School-Wide Laptop Expectations (All students were made aware of the expectations before receiving their device.)

1. Laptops should be stored in safe areas (not in walkways, etc). Stickers should not be placed on laptop surfaces.

2. School issued laptops should be handled with care and respect (not be held by the screen). Laptops should not be used around food or drink. 

3. Laptops should be brought to school at the beginning of every day fully charged, with headphones and charger.

4. Students should only be on websites and apps designated by the teacher.  Laptops are for academics, any use should be productive and school friendly in nature. 

5. Students should not utilize laptops for anything academically distracting (unauthorized videos, entertainment streaming, social media, games, chats). 

6. Digital Communication: FMS Google Accounts and all other methods of communication on school laptops must only be used for school related purposes. Sending or forwarding chain/spam emails is prohibited. Messages in any format must be respectful and follow the FMS Student Code of Conduct.  

Best Practices for Using School Laptops at Home

Keep Laptops in Common Areas - We recommend setting a rule that laptops are only used and charged for the night in common areas of your home, such as the living room or kitchen. This allows you to monitor your child’s activity and ensures they remain focused on schoolwork. Storing laptops in children’s bedrooms can blur the line between schoolwork and leisure, and it can also disrupt their sleep. Set the expectation that laptops stay in common areas overnight to charge and are never stored in bedrooms.

Be Nosey! - Ask your kids what they are working on, take a peek.  This will limit distractions and inappropriate usage, it’s also a great way to know what’s going on at school, and it improves dinner conversations 😀.  Make sure to check in periodically to ensure they are using their devices for educational purposes.

Discuss Online Safety - We will talk extensively about digital literacy and online safety at school this year, but it helps if the message is consistent and universal.  Take the time to have regular conversations with your child about the importance of online safety, including what websites are appropriate, how to recognize cyberbullying, and how to avoid sharing personal information.

Create A Family Contract - Use this Family Media Agreement to build accountability, encourage open communication, and set healthy limits.