Device Policies & Procedures

The Columbus Public Schools Student Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA) is for your review. 

Additionally, as part of the digital literacy/Chromebook initiative, the Columbus Public Schools is highly recommending the purchase of a Damage Protection Plan prior to the check-out of the Chromebook to your child. 

Columbus Public Schools will assess the Chromebook damage and repair or replace the device if the damage is determined to be accidental and within the protection plan guidelines. 

This damage protection plan does not cover for loss of the Chromebook and/or its accessories or damages caused by intentional misuse and abuse. Under this agreement, the Chromebook is protected to 85% of incurred cost from accidental damage. The Columbus Public Schools will require that a police report be submitted in cases of theft. 

Fraudulent reporting of theft will be turned over to the police for prosecution. A student making a false report will also be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the student handbook. Parents/Students will be charged for damage due to intentional misuse or abuse at current replacement cost of the device coverage.

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Appropriate Uses and Digital Citizenship 

• School-issued devices should be used for educational purposes, and students are to adhere to this Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA) and all of its corresponding administrative procedures at all times. 
• Students may be required to annually pass Digital Literacy curriculum. Violations of the Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA) may result in Internet use privileges being revoked or restricted until the student recertifies through the digital literacy. 
• While working in a digital and collaborative environment, students should always conduct themselves as good digital citizens by adhering to the following guidelines: 
  • Respect yourself. I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will select online names that are appropriate. I will use caution with the information, images, and other media that I post online. I will carefully consider what personal information about my life, experiences, or relationships I post. I will not be obscene. I will act with integrity. 
  • Protect yourself. I will ensure that the information, images, and materials I post online will not put me at risk. I will not publish my personal details, contact details, or a schedule of my activities. I will report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me while online. I will protect passwords, accounts, and resources. 
  • Respect others. I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to antagonize, bully, harass, or stalk people. I will show respect for other people in my choice of websites; I will not visit sites that are degrading to others, pornographic, racist, or inappropriate. 
  • Protect others. I will protect others by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications. I will avoid unacceptable materials and conversations. 
  • Respect intellectual property. I will request permission to use copyrighted or otherwise protected materials. I will suitably cite all use of websites, books, media, etc. I will acknowledge all primary sources. I will validate information. I will use and abide by the fair use rules. 
  • Protect intellectual property. I will request to use the software and media others produce. I will purchase, license, and register all software or use available free and open source alternatives rather than pirating software. I will purchase my music and media and refrain from distributing these in a manner that violates their licenses. 

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• Columbus Public Schools Internet Access is to be used only for classroom related activities. This policy applies when using either school equipment or personal equipment on the district network.
• The administration reserves the right to refuse access to the Internet by Columbus Public Schools to anyone when it deems it necessary in the public interest.
• The school district’s Internet access and all school-issued technology are considered “school grounds” under the Nebraska Student Discipline Act and all other provisions of state and federal law.

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Compliance with the Law and Use of Computers / Internet

• Students using the Internet will follow all laws, policies, and rules governing computers. This includes (but is not limited to) copyright laws, software publisher’s rights, license agreements, acts of terrorism, assault, threats, and expectations for student and parent privacy.
• Students at Columbus Public Schools shall receive instruction in Internet safety. This curriculum will include material related to appropriate access to the Internet by minors, appropriate use of social networking sites, cyber-bullying, and other topics as are relevant in encouraging digital citizenship.
• A copy of the scope and sequence or other outline of the Internet Safety Curriculum may be found in the district Curriculum Office and each school media center. 

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Access to the Internet by Minors (individuals under the age of 18) or Adults

• not access or transmit materials that is considered obscene, pornography, harmful to minors, or otherwise inappropriate for education and/or may be considered illegal activity.
• not use Columbus Public Schools technology or Internet resources to engage in hacking or attempts to otherwise compromise any computer or network system’s security.
• not engage in any illegal activities on the Internet.
• only use electronic mail, chat rooms, social networking sites, and other forms of direct electronic communications for the purposes related to education within the context of a Columbus Public Schools-related assignment or activity.
• not attempt to override or bypass any protection measure that has been put in place by Columbus Public Schools to block and/or filter access to Internet sites that are not in accordance with policies of Columbus Public Schools.
• not disclose personal identification information on the Internet.

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Policy Violations

• Any violation of this policy may result in the loss of access to the Internet by the student/adult involved. Additional disciplinary action may be determined in accordance with existing policies of the Columbus Public Schools, including applicable state and federal laws.
• Details and definitions of the full Columbus Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy 504.09 & 606.06 can be reviewed at any media center in the Columbus Public Schools or online.
• Students shall be granted permission to access the Internet under the direction of a teacher upon proof of completion of the digital literacy curriculum from an administrator or media specialist.

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Belief in Access

• We believe that access to the Internet is an important educational resource for our students.
• We understand that although there are many valuable educational resources available, there are also unacceptable and offensive materials available on the Internet.
• We require efficient, ethical, courteous and legal utilization of the equipment, computers, and network resources.

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Additional Notes

• As a safety precaution, full names or addresses are not to be revealed online.
• Computer and network resources have been provided for educational purposes; game playing and commercial uses are prohibited.
• Sharing of individual accounts is prohibited.
• Electronic mail (email) and other computer use or storage is not guaranteed to be private or confidential. Network or other computer use or storage areas are and will be treated as school property.
• Computers, files, and communications may be accessed and reviewed by district personnel and may be accessed by other computer users. 
• Chain letters and inter-relay chat are misuses of the system.
• Vandalism or "hacking" of any kind is prohibited.
• The security of the system and the rights of other users are to be respected at all times.

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