Electronic Devices and Technology Resources

Possession and use of personal telecommunication/electronic devices:

Harmony Public Schools permits students to possess personal communication/electronic devices for safety purposes; however, during the instructional day these devices must be powered off and stored in the student’s locker or backpack. The instructional day is defined as arrival on campus through dismissal, including lunch and passing periods. Use during the school day is allowed only as provided in the Personal Device Use & Possession Policy below.

A student must also have approval to possess other telecommunication devices at school, such as notebook computers, laptops, tablet computers, or other portable devices. The school will not be responsible for damage to, loss, or theft of any such device a student brings to school.

If a student uses a telecommunication device without authorization during the school day, the device will be confiscated. If a school employee observes a student using any cell phone or other telecommunication device during the school day or on a school bus to or from the school or a school-related activity, the school employee shall confiscate the device and turn it into the front office. If a student and parent have executed a waiver permitting the student to possess an electronic communication device at school, school officials may power on and search the device if there is reasonable cause to believe that the device has been used in the transmission or reception of communications prohibited by law, policy, or regulation. A confiscated device may be picked up from the Principal’s office. Confiscated devices that are not retried by the student or parent will be disposed of after the notice required by law.

Harmony Public Schools will not be responsible for damage to or loss or theft of confiscated items. School administrators shall have the discretion to determine the appropriate use of phones for students participating in extracurricular activities or attending school-sponsored or school-related activities on or off school property.

Disciplinary action for violations of this policy will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The use of camera phones for recording is strictly forbidden on the school premises at any time.

Possession of other electronic devices:

This policy applies to any personal communication or electronic device, including (but not limited to) phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds/headphones, gaming devices, or any device capable of calling, texting, recording, photographing, accessing the internet, or playing media. See Personal Device Use & Possession Policy below for storage, confiscation, and consequences.

Instructional use of personal telecommunications and other electronic devices:

In some cases, students may find it beneficial or might be encouraged to use personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for instructional purposes while on campus. Students must obtain prior approval before using personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for instructional use. When students are not using the devices for approved instructional purposes, all devices must be turned off and kept out of sight during the instructional day. Violations may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.

The school is not responsible for any damaged, lost, or stolen personal device.

Acceptable use of technology resources:

School-owned technology resources for instructional purposes may be issued to individual students. Use of these technological resources, which include the school’s network systems and use of school equipment, is restricted to approved purposes only. Students and parents will be asked to sign an Acceptable Use Agreement Acknowledgment Form regarding use of these school resources. Violations of the user agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action.

Unacceptable and inappropriate use of technology resources

Students are prohibited from possessing, sending, forwarding, posting, accessing, or displaying electronic messages that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal. This prohibition also applies to conduct off school property, whether the equipment used to send such messages is district-owned or personally owned, if it results in a substantial disruption to the educational environment.

Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, possessing, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or other content, commonly referred to as “sexting,” will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct, may be required to complete an educational program related to the dangers of this type of behavior, and, in certain circumstances, may be reported to law enforcement. Because engaging in this type of behavior can lead to bullying or harassment, as well as possibly impede future endeavors of a student, we encourage you to review with your child the “Before You Text: Sexting & Bullying Prevention, Education & Intervention Course (opens in a new tab),” a state-developed program that addresses the consequences of engaging in inappropriate behavior using technology.

In addition, any student who engages in conduct that results in a breach of the school’s computer and/or network security will be disciplined in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, and, in some cases, the consequence may rise to the level of expulsion.

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Personal Device Use and Possession Policy

Storage Requirements

• All personal communication/electronic devices must be powered off and stored in the student’s locker or backpack during the instructional day. Devices may not be stored in teacher desks, classroom bins, hanging pouches, or staff bags.

Instructional Day Definition

The instructional day runs from student arrival on campus until the final dismissal bell, including lunch and passing periods.

Limited Exceptions

Device use during the school day is permitted only when:

1. Required for medical necessity with a physician’s written directive; or

2. Provided as an IEP/504 accommodation; or

3. Health or safety emergency.

Handling Unauthorized Use

• Staff will immediately confiscate the device and deliver it to the Dean of Student Culture for secure logging and storage.

• The confiscating staff member will notify the parent/guardian.

• Devices must be retrieved in person by a parent/guardian from the front office.

Consequences for Unauthorized Use (offenses are cumulative)

• 1st Offense: Confiscation; parent retrieval after school; student reviews the Personal Device Use & Possession Policy; 1 RP point.

• 2nd Offense: Confiscation; parent retrieval after one full school day; Skyward referral; Level I discipline may apply.

• 3rd+ Offense: Confiscation; parent retrieval after two full school days; Skyward referral; 1–2 days ISS may be assigned; any further Level II actions require District Office review.

• No fees will be charged for the return of any device.

Liability & Unclaimed Devices

Harmony Public Schools is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal devices, including those confiscated. Devices not retrieved within 90 days (after written notice) may be disposed of in a reasonable and appropriate manner.

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Digital Learning & Computer Resources

To prepare students for a modern workforce, the school has made a substantial investment in computer technology and district-approved digital tools for instructional purposes. Use of these resources is restricted to students working under a teacher’s supervision and for approved purposes only.

Digital Citizenship Acceptance: By signing the Handbook Acknowledgment form, parents/guardians provide consent for the school to create/manage student accounts and provide the following authorizations:

• Permission: I give my child permission to use computing devices, electronic communications systems, and district-approved digital tools (including web-based services vetted for instructional use).
• Monitoring: I consent to the school’s monitoring of my child’s use of digital devices and school-provided accounts.
• Guidelines: I have read and understand the technology guidelines in this handbook and have discussed the rules and consequences with my child.

Violations of this agreement may result in withdrawal of computer and digital tool privileges. Electronic communications on school-provided accounts are not private and may be monitored by school staff.

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Chromebooks

The Chromebook Handbook has been created as a resource for all students, parents, teachers, admin, and community members. Chromebook handbook, policy and documents can be found online at the following web address:

https://www.itspot.harmonytx.org/chromebooks (opens in a new tab)

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Student Acceptable Use Policy

Harmony Public Schools is committed to utilizing the maximum potential of technology to enhance student learning and increase teacher effectiveness by providing students with technology-related experiences. Recognizing the ever-changing influences of technology on all aspects of our lives, the school is dedicated to providing an integrated technological curriculum for all students and staff members. Students will have access to the technology necessary to produce, manage, communicate and retrieve information in an efficient manner for educational use. In the attainment of both present and future goals, the school will provide a continually evolving staff development program oriented toward the integration of technology in areas of curriculum.

This Student Acceptable Use Policy (“Policy”) sets forth the guidelines governing the use of all Harmony Public Schools’ technology resources by students while on or near school property, in school vehicles and at school-sponsored activities on- or off-campus, as well as the use of all Harmony Public Schools’ technology resources via off-campus remote access.

Harmony Public Schools reserves the right to modify the terms and conditions of this Policy at any time.

Introduction

Harmony Public Schools is pleased to offer students access to school computers, communications systems, the Internet and a wide array of other technology resources to promote educational excellence and enhance the classroom experience. Technology can expand a student’s access to educational materials, prepare students by providing workforce skills and college readiness, and lead to personal growth. Harmony Public Schools recognizes, however, that access to technology must be given with clear guidelines, expectations, and supervision to protect students. This policy is designed to make parents, teachers and administrators partners to teach students how to be responsible users of technology.

Harmony Public Schools will educate all students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response.

Harmony Public Schools will hold ALL students responsible for their use of technology, whether school-provided or personal, and they are expected to act in an appropriate manner in accordance with campus procedures, school policy and procedures, and legal requirements. This applies to the use of all Harmony Public Schools’ technology resources by students while on or near school property, in school vehicles and at school-sponsored activities on-or off-campus, as well as the use of all Harmony Public Schools’ technology resources via off-campus remote access.

This Policy shall be used in conjunction with the Student Code of Conduct.

Using the Internet and Communications Systems

Harmony Public Schools provides technology resources to students for the express purposes of conducting research, completing assignments, and communicating to the faculty, staff, and others to complement their educational experience. Just as students must demonstrate proper behavior in a classroom or school hallway, they must also behave appropriately when using the school’s computer networks, personal electronic devices, personal device data plans, software or websites sanctioned or used by Harmony Public Schools, and any personal technology used in an educational setting. Access to Harmony Public Schools’ technology is a privilege, not a right. Students must comply with all standards set forth in this Policy at all times in order to maintain the privilege of using its technology resources.

Students and their parents are advised that any information stored on and/or sent through the school’s technology resources is the property of Harmony Public Schools. Accordingly, in connection with ensuring student safety, the school’s network administrators and/or other appropriate personnel will engage in periodic reviews and searches of stored files and communications stored on the school’s technology resources to maintain system integrity and ensure that students are complying with this Policy and using technology in a responsible and appropriate manner. Such reviews will include students’ use of school-approved educational websites or software to ensure that they are using it in an appropriate manner consistent with Harmony Public Schools’ expectations for such use. Students do not have a reasonable expectation of privacy over any information stored on school technology.

Harmony Public Schools may allow students to bring personal technology devices (i.e., tablets, e-readers, smartphones) for use during the school day for authorized curricular purposes. Students that use personal technology devices will be required to comply with all aspects of the Policy and/or Student Code of Conduct in the use of such devices at school. A student’s personal technology device may be subject to search by campus administrators in connection with determining if a student has committed a violation of this Policy and/or the Student Code of Conduct.

Harmony Public Schools remains committed to integrating technology to enhance its curriculum for students, which it believes increases students’ educational experience for them and allows for better preparation for job skills and college success. Access to the Internet enables students to use extensive online libraries, databases and websites selected by the school for use in instruction.

Although Harmony Public Schools strives to ensure that any Internet access avoids any inappropriate material, students and their families should be aware that some material accessible on the Internet may contain information that is inaccurate, profane, sexually oriented, defamatory and potentially offensive to some. Harmony Public Schools does not condone any student accessing, or attempting to access, such material, and it remains deeply committed to safe Internet use. Harmony Public Schools takes steps to minimize students’ opportunities to do so, including the implementation of extensive content-filtering software. This software is not fail-safe, however, and while at school, Harmony Public Schools strives to ensure that students’ Internet use is supervised, it is possible that the software may miss some content, or students may find a way around the software to access inappropriate material. For this reason, this Policy is strictly enforced, and students who misuse any school technology outside its intended purpose, including the use of school-recommended websites for purposes outside the educational intent, will be in violation of this Policy, which may lead to disciplinary consequences for the student.

With this in mind, Harmony Public Schools still believes that the benefits of allowing student access to the Internet to enhance the educational experience outweighs any potential harm to students.

Proper and Acceptable Use of All Technology Resources

Harmony Public Schools requires students to use all technology resources, including any websites or software used in the classroom, in a manner consistent with the following rules. Harmony Public Schools will hold students responsible for any intentional misuse of its technology resources, or any other failure to comply with the rules in this Policy. When using the school’s technology system(s) outside the school, parents should strive to ensure that students do so in compliance with the rules set forth in this Policy, as Harmony Public Schools is unable to supervise students’ technology use at home. The school’s content-filtering software will not work in a student’s home, so parents are encouraged to place content-filtering software on their home computers or take any other steps necessary to monitor students’ Internet usage at home.

Students, who unintentionally access inappropriate material in connection with their use of any school technology, including websites and software used in the classroom, shall immediately stop accessing the material and report it to a supervising adult. Harmony Public Schools shall take immediate steps to ensure such material is blocked from further view at school by its content-filtering software.

All school technology resources, including but not limited to school computers, communications systems and the Internet, including any websites or software used in the classroom, must be used in support of education and academic research and in accordance with the rules set forth in this Policy.

Activities that are permitted and encouraged include the following:

• School work and assignments;
• Original creation and presentation of academic work;
• Research on topics being discussed in classes at school;
• Research for opportunities outside of school related to community service, employment or further education;
• Reporting inappropriate content or harassing conduct to an adult.

Activities that are barred and subject to potential disciplinary action and loss of privileges, whether on a school-provided or personal electronic device, include the following:

• Attempting unauthorized access, or “hacking,” of the school’s computers or networks, or any attempts to bypass Internet content-filtering software used by Harmony Public Schools.
• Effecting security breaches or disruptions of network communication. Security breaches include, but are not limited to, accessing data of which the student is not an intended recipient or logging into a server or account that the student is not expressly authorized to access. For purposes of the section, “disruption” includes, but is not limited to, network sniffing, pinged floods, packet spoofing, denial of service, forged routing information for malicious purpose, and any other form of network monitoring designed to intercept data not intended for the student’s host.
• Engaging in abusive, harassing, insulting, ostracizing, intimidating, or any other online conduct which could be considered bullying and/or damaging to another’s reputation while using any school technology resource, to include the use of any website or software used by the school.
• Engaging in any conduct that damages or modifies, or is intended to damage or modify, any Harmony Public Schools’ equipment, network, stored computer file, or software, to include any conduct that results in a person’s time to take any corrective action.
• Exporting software, technical information, encryption software or technology, in violation of international or regional export control logs.
• Intentional or neglectful transmission or direct placement of computer viruses or other unauthorized programs onto school equipment, networks, stored computer files, or software.
• Interfering with or denying service to any other use or than the student’s host (for example, denial of service attack).
• Participating in online chat rooms or using instant and/or text messaging without prior approval by a classroom teacher, coach or administrator.
• Port scanning or security scanning.
• Presenting any copyrighted, registered, or trademarked work as that of the student.
• Refusing to submit to a search of a personal electronic device in accordance with the Student Acceptable Use Policy and Student Code of Conduct.
• Searching, viewing, communicating, publishing, downloading, storing, or retrieving any inappropriate or offensive material, including but not limited to obscene, profane, vulgar, or pornographic materials, or any material that is not related to the permitted activities set forth above.
• Sharing online any personal information of another student or staff member, including name, home address, or phone number.
• Taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or other content, commonly referred to as “sexting.”
• Tampering with, removing components from, or otherwise deliberately interfering with the operation of the school’s computers, networks, printers, user files, or other associated peripherals.
• Unauthorized copying of copyrighted material including, but not limited to, digitization and distribution of photographs from magazines, books, or other copyrighted sources, copyrighted music, and the installation of any copyrighted software for which Harmony Public Schools or the end user does not have an active license.
• Using a website or software program implemented by Harmony Public Schools in a manner outside the scope of the use specified by the classroom teacher, coach or administrator.
• Using any programs/script/command, or sending messages of any kind, with the intent to interfere with, or disable, a user’s terminal session, by any means, locally or via the Internet/Intranet.
• Using any Harmony Public Schools’ technology for games, role-playing multi-user environments, gambling, junk mail, chain mail, jokes or fundraising activities without prior approval by a classroom teacher or administrator.
• Using any Harmony Public Schools’ technology resource to engage in any activity that violates any Board policy, the Student Code of Conduct, campus rule, local, state, and/or federal law.
• Using any Harmony Public Schools’ technology resource to take, disseminate, transfer, or share obscene, sexually oriented, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or other content.
• Using any Harmony Public Schools’ technology resources for any commercial and/or for-profit purpose, to include personal financial gain or fraud.
• Using obscene or profane language on any school technology resource, to include posting such language on any website or software used by Harmony Public Schools.
• Using school or personal technology during the administration of state standardized testing, End of Course, and or final examinations unless expressly allowed to do so by a teacher.
• Using technology for plagiarism or otherwise representing the work of others as the student’s own.
• Using USB, bootable CD’s, or other devices to alter the function of any school technology equipment, network or software.
• Violating the rights of any person or company protected by copyright, trade secret, patent or other intellectual property or similar laws or regulations, including, but not limited to, any downloading, installation, or distribution of “pirated” or other software products.

Students shall immediately report any violations of this Policy to a classroom teacher or administrator. If any student or parent has any question about whether any activity may be a violation of this Policy, they should ask a classroom teacher or the Principal or designee.

Personal Electronic Devices

Personal wireless and mobile devices may be provided filtered access to the Internet as well as access to any web-based student applications (e.g., Discovery Education Streaming, Moodle) that would normally be accessible to students from home. Harmony Public Schools is not responsible for the loss or theft of any personal electronic devices, or for damage, or unauthorized access to the device nor the data that resides therein. Students and parents assume any and all risks associated with bringing a personal electronic device to a campus or school-related event. In addition:

• All students with personal electronic devices being used for instructional or other school business must use the school’s wireless network, which is filtered according to federal guidelines for Internet access in public schools.
• If a student uses a personal electronic device in an inappropriate manner, he or she will lose their privilege of bringing a personal device to school. Additional consequences may be imposed based on the Policy and the Student Code of Conduct, as well as any campus-based consequences for violating the usage rules for personal electronic devices.
• Personal electronic communications such as e-mail, instant messaging, chat, blogs, etc., are prohibited at school unless the teacher and/or administrator has approved the use of an application for educational purposes.
• Personal electronic devices are never to be plugged into the wired network (i.e., computers, wall jacks, other school equipment, etc.).
• School officials may power on and search a student device if there is a reasonable cause to believe that the device has been used in the transmission or reception of communications prohibited by law, policy, or regulation and if a student and parent have signed a form authorizing the student to possess the device at school.
• Sound on personal wireless and mobile devices must be turned off when it is being used as part of a class.
• Student selection of appropriate, tasteful screensavers and wallpaper is expected.
• Teachers will establish standards for personal electronic devices used in their respective classrooms; however, it is school policy that students are not allowed to access the Internet unless supervised by a teacher or staff member.
• The student must take full responsibility for configuring and maintaining their personal electronic devices. Harmony Public Schools will not provide technical support for these devices.
• When personal electronic devices are not in the student’s possession, the student must secure them. Harmony Public Schools will not store, nor will it accept responsibility for storing, any student’s personal electronic device on school grounds. Personal electronic devices must go home with students daily.

Privacy and Security

Students are expected to use the school’s technology resources responsibly and in a safe and secure manner, regardless of whether such technology is accessed using a school-issued or personal electronic device. Students shall not share their individual logins, passwords, or access to Harmony Public Schools’ technology with others without the prior approval of a classroom teacher or administrator. Students shall sign off or log off all Harmony Public Schools’ equipment, software, or Internet sites once they are done with their session in order to protect the integrity of their logins, passwords, or access.

Consequences

Violation of Harmony Public Schools’ policies and procedures concerning use of the computer on the network will result in the same disciplinary actions that would result from similar violations in other areas of school policy, including the Student Code of Conduct. Any or all of the following consequences may be enforced if a student violates the terms of this policy:

• 1. Loss of computer privileges/Internet access, with length of time to be determined by campus administration.
• 2. Any campus-based disciplinary consequence, including suspension, as deemed appropriate by the administration.
• 3. Suspension may be considered for flagrant violations or violations that corrupt the educational value of the computers or the Internet.
• 4. Expulsion may be considered in instances where students have used Harmony Public Schools’ Internet access to engage in conduct that constitutes felony criminal mischief, and/or have deliberately attempted to bypass installed security software or copy/modify another student’s work files.

Violations of law may also result in criminal prosecution as well as disciplinary action by Harmony Public Schools.

Limitations of Liability

Harmony Public Schools makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the technology resources it provides to students through school-provided equipment and/or a student's personal electronic device. Harmony Public Schools is not responsible for any damages that a student may sustain, including those arising from non-delivery of information, erroneous delivery of information, service interruptions, unauthorized use by a student, loss of data, and any potential exposure to inappropriate material from the Internet. Use of any information obtained through the Internet is at the student’s own risk, as Harmony Public Schools makes no representations, and denies responsibility for the accuracy or quality of the information. In exchange for being allowed to use the school’s technology resources, students and their parents hereby release Harmony Public Schools, its directors, employees, and representatives from any and all claims for damages that arise from the intentional or neglectful misuse of Harmony Public Schools’ technology resources by the student.

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