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Technology & Personal Devices

Technology Use Policy

Personal Devices & Student Use

  • Students may use personal devices only during lunch periods in the cafeteria and during passing time between classes.
  • Classroom use of personal devices is not allowed unless explicitly directed by the teacher. Each teacher will determine when and how technology may be used for instructional purposes.
  • Technology use is prohibited during class with a substitute teacher, unless permission is granted.
  • Use of unapproved technology during tests or quizzes is not allowed.
  • In The Alternative Classroom (TAC), technology use is restricted to what is required by the teacher; all other use is prohibited.
  • Taking photos or recording (audio or visual) of students or staff without their express consent is strictly prohibited.
  • Students must place personal devices in the cellphone caddy upon entering the classroom unless otherwise directed by the teacher.
  • Deceptive behavior, such as turning in a fake phone or falsely claiming not to have a device, will result in disciplinary action consistent with violations of the electronic device policy.

If a teacher asks a student to put their device away, the student must comply immediately.

  • First, the teacher will give a verbal warning—this is the only warning.
  • If the behavior continues or the student refuses, the teacher will inform the student that a disciplinary referral will be submitted.
  • Administrative consequences may include, but are not limited to, confiscation of the device for the remainder of the day or longer, depending on the situation.

Technology Platforms for Distance Learning/Weather  

*When authorized and deemed necessary by LPS administration

In order to facilitate distance learning, the Lincoln Public Schools is utilizing various remote technology platforms. For the most part, we are utilizing technology tools within the Google ecosystem. These have all been vetted for FERPA requirements regarding privacy concerns. However, the Lincoln Public Schools may also utilize other platforms providing streaming video and school work online through other systems, such as Screencastify, Video Chat tools, Zoom, etc.

All these products will have the ability to capture video and sound within range of the camera and microphone within the classroom, your home or any place your child uses the technology. Such information may also be seen or heard by other students sharing the distance learning platform. Also, portions of classes may be recorded and maintained as an educational record, such as music class performances.

For this reason, we are asking that you be mindful of your child’s use of these technologies and protect your family’s privacy while classes are in session. Many of these technologies have a provision to mute video and/or sound. If you wish to take advantage of these features or would like more information regarding the same, please contact your child’s principal. Utilizing and logging on to these services will act as consent to your child’s use of the same.

Scope

The Lincoln Public Schools Acceptable Usage Policy (AUP) is designed to provide guidance to all authorized users in deciding what is considered appropriate use of technology within the Lincoln Public School(LPS) district. Authorized users, including, but not limited to students, staff, and guests, will be hereafter referred to as 66 users. It is not possible to cover every aspect of proper internet, network, and device use. Accordingly, Lincoln Public Schools is requiring all users to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the district’s mission, core values, and behavior and ethical standards when using the LPS network or LPS-owned technology.

Background

Electronic information resources offer access to the world. Users have access to email, school libraries, public libraries, and university libraries, as well as news from a variety of sources. Our schools are online, and in many homes, children are accessing commercial services, social networking sites, and the Internet. During school, teachers guide students toward relevant and appropriate electronic materials. Outside of school, families have the same responsibility for guidance as they have with television, telephones, movies, radio, and other media. The following guidelines are intended to provide a base from which school policies regarding access to electronic resources can be tailored. The emphasis of this policy is to guide appropriate use; there is no intent to diminish the vital nature of electronic information services. The concerns described here are real, but they should not discourage schools from planning for the appropriate use of one of education’s most valuable tools. This policy is necessary to make all users aware of the responsibilities associated with efficient, ethical, and lawful use of computers, the  Internet, and technological resources. The guidelines and requirements set forth in this policy apply to school-issued digital devices, personal devices that connect to the district’s network, and general access to the district’s network resources. If a user violates any of the terms and conditions set forth by this policy, privileges may be terminated, access to district technology resources may be denied, and appropriate disciplinary and legal action shall be applied. All users are responsible for the appropriate use of LPS technological resources, including the computer network, computer labs, hardware peripherals, audiovisual systems, digital boards, databases, and communication systems, including, but not limited to, telephone and email. Any computer or electronic device connected to the LPS network may be required to have approved anti-virus or system security software installed. Computers or other devices not meeting these requirements may be restricted from the network. LPS databases that secure information regarding academic life, community members, and school business are the property of the LPS. The information contained within such databases is confidential and cannot be distributed or used for personal gain. The LPS retains the right to restrict access to such databases. Use of the Lincoln Public Schools network will be permitted upon agreement with the following terms:

The network will be used:

  • For educational purposes, which are consistent with the policies and objectives of the Lincoln Public Schools.
  • In ways that are not harmful to others or their property and are within the law.
  • To protect oneself and others by not issuing any personal postal addresses or telephone numbers over the computer network or the Internet, remembering that such communications are not necessarily private.
  • With permission from staff members who are in charge of it, or with permission from supervising teachers.
  • With consideration of others while on the Lincoln Public Schools network, abiding by the same rules that apply in school.
  • In a secure manner, by not importing files from unknown or disreputable sources.
  • Responsibly by everyone. Users should immediately report any problems or breaches of these responsibilities to the supervising staff member.
  • To access cloud-based and removable drive storage devices.

What follows is a robust list of uses that are not permitted. This list is not meant to be exhaustive:

  • To access, upload, download, or distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material, or in support of such activities
  • To transmit obscene, abusive, sexually explicit, harassing, or threatening language or images
  • To violate any local, state, or federal statute, including but not limited to drug or alcohol related activities, libel, gambling, promoting a pyramid scheme, distributing illegal obscenity, receiving, transmitting, or processing child pornography, making bomb threats, etc.
  • To damage or disable the property of another individual or organization
  • To access another individual’s materials, information, or files without permission
  • To violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission
  • To conduct commercial activity (defined as buying, selling, bartering, or advertising), including, but not limited to, the use of credit cards
  • To steal data, equipment, or intellectual property
  • To gain unauthorized access to the files of others (students, teachers, system administrator), or misuse the data or files of another user to include access to removable drive and/or cloud storage to gain or seek to gain unauthorized access to resources or entities to send fraudulent electronic mail messages, use an account owned by another user, or to invade the privacy of individuals, including phishing, spoofing, or hacking
  • To possess any data that represents a violation of these rules, whether in paper, digital, or any other form
  • To disrupt and/or degrade computer networks, supporting equipment, or information available on them, including, but not limited to, tampering with hardware or software, vandalizing data, introducing or using computer viruses, or attempting to gain access to restricted information on networks.

Sanctions

● Privileges: The use of the computers and Internet within the Lincoln Public Schools is a privilege intended to facilitate education, school-related communication, research, and other school business. Inappropriate use will result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to denial of access to computers and/or the Internet. The LPS reserves the right to limit or prohibit user access to the network in its efforts to maximize network use for academic purposes or as a result of violation of the Acceptable Use Policy.

● Vandalism: Vandalism will result in disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as a willful or ignorant defacing, disabling, or destruction of data of another user, software, computers, peripherals, or other network resources. This also includes, but is not limited to, damaging devices, uploading, creating, or transmitting computer viruses. Security. Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Attempts to log in to the system as any other user or to share a password will result in school disciplinary action. If a security problem is identified, the user must notify the supervising staff members. Users must not demonstrate the problem to other users.

● Privacy: System administrators may review files and communications at any time to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system responsibly. There should be no presumption of privacy for communications stored, sent, received, or accessed through the Lincoln Public Schools computers, network, e-mail system, and Internet connection. It is a matter of law that any document pertaining to the public business on a publicly funded system is a public record. All electronic correspondence and data are subject to the discovery process based upon the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

● Disciplinary Action: Disciplinary action may be taken in the event that the provisions of this policy are violated. The disciplinarian administrator and the technology department will have discretion in deciding on what action, if any, will be taken against users violating the provisions of this policy. Handling of violations of this policy may vary according to the particular situation. Where the use of the computer is an integral part of the instructional program, violators need to be disciplined immediately and regain access to the computer so that instruction may continue.

○Disciplinary action may consist of:

  • Parent Contact
  • Restoration/restitution for damages and time involved
  • Detention
  • Suspension
  • Legal Action
  • Access Suspended

If the user’s access is suspended as a result of violations, the user may appeal the suspension to the school principal. Employee violations of the Acceptable Use Policy will be handled in accordance with law, school policy, and collective bargaining agreements, as applicable.  

District-Issued Devices Guidelines and Requirements  

Lincoln Public Schools has initiated a program to loan a Chromebook and charging adapter to students who are actively enrolled in the district. The Chromebook is provided by the School District for educational use only by students at school and at home. Students and their parents/guardians should be aware that use of district technology tools, resources, and services is subject to reasonable and appropriate monitoring by LPS and school administration in accordance with the requirements of all applicable federal and state laws. Lincoln Public Schools retains sole right of possession of Chromebooks and chargers once issued to all users. Chromebooks are loaned to users for educational purposes only for the academic year or amount of time determined by an administrator. Moreover, LPS administrative staff and faculty retain the right to collect and/or inspect Chromebooks at any time, and alter, add, or delete installed hardware or software.

● Device Issuance: All students who are actively enrolled in LPS are eligible for a district-issued Chromebook. Chromebook issuance and distribution for all users will be handled by building administrators, as needed.

● Device Identification and Protection: All district devices will be identified through labels, engravings, or other school-wide forms of identification. Users shall not cover up, amend, or alter forms of device identification.

● Device Care: All users are responsible for the general care of the devices in their possession that have been issued by the district. It is the user’s responsibility to turn in or report any devices that are stolen, malfunctioning, or damaged to the school administration.

● Device Return: All devices will be returned when requested by school/district administration or when employment or enrollment is completed. If a user’s time at LPS is terminated early (including termination (for employees), suspension, expulsion, school transfer, etc.), his or her school-issued device will be returned on the date of the termination (for employees), suspension, expulsion, school transfer, etc..

● Software on Devices: Any preinstalled software and/or apps must remain on the device in usable condition and accessible at all times. The district may update apps and software on an as-needed basis. If the user of the device experiences a loss of software or required applications, they must turn it in to be restored to its original settings.  

● Disclaimer: The Lincoln Public Schools will not be responsible for any damages suffered, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, service interruptions, or inaccurate information

Vandalism

Vandalism is defined as a willful or ignorant defacing, disabling, or destruction of computers, peripherals, or other network hardware, or to harm or destroy data of another user or any other agencies or networks that are connected to the system. "Computer viruses" are programs that have been developed as pranks, can destroy valuable programs and data, and are considered vandalism. Due to the complexity and cost of technology within the Lincoln School Department, when any student's act of vandalism results in damage to electronic equipment or computer software, all costs incurred for repair will be the responsibility of the student and/or parent/guardian. Any vandalism will result in loss of network privileges, disciplinary action, and/or possible legal referral. Additional disciplinary action may be determined at the building level in keeping with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate language or behavior. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved. If parental permission is given, the student agrees to abide by the terms of the Lincoln School Department Acceptable Use Policy. If parental permission is not secured or denied, it is the responsibility of the student to refrain from accessing the Internet in accordance with his/her parent/guardian's wishes. Students who access the Lincoln School Department-provided Internet (LincNet) without parent/guardian and/or teacher permission, or students who have permission and allow other students to access LincNet who do not have parent/guardian and/or teacher permission, will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined above. The Lincoln School Department makes no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, for the Internet access it is providing. The Lincoln School Department will not be responsible for any damages users suffer, including - but not limited to - loss of data resulting from delays or interruptions in service. The Lincoln School Department will not be responsible for the accuracy, nature, or quality of information stored on Lincoln School Department diskettes, hard drives, or servers, nor the accuracy, nature, or quality of information gathered through Lincoln School Department-provided Internet access. The Lincoln School Department will not be responsible for personal property used to access Lincoln School Department computers or networks or for Lincoln School Department-provided Internet access. The Lincoln School Department will not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations resulting from Lincoln School Department-provided access to the Internet.

Annual Computer Network And Internet Access User Permission And Waiver Agreement  

We are pleased to offer students of the Lincoln Public Schools access to the district computer network for electronic mail and the Internet. To gain access to e-mail and the Internet, all students under the age of 18 must obtain parental or guardian permission and must sign and return this form each school year.

By signing the User Permission and Waiver Form,

I and my parent (s)/guardian(s) agree to abide by the Lincoln Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy. I have discussed the Lincoln Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy with my parent(s)/guardian(s). Further, my parent(s)/guardian(s) and I have been advised that the Lincoln Public Schools and its employees do not have control over the information available on the Internet. Some available sites may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. While the Lincoln Public Schools intend to make Internet access available in order to further its educational goals and objectives, account holders may attempt to access other materials as well. The Lincoln Public School Department believes that the benefits to students and educators from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, far exceed any disadvantages of access. Ultimately, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of minors are responsible for setting and conveying standards that their children should follow. To that end, the Lincoln School Department supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for computer network and Internet access. Any questions should be directed to the school Principal or district IT Specialist. The Lincoln Public Schools Computer and Internet Acceptable Policy and procedures are available on the district website and on request for review by all parents and guardians. In addition, parents and guardians have the option of requesting alternative activities not requiring Internet use for their minor children. The student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) must understand that student access to the computer network and Internet (LincNet) connection exists to support the Lincoln Public Schools educational responsibilities and mission. The specific conditions and services that are offered will change from time to time. In addition, the Lincoln Public Schools makes no warranties with respect to the computer network or Internet (LincNet) connection, and it specifically assumes no responsibility for:

  • The content of any advice or information received by a student from sources outside the school district, or any costs or charges incurred as a result of seeing or accepting such information;
  • Any costs, liability, or damages caused by the way the student chooses to use his/her Lincoln Public Schools network access;
  • Any consequences of service interruptions or changes, even if these disruptions arise from consequences of service interruptions or changes, and even if these disruptions arise from circumstances under the control of the Lincoln Public Schools.