Pamlico County Schools

Teacher Expectations

PCS is committed to providing a relevant and meaningful educational experience for all students. We believe that the use of technology as a teaching and learning tool engages students and enhances the quality of learning opportunities. We provide a wide array of learning tools and platforms to meet specific learning needs and styles of individual students. 

All staff have a duty of care to take reasonable steps to assist in maintaining a commitment to the care of network security, data confidentiality, staff and student devices. 

The following is a general list of expectations, guidelines, and reminders.

• Each employee will complete cyber security training at the beginning of each school year

• When considering technology purchases, consult with the IT team to determine if we have the necessary infrastructure to support these technologies.

• Report issues with devices in a timely manner utilizing Incident IQ or the tech support email

• Model expectations of students regarding proper care of their devices

• Help maintain the security of data by locking or logging off of devices when they aren’t in use

• It is recommended to shut down computers at least once a week or over extended periods of non-use

• Provide instruction to meet your school’s Digital Citizenship Education Plan

• Review with students the Device Usage Expectations and Guidelines

• Manage appropriate use of technology of students

• Discuss appropriate course of action with school leadership in the case of misuse of technology of students as set by the Device Usage Expectations and Guidelines 

• Do not open any email attachments that look suspicious or are from unknown sources

• Never divulge your passwords or personal identifying information in an email.

• Do not download or install any "free" internet suggested applications. These installations bring with them viruses and spyware.

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Network and Email Accounts

All Pamlico County Schools employees are provided network and e-mail accounts. Since all networks, computers, and access are provided to support the mission of the school system, use of electronic resources (hardware and software) must be in support of assigned responsibilities. All electronic, telephonic, and communications transmitted by, received from, or stored in these systems are the property of Pamlico County Schools. Users of such systems shall have no expectation of privacy.

Use of Pamlico County’s electronic resources must not violate any of the rules contained in Board Policies 5450, 5451, 5452, and 5453. The network administrator will review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that personnel and students are using the system responsibly.

Account security is extremely important as many of the cyber-security threats and issues faced around the world stem from malicious activity that arise from emails. The district’s security strategy is multi-layered and on-going. One security measure that is in place is the use of multi-factor authentication for email accounts. The district utilizes Google Workspace for Education to provide email accounts for each employee.

Pamlico County Schools 

Student Device Usage Expectations and Guidelines

The following is a general list of expectations, guidelines, and reminders pertaining to student use of technology devices in Pamlico County Schools.

• As an assigned user of a PCS Technology Device, students are bound by the terms of the Pamlico County Schools Student Device Agreement. 

• The assigned device is property of Pamlico County Schools and is subject to inspection and search at any time without cause.

• Students may not remove, alter, or change any part of the device including removing or adding software/apps.

• Students should not deface the device or accessories in any way.  This includes applying stickers to the device, writing names or drawing pictures, etc.

• The student is responsible for the care of his/her device at all times.  The device should not be left unattended unless it is in a secure location.

• Laptops are to be closed when moved about the building and papers or other items are not to be stored inside the laptop.

• Exposure to liquids will severely damage a laptop and may result in large repair costs. Open cans of soda or bottles of water are especially dangerous. Do not put a bottle of liquid in a backpack with a laptop, even if it is sealed. 

• Each student is assigned a device to use and should not use anyone else’s assigned device.

• Students should NOT share their personal login information with anyone.

• Laptops should be shut down, correctly, at the end of each day and returned to their assigned location for recharging unless other arrangements are made with a teacher or administrator. 

• Students should report any problems with their device, to include theft, to their teacher as soon as reasonably possible. 

Repair and Replacement: The Board of Education has approved a non-refundable, $15.00 annual technology usage fee per student. Once the annual technology fee is paid, in the event of theft, destruction, or damage to the device, the Student and Student’s Parent/ Guardian will be charged as follows:

a. 1st minor damage incident - no cost

b. 2nd minor damage incident - $15.00 charge

c. 3rd minor damage incident - full cost of repair/replacement

d. Major damage incident/ theft - full cost of repair/replacement

e. Damage from intentional misuse - full cost of repair/replacement

“What’s the difference between minor and major damages?”  As a general rule, “minor” damage is damage done to the computer that is relatively superficial and will not prevent the device from operating normally.  “Major damage” significantly affects that device’s performance and includes such things as cracked screens, broken keyboards, etc.

If the annual technology fee is not paid the Student and Student’s Parent/ Guardian will be responsible for the full cost of all repairs to the device or replacement of the device. Cases (if provided) and chargers are not covered by the annual technology fee. Damage to or destruction/loss/theft of the case or charger are the sole responsibility of the Student and Student’s Parent/ Guardian.

Below are estimates of damage costs.  These costs will vary due to market price at the time of the damage and model of the device.  These costs are shown for planning purposes only.

Replacement Part

Cost Range

Screens

$70 - $150.00

Power Cords/Chargers

$15 - $40.00

Keyboards

$40 - $100

Total Replacement

$250 - $550.00

Please remember, the use of district technology is a privilege, not a right, and unacceptable use may result in the cancellation of that privilege as well as disciplinary and legal action. 

Pamlico County Schools  

Student Device Agreement 

Pamlico County Schools is committed to providing a relevant and meaningful educational experience for all  students. The increasing role of technology in the world creates a greater need for technological opportunities in  the classroom. The One to One Technology Initiative is intended to give instant access to real-time information  and real-world skills. 

The One to One Technology Initiative of Pamlico County Schools involves providing students with a school issued technology device (iPad for grades K-1, laptop computer for grades 2-12) for school use. Though benefits of this initiative are widespread, some of the goals of the program include: 

● Increased student engagement and enthusiasm for learning. 

● An increase in collaboration with individuals in our community and around the world. 

● A reduction in consumables (workbooks, worksheets, etc.) 

● A better understanding of various ways technology can be used to further society. Terms of Agreement: 

As a condition of borrowing a device from Pamlico County Schools (PCS), the Student and Student’s  Parent/Guardian acknowledge and agree that they are making a commitment to responsibly care for the device  and keep it in good condition, practice good digital citizenship, and make responsible decisions when using the  device. 

Additionally, by signing this agreement, Student and Student’s Parent/Guardian acknowledge and agree that  this Agreement applies regardless of whether such use occurs on or off school district property and further that  they are bound to and will abide by the following terms: 

1. Privilege: The use of district technology is a privilege, not a right, and unacceptable use may  result in the cancellation of that privilege as well as disciplinary and legal action. 

2. Acceptable Use: The use of district technology will be for educational purposes only, and any  use of this device must be in full compliance with acceptable use as outlined in the Pamlico  County Board of Education Policies 5450 (“Internet Access”), 5451 (“Appropriate Internet  Use”), 5452 (“Student Internet Use”), 5453 (“Internet Use”), 5454 (“Network Security”), and  5455 (“Internet Safety”). Additionally, the Student is reminded that PCS devices, networks, and  digital resources are not to be used in any manner that violates the Pamlico County Board of  Education Policy 3037/4037/8337 (“Prohibition of Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination”) or  any other Board of Education Policy, the Code of Student Conduct, any other school rule, and  all applicable legal requirements. 

3. Responsible Use of the Device: Access to the device and digital resources requires students to  practice good digital citizenship and make responsible decisions. 

4. Student Is Only Authorized User: The device is only for the use of the Student to which it is  assigned. The Student will not share the device assigned to them with any other person or  borrow a device from another student. 

5. Device Alteration Prohibited: The Student will not physically alter the device in any way,  including but not limited to adding stickers, labels, or removal of any district-issued protective  case, if provided. 

6. Theft and Damage: Theft of the device or damage to the device must be promptly reported to  school personnel within 24 hours of the incident. Theft of the device must be reported to the  school and law enforcement. The Student and Student’s Parent/Guardian will assume the full  risk of loss of the device due to theft, destruction, or damage caused by intentional misuse,  accidental damage, or failure to take reasonable precautions to secure the device.

7. Repair and Replacement: The Board of Education has approved a non-refundable, $15.00  annual technology usage fee per student. Once the annual technology fee is paid, in the event  of theft, destruction, or damage to the device, the Student and Student’s Parent/ Guardian will  be charged as follows: 

a. 1st minor damage incident - no cost 

b. 2nd minor damage incident - $15.00 charge 

c. 3rd minor damage incident - full cost of repair/replacement 

d. Major damage incident/ theft - full cost of repair/replacement 

e. Damage from intentional misuse - full cost of repair/replacement 

If the annual technology fee is not paid the Student and Student’s Parent/ Guardian will be  responsible for the full cost of all repairs to the device or replacement of the device. Cases (if  provided) and chargers are not covered by the annual technology fee. Damage to or  destruction/loss/theft of the case or charger are the sole responsibility of the Student and  Student’s Parent/ Guardian. 

Below is an estimate of the damage costs. These costs will vary due to market price at the time of the damage and models of the device. These costs are sown for planning purposes only. 

Replacement Part

Cost Range

Screens

$70 - $150.00

Power Cords/Chargers

$15.00 - $40.00

Keyboards

$40 - $100

Total Replacement

$250 - $550.00

8. Consequences for Breach of This Agreement: The Student is expected to follow PCS  Policies, rules, and guidelines at all times when using PCS devices, network, and digital  resources. Unlawful activity will be reported to the appropriate authorities. The consequences  for the Student engaging in unacceptable use in violation of this PCS Student Device  Agreement and related policies include but are not limited to: suspension or revocation of PCS  network privileges, suspension or revocation of device or Internet access, suspension or  expulsion, and/or civil and/or criminal action. 

9. No Privacy Expectation: The device, data files, email, and Internet use of all users is the  property of Pamlico County Schools. No user of the device has any right to privacy of any data  saved on the device or any PCS network. PCS has the right to access, manage, and inspect  the content of any device at any time, and the Student shall deliver the device to PCS staff  upon request. PCS reserves the right to delete, without notice, any material on the device or  online that violates this Agreement. The Student does not have any right to retain an ownership  interest in any material on the device or online that violates this Agreement. 

10. Security: PCS has set up each device to be compliant with the Children’s Internet Protection  Act (CIPA). Student and/or Student’s Parent/Guardian may not make any digital alterations to  the device or additions including but not limited to attachments, hardware, or software. 

11. Return of the Device Prior to Conclusion of Academic Year: The device must be returned  immediately as requested by PCS or upon the Student transferring out or un-enrolling from  PCS. 

12. Student Daily Use: Technology Devices are the property of Pamlico County Schools and are  assigned to students for school use. Students in 9th - 12th will be allowed to take their device home. Grades K-8th Students should NOT plan to take the device  home unless they receive explicit permission from their teacher. The device will be stored and  charged in the student’s assigned charging cart each day prior to school dismissal. 

13. Device Usage Expectations and Guidelines: PCS is providing the Student and Student’s  Parent/ Guardian with a document entitled PCS Device Usage Expectations and Guidelines located in each School’s Student Handbook to remind them of their obligations under this Agreement. Should there be a conflict in the  document and the terms of this Agreement, this Agreement controls.

Pamlico County Schools  

Student Device Agreement Record  

Please read carefully and sign below: 

1. I have read the Pamlico County Schools Student Device Agreement and agree to  abide by the terms and conditions outlined in the Agreement. 

2. I understand that my family is financially responsible for up to the full cost of the device if  damage occurs to the device due to negligence or intentional misuse. (See PCS Student  Device Agreement – Paragraph 8) 

3. I will follow all guidelines for computer care to prevent any damage to the device. These  guidelines may be found in the PCS Student Device Agreement, the PCS Device Usage Expectations and Guidelines provided in the student handbook , and the PCS Tech Technology Website.  

REQUIRED SIGNATURES 

I / We have read this agreement and consent to abide by the terms and conditions as  prescribed herein. 

Student Name (please print) _________________________________Grade:__________ Student Signature (required)____________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name (please print) _____________________________________________ 

Parent/Guardian Signature (required) _____________________________________________ 

Date: ________________