Technology

1. What are the student’s responsibilities for using and caring for their laptop?

Responsibilities are explained in the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and the NTMS Damaged Laptop and Equipment Policy.  Students and parents must read and digitally sign these documents before a student is issued a device. They can be found in the Online Forms in Skyward Family Access.              

2. When will the laptops be distributed?

Laptop Pickup will occur before the start of the school year.

3. Is there laptop insurance or a technology fee?

There is neither laptop insurance nor a technology fee. The NTMS Damaged Laptop and Equipment Policy explains what happens with damaged, lost, or stolen laptops.  The policy is posted in Online Forms in Skyward Family Access and on the NTMS website.

4. What is the family's responsibility in monitoring their student’s use of the laptop?

Just as families monitor shows, movies, social media, or any media students consume, they need to monitor computer use.  For some good ideas check out the Technology Tips for Parents document.  It’s posted on the NTMS website. Another good resource is Common Sense Media Parents Need to Know.

5. What training are staff and students receiving for using technology?

As life-long learners, staff continually attend trainings to learn best practices of teaching and learning using technology.  Students receive instruction on proper care when they are given their laptops. They will complete a course on Schoology with video tutorials preparing them for the year. During the year, the Technology Integration Coach and teachers instruct students on how to use their laptops and the software programs.

6. Will parents receive any training?

The Technology Integration Coach will offer parent technology classes throughout the school year on Schoology and other tech-related topics.  Information about classes will be communicated to parents. A Technology Tips for Parents document is on the NTMS website.

7. Will these devices be filtered?

All students' laptops are filtered at school and at home by Securly. For more information about the parent Home app, visit Securly's website.

8. Is the laptop for school work only?

The primary use of the laptop is for educational purposes. We stress to students that this is just another tool for learning.  However, we recognize there may be appropriate uses outside of the school day.  According to the Acceptable Use Policy, students are not allowed to download games, apps, extensions, add-ons, etc. without permission from school staff.  In short, if it’s not something school staff or a parent approves, don’t use it.

9. Does the District provide any access to educational websites?

In addition to providing laptops for all students, the District has purchased several online subscriptions to help students meet learning standards.  Schoology, IXL, Reading Rewards, EdGems, STEMscopes, and HMH for Social Studies are some of the main resources students will access during the year.  They will access these programs through ClassLink. 

Schoology is the Learning Management System and will be used for all academic matters, including the gradebook.  It will also be used for communication with both students and parents.  A Schoology parent account is automatically created for parents. Parents will be provided with information on how to access their parent accounts.  There is also a mobile app available for parents to view students’ grades and work during the year.  See the Schoology Information document for more details.  It is posted on the NTMS website.

10. Can students purchase their laptops at the end of the school year?

Students will be issued the same laptop for each year of middle school.  Students will have the opportunity at the end of their eighth-grade year to purchase the laptop they were issued at the start of 6^th grade for $20. 

Dieringer School District believes all students should have access to technology that enhances student communication, collaboration, and creativity skills. In addition, we believe that all students should have a basic understanding of digital citizenship and how it relates to their learning in an online environment. Our goal in providing these services is to enrich the educational development of our students.

Digital Citizenship
Digital citizenship​ is the norm of appropriate, responsible behavior with regard to technology use. As good digital citizens, we always:

• Treat others with kindness and respect.
• Keep private information confidential.
• Give credit to other people’s work.
• When in doubt, ask an adult.

Equipment Use
Students are expected to use technology responsibly and follow teachers’, school, or district expectations for appropriate care and use. Students will keep all technology equipment and/or account settings set by the district technology team,  unless the school allows customization. ​Students will only use their assigned device and accounts.

Internet Use
Use of the Internet, apps, and programs must be consistent with the educational objectives of the task/assignment. Students will use websites, apps, and programs that their teacher provides or that is relevant to schoolwork. Students will​ notify an adult immediately if they see, read, or access something that may be harmful, inappropriate, or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Consequences of Misuse & Damage
Students who misuse district technology will receive consequences according to the nature and severity of the misuse. Students are expected to notify a teacher or staff member when equipment is misused or damaged. Students and their families may be held financially responsible for intentional damage to equipment. More specifics about damaged, lost, or stolen equipment (e.g., devices and chargers) are explained in the District Damaged Laptop Policy.

Digital Tools
The goal of the Dieringer School District is that every student will have access to the materials and resources needed to learn and achieve the highest levels possible. To achieve that goal, teachers often access digital tools for use with students. Dieringer is also concerned with protecting the personally identifiable information of our students. These digital tools may have personally identifiable information shared to them (child’s name, user identification number, grade, teacher) to monitor your child’s progress. The terms of service and privacy policy have been reviewed for all these digital tools. They are compliant with student privacy policies. However, some sites may require additional parent permission when students are under the age of 13. 

It is important that parents are aware of the digital tools that students are using and that they grant permission for students to access these resources. On the Dieringer SD website, under “For Families”, is a list of digital tools that your child’s teacher may be using over the course of the year.

Personal Devices
Personal devices will be allowed based on teacher discretion. Students are responsible for any device they bring to school. When not in use, they should be turned off and in the student’s backpack. Smart watches must be silenced and only used if there is an emergency. The District and its staff are not responsible for lost, stolen, broken, or the maintenance of personal devices. The Technology Responsible Use Policy applies to personal devices at district-sponsored events and on district property, including buses.

 

Damaged Equipment

Repairs

Occasionally, unexpected issues occur with laptops (hardware and software-related), accessories (e.g. charger, bumper case, bag), or other technology equipment that are the result of a defect. These issues will be resolved at no cost to the student.

Accidental Damage

If the student's laptop, accessories, or other technology equipment is damaged accidentally, the student must report it immediately. If the cost of the repairs for the laptop is less than $50, no fine will be issued. If the cost of the repair exceeds $50, the student will be fined a maximum of $50.  If the laptop is damaged to the point where it needs to be replaced, the student will be fined $100 and issued a laptop replacement. If damaged laptop accessories or other technology equipment need to be replaced, the replacement costs are:

Gumdrop Bumper Case: $40
Bump Armor Sleeve/Bag: $15
Chromebook Charger: $45

Multiple Accidents

Students who transport their laptops home will be issued the same laptop each school year. If a student’s laptop has been replaced once during this time, the student will be fined for the cost for each replacement laptop thereafter.  Regarding laptop repairs, after the student’s laptop has been repaired once, a fine will be issued for the cost of repairs for every subsequent incident. 

Intentional Damage and Neglect

After investigation, if it is determined that the damage to a laptop, accessories, or other technology equipment is the result of negligence or intent, and the laptop or equipment cannot be repaired, the student may be subject to discipline and will be fined (market value of the laptop).  If a laptop does not need to be replaced and only repaired, the student may be subject to discipline and responsible for the cost of repairs. 

Lost Equipment

Reporting Process

If a laptop, accessories, or other technology equipment is lost, the student or parent must report it to the school immediately.  Students can tell a teacher, the Tech Coach, or the office.

Financial Responsibility

The circumstances of each situation involving a lost laptop, accessories, or other technology equipment will be investigated individually.  Students will be fined for the cost of the lost laptop or equipment.

Stolen Equipment

Reporting Process

If a laptop is stolen, a police report must be filed, and a copy of the report must be provided to the office or Tech Coach by the student or parent in a timely manner (2 weeks).

Financial Responsibility

If there is no clear evidence of theft, or the laptop was stolen due to negligence (e.g. device left in an unlocked car), the family will be responsible for the cost of replacing the device.

Failure to report the theft to the office or Tech Coach and to follow the proper filing procedure may result in the family being responsible for the cost of the device.

After investigation, if the laptop is determined to be stolen, the district will cover the cost and the student will be issued a replacement.