be maintained. The student/family is responsible for the safety and condition of any district devices designated for their use.Violation of this policy could result in the revocation of all network access, detention or suspension from school, legal action by the authorities and/or other consequences as deemed necessary by the administration.
Liability
The Westborough Public Schools shall not be liable for users' inappropriate use of electronic resources or violations of copyright restrictions, users' mistakes or negligence, or costs incurred by users. The Westborough Public Schools shall not be responsible for ensuring the accuracy or usability of any information found on external networks. The Westborough Public Schools shall not be liable for any damage to or loss of personally owned equipment or data.
Mill Pond 1:1 iPad Program
All Mill Pond students in grades 4-6 will be given an iPad to use for educational purposes. When a grade level or a school has one technology device dedicated to each individual student, this is known as a 1:1 program.
Issuing the iPad
The iPads on loan are the property of Westborough Public Schools (WPS). Your right of possession and use is limited to and conditioned upon your full and complete compliance with this agreement, the Student Handbook, the current Technology Plan, and the Responsible Use Policy. Failure to comply with any part of this policy may result in the student losing the privilege of bringing the iPad home for a period of time or other appropriate disciplinary measures.
iPad Check-in and Responsibility
iPads must be checked in periodically for routine maintenance. WPS will be responsible for repairing iPads that malfunction. Students must immediately report iPads that malfunction, are damaged, stolen or lost to their teacher. If an iPad malfunctions, is damaged, stolen or lost due to neglect, parents will be responsible for the repair or replacement. Refer to the Technology Take-Home Liability document included in this packet for details and limitations on the included Accidental Damage Protection that comes with the device.
Parents must contact the school immediately if the iPad is lost and the local police department and the school if it is believed to have been stolen.
Ownership
Westborough Public Schools are the owner of the iPad, and all hardware, software and accessories residing on or associated with the iPad. The iPad and all of its accessories must be returned to the school upon termination of enrollment or at the request of Westborough Public Schools.
iPad Care
The student is responsible for the general care of the iPad that s/he has been issued by the school.
General Precautions
The iPad is school property and all users will follow this protocol and the District's Responsible Use Policy for technology.
- Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the iPad to prevent damage.
- The iPad and case must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers or labels except those affixed by the WPS technology department for identification purposes.
- The student is responsible for keeping their iPad’s battery charged for school each day.
- The iPad should never be left unsupervised in an unsecured area.
- The iPad should not be left in a place that can experience extreme heat or cold, such as a vehicle, as this is likely to cause severe damage.
Carrying an iPad
The protective case provided with the iPad is intended to protect the iPad during normal treatment and provide a suitable means for carrying the device. The guidelines below should be followed:
- The iPad must be kept within the protective case provided by the school.
- Caution must be used when the iPad is placed in a backpack or other carrying case. Avoid placing any pressure or weight on the iPad. Do not place objects on top of the iPad.
- Avoid placing any liquids near the iPad.
- A damaged or missing case will be replaced at the cost of $50 to the parents.
Screen Care
- The iPad screen can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screen is particularly sensitive to damage from pressure on the screen or iPad.
- Do not lean on the top of the iPad when it is closed.
- Do not place anything near the iPad that could pressure on the screen.
- Do not place anything in the carrying case that will press against the iPad.
- Clean the screen with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Do not use cleansers of any type.
- Do not “bump” the iPad against cubbies, walls, car doors, floors, etc. as that can break the screen.
Cord Care
The iPad comes equipped with an Apple-certified 12W USB power adapter (“brick”) and cable.
- Students are responsible for using these accessories to keep the iPad charged.
- Students must return the brick and cable at the end of the school year in good condition.
- Any damaged or missing accessories will be replaced at the cost of the parents: $20 for the brick and $10 for the cable.
iPad Use
The iPad is issued for academic use at school at the direction of the teachers, and at home with parental supervision. Whether at school, at home, or elsewhere, students should not be using the iPad without direction from a teacher or guardian. Along with other electronics, use of the iPad is not permitted in bus lines, at bus stops, or on the bus. Social media is not permitted on school devices.
iPad at Home
Taking the iPad home is a privilege and when used at home, it is intended for academic purpose for the student to whom the iPad was assigned. It is not intended for recreational or family use. While at home family rules will apply to the school iPad.
The iPad is an essential learning tool for everyday student use. If the student leaves her/his iPad at home, s/he will be unable to work with the teachers and students at school to complete her/his assignments, to communicate and to stay organized. Consequences may be issued for being unprepared for class. If the student repeatedly leaves the iPad at home, s/he may be required to keep the iPad at school for a period of time.
Charging Your iPad’s Battery
During the beginning stages while the iPads are kept at school, a charging cart will be provided in each homeroom where iPads can be locked up and charged overnight. Once the iPads start going home the carts will not be available and students will be expected to charge them at home and bring them to school each day in a fully charged condition. The student is responsible for starting each school day with a fully charged iPad.
Software/Apps
All required software/apps will be provided and installed over wifi by Westborough Public Schools using our management and deployment software. The software/apps installed by WPS must remain on the iPad in usable condition and be easily accessible at all times. From time to time the school may add software/apps. Periodic checks of the iPad may be made to ensure the integrity of the software/apps. iPad software/apps, documents, app data, student work, and media will be backed up using Apple’s iCloud Backup service. In the event that an iPad needs to be replaced or reset, the apps and all data will be restored from iCloud backup. Some apps may sync their data to iCloud, the student’s Google Apps for Education account, or the app’s own website for the purpose of backup and/or export. Upgraded versions of licensed software/apps will become available from time to time. Students should not perform updates to apps or iOS unless instructed to do so by a staff member. Students may be required to turn in the iPad periodically for updates.
The school does not accept responsibility for the consequences of installing unauthorized software/apps, “jailbreaking,” or any related loss of any software, photos, videos, or documents.
Daily Use
The student should always turn off and secure the iPad after they are done working to protect their iPad, their work, and their information. Until the iPads go home with the students, they will be stored at school in the locked cart located in each homeroom.
Students have control over some iPad settings. These settings should only be changed at the instruction of staff, and settings should not interfere with classroom teaching and learning. Accessibility tools and organization of apps into folders will be managed by the student as well at the instruction of staff.
Student Privacy
As part of The Mill Pond School’s 1:1 program, students will be using commercial websites and online services (including mobile apps). These website and online services (including mobile apps) are carefully chosen to support specific learning goals and used solely for the benefit of our students and the school. Student use will be supervised by classroom teachers and other school staff members, and account creation procedures will be directed by school staff and will vary by service.
The Child Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) regulates “the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by operators of commercial websites and online services (including mobile apps) directed to children under 13 that collect, use, or disclose personal information from children, and operators of general audience websites or online services with actual knowledge that they are collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from children under 13.” Westborough Public Schools are bound to comply with all regulations stipulated in COPPA.
When school districts “contract with third-party website operators to offer online programs solely for the benefit of their students and for the school system,” COPPA allows schools to “act as the parent’s agent and can consent to the collection of kids’ information on the parent’s behalf. However, the school’s ability to consent for the parent is limited to the educational context – where an operator collects personal information from students for the use and benefit of the school, and for no other commercial purpose.”
There is no expectation of privacy for any communication made using the Mobile Device or for any content created or stored on the device. The district reserves the right to inspect the Mobile Device and its contents at any time and for any reason.
Responsibilities
Student Responsibilities
- Students will maintain the iPad and keep it in good working order.
- Students will follow the rules of this contract and all applicable school policies.
- Outside of school, students will follow all iPad rules set forth by their parents and the school.
School and District Responsibilities
- The school will provide hardware, software, technical support and training to the best of its capability and within fiscal constraints.
- Staff will assist students with the proper care and use of their devices at school as outlined in this document.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
- Parents/Guardians will supervise when and where their child is going online and know what they are doing there while at home.
- Parents/Guardians will make students accountable. Having an iPad is a privilege. Make sure students recognize the importance of this and the consequences of not following established rules.
- Parents/Guardians will be responsible for contacting the teacher if they have concerns.
The district reserves the right to modify this policy at anytime and issue a new agreement for your signature.
Google Accounts: Google Apps for Education (GAfE)
Mill Pond School, in conjunction with the WPS Technology Department, is committed to providing our students with skills integral for success in the 21st century. We believe that it is essential to afford students the opportunity to utilize technology tools that allow for storage, collaboration, sharing and productivity throughout their educational years in the Westborough School District. Google Apps for Education (GAfE) is a suite of online tools that have been used in grades 4-6 as well as in middle school and high school.
GAfE offers your students the capability to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations and drawings, and have those documents accessible anywhere they have an internet connection. No special software is required. Students will be able to collaborate with classmates, as well as share their work paperlessly with teachers. To start our students off slowly and allow them to get comfortable with the responsibility of having these accounts, our students will only be able to share and collaborate with teachers and students within our district. Please note, while student accounts appear to be an email account, our students will not have email capability at this time. There may also be other educational online tools and apps that our students will be using during the year.
Using online tools responsibly is an important part of our students’ development. To support this we will provide students with experiences to help them learn appropriate and responsible use of online tools. We encourage parents to also work with your students about their online behavior. There are many online resources such as Common Sense Media that can help start the conversations.
Technology Take-Home Liability for District-Owned Devices
Westborough Public Schools
Technology Take-Home Liability for District-Owned Devices
Overview:
Like all district property in the custody of students, families will be expected to reimburse the district up to the replacement cost for any damage or loss to the device or its accessories. However since these are substantially more expensive than most other items students check out, the district has taken steps to mitigate the risk to families of a major expense by purchasing accidental damage protection for each device and a protective case for the iPads.
iPads: (grades 5 and 6)
- If the iPad is damaged it will be exchanged for a factory refurbished one and the family will be required to reimburse the district for the $49 service fee assessed by the vendor for the repair incident.
- The plan allows for a maximum of 2 repair incidents over the three year life of the device.
- Families will be required to reimburse the district for all repair costs for any additional incidents.
Chromebooks: (grades 7 through 9)
- If the chromebook is damaged it will be repaired free of charge up to a cumulative repair cost of $199, the initial cost of the chromebook.
- Families will be required to reimburse the district for all repair costs after the $199 threshold has been reached.
Lost or stolen device:
- If a district iPad or Chromebook is believed stolen, the family should notify the police and file a report.
- If an iPad or Chromebook is lost or stolen it is important to notify the school right away. The more quickly we can start tracking it down, the more likely we are to find and recover it.
- The district will work with the family to lock the device and activate geotracking.
- Families will be required to reimburse the district for a replacement unit if it is not recovered.
Repairs and Replacements:
- To preserve the district’s investment devices will be repaired by the district using an authorized repair agent, and replacement accessories will be from the original manufacturer.
- The replacement cost of a Chromebook with power adapter and cord is $199.
- The replacement cost of a Chromebook power adapter and cord is $35.
- The replacement cost of an iPad with power adapter and cable is $479.
- The replacement cost of an Apple iPad power adapter is $20.
- The replacement cost of an Apple iPad power cable is $10.
- The replacement cost of an iPad cover is $50.
- Loaner devices will be available for students to use in school while their device is being replaced or repaired. Hardship: Please contact the school if a reimbursement will pose a hardship to your family.
Rev 2.0, published 2019-06-25
Technology Purchase, Replacement, and Repair Form
Hardship: Please contact the school if a reimbursement will pose a hardship to your family.
Family Resources
- Common Sense Media: Addressing Parent Concerns:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/parent-concerns - Common Sense Media Family Tip Sheet: Common Sense on Digital Life:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/k-5-familytip-digitallife.pdf - Common Sense Media: Family Tip Sheet: Online Security: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/k-5-familytip-onlinesecurity.pdf
- Common Sense Media Family Tip Sheet: Cyberbullying Family Tip Sheet:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/k-5-familytip-cyberbullying.pdf - FTC: Tip for Preventing Child Identity Theft:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0040-child-identity-theft - Common Sense Media Family Tip Sheet: Common Sense on Smart Searching:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/k-5-familytip-smartsearching.pdf - Common Sense Media Family Tip Sheet: Respecting Creative Work
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/k-5-familytip-respectingcreativework.pdf - Common Sense Media Family Tip Sheet: Boys, Girls and Media Messages
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/k-5-familytip-boysgirlsmediamessages.pdf - Common Sense Media Family Tip Sheet: Talking Safely Online
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/k-5-familytip-talkingsafelyonline.pdf - Common Sense Media Family Tip Sheet: Privacy and Digital Footprints https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/k-5-familytip-privacyanddigitalfootprints.pdf
- Children's Online Privacy Protection ACT
https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule - Common Sense Media: Family Advice Videos
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/video/advice - Common Sense Media Family Media Agreement Worksheet
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/imce/educatefamilies_fma_all.pdf
Please make sure your child understands the information contained in this Technology Guide.
Please read the full text of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy and the Student Technology Responsible Use Policy and make sure your child understands the policies.