Acceptable Use Requirements

• It is the policy of the Rockingham School District to use electronic resources, including the Internet, to support and enrich the curriculum.  The school board and the staff of BFMS believe that the benefits to students having the ability to access electronic information, resources, and opportunities for collaboration far exceed the potential disadvantages.  
• At BFMS use of technology is a privileged responsibility and requires strict adherence to the district’s Acceptable Use Agreement.
• All students need to have a technology use agreement on file that is signed by both the student as well as his or her parent/guardian prior to being granted user rights.  
• All school issued chromebooks need to remain on school property.
• Each student will then be assigned a user identification and password in order to access the school technology network and the Internet.  Passwords need to be kept private.
• At BFMS, technology is used strictly for educational purposes and benefits.  
• At all times students are required to have teacher permission prior to using any computer.  
• Students are expected to be on topic with the instructional activity at hand. Any violation of the user agreement including attempts to download music/software, play games, web surfing, visit chat rooms, instant messaging, etc. are unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.  
• Any substantiated form of electronic targeting or cyber bullying will result in loss of technology privileges and potential police involvement. 
• Please see school board policy G11 for a complete copy of the district’s Acceptable Use Policy.

Cell Phones & Personal Devices 

• In an effort to support our families and recognize the need for our students to possess cell phones/personal devices  in school. The following rules have been established:
• Students are NOT allowed to have phones/devices on their person during class. 
  • Devices are identified as: cellphones, iPads, tablets, smartwatches and handheld gaming devices.
• Students will be required to place their phone or device in the classroom pockets provided by each teacher or keep it in their backpack. If students are not comfortable with leaving their phones/devices in the classroom pockets or backpack, they may check in their phones/devices with a trusted adult within the office. If a student refuses to follow the above policy they are subject to the system outlined below.
• If a student has their phone/device visible the teacher will ask them for it and it will be kept in the main office until the end of the school day, where the student can then go and pick it up (1st offense).
• If a student is again seen with their phone/device visible, it will be kept in the main office until the end of the school day and parent/guardian will be contacted (2nd offense).
• If a student is seen yet again with their phone/device visible, it will be turned in and kept in the main office until the end of the school day, parent/guardian will be contacted AND the student will serve a reflective lunch the next day (3rd offense).
• Once the 3rd offense is reached, the cell phone/device must be checked in at the main office every morning for the remainder of the semester.
• The school day includes before and after school, passing periods, lunch, after school activities, loading and unloading of buses and field trips.
• If a student needs to use their phone at dismissal to contact parents/guardians, they are to seek permission from the administration.
• Using a cell phone/device to record or videotape activities during the school day is not allowed.
• Please refrain from texting or calling your student during the school day. Please call the school to leave any messages for your student.

Video Surveillance 

• WNESU has adopted a Video Surveillance policy E12.  It outlines the procedures for “the installation and use of video cameras in public areas of the school, such as (but not limited to) school buses, hallways, auditoriums, lobbies, the cafeteria and school grounds.”    
• The intent of the cameras is to help maintain safety and order of its students and staff and to assist in the investigation of incidents on school grounds including the school buses.  
• The BFMS administration will supervise and control the video surveillance equipment and retain the right to use the video recordings in student disciplinary hearings, subject to the Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) and federal and state laws.  
• If necessary, the recordings may be turned over to the proper legal authorities for criminal prosecution if it is determined a crime has been committed. Recordings not necessary for ensuring appropriate discipline will be recycled within sixty days.