Delcom School Board Policies

Delaware Community School Corporation (“DCSC” or “the Corporation”) is committed to promoting academic achievement, growth, and engagement, with technology playing a crucial role in these efforts. Access to technological resources, including computers and the Internet, is essential for learning and a condition of employment at DCSC. Employees and students (“Users”) represent the Corporation when accessing the network and are responsible for using it in a productive and ethical manner, in accordance with the standards of an educational institution and as outlined in Board Policies. 

DCSC recognizes the value of technology in enhancing the productivity, knowledge, and competitiveness of its employees and students. While DCSC does not assume responsibility for individual users, it acknowledges its duty to uphold accepted standards of use for the global community. Use of technological resources is a privilege, not a right, and users must take their responsibilities seriously by adhering to this Student Responsible Use of Technology and Internet Use Agreement (“this Agreement”) and policy A300. Inappropriate use may result in the suspension or termination of privileges, along with other disciplinary actions. The Corporation retains the right to monitor, review, print, delete, store, or utilize any transmissions on its systems at its sole discretion. Access to these systems is granted solely for the purpose of fulfilling duties related to employment and educational activities.

Before access to the network and resources is granted, students must complete and sign this Agreement. By using the network, all students and parents acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of this Agreement, in accordance with policy A300.  Parents and students must also sign and follow the Student Handbook before students receive their assigned device.

Delaware Community School Corporation exercises its right to monitor any activity on school devices and accounts both on and off school grounds.  Students should remember that all school rules apply at all times when using school devices and accounts. Students and Parents should read the policy A300 and Student Handbook provisions for a complete understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

All technology provided by DCSC and any information stored on that technology remain the property of the Corporation. Documents, works, and data created or stored on Corporation technology, including those placed on websites, blogs, or other storage devices, are the property of DCSC, not the individual user.  Personal content should be created and stored using personal accounts and technology. 

1. Responsible use of technology is ethical, academically honest, respectful of the rights of others. 
2. Users shall NOT use the Network to access, create, send, receive, store, or display obscene materials; send threatening or libelous communications; or engage in communications that include vulgar, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate language. Accessing adult or pornographic sites, or sending, receiving, viewing, or downloading pornographic material or material harmful to minors is strictly prohibited.
3. Users are prohibited from accessing or using other individuals' accounts, information, or files, as well as from using passwords not specifically assigned to them.  Users shall never use another person’s password, ID, passkey, QR code login, or account. Unauthorized attempts to log on to corporation technology will result in the cancellation of the user’s access and may lead to further disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. If you suspect that someone has obtained your login information or gained unauthorized access to your account, it is your responsibility to immediately contact the IT Department to change your credentials and protect your identity and data.
4. The use of recording, listening, or transcription tools during meetings or discussions is prohibited unless such use is in conjunction with a parent or legal guardian recording a meeting with the school, if such use constitutes a reasonable accommodation under the ADA, or where prior authorization from the building principal or superintendent has been granted for such use.  This policy is designed to protect against the unauthorized recording, input, or transcription of student information, private or sensitive conversations, and student or staff data by online or AI-powered tools.  Any staff-initiated recording to document student-related information becomes part of the student’s educational record, which must be maintained in accordance with FERPA.
5. All users are discouraged from using the school corporation’s technology resources to store, create, edit, or conduct any personal financial activities, including but not limited to personal taxes, shopping, or other non-school related transactions. Users must not engage in commercial or for-profit activities, participate in online gambling, or waste district resources. 

6. Users shall not damage, disable, or disrupt the network’s operations, nor violate any local, state, or federal laws, including but not limited to copyright laws.  
7. Users wishing to use digital resources that require sign-ins, account creation, or the input of personal student information (PII) must choose from the approved digital resource list or submit a request to IT staff through the established process. Only IT staff, in consultation with the Superintendent and other designated staff, are authorized to select, adopt, and approve web-based resources, based on factors such as online safety, professional development, and technical support needs. The corporation may utilize various third-party web-based applications in its curriculum, many of which require explicit parental permission for children under 13. Under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule, the corporation can provide consent for these applications for educational purposes. A list of approved sites and apps with district-approved contracts can be found here: DelCom Approved Digital Resources List. Users must respect privacy, intellectual property rights, and uphold the values of the school community.
8. In order to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act ("CIPA"), the Board has implemented technology protection measures that protect against (e.g., filter or block) access to visual displays/depictions/materials that are obscene, constitute child pornography, and/or are harmful to minors. Thus, use shall be filtered to minimize access to inappropriate materials. Access to inappropriate materials despite the presence of the filter shall be reported immediately to the IT Staff. The filtering software shall not be disabled or circumvented without the written authorization of IT Staff or designee. 
9. Users are prohibited from installing, modifying, or removing software, as well as adding or removing apps or extensions on corporation-assigned technology. Users may delete files or folders they have personally downloaded or created; however, they are not permitted to delete any files installed by the school corporation, content that constitutes a student educational record as defined by FERPA, including records related to grades, transcripts, communications involving students, disciplinary actions, or other personally identifiable information. Such records must be retained in accordance with privacy laws and school policy. For questions regarding what can or cannot be deleted, users should contact their building principal.
10. Any recording made on school grounds or during instructional time, whether in-person or virtual, must be in compliance with policy G350 and may be subject to copyright laws and the protection of the privacy rights of others, including personally identifiable information about a student protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”). 
11. Users must notify building administration if they have violated the conditions established for the use of Corporation technology or have witnessed or become aware of another user misusing Corporation technology. Users are encouraged to report any inappropriate use of Corporation technology in violation of Corporation policies or guidelines or conduct standards including threats, bullying, harassment, or communications proposing or constituting a violation of the law.
12. If a user creates a password, code, or encryption device to restrict or inhibit access to school related electronic mail or files, the user will provide access to that information when requested to do so by the building principal.  The IT Staff or a designee shall be authorized to override any password, code or encryption device to access the corporation technology. Users shall not use Corporation technology anonymously or use pseudonyms to attempt to escape from responsibilities under this agreement, regulations, or the law. 
13. Users shall not falsely represent or attempt to falsely represent oneself in any network or Internet communication.
14. Users are advised that any connection to any Internet or network provider not under Corporation control may not be filtered to the same degree as connection through Corporation provided access.  Users may not circumvent or attempt to circumvent the Corporation's Internet security measures and/or filters. The Corporation is not responsible for the consequences of access to sites or information through resources that circumvent the Corporation’s security or filtering software.

15. Users accessing the Internet through personal devices connected to corporation’s network must comply with these guidelines.  Students are not permitted to connect personal devices to the corporation's network without approval of the IT staff.  
16. Users connecting personal devices to Corporation network do so at their own risk. The Corporation is not responsible for damages to hardware or software as a result of the connection of personal devices to Corporation network.
17. Users must not knowingly cause damage to Corporation technology by physical or electronic means.  
18. Corporation devices will be labeled in a manner specified by the school. Under no circumstances are staff or students to modify, remove, or destroy identification labels. Users may put school-appropriate stickers on their devices so long as they can be easily removed and do not cover any school labels or inhibit the use of the device.

1. The Corporation recognizes it may not be possible to technologically limit all Internet access to only those materials that support and enrich the curriculum. For this reason, at the discretion of the Corporation or the Superintendent or designee, technology protection measures may be configured to protect against access to any material considered inappropriate for students to access. Further, the technology protection measures will not purposefully be disabled at any time that students may be using the Network to help protect against access to materials that are prohibited under the Children’s Internet Protection Act and/or Corporation policies and guidelines. Any users who attempt to disable the technology protection measures will be subject to discipline. The Superintendent or his/her designee may temporarily or permanently unblock access to sites containing appropriate material if access to such sites has been blocked by the technology protection measures. The determination of whether material is blocked shall be based on curriculum concerns, including the content of the material and the intended use of the material, policy concerns, network concerns, and safety concerns.
2. Users shall not have an expectation of privacy in any use of Corporation technology or the content of any communication using that technology. The superintendent or a designee may direct the IT staff to monitor their use of technology without notice to them and examine all system activities the user participates in including but not limited to, e-mail, recorded voice, and video transmissions, to ensure proper and responsible use of the Corporation’s technology. Monitoring shall include the use of voicemail but shall not include monitoring a live communication between two or more parties unless at least one user is aware of the monitoring. In addition, the use of Corporation technology may be subject to production pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, Ind. Code 5-14-3.
3. A user’s history of use and all data stored on or sent to or from Corporation technology shall at all times be subject to inspection by the IT Staff or a designee without notice to the user before or after the inspection.
4. If anyone has reasonable suspicion to believe a user has violated this agreement, policy, or law, the IT Staff or a designee may investigate to determine if a violation has occurred.  The violation shall be reported to the superintendent or other appropriate administrator and the IT Staff shall take appropriate action.

1. Users’ personal or private use of social media, even when occurring off school property and outside school hours, may have unintended consequences that affect the school environment. 
2. Social media use should be in a manner sensitive to the Student Code of Conduct. 
3. Only users designated by the administration in writing have authority to establish and maintain an individual social media account on behalf of the Corporation.  Users may clarify that their personal social media accounts are not operated on behalf of the Corporation.
4. The intent of this agreement is not to infringe upon users’ legal rights, such as the freedom of expression, religion, and association. For example, this guideline does not prohibit an employee from posting content outside the scope of their employment and on a matter of public concern. However, those rights do not include permission to post inflammatory comments and/or any statements that could compromise the Corporation’s mission, constitute cyber-bullying or harassment, or cause a substantial disruption to the school environment.  

Violations: Violations of the social media use provision may result in disciplinary action (including expulsion for students), confiscation of the device, loss of use of Corporation technology resources, referral to law enforcement or the Department of Child Services, and the recording, data, or image made in violation may be deleted. If the Superintendent or designee has reasonable suspicion to believe a user has violated this agreement or policy, they may investigate to determine if a violation occurred. 

1. Users of the Corporation’s technology are expected to protect the integrity of data, personal privacy, and property rights of others when using Corporation technology.
2. Users must not copy, file share, install, or distribute any copyrighted material, such as software, database files, documentation, articles, music, video, graphic files, and other information unless the user has confirmed in advance that the Corporation has a license permitting copying, sharing, installation, or distribution of the material from the copyright owner. Users must respect privacy, intellectual property rights, and uphold the values of the school community.  Violating the rights of a copyright owner will result in disciplinary action. 

No user shall allow charges or fees for services or access to online services to be charged to the Corporation except as specifically authorized in advance of the use by the superintendent or designee. A fee or charge mistakenly incurred shall be immediately reported to the IT Staff. Incurring fees or charges for services to be paid by the Corporation for personal use or without prior authorization of the superintendent or designee may result in discipline including suspension or expulsion.

Users shall thoroughly review terms and conditions of any programs, software, or applications prior to accepting the terms and conditions. Users are responsible for ensuring the terms and conditions comply with Corporation policy and procedures and state and federal law. Users who are unsure of the terms and conditions shall contact the IT Services Staff prior to accepting any terms and conditions. Accepting terms and conditions that violate Corporation policy or procedures or state or federal law may result in discipline as discussed within this policy.

Parents and students must sign the Student Handbook and this Agreement before students receive their assigned device. 

Student devices, chargers, and any other provided accessories may be collected by the school at the end of the academic year. Any student who transfers out of Delaware Community Schools will be required to return his or her device and accessories. If a device and accessories are not returned, the parent/guardian will be held responsible for payment in full. Property not returned may be reported to the prosecutor’s office.

You are expected to follow all the specific guidelines listed in this document and take any additional common-sense precautions to protect your assigned Chromebook. Loss or damage resulting in failure to abide by the guidelines below may result in full financial responsibility. 

I will use my device in ways that are appropriate for education, as defined in the Student Handbook and the Corporation’s Responsible Use of Technology and Internet Use Policy (A300). 

• I will never leave my device unattended in an unsecured or unsupervised location. I am responsible for any use of my Chromebook. I will not loan my device to other individuals. 
• If applicable, I will bring my Chromebook to school each day and charge my device’s battery to full capacity each night. 
• I will keep food and beverages away from my device since they may cause damage to the device. 
• I will not disassemble any part of my device or attempt any repairs. I will only use school-provided cleaners, as others can cause damage to the screen. I will report any damage or problems to the school. 
• I will protect my device by always carrying it in a secure manner in its assigned case to avoid damage. This includes keeping the lid down when walking, not stacking textbooks or other heavy materials on top of the Chromebook, and carefully placing it in a backpack. 
• I understand the device I am issued is subject to inspection at any time without notice and remains the property of Delaware Community School Corporation. 
• I understand that Delaware Community School Corporation will monitor the device using a variety of methods to assure compliance with DelCom’s policy A300, the Student Handbook and this Agreement.  Parents will need to monitor and be responsible for the content being accessed while students are at home. 
• I will file a police report in case of theft outside of school. 
• I will be responsible for all damage or loss caused by misuse, abuse, or neglect including dropping the device and will pay replacement costs. 
• I agree to return the device, power cord/charger, and any other issued accessories in good working condition whenever requested or when transferring out of the Delaware Community School Corporation.

The DelCom network is provided on an “as is, as available” basis. Delcom strongly urges against the storage or transmission of personal or financial information using Corporation devices or systems. The Corporation assumes no liability for any non-school related or personal information users choose to store on any Delcom device. The Corporation is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of any advice or information obtained from outside sources and stored on the Corporation’s system, nor is it responsible for damages or injuries from improper communications or damage to property used to access Corporation technology. The Corporation is not responsible for financial obligations arising through unauthorized use of educational technologies or the Internet.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, enabling these systems to simulate cognitive functions like learning, problem-solving, and understanding language. 

• AI use must adhere to all state and federal laws. 
• Users must not share any personally identifiable information, especially through AI tools, including but not limited to: student or employee names, grades, disciplinary records, or any other sensitive data that could potentially identify individual students or staff members.
  • Only use anonymized or de-identified data when utilizing AI technology to protect student and staff privacy.
• Users must not use AI tools to create or disseminate harmful, misleading, or inappropriate content 
• The use of AI for academic work could lead to a charge of academic dishonesty.  Users should be intentional to utilize AI tools to support learning and not circumvent the learning process.
• When AI tools are being used by students, they need to be age appropriate as determined by DelCom AND the AI tool provider.  ALL AI tools must be approved for usage by the school corporation.

Misuse or malicious use of AI technologies will lead to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

When a device is damaged, it should be delivered to the school media specialist.  Loaner devices may be issued to a student when he or she leaves a device at the school for repair.  Parents will be notified about any major repairs, repeated repair issues, or repairs that are due to misuse, abuse, or neglect.  

All Delaware Community School Corporation students are responsible for damages that are the result of misuse, abuse, or neglect incurred on their devices.  ONE accidental damage repair, that is clearly not from misuse, abuse, or negligence, will be covered per school year at no cost to the family.  Additionally, students will not be charged for any repairs clearly associated with faulty components such as: trackpad, camera, or wiring.  

If school officials determine that damage is non-accidental, occurs while uncased, or exceeds the one accident limit, students and parents will be responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement costs.  Any repairs that are needed for the device will be charged to the student and a bill will be mailed home to the parent/guardian on file. The list of repair charges below is not all-inclusive, but provides a general listing of the typical damages and cost for repair or replacement.

Intentional, Uncased, or Lost charges:

Chromebook Replacement Not to exceed $325 

Charger Replacement Not to exceed $60 

Case Replacement Not to exceed $35 

Accidental Damage charges, 2nd per school year (1st claim Free): 

2nd claim = $75

3rd claim = $150     

4th claim = $225

5th claim = $290 replacement cost of Chromebook (not to exceed $325)     

Delaware Community School Corporation

• Grades K-4: EaglesLunch#
• Grade 5: Force Reset to Personalized Password (8 characters)
• Grades 6-12: Maintain Personalized Password (12 characters)