Technology Policy

Prohibited Activities for All Users

1. Sending, accessing, downloading, or displaying offensive messages or pictures

2. Using obscene or violent language in written, verbal, or encoded form

3. Bullying, harassing, insulting, teasing, or attacking others for any reason

4. Damaging equipment, systems, programs, files, networks, wiring, or related accessories

5. Violating copyright laws and regulations (such as pirating copyrighted content via the Montessori Academy network)

6. Uncited and unauthorized (by MA staff) use of AI

7. Publishing, using, and/or modifying passwords of oneself or others, or failing to protect one’s passwords

8. Publishing or failing to keep secure the personal and private information of others, of any kind

9. Trespassing into and/or damaging or hiding others’ user accounts, folders, work, files, or tools

10. Acquiring teacher materials, tests, test answers, or related items for the purpose of cheating

11. Employing the Montessori Academy network for non-academic, commercial, for-profit, and/or illegal purposes

12. Obtaining audio recordings, video recordings, or photographs of a person without consent and permission from the instructor

13. Conveying/selling secure personal information: name, address, phone number, etc., to anyone (see FERPA)

Consequences of Violating Any Aspects of This User Agreement

1. Violations may result in the loss of Montessori Academy computer and network privileges, short-term or long-term

2. Violations may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from Montessori Academy

3. Violations may result in the involvement of law enforcement agencies, as required or appropriate

Initial Setup

At the beginning of each semester, instructors will provide information to students about accessing their school account for the first time. A password will be provided to the student user and should not be changed at first sign-in.

Proper Care

• Avoid placing any weight on school devices

• Never throw or slide a school device

• Never expose a school device to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight

• Do not keep liquids on the same surface as a school device (e.g., do not place a water bottle on the same desk surface as a Chromebook)

• Do not walk while using a school device

• Do not carry a device when it is open

• Do not use Chromebooks or laptops unless the device is on a sturdy, flat surface

• Do not cause chargers or cords to bend extremely

• Do not take equipment home unless approved through the Device Loan Program

• Do not transport equipment in a backpack

• Unplug a device when fully charged to preserve the battery’s integrity

• Never leave school equipment unattended

• Do not lend school equipment to others

Passwords

Only designated security administrators may change passwords for student accounts. A password may be changed if an instructor or student feels that the account is no longer secure. Students may not share passwords under any circumstances. While students have the ability to change their passwords from their Google accounts, doing so is a violation of school policy. Passwords can be reused when reset by designated security administrators. A parent or legal guardian may request the password from designated security administrators at any time. These requests can be made at the front desk or by emailing technology@azma.academy. 

Accessing Devices 

Only a device’s assigned user may access the device. For elementary grade levels, multiple students may access the same device because they will share a single login for all devices, making them all assigned users for the account, specially designated for that purpose. For middle school grade levels, multiple student users may not access a single device under any circumstances. Instructors and designated security administrators may access any device to monitor its proper usage. If a student does not have access to a computer at home, the student can still fully participate in online classes, collaborations, and assignments. Ample opportunities to study or complete assignments will be provided equitably to students during the school week.

Accessories

Each device has an assigned charger or cord, which is labeled. Students may only use the accessories that are designated for use with a specific device.

Cameras & Microphones

Many school devices come equipped with audio and video recording capabilities through built-in microphones and cameras. Electronic recordings are prohibited unless permission is given by the instructor on a case-by-case basis. Instructors who allow the temporary use of school equipment for audio and video recording will directly supervise the use of school equipment for such purposes. All electronic recordings created with school devices must comply with state and federal laws. The school prohibits the use of electronic recording devices in a manner that compromises the privacy interests of other individuals. Electronic recordings obtained using school equipment may not be shared or published for any reason without the instructor’s permission. Users of school equipment should be aware that state and federal laws in many instances prohibit secret or surreptitious recording undertaken without the knowledge and consent of the person or persons being recorded. Violations of state and federal recording laws may be reported to the proper authorities and may result in criminal prosecution.

Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Equipment

Parents are not required to purchase insurance for devices assigned to students at Montessori Academy. However, loss or damage to Montessori Academy’s devices may result in the replacement cost of that device being charged to the student’s account. Replacement costs will be calculated based on the original cost of the device or the cost of purchasing the same make and model new, whichever is higher. The condition of the device will be noted by designated security administrators at the beginning and end of each semester. If damage to the device exceeds a designated security administrator’s expectation of regular wear and tear, the device will be considered damaged. If a device is damaged, the cost of repairing or replacing the device, whichever is less, will be charged to the student’s account. Repair costs include shipping. If a device is stolen, Montessori Academy will conduct an investigation. If a student is found to be at fault due to negligence or nonadherence to usage policies that resulted in the device being stolen, the replacement cost of that device will be charged to the responsible student’s account. 

Cyber-Bullying

Whether in person or online, an act of bullying by either an individual student or a group of students is expressly prohibited. This policy applies not only to students who directly engage in an act of bullying but also to students who, by their indirect behavior, condone or support another student’s act of bullying. This policy also applies to any student whose conduct at any time or in any place constitutes bullying or other prohibited conduct that interferes with or obstructs the safety or welfare of a student. Substantially interfering with a student’s educational opportunities or performance, or ability to participate in Montessori Academy functions or activities, is considered bullying. Taunting, name-calling, or insulting another student is prohibited. If messages, whether verbal or written, are found that violate Montessori Academy’s prohibition of bullying, Montessori Academy will conduct an investigation and respond to these violations on a case-by-case basis. If a student observes bullying, whether in person or online, that student should report the violation to an instructor immediately. 

Security & Monitoring 

All equipment requires a Montessori Academy account and password to use. For elementary grade levels, multiple students may use a single login designated for this purpose. For middle school grade levels, students may only sign into a device using their individual email accounts. Montessori Academy’s designated security administrators may access and monitor a user’s account data, including browsing history, emails, and passwords. Designated security administrators maintain a database of user accounts and passwords. At any time, if an instructor or designated security administrator requests access to a student’s account, data, applications, or assigned device, access must be granted immediately.

Ipads

The iPads that are the property of Montessori Academy must not be synced to any computer other than the one designated by security administrators for setup. Only apps approved by Montessori Academy may be installed on the iPad. All apps will be purchased by Montessori Academy for academic use.

Virtual Platforms & Resources

Microsoft Office is not required to create, complete, or submit documents. Montessori Academy’s Google Education Suite grants free access to all student users to online platforms that operate similarly to Microsoft Office. This includes Google Sheets (similar to Microsoft Excel), Google Slides (similar to Microsoft PowerPoint), Google Docs (similar to Microsoft Word), and Gmail (similar to Microsoft Outlook). Virtual conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Google Hangouts may be used for some meetings, lessons, and online classes. Live-streamed and pre-recorded video lessons may be available in the online classroom. Montessori Academy encourages its students to use these free digital resources to access their files and online classrooms from devices both at school and at home. 

Etiquette 

Students should be prepared at the start of class with the needed materials, including devices and accessories. Students may not use devices or technology to distract from the focus of class time and should be mindful and respectful in their use of these resources.

Personal Electronic Devices 

Students may not use personal electronic devices during the school day. This includes cellular phones, laptops, and Chromebooks. A student should only access devices that have been designated for that student’s particular usage by Montessori Academy.

Parent & Legal Guardian Access

Parents may revoke their students’ internet privileges at any time by notifying Montessori Academy in writing. A parent or legal guardian may request the password from designated security administrators at any time. These requests can be made at the front desk or by emailing technology@azma.academy.

Terms of Access & User Responsibility

Montessori Academy provides access to the internet, school devices, and Google educational platforms to some students. Students may only use this access to conduct research and communicate for academic purposes as determined by the Montessori Academy curriculum. This access is granted only to users who agree to act in a considerate, respectful, and responsible manner. Access is a privilege, not a right, and entails significant responsibility. Student users must understand and accept that all of their data related to their assigned Google account or equipment usage may be stored and accessed by designated security administrators and class instructors. Montessori Academy’s equipment and network are not private. Designated security administrators may periodically audit users’ files, communications, and search histories at any time and without notice. Students may not change their passwords or obstruct these audits in any way. Audits will seek to ensure that a student’s online activities adhere to the school’s intent for its digital resources. All communications on Montessori Academy networks are public and may be uncensored. Despite Montessori Academy’s best efforts at prevention, users may come into contact with digital content that is upsetting, controversial, or inaccurate from many sources. Montessori Academy networks and internet connections benefit from actively managed, CIPA-compliant, multi-tiered filtering controls over the nature or content of data from both Montessori Academy and non-Montessori Academy systems and users. Such controls are based on evolving standards in an ever-changing world, not absolutes. Montessori Academy will provide a detailed, periodically updated Technology & Internet Safety & Usage Agreement. Montessori Academy is expressly not responsible for the accuracy or appropriateness of information retrieved, or for lost, damaged, or unavailable information. Parents may revoke their students’ internet privileges at any time by notifying the school in writing.