iPad Acceptable Use Policy

The purpose of the iPad Program at Sharon Springs Central is to provide educational tools and resources  for students in our technologically advanced society, so they can develop the skills, habits and knowledge  to fully participate in society. Excellence in education requires that technology is seamlessly integrated  throughout the educational program. The individual use of iPads is a way to empower students to  maximize their full potential and to prepare them for college and the workplace. 

With the distribution of iPads to students in grades K-12 (with students in 6- 12 taking the devices home),  we have embarked into new territories of learning and individual responsibilities. This includes  maintaining the proper balance between fulfilling academic requirements and recreational use of the iPad  for purposes games and additional means of communication. While student use of the internet will be  filtered through the Lightspeed Systems, they may still gain access to online games and music. This  access can be rescinded, if deemed necessary, during the course of the school year. Again, the iPads  remain district property, and students do not have an expectation of privacy on the devices.  

• I recognize that the iPad remains the property of Sharon Springs Central School and that usage is  a privilege that will be removed if necessary. 

• I understand that my iPad is subject to inspection at any time without notice and remains the  property of the Sharon Springs Central School. 

• I will use my iPad in ways that are appropriate, meet Sharon Springs Central School expectations  and are educational. 

  • • Only school-assigned accounts are permitted to be accessed from the iPad (i.e., email, Google Accounts, iCloud, etc).

    • Social Media on School-issued devices is strictly prohibited (i.e. not allowed)

• I will listen, respect, and follow all teacher expectations regarding iPad usage in the classroom. 

• I will not reveal personal information, such as my personal address and/or phone number, nor  those of my fellow students.

• I will use appropriate language when using messages (regardless of the platform I am using), e mails, journals, wikis, blogs, or any other forms of communication. I will not create nor  encourage others to create discourteous or abusive content. I will not use electronic  communication to spread rumors, gossip, or engage in any activity that is harmful (or potentially  harmful) to other persons (even in a joking manner). 

• I will not take, screen shot, download or distribute any images or video content that includes  inappropriate language, inappropriate clothing (i.e., images or videos of individuals in violation of SSCS’s dress code, as outlined in the SSCS School Handbook), or inappropriate acts (i.e.,  actions that violate the SSCS School Handbook). 

• I will not download any apps or content that are not approved by SSCS’s IT department 

• I agree to read, review, and adhere to the SSCS iPad Policies, Procedures and Informational  Manual that are linked to the school website. 

• I will follow the policies outlined in the SSCS iPad Policies, Procedures and Informational  Manual and the SSCS School Handbook while at school and at home during all times. 

All SSCS iPads must be kept secure in an approved, protective case always. The district provided case is  the basic black Otterbox Defender. Should a teacher or staff member witness the iPad out of its protective  case, it will be confiscated and turned over to the technology department. Additionally, if at any point,  the school issued case becomes damaged by a student to the point where the technology department feels  it no longer protects the iPad, the iPad will be secured by the district until such time a new case is  purchased by the student, or the damage fee is paid. Any individual cover must be on the pre-approved  list provided by the district and must include a cover for the screen.

To ensure the good working condition of my school issued iPad: 

• I will take care of the iPad, and not leave it unattended. It will remain locked when not in use at  school, and I will know where it is at all times. 

• I will never loan out my iPad or give my pin/password to other students. 

• I will not let anyone else use my iPad other than my parents or guardians. 

• I understand that bypassing or using a web proxy is expressly forbidden. 

• I will charge my iPad's battery each night and arrive at school with my device charged. 

• I will keep food and beverages away from my iPad, since they may cause damage to the device. 

• I will clean the screen with a soft, antistatic cloth ONLY; no cleaners. 

• I will not disassemble any part of my iPad or attempt any repairs. 

• I will not at any time attempt to “jailbreak” the iPad. I understand that this will result in severe  penalties as determined by the administration, such as removal of iPad privileges. ∙ I will not remove or deface the serial number or other identification on any iPad. ∙ I will file a police report in case of theft, vandalism, and other acts covered by insurance and  inform my homeroom teacher and the School Office. 

• I will be responsible for all damage, or loss caused by neglect or abuse. 

• I understand that using the iPad for commercial purposes is prohibited. 

• I will not use the iPad in any way that would potentially disrupt the network or be considered  illegal. 

• I agree to return the iPad, case and power cords in good working condition. 

As proposed by the student council, 6th, 7th and 8th graders who achieve a 90 or better overall academic  average for the quarter will, with signed parental permission, receive limited App Store access. Should  the average then drop down below a 90, App store access and downloads will be removed for the  following quarter. 

By signing the SSCS Student Handbook Acknowledgement Agreement, I release Sharon Springs Central  School and its personnel from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my child’s use  of, or inability to use the school technology, including but not limited to claims that may arise from the  unauthorized use of the iPad to purchase product or services. 

I understand that it is impossible for Sharon Springs Central School to restrict access to all controversial  materials, and I will not hold the school responsible for materials accessed on the network. I also agree to  report any inappropriate iPad use to the school administration. 

I accept full responsibility if and when my child’s use of technology is not in the school setting and  understand that my child is subject to the same rules and agreements while not in school. 

I accept that I am responsible to pay for the $50.00 deductible for the first claim on the Sharon  Springs Central provided insurance, and will be subject to pay an additional $100.00 deductible for each successive claims (i.e. 2nd claim would be $150.00 and 3rd claim would be $250.00).

I have read and understand the information contained in this document and agree to abide by the rules set  forth in this document.