TAU Policy and Device Agreement

Below are the agreements that parents and students agree to after being issued a Henderson Collegiate device.

All students and parents must agree to follow the terms and conditions stated in the Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Device Agreement. The signature page at the end of this contract must be signed and returned prior to computer access being granted.

Parents / Students: any violation of this contract that results in inappropriate use of technology and/or damage of technology will result in a school consequence in accordance with the student code of conduct and policies set forth in our Henderson Collegiate Students and Families Handbook.

Introduction: Technology as a Tool for Learning and Growth

We are excited to provide you with access to technology that will enhance your learning and help you explore new ideas. By using these tools responsibly, you'll gain valuable skills for success in the digital age. We will learn together how to navigate the digital world safely and ethically, which includes understanding your digital footprint, preventing cyberbullying, and interacting respectfully on social networks.

Responsible Use of Technology

At Henderson Collegiate, you will use school technology to support your learning, complete assignments, and explore educational resources. We encourage you to discover the many ways technology can enhance your academic journey. We strive to create a safe online environment. If you encounter content that makes you feel uncomfortable or inappropriate, please tell a teacher or staff member.

Commercial Use Prohibition

Use of school technological resources for commercial gain or profit is prohibited.
 

At Henderson Collegiate, we provide access to computer networks, equipment, and the internet to support your learning and growth. These resources are designed to help you explore new ideas and expand your knowledge. To ensure a safe online environment, we follow federal and state laws, as well as our school's policies. 

Keeping You Safe Online

In compliance with Public Law 106-554, The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), The Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (N-CIPA), Public Law 110–385, Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act, all school computers with Internet access will operate with filtering technology to prevent both adults and minors from accessing visual depictions that are obscene (per 18 USC 1460), inappropriate information (per 18 USC 2256), or are harmful to minors. The technology protection measure is enforced at the system level: all Internet traffic is inspected by the filtering system.

Online Safety and Communication

Your digital footprint is the trail you leave behind as you use the internet. It includes everything you post, share, and like online. We encourage you to build a positive digital footprint that reflects your best self and supports your learning in the following ways:

• We encourage you to use online resources that are appropriate for learning and that respect the school's educational environment..
• Treat everyone with respect online. Cyberbullying is never okay. If you see or experience cyberbullying, please tell a trusted adult immediately.
• Protect your privacy and the privacy of others. Avoid contact with strangers and don’t share personal information that could identify you like your address, phone number, student ID number, or full name online. Be mindful of what you share, and remember that once something is online, it can be difficult to remove. 

The Internet Safety Policy (3226/4205) is designed to create a secure and productive online learning environment for all students. By implementing protective measures, the school ensures access to valuable educational resources while safeguarding against potentially harmful content. This policy fosters responsible digital citizenship and empowers students to utilize technology effectively and safely. Ultimately, it aims to enhance the learning experience by providing a safe and reliable internet connection for academic growth and exploration.

We will monitor online activity to help keep you safe. This includes looking for signs of cyberbullying or other harmful behavior.

Let's use our online tools to learn and communicate respectfully. To keep our online space safe and positive, please do not create, view, or share content that is harmful or inappropriate. This includes content that is obscene, defamatory, profane, pornographic, harassing, or abusive. If you see something that makes you uncomfortable or seems wrong, tell a teacher or staff member right away.

To protect everyone's privacy, please do not record or share audio or video of classes or meetings without permission.

Responsible Online Behavior

While we generally don't monitor your online activity on personal devices during non-school hours, we do care about your safety and the well-being of our school community. If your online behavior directly and significantly affects school safety, order, or discipline, you may be subject to school policies, including student conduct and discipline policies and more. This also applies to online activity during remote or electronic learning.

Exploring Educational Resources Responsibly

We understand that the internet contains a vast amount of information, some of which may not be suitable for school-aged children. Our goal is to guide you towards educational resources that support your learning while protecting you from inappropriate content. Teachers and staff will take reasonable steps to ensure you have access to appropriate online materials for your lessons.

Respecting School Identity and Environment

Please remember that using the school's name, logo, or trademarks on personal websites requires permission. We may ask for the removal of content from websites that disrupt the school environment or misuse our school's identity.

Using Personal Devices

Please be aware that the school is not responsible for content accessed through personal devices or networks not managed by the school. We encourage you to use your personal devices responsibly and to be mindful of the content you access while not on campus. 

Our priority is to provide a safe and productive learning environment for all students. To achieve this, the IT team has installed filtering measures to block access to obscene, pornographic, or harmful content. In certain cases, school officials may temporarily disable filters for adults using school computers for legitimate research or educational purposes. However, we will not restrict access to ideas or viewpoints simply because we disagree with them.

Understanding Monitoring

Because school technology is intended for educational purposes, please understand that there is no expectation of privacy when using these resources. This means that network activity, web browsing, and files stored on school devices may be reviewed by school administrators or their designated representatives. This monitoring helps us maintain system integrity, ensure compliance with school policies and laws, and support your learning.

How Monitoring Works

• On-Campus Monitoring:
  • While you are on campus and using school-owned computers, your online activities may be monitored.
  • Software on student devices allows teachers and staff to view student screens during instructional time to support learning.
  • The school reserves the right to monitor and record all use of school technology, including internet and social media access, and communications. This monitoring may occur at any time without prior notice for legal purposes, such as record keeping and investigating inappropriate or illegal activity.
  • Please be aware that most online activity, like web searches and emails, cannot be completely erased.
• Off-Campus Monitoring:
  • When you are using school devices at home, parents have the right to set and control what their student views using personal web filtering tools.
  • The school will also continue to filter content based on educational needs on school-owned devices used off campus.
• Passwords:
  • Passwords created for or used on school technology are the property of the school. Creating or using a password on school technology does not create an expectation of privacy of the content contained within the account.

Why We Monitor

Monitoring helps us:

• Protect students from harmful content.
• Prevent cyberbullying and other inappropriate online behavior.
• Maintain the security and integrity of our network.
• Ensure that technology is being used for educational purposes.
• Remain in compliance with legal obligations.

We strive to be transparent about our monitoring practices and to use them responsibly to create a safe and positive online learning environment.

Device Distribution and Return

We're excited to provide you with a device to support your learning! Here's how the distribution and return process works:

• Distribution:
  • High School: You'll receive your laptop at the distribution/technology orientation session after the start of the school year, once this agreement is signed by you and your parent/guardian. Since devices are used for multiple years, you may receive a device with some pre-existing marks (ie. scratches or cracks) these are deemed cosmetic and have been thoroughly tested to ensure they do not affect functionality of the device.
  • Middle School & Elementary School: You will use laptops or tablets during the day that are stored in your classrooms.
  • All students: A parent or guardian signature is required to use the device and any accounts associated with device usage.
     
• Return:
  • High School: Please return any school issued-laptops and all accompanying equipment in good condition on your assigned return date. You may be charged for any missing chargers or damage to the device that affects functionality and is beyond cosmetic. 
     
• Mid-Year Withdrawal:
  • High School: If you withdraw from school during the year, please return the laptop and all accompanying equipment, which is the property of Henderson Collegiate, to the High School Front Office in good condition. Transcripts will be released upon return of the device. You may be charged for any missing chargers or damage to the device that affects functionality and is beyond cosmetic.
     
• Unreturned Devices:
  • A fee for the unreturned device will be charged as listed in the HC Chromebook Handbook.
  • Henderson Collegiate reserves the right to file police reports for any missing devices.
     
• Special Exceptions:
  • There may be instances where students from Elementary School or Middle School may be personally assigned a device for certain accommodations. These devices may be used throughout the school but must remain on campus and cannot go home unless expressly requested by a Henderson Collegiate staff member and approved by the Director of Technology.

Device Responsibility and Care

The device provided to you is a valuable learning tool. It is your responsibility, along with your parent’s or legal guardian’s, to care for and use it properly. While you are the authorized user, the device remains the property of Henderson Collegiate.

Care and Maintenance

• You are expected to follow the Caring for Your Device section in the Henderson Collegiate Chromebook Handbook available upon request at the time of device distribution and available on our website at: hendersoncollegiate.org/technology/chromebookhandbook.
• Please treat the device with care. Damage or negligence beyond normal wear and tear may result in a fee charged to your parents or legal guardians as defined in the Henderson Collegiate Chromebook Handbook and on the IT page at: hendersoncollegiate.org/technology.
• Repair evaluation will be at the Henderson Collegiate IT Department’s discretion. Each device will be evaluated based on the damage and its impact on the ability of the device to perform day-to-day functions.
• Failure to pay for repairs will result in restriction or revocation of technology privileges and a “hold” of the student’s diploma and/or transcripts if fees are not paid. 
   

System Security and Responsible Use

1. Take care of school computers and devices. Report any technical problems to a teacher or staff member. Help keep our technology working smoothly by using it responsibly.
2. Be careful when downloading files. Scan downloaded files for viruses to keep our network safe.
3. Install only approved software and applications on school devices. If you want to use a new program, ask a teacher or staff member for permission.
4. Respect the security of our network and systems. If you find a security issue, please report it to a staff member. Accessing or attempting to access information without permission is not allowed.
5. The use of anonymous proxies to circumvent content filtering is prohibited.
6. Users may not install or use any Internet-based file-sharing program designed to facilitate the sharing of copyrighted material.
7. Use only your own accounts and passwords. Never share your password with anyone, and don't try to use someone else's account.
8. Respect the privacy of others' files and emails. Access only your own files and emails.

Personal Devices and School Networks

When using school technology, whether on school-owned devices or personal devices, you are expected to follow all school policies, the Code of Conduct, and this Acceptable Use Agreement.

To ensure a consistent, secure, and monitored learning environment, personal student devices such as laptops, phones, tablets, smartwatches, and smart glasses are not permitted to connect to the school network at any time. Creating phone hotspots to bypass this policy is also prohibited and is a violation of the student cell phone policy outlined in the student handbook.

Reasons for This Policy

• Provide a consistent and secure learning experience for all students.
• Minimize technical issues caused by unsupported hardware and software.
• Maintain the ability to monitor student web traffic as required by local and federal laws.
• Protect our network from potential security risks.

Privacy Considerations

Please be aware that if you use a personal device to access school technology, the contents of the device and any communications sent or received on the device may be subject to disclosure through a lawful subpoena or public records request.

AI Technology

COMING SOON!

AI and Learning: Innovating Responsibly

At Henderson Collegiate, we believe AI can be a powerful tool for learning. Let's use AI to explore new ideas, enhance our creativity, and deepen our understanding of the world around us.

Using AI Ethically and Respectfully

• Learning with Integrity: When using AI for schoolwork, let's always be honest and give credit to our sources. Plagiarism is never acceptable, even when using AI. Students will be shown how to properly cite AI in their work and as referenced in the AI Dashboard on the school website. 
• Respecting Others: AI should be used to create positive and inclusive learning experiences. Let's avoid using AI to bully, harass, or spread misinformation.
• Following Guidelines: We will follow school guidelines and teacher instructions when using AI tools. This includes the AI Usage Thermometers indicating the correct level of AI usage in each assignment. This ensures we are using AI in a way that supports our learning and respects copyright and privacy.
• Using Approved Tools: Only use AI tools that are approved by our school. This helps us ensure that the tools are safe and appropriate for learning. These are tools that have been vetted and approved by Henderson Collegiate and will be communicated to students by teachers before starting an assignment Henderson Collegiate’s AI Policy is COMING SOON. 
• Protecting Privacy: When using AI, let's be mindful of sharing personal information. We will not use AI to invade the privacy of others or provide it with personally identifiable information of anyone.
• Responsible Creation: We are responsible for the content we create with AI. Let's make sure our AI-generated content is accurate, respectful, and aligns with our school's values and federal and local laws.

Learning and Growing with AI:

AI is a tool that can help us learn and grow. By using AI responsibly and ethically, we can unlock new possibilities and prepare ourselves for the future.

Respecting Laws and Intellectual Property

We value creativity and respect the work of others. When using online resources, be sure to give credit to the original creators and avoid plagiarism. Learning how to properly cite sources is an important skill. We will help you understand copyright and how to use online resources ethically.

Students must comply with all applicable laws, including those relating to copyrights and trademarks, confidential information, and public records. Any use that violates state or federal law is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.

Security Measures

To protect our technological resources, we use various security measures, visual inspections, asset tracking and more.

Understanding Vandalism and Theft

We expect all students to respect and care for school property and technology. Vandalism or theft of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences. If you are involved in vandalism or theft, your technology privileges will be revoked, and you will face disciplinary action.

• Vandalism: Any intentional attempt to damage or destroy network or computer equipment, or data, is considered vandalism.
• Theft: Taking someone else's property without their permission is theft. This includes physical property and digital information. If a theft occurs off-campus, it is the responsibility of the student or their guardians to file a police report and notify the school.

Both vandalism and theft are illegal and can have serious legal consequences. The technology department works closely with local law enforcement to investigate suspected cases of vandalism or theft.

Compliance

Your use of the laptop is subject to Henderson Collegiate’s Code of Conduct and North Carolina law.
 

Acknowledgement and Approval of Technology 
Acceptable Use Policy and Computer Agreement

By signing this device agreement, the student and parents agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Henderson Collegiate and its employees from and against all claims, demands, suits, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses resulting from or arising out of the use of the property as described in this agreement, which causes bodily injury, illness, death or other damage to persons or property.

I approve Henderson Collegiate staff to create any accounts necessary for my student to utilize school-approved applications, access the internet, utilize web-based services, and to share limited information with third-party providers. This includes enabling access to Google Workspace for Education accounts and any additional Google services that require parental consent. I understand that this will enhance my student's learning experience and that Henderson Collegiate will follow Google's data privacy policies as listed in the notice available at: hendersoncollegiate.org/technology/googleconsent.

Additionally, by signing below, I agree to all of the clauses referenced in this policy. When the device has been transferred to my student, I understand that the device becomes the responsibility of my student and myself.

My signature below indicates I have thoroughly read and understand the above information included in this packet or as posted on the Henderson Collegiate website. I hereby accept responsibility for the care of this laptop and charger. If it is damaged or lost while in my care, I understand I will be charged for its repair or replacement. 

Parent / Guardian Printed Name: ___________________________________________________

Parent / Guardian Signature:____________________________________    Date: ____________

Parent / Guardian Email: ________________________________________________     

Parent / Guardian Phone: ________________

Student Printed Name: _________________________________________________

High School Student Signature (9-12 only) : _________________________________________________

Student Grade Level: _________________________________