Responsible Use of Technology

Portola Valley School District
Responsible Use of Technology Agreement

 

Dear Parent/Guardian,
 

Portola Valley School District’s mission is to provide an excellent education for all students. To achieve this, we capitalize upon a unique partnership among teachers, support staff, parents, and community and create powerful learning opportunities that challenge all students to: meet the District’s standards of excellence, become ethical leaders in school and community, and make positive contributions to a diverse and changing world.

As the world changes, access to a technological suite of tools is consistently utilized to promote literacy, encourage critical thinking, as well as obtain the collaboration skills required of a future ready learner. This infusion of technology is shifting the way teachers teach and students learn. Supporting the diverse learning needs of our students is recognized as a key element to students achieving academic success. The effective use of technology is an integral part of this. It should help to build depth to learning in a manner that all students can access. As students learn to use these tools effectively and ethically, and as they are exposed to a variety of inquiry based activities, guided by their teachers, they then become prepared with the skills and knowledge to make positive contributions to the world.

To assist students with these skills, PVSD has equipped each student with a Google Apps for Education Account where students have access to safe and secure online accounts that are compliant to all federal privacy laws.  These accounts provide students access to the following significant tools:

  • Email communication tool - ability to communicate with teachers and peers

  • Office Productivity (Word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia presentations, and drawing tools)

  • Calendar

  • Websites and Digital Portfolios

  • Online assignment submission

  • Automation tools such as collaborative bookmarking of research

These core applications allow for accessibility in school, at home, at the library, and anywhere else there is Internet access.

Students  may also be asked to utilize their secure PVSD Google Apps for Education account for instructional and appropriate 3rd-party application for single-sign-on access. Student accounts can be monitored and accessed by administrators at anytime. Teachers also have access to monitor their online files, websites, and emails. We encourage you to talk to your children about effective online behavior citizenry as well the applications they are currently using in their classes. If you would like to discuss any of these applications and/or you would like to opt-out and discuss alternative ways to access assignments you may contact the District Office.

 

Portola Valley School District community works to ensure technology is vetted and meets standards aligned to the following laws with the ultimate goal of keeping students safe:

  • The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

  • Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

  • Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

  • Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
  • Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA)

Learn more about Federal student privacy laws and/or California specific student privacy. 

With all the content filters, laws, and safeguards in place, the District cannot guarantee that students will not access inappropriate materials either accidentally or due to misuse.

Portola Valley School District recommends initiating conversations with your student in regards to all aspects of technology and digital information including:

  • Internet Safety

  • Digital Footprint & Reputation

  • Privacy & Security

  • Self-image & Identity

  • Relationships & Communication

  • Information Literacy

  • Cyber-bullying
  • Creative Credit & Copyright

Common Sense Media provides many resources, tips, guides, media reviews, and research related to students’ technology use and access to media. We encourage you to peruse the site.

The partnership between parents, students and teachers is vital in supporting an environment of rich learning experiences. Therefore, we ask that you read the Agreement for Technology Use together with your student. You will be asked to mark off that you and your student will follow the rules on your registration form.

Select the appropriate Agreement below to review with your child: 

 
  
 
 
 

Agreement for Technology Use- Corte Madera 

 

It is important to use the technology tools at school responsibly and in the way my teacher has demonstrated. I also understand that I am a member of the Corte Madera community and my actions must represent a citizen who exudes collaboration, Integrity, and Respect towards all individuals and property. I understand that my use of District technology is a privilege, not a right, and the District can withdraw this privilege if I violate this Technology Use Agreement or other District rules regarding using the District’s technology tools and services.

  1. I will treat all technology  (computers, iPods, iPads, power tools, etc..) with care and to make sure they do not become damaged.

  2. I will return all technology to the district as I understand that the technology equipment and systems belong to the District. The District can and may review any material developed, viewed, or shared.

  3. I will not change or tamper with any of the school equipment or systems. This can include settings, software, downloads, hardware, etc.   

  4. I will only work on the programs and websites that are appropriate and beneficial for the school setting.

  5. I will keep passwords private only to myself, my parents, and teachers.

  6. I will use my online accounts (i.e., Google, IXL, etc.)  and all other District equipment for schoolwork only.

  7. I will be respectful to teacher and peers  by making eye-contact, putting device down/away when being spoken at.

  8. I will regularly use digital communication tools my teacher(s) specify.

  9. I will use respectful language in my communications in all areas: verbal, blogs, wiki’s, email’s, etc.

  10. I will keep myself and my family and friends safe by only publishing non-identifiable information about myself or others and not posting items such as full names, phone numbers, pictures, addresses, itineraries, events, etc.

  11. I will only  send, store, or access appropriate and legal materials.

  12. I will write essays, reports, etc. with my original thoughts and I will properly cite any information I receive from other sources including images, videos, and other multimedia.

  14.  I will report any misuse of technology to an adult.

  15.  I will ask for help immediately when needed or something goes wrong with a technology.

 
 

Consequences

If any of these agreements are violated, consequences will occur and will be appropriate toward the violation. Consequences may include loss of technology use, written apologies, and other typical consequences used in the district.

 

Agreement for Technology Use- Ormondale

It is important to use the technology tools at school responsibly  and in the way my teacher has showed me to make sure I am Collaborative, I have Integrity, and I am Respectful. I promise to do the following:

  1. I will treat the computers, iPods, iPads, and other technology devices carefully and will not break them.

  2. I will  only work on the programs and websites that are good for school and/or my teachers tell me to use.

  3. I will use online accounts such as Google when I am asked to.

  4. I will keep passwords private only to myself, my parents, and teachers.

  5. I will only use the computer, iPods, iPads or other items  safely and to be nice to people. I will never hurt, scare or bully others. I know that the school can look at what I do on the computers and other devices.

  6. I will be respectful to teacher and peers  by making eye-contact, putting device down/away when being spoken at.

  7. I will keep myself and my family and friends safe by not sharing any names, phone numbers, or  addresses on the computer, ipad, etc.

  8. I Will write reports and papers with my own ideas and will not take others ideas on say it is mine.

  9. I will tell an adult if I read or see something on the screen that is not appropriate for school.

  10. I will ask for help if I don’t know what to do.


Consequences

If any of these agreements are violated consequences will occur and will be appropriate toward the violation. Consequences may include loss of technology use, written apologies, and other typical consequences used in the district.