Responsible Use Policy

Purpose 

The Responsible Use Policy (RUP) for technology is designed to promote the safe, responsible, and respectful use of digital resources in Seguin ISD. The purpose of the RUP is to ensure that the use of technology aligns with the Seguin ISD values, policies, and goals while minimizing risks and maximizing the benefits of digital resources. Students must agree to the following Responsible Use Policy (RUP) to be eligible to receive technology from Seguin ISD or access the district network. All students will be required to complete a Seguin ISD Technology Compliance Course.

Responsible Use Policy

Device usage is a privilege, and any privilege comes with responsibility. The following are district device usage expectations and guidelines:

How should students use technology?

Students will use their devices as instructed by a teacher during class, during designated study periods, or while working independently.

Students will put their devices away when their teacher asks them to do so.

Students will take care of any school devices as if they were their own.

What should students do with technology?

Students will use their devices to learn new things.

Students will check information to verify that it is true.

Students will give credit to the creators of content that is not theirs.

How should students interact with other people?

Students will be good digital citizens by being honest and kind online.

Students will use their devices for academic communication such as emailing a teacher or working with other students on classroom assignments.

Students will not share personal information (like home address or birthdate) about themselves or others online.

Students will give feedback and comments in ways that make others feel supported.

Students will use appropriate language and won't make others feel uncomfortable because of the things they say.

Personal Responsibility and Safety

Students know that school computers and internet communication tools must be used properly and responsibly.

Students will only log in to the computer or network with their own username and password.

When students do something that is not in line with this agreement, they will talk to a teacher, principal, or trusted adult who will help them figure out how to make it right.

Students will immediately stop and tell a trusted adult if anything happens on the computer or online that does not seem right or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Students understand that using any school technology, networks, or personal devices at school is a privilege they must earn through responsible use. If they don't keep their part of this agreement, they understand that privileges may be removed for a time and that they may face additional consequences.

How do students treat their devices?

Students will ensure that their devices are charged, know where they are at all times, and that they bring them with them every day.

Students will only use the device and charger assigned to them and will not lend it to anyone else.

Students will keep their devices' cases on at all times and carry them with two hands when transporting them.

Students will keep food and liquids away from their devices and make sure they stay on their desks.

Students will not purposely break or damage any part of their devices such as marking, drawing, attaching stickers, taking apart or attempting to repair the devices themselves.

Students agree to return their devices and all of their accessories in good working condition.

What are the responsibilities of parents or guardians?

Parents acknowledge that they will be responsible for any damages or fines related to their student's device.

Campus Administration will investigate any incidents that violate this RUP.

Parents acknowledge that violations of this RUP could result in student disciplinary action.

Parents will be responsible for monitoring their student's use of the Internet when he/she is not at school, and that their student's use of the school network and device may be monitored for compliance with school policies and applicable laws.

Parents acknowledge that all activities on their student's device can be monitored.

Parents acknowledge that fraudulent reporting of theft will be turned over to the police and insurance company to pursue.

Parents acknowledge that their student must return the device and all of its peripherals in good working condition when requested.

Consequences

Any device misuse may result in behavior consequences and fines. Each instance of damage to a district device may incur a fine of $50 per incident. If a district device is damaged beyond repair or destroyed, a fine equivalent to the full replacement cost may be assessed. Please refer to the current student handbook for additional information on fines and consequences.

School-Issued Instructional Technology

Seguin ISD provides technology learning devices to all enrolled students for instructional use. Access to adequate technology resources is essential for both on-campus and off-campus learning.

All students in PreK through 5th grade will be assigned a district device for use while at school only. These devices will remain on campus and will not be taken home by elementary students.

All students in grades 6-12 will be issued a district mobile device (Chromebook) that can be taken home for academic use. Students in grades 6-12 also have the option to bring their own personal mobile device for daily use, however they will still be issued a district device for academic testing purposes only, as the testing software can only be run from district-owned devices.

These district-issued devices are loaned to students while enrolled at a Seguin ISD school.

Please note that use of any Seguin ISD technology device is a privilege, not a right. Device usage must adhere to the Responsible Use Policy, Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, and all relevant district policies. Actions and materials accessed on district devices may be monitored.

Required Care of Technology Devices

Students are required to use their district-assigned mobile device responsibly:

Devices must be kept in good working condition and treated carefully

Damage, loss, or defacement of devices may result in disciplinary consequences and/or fines
Each instance of damage to a district device may incur a fine of $50 per incident.
If a district device is damaged beyond repair or destroyed, a fine equivalent to the full replacement cost may be assessed. Please refer to the current student handbook for additional information on fines and consequences.
Fines will be assessed based on incident reports and repair/replacement costs
If a device is lost or stolen, a police report is required before a replacement is issued
Devices and accessories must be returned by the last day of the school year or upon withdrawal
My student will be issued a district mobile device for academic use and testing My student will abide by all device usage guidelines in the Responsible Use Policy

Failure to return the device and accessories may result in records being withheld