Access and Educational Purposes
Pewamo-Westphalia Community Schools encourages and strongly supports the use of educational technology. Depending on grade and developmental level, PW students will have access to a variety of different technologies to help them learn, grow, and develop into responsible, self-directed, lifelong learners. 

 Use of District Technology Resources is a privilege, not a right. The Board of Education’s Technology Resources, including its computer network, internet connection, and online educational services/apps, are provided for educational purposes only.  Unauthorized and inappropriate use may result in the loss of this privilege and/or other disciplinary action.

The Board has implemented technology protection measures that protect against (e.g., block/filter) internet access to visual displays/depictions/materials that are obscene, constitute child pornography, or are harmful to minors. The Board also monitors online activity of students in an effort to restrict access to any material that is harmful to minors.  Parents and guardians are advised that determined users may be able to gain access to information, communication, and/or services on the internet that the Board has not authorized for educational purposes and/or that they and/or their parents/guardians may find inappropriate, offensive, objectionable, or controversial. Students using District Technology Resources are personally responsible and liable, both civilly and criminally, for unauthorized or inappropriate use of the Resources.

The Board has the right, at any time, to access, monitor, review, and inspect any directories, files, and/or messages residing on or sent using District Technology Resources. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities. Individual users have no expectation of privacy related to their use of District Technology Resources.

District definitions
Equipment includes but is not limited to: computers, printers, scanners, networks, video and audio recorders, cameras, photocopiers, phones, 3D printers, and other related electronic resources.

Software includes but is not limited to: computer software, print and non-print resources.

Network includes but are not limited to: voice and data systems.                          

Users include anyone who is accessing or using district equipment, software, or networks.

Parent/Guardian Agreement Section
As the parent/guardian of this student, I have read the Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy and have discussed them with my child.  I understand that student access to the internet is designed for educational purposes and that the Board has taken available precautions to restrict and/or control student access to material on the internet that is obscene, objectionable, inappropriate and/or harmful to minors. However, I recognize that it is impossible for the Board to restrict access to all objectionable and/or controversial materials that may be found on the internet. I will not hold the Board, its employees, administrators, or officers responsible for materials my child may acquire or come into contact with while on the internet. Additionally, I accept responsibility for communicating to my child guidance concerning his/her acceptable use of the internet – i.e., setting and conveying standards for my son/daughter to follow when selecting, sharing, and exploring information and resources on the internet.  I further understand that individuals and families may be liable for violations.

 

At any time, teachers may allow students to make use of personal devices (typically referred to as “BYOD”) for a specific purpose in the classroom.  Use of these is not required.  In addition, students may request the ability to provide their own device for a specific educational reason.  Each request will be reviewed by the building principal, the Instructional Technology Specialist, and any affected teachers.  If the intended purpose cannot be met by the device provided by the school and all staff are in agreement, the student may be given permission to use his/her own device.  In these situations, the school district is not responsible for any loss, theft, damage, repair, or replacement of the device, and permission to use it can be revoked at any time if student use is a distraction or strays from the intended educational purpose.

Student Agreement Section:
 I have read and agree to abide by the Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy.  I understand that any violation of the terms and conditions set forth in the Policy is inappropriate and may constitute a criminal offense and/or may result in disciplinary action. As a user of District Technology Resources, I agree to communicate over the internet and through District Technology Resources in an appropriate manner, honoring all relevant laws, restrictions, and guidelines.