CRCS Computer Devices Policy

It is the vision of Calvary Road Christian School (CRCS) to help our students develop 21st century skills. The 1:1 Chromebook to student ratio will support collaboration, student engagement, remove obstacles of availability and space, and provide access to research tools to enrich the learning environment. Technology can enhance and promote student engagement in the learning process.

Students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade will use their school issued Chromebook to accesses the learning platform of SeeSaw . For those students who are in 3rd through 6th grade, the platform of Google Classroom will be used to support learning. Chromebooks maybe used both in the classroom and at home. The Chromebook allows student access to Google Apps for Education, educational web-based tools, as well as many other useful sites. The supplied device is an educational tool not intended for gaming, social networking or high end computing.

The immersion of technology into the learning environment does not diminish the importance of the classroom teacher. Technology, when put into the hands of excellent educators, provides opportunities to enhance teacher’s lessons and assists teachers in providing information in multiple ways. Incorporating technology will also assist teachers in presentations, student involvement, and evaluation of academics.

Use of all CRCS technology resources is a privilege, not a right. By using CRCS Internet Systems and devices, the student agrees to follow all CRCS regulations, policies and guidelines. Students and staff are encouraged to report misuse or breach of protocols to appropriate personnel, including building administrators, direct supervisors and the IT Director. Abuse of these privileges may result in one or more of the following consequences:

• Suspension or cancellation of use and/or access of privileges.
• Payments for damages or repairs.
  As set forth in the Introduction, this Handbook and the students are subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Calvary Road Christian School Computer Usage Policy.

We Believe

• Technology impacts our everyday lives.
• When technology is used in the classroom, it can encourage student engagement which in turn can increase student performance, interest, and enjoyment in school.
• Technology must be designed so that it can be seamlessly implemented into the learning environment.
• Online tools can assist teacher in presenting information in multiple ways.
• It is important for teachers to have the ability to collaborate with other professionals and participate in professional develop through the use of technology.
• Technology can provide all students with access to information and provide tools which support students in become lifelong learners.
• Technology can support integration of multiple subjects simultaneously.
• The inclusion of technology in the classroom can support individual learner’s interests, speed of learning, and preferred style of learning.
• Technology in the hands of every learner today can help support the workers of tomorrow as students will develop problem solving skills for the 21st century.
• It is important for teachers to use technology to dig deeper into God’s Word to help students develop a Biblical Worldview.

This Chromebook Handbook governs all electronic activity of students using and accessing CRCS’ technology, Internet, and data systems regardless of the user’s physical location.

Chromebooks will be distributed to each student at the beginning of the school year. Each Chromebook will be assigned to a particular student and will remain the responsibility of the student throughout the entire year. Parents/Guardians must sign the appropriate forms before the Chromebooks will be issued to a student.

Students who are asked to take their Chromebooks home by the classroom teacher are responsible for bringing their fully charged Chromebooks to class each day unless otherwise directed by the classroom teacher.

Students are responsible for the general care of the Chromebook which they have been issued by the school. Chromebooks that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the Technology Director’s office. If a loaner Chromebook is needed, one will be issued to the student until their Chromebook can be repaired or replaced.

• No food or drink is allowed next to your Chromebook while it is in use.
• Cords, cables, and removable storage devices must be inserted carefully into the Chromebook.
• Students should never carry their Chromebook while the screen is open unless directed to do so by a teacher.
• Chromebooks should be shut down when not in use to conserve battery life.
• Chromebooks should never be wedged into a book bag as this may break the screen. Do not expose your Chromebook to extreme temperature or direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Extreme heat or cold may cause damage to the Chromebook.
• Always bring your laptop to room temperature prior to turning it on.

• Screen Care:

   

  • The Chromebook screen can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from excessive pressure on the screen.
  • Do not lean on top of the Chromebook
  • Do not place anything near the Chromebook that could put pressure on the screen.
  • Do not place anything in the carrying case that will press against the screen.
  • Do not poke the screen.
  • Do not place anything on the keyboard before closing the lid (e.g. pens, pencils, notebooks).
  • Clean the screen with a soft, dry anti-static, or micro-fiber cloth. Do not use window cleaner or any type of liquid or water on the Chromebook. You can also purchase individually packaged pre-moistened eyeglass lens cleaning tissues to clean the screen. These are very convenient and relatively inexpensive.

     

• Cleaning of Keyboard:

   

  • Cleaning the Chromebook keyboard is necessary to protect against spreading germs.
  • You should always wash your hands prior to cleaning the keyboard.
  • Disinfecting a Chromebook keyboard is as simple as applying your favorite disinfecting product to the keys.
  • Don’t spray or apply liquid cleaners directly to any part of your Chromebook. Instead, apply liquid disinfectants to a cloth, making sure that your cloth is saturated enough to provide the surface contact time specified on the product’s label.
  • You can clean a Chromebook with a product such as disinfecting wipes.
  • To remove particles from the keys, turn the keyboard over and shake the device. You may also use a keyboard vacuum cleaner, if you have one, or use compressed air. A small brush or a cotton Q-tip may also be used.

     

• Personalizing the Chromebook:

   

  • Chromebooks must remain free of any stickers, writing, or drawing. An unaltered identification label with the student’s name is the only acceptable exception in the Chromebook case. Spot checks for compliance will be done by classroom teacher, the IT Director, or the administration at any time.
  • Students may add appropriate music, photos, and videos to their Chromebook which relates to school projects.
  • Personalized media which relates to school projects are subject to inspection and must follow the CRCS acceptable use policy.
  • Students are permitted and encouraged to use a wireless mouse with their Chromebook.
  • Students in grades K-4 are not permitted to download specialty cursors or personalize their backgrounds. It is up to the discretion of the teachers in fifth and sixth grades.

     

• Virus Protection

   

  Each Chromebook will have virus protection installed before they are distributed. Students or families will not be able to add or take off any additional software on their Chromebooks. Any questions in regards to the virus software should be directed to the IT Director.

   

• Ethical and Appropriate Use

   

  CRCS integrates technology use in the learning environment at home and at school. As a modern technology, the Internet has the potential to assist learning as well as cause harm. While in the classroom, the Chromebooks will be used under the guidance of our professional staff; classroom teachers, assistants, enrichment staff, and the IT Director. These individuals closely monitor the use of technology while students are on campus. It is vital personal information of a minor not be shared in any way online.CRCS has a legal and moral obligation to protect the personal data of our students, families, and staff. At the same time, students and families must realize that all information, files, and data placed on these devices are the property of CRCS with and CRCS staff being able to review such electronic data at any time.All students, families, and staff must know their rights and responsibilities outlines in the Chromebook Handbook, the CRCS Computer Usage Form, and any applicable government regulations.

   

• Privacy and Safety

   

  • Do not open or change any file which does not belong to you.
  • Unauthorized chat rooms and all chain mail are prohibited.
  • Do not reveal personal information such as telephone number, email address, social security number, or passwords. Remember that the information you store on the Chromebook is not guaranteed to be private or confidential.
  • Do not save personal information to the Chromebook which you do not wished to be viewed as Chromebooks are subject to inspection at any time.
  • It is the student’s responsibility to report any known security vulnerabilities to their classroom teacher or the administration.
  • Do not email anyone other than the teacher(s) or other students as directed by the classroom or enrichment teacher.While at home, the student should use their Chromebooks in a visible area.

     

• Chromebooks at Home

   

  Parents are encouraged to set boundaries and restrictions on school Chromebooks while they are used at home. Chromebooks are Wi-Fi enabled and are able to access the Internet when wireless connections are available. Internet access is needed for students to complete their homework assignments.

   

  • While at home, the student should use their Chromebooks in a visible area.
  • Parents/Guardians are responsible for monitoring and assisting students while they are online.
  • Students are permitted to assess the internet at home or on any secure network.
  • The IT Department will not be able to assist with home networking issues.
  • Students should not share or allow others to use their Chromebooks.
  • The assigned Chromebooks will be the responsibility of the student and the student will be responsible for all content therein.
  • Parents are welcome to add restrictions to the use of Chromebooks if desired.

     

  CRCS recognizes that users may use CRCS email, devices, and network bandwidth for limited personal use; however, personal use should not interfere with or impede schoolwork and/or cause additional financial burden on CRCS. Excessive use of abuse of these privileges can be deemed in violation of the Computer Usage Policy.

   

• Online Behavior

   

  Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (New International Version). As a school, we desire for our students to follow Christ’s calling in these three actions: Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly. When using the Chromebooks online, these three actions are the standard for which our school will operate.

   

  Act Justly- Remember that what is written, said and posted online is permanent reflection of oneself. CRCS is committed to honoring the name of Christ in all that is done. All that is posted, recorded, or written must be in alignment with all stated and federal rules. The Chromebooks are to be used for school assignments and should not be put in use for any unethical actions.

   

  Love Mercy- The CRCS Chromebooks are to be used to edify others and not tear anyone down. Cyberbullying will not be tolerated by the school administration. All communication must be presented with sensitivity to others.

   

  Walk Humbly- The expectation for all actions taken on the Chromebook is to meet a Christian standard of kindness, honesty, respect. When faced with situations which are stressful or upsetting, it is the expectation of the school that students will act with humility and honesty.

   

• Learning Management Systems (LMS)

   

  Students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade will be using the learning platform of SeeSaw. Students who are in grades 3rd through 6th grade will utilize Google Classroom. Each student will have an account created by the school using an email address created through Google Mail. All students will be assigned to their teacher’s classroom account. Each student is responsible for assessing and completing assignments on their learning platform.

   

  Managing Files

   

  Students may save their files to a Google drive, or to external memory drive such as a USB flash drive. We highly recommend our younger students use only the Google Drive. By saving documents to a Google drive, it allows the file to be accessed anywhere the Internet is accessible. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain their files and to ensure the integrity of the documents.

   

  Students who are in grades Kindergarten through 2nd grade may be requested on occasion to submit their work on SeeSaw. SeeSaw will store and teachers will evaluate assignments on this platform. Students will be trained on proper submission of work within the first two weeks of school.

   

  For those students who are in grades 3rd through 6th grade, students may be asked on occasion to submit work through their account on Google Classroom. Students will be trained on how to manage their account and submit assignment on Google Classroom within the first two weeks of school.

   

  Student acknowledges that all information, files and data placed on the Chromebook or on a Google drive is the property of CRCS and may be reviewed, modified, or deleted by any staff member at CRCS at any time, for any reason. No such information, file or data should be considered private by the student.

   

• Returning Chromebooks

   

  It is anticipated that once a Chromebook is issued to a student, that device will remain with the student for the entire time a student is enrolled at CRCS, unless the Chromebook suffers technical issues. Said device will be collected at the end of a school year for cleaning and possible reconfiguration, but the same device will be reissued to the student at the start of the next school year. CRCS reserves the right, however, to replace the device at any time during the school year or over the summer, for any reason, without cause. Any student who transfer out of CRCS will be required to return their Chromebook on their last day of attendance at CRCS.