Student Tech Support - Berkshire Middle School (2024)

Student’s Technology Use/Expectations

Expanding technologies take students and staff beyond the confines of the classroom, and provide opportunities for enhancing, extending, and rethinking the learning process. A goal in providing digital resources is to promote educational equity and excellence throughout the District so students can acquire the skills and knowledge to learn effectively, collaborate efficiently, communicate creatively and live productively in a digital world.

I understand that Birmingham Public Schools provide digital resources for students’ work, as an integral part of the curriculum. Behavior and language in the use of these resources should be consistent with classroom standards.

I agree to the following responsibilities and restrictions:

• I will not give my password to any other user, nor attempt to learn or to use anyone else’s password, and I will not transmit my address or telephone number, or any personal or confidential information about myself or others.
  

• I will not make statements or use the likeness of another person that harass, intimidate, threaten, insult, libel or ridicule students or staff members of the school community, make statements that are falsely attributed to others, or use language that is disrespectful or obscene.
  

• I will not attempt to access, upload, or transmit material that attacks ethnic, religious or racial groups, or material that is p*rnographic or explicitly sexual in nature.
  

• I will not violate copyright laws, damage or tamper with hardware or software, vandalize or destroy data, intrude upon, alter or destroy the files of another user, introduce or use computer “viruses,” or attempt to gain access to restricted information or networks.
  

• I will not use or create any program to interfere with, change, or interact with programs, security settings, systems, or devices that are the property of Birmingham Public Schools and are used for school-related purposes by students, their parents and staff.

Laptop/Chromebook Distribution

• Students will be given a laptop/chromebook when entering Birmingham Public Schools. In most cases, The student will have the same device for the duration of their stay in each building. (Elementary, Middle, High School)
  

• Elementary will receive a chromebook (Dell CB) that will remain on a classroom cart. Students will be able to take home a chromebook only when requested by their teacher.
  

• Middle School- 7th and 8th grade will receive laptops (Dell 2 in 1- 3310) and 6th grade will receive a chromebook (Dell Chromebook 3110). All students will receive one charger and must take home their laptop daily so they can be charged and ready for the next day.
  

• High School students will get a laptop. (Dell 2 in 1- 3330). All students will receive one charger and must take home their laptop daily so they can be charged and ready for the next day.

All Devices will be distributed with a power adapter and protective case. Students are responsible for replacing power adaptors if lost or damaged. It is in the students best interest to order a spare power adaptor so they will always be ready for class. Order information can be found on the BPS Website.

Student Accounts/Apps

Depending on class structure, students have digital accounts to help them along their learning Journey.

*Some accounts are approved but not managed by the district.

District Managed:

• ClasLink
  ClassLink is your students learning digital dashboard- Anything they need to access during the school day is or can be added to their dashboard for quick and easy access to the tools they use on a daily basis.

• Google (@bps-schools.com)
  Your students' Google account will be their best friend this year. Most teachers will post class information and assignments using their Google account. Most teachers will communicate via G-Mail.

• Office 365 (@birmingham.k12.mi.us)
  Also known as Microsoft is another useful tool. Similar to Google, it can be used in place of or with your students Google account. Both have reliable features to enhance their project or school work.

• Schoology
  Schoology is used for getting and receiving assignments. Teachers will post information needed, class syllabus, and important information needed for class success. By keeping organized and checking for teacher communications will help your student have a successful year.

• PowerSchool
  Is your portal to teacher/parent communication. Grades and attendance will be posted by your students' teachers. Missing assignments and attendance can also be accessed here.

Teacher Managed:

• Additional Curriculum Related Accounts
  There are many additional software apps that may be used during the school year by teachers who set up the accounts themselves. It is important for your student to get the account information needed to complete the task assigned.

Device Care

Students and their parents or guardians must take reasonable care to protect and properly use District Technology at all times. This includes but is not limited to the following actions.

• District Technology may not be personalized with markers, stickers or other similar materials. A new case must be purchased if the case is damaged when returning the device.

• District applied labels, asset tags and other identifiers must not be removed.

• Food and drink should not be used near computers or other District Technology.

• Removal or changing of the device's physical structure is prohibited. (ie. removing/changing keys, casing, etc.)

• District Technology should not be left in automobiles, as they cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold and may become damaged.

• Protective cases must remain on District devices at all times.

• District Technology should never be left unattended.

• Any damage/problems should be reported to the building’s TOA.

• Students should lock their screen when moving around in class. (Windows Key + L). Close the lid when not in use.

Expectations for Use

Exercise good judgment and discretion when using digital resources. Users must accept full responsibility for all actions performed under their user login.
Use technology…

• To complete educational tasks and seek academic excellence.

• To support academic research.

• In a manner consistent with the educational objectives of the District.

• In a manner consistent with BPS Student Code of Conduct, Board Policy and Guidelines and federal, state and local laws and ordinances.

• Offline behavior expectations also apply to online conduct.

Respect and Protect…

• Privacy of self and others.

• Hardware, software, and network resources.

• Intellectual property rights.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

• Review Laptop Rules & Guidelines with your student/s

• Review Student Acceptable Use Policy

• Ensure laptop is properly cared for and encourage responsible use of the school device

• Monitor your student/s. While we prohibit sharing passwords with unauthorized users, parents are explicitly authorized to monitor their child. We encourage you to know what your student is doing on his or her school laptop while not at school.

• Model appropriate use of technology resources and accounts, including maintaining data privacy.

• Reinforce the importance of online safety and security.

Safety and Security Practices

• Never reveal names, addresses, phone numbers, or passwords of yourself or others while communicating on the Internet.

• Do not transmit pictures or other information that could be used to establish your identity.

• Never agree to get together with someone you "meet" online without prior parent approval.

• Do not share your account information (password) with anyone.

• Never use another person’s account.

• Avoid accessing sensitive information while using public wifi.

• Avoid opening unfamiliar links, attachments and other potential harmful materials.

Parent Tips:

• Report concerns for your students personal safety or the safety of another to the attention of a teacher or administrator.

• Practice safe online communication. Knowing how to responsibly communicate without exposing yourself to online risks is key to digital citizenship.

• Discuss internet safety and develop an online safety plan with children before they engage in online activity. Establish clear guidelines, teach children to spot red flags, and encourage children to have open communication with you.

• Supervise use of the internet, including periodically checking profiles and posts. Keep electronic devices in open, common areas of the home and consider setting time limits for their use.

• Review games, apps, and social media sites before they are downloaded or used by students. Pay particular attention to apps and sites that feature end-to-end encryption, direct messaging, video chats, file uploads, and user anonymity, which are frequently relied upon by online child predators.
  

• Students should avoid sharing personal information, photos, and videos online in public forums or with people they do not know in real life. Explain to your student that images posted online will be permanently on the internet.
  

• Discuss body safety and boundaries, including the importance of saying ‘no’ to inappropriate requests both in the physical world and the virtual world.
  

• Be alert to potential signs of abuse, including changes in children’s use of electronic devices, attempts to conceal online activity, withdrawn behavior, angry outbursts, anxiety, and depression.

*Information from: https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/keeping-children-safe-online

Acceptable Use Examples:

• Following the same guidelines for respectful, responsible, and ethical behavior online that is expected offline.

• Treating school resources carefully, and alerting staff if there are any problems with their operation.

• Alerting an adult if/when threatening, inappropriate, or harmful content (images, messages, and posts) display.

• Communicating in ways that are kind and respectful.

• Using school technologies at appropriate times, in approved places, for educational pursuits.

• Citing sources when using online sites and resources for research.

• Being cautious to protect the safety of yourself and others.

Unacceptable Use Examples:

• Attempting to find inappropriate images or content.

• Using profanity, obscenity, or language that is offensive or threatening.

• Recording anyone without their consent.

• Destruction, alteration, or unauthorized access of hardware, software, or firmware.

• Plagiarizing.

• Allowing others to use personally issued property, accounts, etc.

• Soliciting or distributing information with the intent to incite violence, cause personal harm, damage a person’s character, or harass another individual. (cyberbullying)

• Any actions that would violate the BPS Student Code of Conduct and state, local and federal laws/ordinances.

Filtering, Monitoring & Network Security:

The district uses filtering software intended to block inappropriate or objectionable material. Due to the ever changing Internet and new sites popping up daily, filtering software is not 100%.

Teachers do their best to monitor students while in class and we strongly encourage all parents to closely monitor their student/s and report any inappropriate website or material that may pop up while using the network at home. Each user is responsible for avoiding inappropriate sites, and reporting it for proper filtering. This communication between home and school is extremely important to keep our network safe.

How Filtering Software Can Protect Students:

• Protect children from inappropriate content.

• Follow regulations.

• Prevent cyberbullying.

• Oversee internet distractions.

• Promote advanced responsible internet use.

• Give peace of mind to parents.

• Ensure suitable usage of school-issued devices.

Inappropriate Use and Violation of Expectations

Violations of Birmingham Public Schools Technology Agreement may have disciplinary repercussions. Possible consequences include but are not limited to :

• Suspension of or restricted use of network, technology, or computer privileges.

• Notification to parents from Principal.

• Detention or suspension from school and school-related activities.

• Legal action and/or prosecution.

• Assignment of violation-related learning, course work, research or related project.

Device Insurance
The district is proving an optional internal insurance plan to help soften the cost of potential repairs to all families

• The cost of the plan is $20 Annually, per child and will provide a discount to families when accidental damage occurs to their device (See chart below for details).

• All interpretations for accidental/intentional damage will be made at the principal's discretion.

• Funds will be collected through Efunds.

• The plan is non-refundable.

• Occurrence counts for accidental damage - Incidents reset annually.

• Fees will be waived on accidental damage for families that receive Free and Reduced lunch.

• Students may lose the option to bring their device home with intentional damage.Subject to Principal discretion.

• Stolen devices require a police report. The 1st occurrence of a stolen device with a police report will have no charge.

• Additional occurrences are subject to lost device fees. This count does not reset annually.

Damage Occurrence Fees

First Occurence Damage
W/ Insurance - No Charge
W/O Insurance - Cost of Repair up to $50

Second Occurence Damage
W/ Insurance - $30
W/O Insurance - Cost of Repair up to $100

Third Occurence Damage
W/ Insurance - $50
W/O Insurance - Cost of Repair

Damage due to Case Removal
W/ Insurance - $150
W/O Insurance - Cost of Repair

Intentional Damage
(Not covered by Insurance)
First Occurence
Total cost of repair up to $400
Second Occurence
Total Cost of Repair -No Limit
Third Occurrence
Must meet with Principal

Lost/Stolen Device
First Occurence
W/ Insurance -No Charge when a Police Report is provided from the parent.
W/O Insurance - Cost of Device

Damage to Case
Max fee of replacement is $30

Lost Damaged Power Adaptor
$30 or student can purchase a genuine Dell charger on their own from approved sources- NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE

https://berkshire.birmingham.k12.mi.us/announcements

Berkshire Acceptable Use Form

ACCEPTABLE USE OF PERSONALLY OWNED DEVICES BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD)