VILLA MADONNA ACADEMY RESPONSIBLE USE
BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD) AGREEMENT
The purpose of the BYOD program at Villa Madonna Academy is to enhance teaching and learning opportunities by providing tools and resources appropriate to 21st century learners. The highest level of learning is evidenced when a learner integrates his/her existing knowledge with new information, skills, or ideas to create a new idea or product. Villa Madonna Academy believes that by integrating access to productivity devices into classroom instruction we will allow students opportunities to explore, research, and create, resulting in this higher-level learning. Teachers and parents serve the important roles of guides and facilitators for students in this process of discovery and mastery of skills and information.
The policies, procedures, and information within this document apply to all technology/productivity devices used at Villa Madonna Academy.
Expectations:
1. Students will use their devices in compliance with the principles, values, and mission of Villa Madonna Academy, and in compliance with all state and federal laws, including copyright laws. All apps, photos, videos, recordings, presentations, posts, etc. created, viewed, or purchased on a device being used at school must comply with principles of Catholic, Christian ethics and behavior, and with school rules.
2. During school hours, the device is to be used for educational purposes only. The device’s primary purpose for the student is as an educational tool.
3. Devices may not be brought into restrooms, locker rooms, or other changing areas. Devices may not be taken to Physical Education classes or other events where physical damage to the devices would be likely to occur, nor may devices be used in the school cafeteria during lunch time. These restrictions are for both sanitation and social health reasons.
4. If a student violates any part of this responsible use policy, JUG will be issued, and disciplinary steps will be taken. These may include, but are not limited to:
a. Student’s device will be confiscated for remainder of school day. Student will still be responsible for all required work.
b. Student’s device privileges may be suspended for a period of time. Student will still be responsible for all required work.
c. In serious cases of abuse of device privileges, such as sexting, harassment, etc., a student’s device will be surrendered to law enforcement agencies for examination, parents will be notified, and student may be suspended or dismissed from Villa Madonna Academy.
Student Pledge:
The student who participates in the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program pledges:
I understand that I may responsibly use Villa Madonna Academy’s school network and technology tools, as defined by the following guidelines. I understand that I may be subject to disciplinary action if I do not abide by these guidelines. Should problems or questions arise, I agree to seek help, and if I become aware of any abuses, I agree to inform a Villa faculty member.
1. Digital Citizenship - I agree to be a positive digital citizen. I will use my device and any school device in compliance with the principles, values, and mission of Villa Madonna Academy, and in compliance with all state and federal laws, including copyright laws. All apps, photos, videos, recordings, presentations, posts, etc. created, viewed, or purchased on a device used at school must comply with principles of Christian ethics and behavior, and with school rules. I will use appropriate language and subject matter when using Villa’s network for any form of communication. I will not create, or encourage others to create or use, discourteous or abusive content. I will not use electronic communication to gossip, spread rumors, or engage in any activity that is harmful to other students, faculty, or other persons. I will always be mindful that I am a representative of Villa Madonna Academy.
2. Use of School Technology Network - I will use the school network, school devices, and personal device only for appropriate purposes, including obtaining, using, processing, and distributing information for the purpose of legitimate school-related school-approved activities. I understand that inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to: assuming the identity of another; sending or seeking to receive messages that contain or suggest pornography, unethical or illegal solicitation, racism, sexism, inappropriate language; illegal activity; and information which could violate another person’s privacy.
3. Privacy - I will protect the privacy of others and myself by not revealing passwords, addresses, or other personal information on the Internet or to others without seeking the guidance of a parent or faculty member. I understand that electronic communications are not guaranteed to be private.
4. Copyright - I understand that certain materials may not be copied or reproduced without the permission of the author or copyright owner. I agree to document and properly cite all information and media acquired through the Internet or other information technologies.
5. School Name/Logos - I understand that I may not use the Villa Madonna name or logo on the internet without prior consent from school administration.
Student Responsibilities:
· Students should bring their devices, fully charged, to school every school day. If a device is left at home or is not charged, students remain responsible for completing all coursework.
· Malfunctions or technical issues are not acceptable excuses for failing to complete an assignment, unless no other means of completion exist.
· All forms of social networking, emailing, and messaging are strictly prohibited during class time unless the use is part of the lesson and is specifically sanctioned by the teacher in whose class the activity takes place.
· The volume is to remain on mute unless headphones are attached and/or permission is obtained from the teacher. Headphones/earbuds are optional and are not provided by the school. Headphones/earbuds may not be used in school hallways during class change and may only be used in class settings with permission of the teacher.
· The school is not responsible for any loss/damage to a BYO device.
Prohibited Uses Include:
· Accessing inappropriate materials - All material on the device used at school must adhere to the values and mission of Villa Madonna Academy. Students are not allowed to send, access, upload, download, or distribute materials which are offensive, profane, threatening, pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit
· Illegal Activities - Use of the school’s internet/email/network accounts for financial or commercial gain or for any illegal activity
· Violating Copyrights – music and other files downloaded on a device used at school must be in compliance with Federal copyright laws
· Cameras - Students must use good judgment and follow Villa Madonna Academy’s rules of conduct when using the camera. The student agrees that the camera will not be used to take inappropriate, illicit or sexually explicit photographs or videos, nor will it be used to embarrass anyone in any way. Devices are not permitted in restrooms or locker rooms. Any use of cameras in restrooms or the locker room, regardless of intent, will be treated as a serious violation.
· Device camera/microphone use is strictly prohibited in classrooms and school hallways unless specific permission is granted by the teacher involved, or unless the student has a written formal accommodation approved by Mr. Shields and Mrs. McQueen.
· Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access - Any student caught trying to gain access to another student’s accounts, files, or data will be subject to disciplinary action
· Malicious Use/Vandalism - Any attempt to destroy hardware, software, or data will be considered a serious breach of this contract.
