Technology

Appropriate Use of Technology

Stillwater Public Schools provides network and Internet access for educational purposes only. District staff will make reasonable efforts to supervise student use of network and Internet access.

Accessing the Internet creates potential access to materials inappropriate for school-aged students and the district utilizes an Internet filtering system. However, filtering systems have limitations and cannot be expected to be 100% effective. Filtering works with web browsing (not email or messaging) on equipment connected to the district’s networks. Devices connected to outside networks (such as student mobile phones with cellular Internet) cannot be filtered.

Students are provided with district network and Google accounts, but may lose access for disciplinary reasons. Email accounts are only provided to students in grades 4 and above. Student account access is disabled during summer break.

Student email may be monitored by a third-party to alert the district to policy or safety concerns, but issues may only be addressed by district employees on days that school is in session from the hours of 8am to 4:30pm. The district encourages and supports parents/guardians monitoring their child’s email account and communications, but not sending messages from their child’s account.

Phones & Mobile Communication Devices

It is the policy of the Stillwater Board of Education that students shall be permitted to carry wireless telecommunication devices, including electronic pagers or cellular phones, on the premises of this school district, in transit under the authority of the school, or at school district functions. Wireless communications and electronic devices may not be used during instructional time unless authorized by a teacher or administrator.

Students found to be using any electronic communications device for any illegal purpose, violation of privacy, or to in any way send or receive personal messages, data, or information that would contribute to or constitute cheating on tests or examinations will be subject to discipline and the device may be confiscated. Students violating this rule will be disallowed from carrying any personal communication device following the incident unless a bona fide health emergency exists. In no case will a device be permitted to take unauthorized photographs or videos of any kind.

Electronic devices should not be used during class time unless instructed by the teacher. Use of such devices during non-instructional time is at the discretion of the building administrator. Headphones, earbuds or other equipment used to listen to personal devices are not permitted during school hours.

Elementary Rules

• • Contact your school for details.

Middle School Rules

Cell phones cannot be used between 7:50 and 3:20. This includes lunch and recess as well. If a cell phone is seen or used between those hours, the student will be asked to put their phone in the office for the remainder of the day. Stillwater Public Schools will not be held responsible for lost or stolen phones.

Further, any unauthorized use of these devices that in any way interferes with academic work in class or is disruptive generally on school grounds is not acceptable. To make sure that all students at Stillwater Middle School understand the rules that apply to telecommunication devices we ask that each student have a signed Cellular Phone Contract on file in the office.

POLICY VIOLATIONS

Any student who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including the removing of the device to the building principal’s office. The device may be returned to the student at the end of the day or may be returned to the student’s parents after a conference among the student, the student’s parents, and a school administration.

Junior High School Rules

Students may use cellphones and earbuds in hallways during passing periods and at lunch. Use of these devices in classrooms (without prior permission) or restrooms is still prohibited, and device misuse is still subject to disciplinary action.

• • • • • Students may use cellphones and earbuds in hallways during passing periods and at lunch.

        • Use of these devices in classrooms (without prior permission) or restrooms is prohibited.

        • Device misuse is subject to disciplinary action.

Device misuse is subject to disciplinary action, including detention & parent contact upon first offense. Repeated offenses will result in, possible in-school placement and/or loss of ability to bring device to school.

SJHS is committed to providing equal access for all students and allowing responsible, learning-centered use of technological devices at school to provide multiple pathways to accessing content and understanding for our students. While personal devices are not required at SJHS, we are providing a pathway for students to bring their own device if they choose.

High School Rules

• • • • Students may use cellphones and earbuds in hallways during passing periods and at lunch.

      • Use of these devices in classrooms (without prior permission) or restrooms is prohibited.

      • Device misuse is subject to disciplinary action.

Social Media

Students should use good judgment in social media interaction. Cyberbullying will not be tolerated and, in accordance with policy, conduct occurring outside of the normal school day or off school property that has a direct negative effect on the discipline or educational process or effectiveness of the school may also result in disciplinary action, which may include in-school placement options or out-of-school suspension.

A list of district social media accounts is available at: https://sites.google.com/stillwaterschools.com/hub/social-media

The school district may disclose appropriately designated “directory information,” including:

• The student's name

• The student’s grade level (i.e., first grade, tenth grade, etc.)

• The student’s participation in officially recognized activities and sports

• The student’s degrees, honors and awards received

• The student’s weight and height, if a member of an athletic team

• The student’s photograph

via press releases, publications, or social media, unless a parent or guardian has advised the district to the contrary in accordance with district procedures by contacting SPS's Public Relations and Communication Coordinator at bfuxa@stillwaterschools.com to formally make such a request.

Examples of the release of this information include:

• A playbill, showing a student’s role in a drama production

• The annual yearbook

• Honor roll or other recognition lists

• Graduation programs

• Sports programs

Surveys

Administrators, teachers, other staff members, and the board of education may use surveys for many purposes, which may include, but are not limited to, the need for student services, the determination of prevailing views pertaining to proposed policies and/or practices, or the determination of student knowledge and/or attitudes related to a specific subject or unit. Surveys used in any experimental program or research project will be subject to policy GVA-P . Parents shall have the right to inspect all instructional material that will be used for a survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of a federal program. No student may, without prior written parental consent, take part in a survey, analysis, or evaluation that reveals information concerning:

1. Political affiliations or beliefs, family history, and cultural beliefs/customs of the student or the student’s parent;

2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student's family;

3. Sexual behavior or attitudes;

4. Illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;

5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships;

6. Legally recognized privileged communication;

7. Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program)

8. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent.

Stillwater Pioneer Virtual Academy - please see the SPVA Technology section