The West Warwick Public Schools uses technology as one tool to support our mission of
ensuring that all students meet high academic standards and are prepared for lifelong learning
and productive global citizenship. The District supports the notion that students and educators
should have ready access to the vast instructional potential of technological tools.
The District’s Responsible Use Policy (RUP) provides guidance to anyone using district
technology resources (“users”) in the responsible use of technology for educational purposes,
research and communication. The policy is intended to provide general guidelines but does not
attempt to state all permitted or prohibited activities. The primary use of District technology is
for District education and business purposes.
Every user needs technology skills and knowledge to succeed as an effective and productive
member of the West Warwick Public Schools. The 21st century learning environment includes
all types of resources and computing devices. Digital resources and web tools may include
blogs, wikis, other online applications, and communication applications for email, social
networking, instant messaging, video conferencing and along with other forms of direct
electronic communications. Users have access to technology which includes, but is not limited
to local network resources, internet service, desktop computers, laptops, eBooks, iPods, cell
phones or other digital devices, both personal and District provided. Use of technology supports
the effective implementation of the District’s curriculum and standards.
The District complies with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”). The District uses
technology protection measures to block or filter, to the extent practicable, access to visual
depictions that are obscene, pornographic, and harmful to minors over the network. Instructional
staff, even when they allow access for educational reasons to sites normally blocked or filtered,
also provide reasonable monitoring of students’ Internet use; however, it is the responsibility of
the student to monitor his/her own access and use sound judgment in matters related to
potentially obscene, pornographic, and/or harmful materials. The District’s content filter will be
active when a school department managed device is used outside of school.
This policy applies regardless of whether such use occurs on or off school property, and it
applies to all School District technological resources including, but not limited to, computer
networks and connections; the resources, tools, and learning environments made available by or
on the network; and all devices that connect to those networks. When issued a managed
computing device by the District, users may use it at school or at home. The District permits
personal use so long as it occurs on personal time, does not interfere with School District
activities and is not otherwise prohibited by established policies and procedures. Users are
responsible for their actions and activities involving District technology, networks, and internet
services and for keeping their files, passwords, and accounts secure. Damage, malfunction, theft,
or similar event to an issued and assigned device must be reported within twenty-four (24) hours
of the event.
Educational software not initially provided by the District may be used by and with students only
in accordance with existing policies.
Guidelines for Users:
A. Technology Use is a Privilege, Not a Right:
Use of the District’s technology, networks, and Internet services is a privilege not a right.
Users must refer to existing district policy when using allowable personal digital devices at school.
B. Responsible Use
Users are expected to use District technology primarily for educational purposes.
Users are expected to comply with this policy and all specific directions from instructional staff when using technology outlined in this policy.
Users are responsible for their actions and activities involving District technology, networks, and internet services and for keeping their files, passwords and accounts secure.
Users should promptly inform their teacher or school administrator if they are aware of any issue that is contrary to this policy.
C. Prohibited Uses:
While technology can be a valuable resource in an academic setting, it has the potential for misuse. Prohibited use will result in disciplinary action as defined by the District’s existing disciplinary policy.
1. Inappropriate Material – Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding,
downloading, scanning or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene,
vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and
or illegal.
2. Illegal Activities – Using the District’s technology, networks and/or internet services
for any illegal activity or activity that violates other School Committee policies,
procedures and/or school rules.
3. Violation of Copyrights – Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the
owner’s permission or any other activity that violates other School Committee policies
regarding copyrighted material.
4. Non-School-Related Uses – Using the District’s technology, networks and internet
services for purposes of solicitation for personal financial gain, commercial, political,
religious or advertising is prohibited unless approved by the superintendent of schools
and/or school committee.
5. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access – Sharing passwords, using other users’
passwords without permission and/or accessing other users’ accounts.
6. Malicious Use/Vandalism – Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the District’s
technology, networks and internet services including, but not limited to, modifying
device configurations, hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses.
Vandalism includes damaging computer equipment, files, data or the network in any
Way.
D. Personalization of Issued and Assigned Devices
1. Users are allowed to personalize devices within the parameters of this policy.
Personalization must not impede the instructional and educational use of the device.
2. Users are not allowed to make configuration changes that may interfere with
maintenance, software installation, or software upgrades.
3. Personalization must conform to the Responsible Use of Technology Policy and all
other applicable policies of the District. No use of media prohibited by other policies is
allowed.
4. The District assumes no liability or responsibility for personal electronic property saved
to a device. This includes, but is not limited to personal software, files, games, eBooks,
and other media.
5. The District assumes no liability or responsibility for unauthorized charges that are
incurred by users that may include, but are not limited to, credit card charges, long
distance telephone charges, and electronic payment services.
E. No Expectation of Privacy
The District retains control, custody and supervision of all technology, networks and
internet services owned or financed by the District. The District reserves the right to
monitor all technology and internet activity by users. Users have no expectations of
privacy in their use of school technology, including email and stored files.
The District reserves the right to monitor users’ online activities and to access, review,
copy, and store or delete any electronic communication or files and disclose them to
parents, guardians, teachers, administrators or law enforcement authorities as it deems
necessary. Users should have no expectation of privacy regarding their use of District
property, to include network and/or internet access or files, along with email.
The District will not make use of the camera or microphone on a school-issued device for
remote monitoring purposes.
F. Communication of Policy
This policy shall be provided to all students and parents/guardians on an annual basis. All
students shall be provided with instruction regarding this policy.