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Student Use of Electronic and Computer Technology

Communication Devices

MPS regulates the use of personal communication devices (PCDs) including cell phones, smart watches, tablets, and other electronic devices to maintain a safe and focused learning environment. Students in grades K3–8 may not use PCDs during school hours. High school students may use PCDs before and after school and during other approved times; use at all other times is prohibited unless authorized by a teacher, administrator, or IEP team. Violation may result in confiscation of the device and/or disciplinary action in accordance with Board Policy 5136 – Personal Communication Devices. Students and families are responsible for personal devices brought to school.

Inappropriate Use of Electronic Devices

Any activation, use, or display of an electronic communication device (mobile phone, tablet, portable music player, or any device capable of accessing social media), including but not limited to capturing, distributing, and posting of inappropriate images that disrupt the learning environment, are prohibited. Certain inappropriate images or postings will be referred to law enforcement.

Computer/Internet Technology

MPS supports the use of computer technology to enhance the education of all students. It also recognizes that with this educational opportunity comes personal responsibility. Email accounts and file materials are not private and may be monitored by the district. Electronic messages must not contain profanity, obscene comments, sexually explicit material, or expressions of bigotry, racism, or hatred. Users are cautioned against transmitting personal information that they would not want made available to strangers. This includes name, address, and telephone, Social Security, and credit card numbers. Use of the internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use may result in privileges being suspended or revoked and possible disciplinary action according to Board Policy 7540.03–Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety.

Student Internet Use

The use of the internet in school facilities or on school equipment is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in cancellation of that privilege and possible school discipline in accordance with the Code of School/Classroom Conduct.

Security

  • Under no circumstances should you give anyone your password.
  • Do not reveal your personal address or telephone number.
  • Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the internet.
  • Students have the right to appeal any restrictions or access privileges.

Netiquette

  • Be polite. Do not be abusive in any message to others.
  • Use appropriate language. Do not use profanity, obscene comments, sexually explicit material, or expressions of bigotry, racism, or hatred.
  • Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
  • Do not reveal personal addresses or telephone numbers of others.
  • Do not use the network in a way that would disrupt the use of the network or other users.
  • Do not use the internet to threaten or bully others (cyber bullying).

Vandalism

  • Vandalism is defined in the MPS Student Code of Conduct as maliciously and intentionally causing damage to school property or the property of others, and includes situations in which minor damage can be repaired or replaced at no cost to the district.
  • Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy electronic information, including data or equipment, is a violation of Board Policy 7540.03–Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety.
  • Uploading or creation of computer viruses is considered vandalism.

Rules and Code of Ethics

  • The student should act honorably and in a manner consistent with ordinary ethical obligations.
  • The student will not use computer resources for nonacademic activities.
  • The student will not make unauthorized copies of software in accordance with copyright laws.
  • The student should respect the rights and privacy of other authorized users.
  • The student represents their school and should do so in ways that are positive.
  • View the MPS Student Acceptable Use Policy (Board Policy 7540.03–Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety).

Student Accounts

Pursuant to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), MPS uses content filtering software to protect students from inappropriate websites. The district monitors and updates its web content filtering system on a daily basis.

MPS is not responsible for the accuracy or the quality of information obtained through the Internet.

Under the Wisconsin State Statute §947.0125, students may be subject to criminal sanctions if they engage in the use of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, or data to threaten, intimidate, abuse, or harass another person through electronic mail or other computerized communication system.

Students under age 13 need parent permission to have a commercial Google account; however, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) allows Milwaukee Public Schools to act as the parents’ agent and approve education accounts on their behalf. To be COPPA compliant, we must provide an opt-out process; see the form in this document: Deny My Child’s Access to the Internet and Electronic Mail. All students will have Google Apps accounts (including content-filtered YouTube) built into the Milwaukee Public Schools private domain unless a parent or guardian returns the required form to opt out of their child using technology.

Email accounts, and file materials in general, are public and not private in nature and remain subject to monitoring by the school district. The school district network administrators, with due regard for the right of privacy of users and the confidentiality of their data, have the right to suspend or modify internet access privileges, and to examine files, passwords, account information, printouts, tapes, and any other material that may aid in maintaining the integrity and efficient operation of the system. Staff may search the file system for potential violations. When there is evidence of a possible violation, staff may view users’ files, read mail, monitor keystrokes, and otherwise observe users’ activities.