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Technology Acceptable Use Policy

NETWORK 

The Nysmith School is pleased to offer student access to the internet through the Nysmith computer network. This is an exciting opportunity that brings with it added responsibilities. Guidelines for appropriate network use are outlined below. 

WHAT IS POSSIBLE 

Access to the internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other repositories of information. Families should be aware that some material accessible via the internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. While the school’s goal is to use internet resources for constructive educational pursuits, students may find ways to access other materials. Although no computer program is fail-proof, the internet content monitoring program, SmartFilter, has been installed as part of the Nysmith computer network. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the internet in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration exceed the disadvantages. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. 

WHAT IS EXPECTED 

Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the school's computer network just as they are in a classroom or on a school playground. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with school standards and the specific rules set forth below. The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. The user is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school's computer resources. The students are advised never to access, keep, or send anything that they would not want their parents or teachers to see. 

PRIVACY 

Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Technology staff members may review student files to maintain system integrity and to ensure that students are using the system responsibly. 

Storage capacity: users are expected to remain within allocated disk space and delete material that takes up excessive storage space 

Illegal copying: students should never download or install any commercial software, shareware, or freeware onto network drives or disks, unless they have written permission from the Technology Director. Students should not copy other people's work or intrude into other people's files. 

Inappropriate materials or language: profane, abusive or impolite language should not be used to communicate, nor should materials be accessed which are not in line with the rules of school behavior. A good rule to follow is never view, send, or access materials that you would not want your teachers and parents to see. Should students encounter such material by accident, they should report it to their teacher immediately. 

SUCCINCT ADVICE 

These are guidelines to follow to ensure a safe and productive learning environment for all students using computers at the Nysmith School. 

  • Do not use a computer to harm other people or their work 
  • Do not damage the computer or the network in any way 
  • Do not interfere with the operation of the network by installing illegal software, shareware, or freeware 
  • Do not violate copyright laws 
  • Do not view, send, or display offensive information, to include text or pictures ● Do not waste limited resources such as disk space or printing capacity ● Do not trespass in another’s folders, work, or files 

CHROMEBOOKS 

We are excited to offer our upper school students Chromebooks for daily in-school use. We hope that the use of the personal Chromebook will be an added positive educational experience for our students and teachers. The Chromebooks are the property of Nysmith which we are supplying for the benefit of our students during school hours. Each morning, students may check out their individual Chromebook, use it throughout the day and then check it back into its assigned dock before leaving school for the day. We expect students to be responsible and treat all the school’s Chromebooks with care by not leaving them in precarious situations where damage or loss could be caused to them. Safe practice would be to store them in a padded section of backpacks, in the student’s locker, or in the appropriate docking station when not being attended. Each student will be responsible for their assigned Chromebook. Chromebooks abandoned in the hallways, classrooms, playgrounds etc., can lead to the loss of usage privileges. If the administration feels the need to restrict any student or students’ usage of the Chromebooks, they may do so. 

Chromebooks that become damaged will be sent for repair and the student will be issued a loaner until their Chromebook is returned. If a Chromebook is damaged beyond use by the student a second time, the student will need to provide their own laptop going forward as a loaner will not be issued. 

Students who lose their Chromebook will not be issued a new Chromebook. The IT will department will help the student try and locate the device based on the last login (to the best of their ability), but a loaner will not be issued to the student for the first 24 hours that the Chromebook was reported lost to a Director. 

TOOLS 

To enhance student skills and their learning experience, some classes will offer the students the usage of tools such as lab equipment, hammers, saws, drills, screwdrivers, scissors etc. Every reasonable effort will be used to teach safe practice procedures and proper usage of tools in school. To follow safe practices, students may only use these tools while being directly supervised by their classroom teacher. If a student continuously disregards safety procedures and uses the tools inappropriately, possibly endangering themselves or others, the teacher may limit further usage of the tools and/or other disciplinary action may be taken. If the inappropriate use of tools by a student takes place during an elective, the student may be required to transfer into a different available elective.