Student Computer Acceptable Use Guidelines

The Cazenovia Central School District provides networked computers and Internet access to support educational goals, collaborative learning, and prepare students for the digital world. This access is for instructional purposes only.

General Expectations and Responsibilities

• Educational Purpose: All technology use, including Chromebooks and network access, must be exclusively for educational purposes.

• No Expectation of Privacy: Students should have no expectation of privacy regarding their use of District-owned hardware, software, email, or Internet use. All activity is monitored and filtered (e.g., with Lightspeed).

• Academic Integrity: Students are expected to maintain academic integrity and refrain from misuse of  generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, CoPilot).

• Policy Adherence: Students must follow all district policies regarding online activity, both at home and at school.

• Reporting Issues: Misplaced, lost, stolen, or damaged Chromebooks must be reported immediately to the building Principal. Fees may be assessed for damage or loss, not exceeding the Chromebook's cost. Replacement costs may be charged: Chromebook $325; Damaged Screen - up to $150; Damaged Keyboard - up to $70; Charger $25

Chromebook Distribution and Care

• Distribution: Students in grades PreK-5 use Chromebook carts in classrooms. Students in grades 6-12 are issued a Chromebook and charger at the beginning of the year and are responsible for bringing it home nightly and returning it to school fully charged daily.

• Care:

  • Do not share, swap, or personalize devices (e.g., no writing, stickers, tag removal).

  • Keep the Chromebook clean with sanitizing wipes, avoiding direct sprays.

  • Refrain from eating or drinking near it.

  • Always return the device in its issued condition with all identifying tags.

  • Lock the screen when not in use.

  • Carry the Chromebook with two hands, closed, from the base.

• Storage: Chromebooks can be safely stored in lockers, preferably on top of other materials to avoid damage from heavy objects. Do not store them on the floor.

Charging Devices

• Devices should not be charged unattended.

• Charge on a solid surface, not on fabric (e.g., chairs, couches, beds, blankets).

• Charge only for a few hours (1-3 hours for most batteries); do not leave plugged in overnight.

• If the device gets hot, unplug it and move it away from combustibles.

• Do not block device vents when charging.

Appropriate Uses of Network & Internet

• Using software, completing class assignments, or conducting research as directed by a teacher.

• Communicating with people outside the district for educational purposes.

• Preparing documents or multimedia.

• Accessing information and news from educational or governmental sources.

• Learning about computer operation, programming, networks, and the Internet.

Inappropriate Uses and Prohibited Actions

• Unauthorized Access/Interference: Do not share passwords, gain unauthorized system access, tamper with or misuse systems, interfere with network operation, or attempt to read/delete/copy/modify others' files/emails. Do not install unauthorized software, connect personal devices without authorization, or change/exceed resource quotas.

• Misrepresentation/Non-Instructional Use: Do not mislead staff about technology use, or use District equipment for non-instructional purposes, financial gain, or profit.

• Harmful Actions: Do not attempt to harm or destroy District equipment/data, upload viruses, duplicate software in violation of licensing/copyright, or use unauthorized software.

• Inappropriate Online Conduct/Content: Do not harass, insult, threaten, or attack others electronically. Do not download, store, display, view, send, or print obscene, profane, violent, racist or dangerous files/messages.

• Prohibited Activities/Content: Do not access websites encouraging tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, or promoting activities prohibited by District, State, or Federal law. Do not initiate or forward chain letters or viruses.

• Unauthorized Communication/Information: Do not use email or Instant Messaging without authorization, or post personal contact information about oneself or others.

• Copyright/Software/Account Violations: Do not violate copyright law. Do not download and install software from the Internet on District-owned equipment. Do not install unapproved apps/extensions or use Google accounts to sign up for unapproved website accounts/subscriptions.

• NYS Education Law 2-d: Websites not compliant with NYS Education Law 2-d are not permitted.

Monitoring and Consequences

• Monitoring: The District routinely monitors network activity, including personal files, Internet history, and communications, to maintain system integrity and ensure policy compliance. Filtering software is used, and attempts to access inappropriate sites are recorded. Teachers and staff monitor computer and Internet use. Lightspeed allows remote monitoring and management of Chromebooks by teachers and technology staff for instructional purposes, support, blocking inappropriate use, and time/lesson management.

• Violations: Violations may result in disciplinary actions such as warnings, loss of computer access or other school privileges, in-school or out-of-school suspension, restitution for property damage, or reporting to authorities for unlawful activity, or reporting to authorities for unlawful activity, in accordance with the School Code of Conduct.

The full Board approved Student Acceptable Use Policy can be found here.