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 

• cell phones (both phones that connect to the internet and non-internet connected phones that send and receive text messages, and make phone calls);
• personal electronic devices such as electronic tablets and video games;
• AirPods, earbuds, Bluetooth-connected headphones, and smartwatches that connect to the internet.

Device restrictions also extend into our after-school programming: 

• Devices are not permitted to be utilized from the start of practice until the coach / activity coordinator dismissal. Additional guidance on device usage will be provided by coaches / activity coordinators as it pertains to potential use or restrictions during transportation to/from games / programming and other events. 
• Homework Lab: At the high school, device restrictions apply through the optional afternoon homework lab. 

Per the WNESU policy, exceptions for this policy are limited, and the school shall require documentation from a licensed medical professional to support an exception for conditions such as diabetes or seizure monitoring. The exception is specific to the need only and still prohibits cell phone use for any other purpose. Exceptions are required to be documented within an IEP, 504, and/or individualized health plan (IHP) and explicitly recommended to the team, in writing, by a licensed medical professional. 

For both high school and middle school students, it is preferred that students leave their devices at home (or in their vehicles where applicable). Phones are permitted in personal bags assuming they remain off or in airplane mode. If a phone is in the bag but is disruptive of the learning environment, the infraction will count towards the tiered consequences outlined in the WNESU policy. Students also have the option to turn in their phone each morning to the Main Office to be secured there and students may pick-up at the close of the school day between 2:45-3:00 pm. If a student needs to contact a parent or guardian during school hours, they will be able to do so from the main office.

Consequences

No warning will be given before the enforcement of consequences:

● 1st Offense – cell phone taken to the office for the student to pick up at the end of the school day.

● 2nd Offense – cell phone taken to the office, and the parent/guardian is required to pick it up at the end of the school day. A copy of this policy will be provided to the family upon the return of the cell phone.

● 3rd Offense – cell phone is taken and kept until a parent/guardian meeting can be scheduled and a plan is agreed upon on how to proceed for the rest of the school year.

Enforcement

This policy will be strictly enforced by all administration, faculty, and staff.

Parent/Guardian/Student Communication

If a parent/guardian or student needs to communicate during the school day, a phone will be available in the main office.

• 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.
• Please see the district policy C30 for a complete copy of the district’s Phone and Electronic Device Policy.

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.