STUDENT TECHNOLOGY CONTRACT

All use of technology at St. Brendan School shall be consistent with the goal of empowering its community by providing access to, and establishing personal accountability in using, developing and applying technology.

St. Brendan School believes in using technology with students on a “guided-use" basis.  “Guided-use" is defined as using technology in connection with teacher-directed activities.

The use of computers and other technology at St. Brendan School is a privilege with responsibility.  The failure of any user to follow these procedures will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action.  The school administration will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these procedures.

All Saint Brendan School students receive an individual iPad for academic use during the school year. 5th through 8th grade students will be allowed to take home their iPad and keep it throughout the year.

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY COMPUTER ACCOUNT

• I will log off from my account when I am finished
• If I see another person's work on a computer screen, I will tell an adult.  I will wait to use the computer until an adult has removed the material
• I am responsible for all activities that happen on my iPad.I will not loan my device or any of the accessories to anyone.
• I will only log in under my assigned username and password.
• My lock screen and wallpaper will show my name, grade, and school logo. 
• I will never share passwords with anyone except my teacher and parent or guardian. 
• I will not download unauthorized apps, games, or content.
• I will only use my iPad for school-related activities.
• I will only use the iPad assigned to me and will not use anyone else's iPad.
• I will not attempt to access or modify another student's account or device.
• I will keep my personal information (e.g., passwords, login credentials) private and secure.
  

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY LANGUAGE

• I will only use language on the Internet and in my school email that I would use in the classroom with my teacher
• I will not use bad words when I use a computer

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW I TREAT OTHER PEOPLE

• I will not write anything mean or hurtful to another person
• I will not “bother" any person online or by text message
• I will tell a teacher if I see anything hurtful about another student online
• I will not engage in cyberbullying, including, but not limited to, sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else.
• I will use the iPad to communicate and collaborate respectfully with others.
  

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY USE OF ST. BRENDAN SCHOOL'S NETWORK

• I will not look for web pages with pictures, words, or sounds that are not appropriate in school
• I will not look for web pages or documents about sex, violence, or weapons
• I will not download any files, including music and video files, unless a teacher gives me permission

I AM A RESPONSIBLE MEMBER OF MY SCHOOL WHEN I AM ONLINE

• I will not write anything or post pictures or video that is hurtful or embarrassing to anyone while I am online
• I will not use the iPad to access or share inappropriate content, including violent, offensive, or explicit material.
• I will not use the iPad for social media, gaming, or other entertainment purposes unless authorized by my teacher.
• I will only log in to the iPad with my assigned account and will not use anyone else's login credentials.
  

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR BEING HONEST ABOUT WHO I AM ONLINE

• I will not pretend to be anyone else online
• I will not send email, create an account, or post any words, pictures, or sounds using someone else's name
• I will not use another person's login name or password

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING THE SECURITY OF THE SBS NETWORK

• I will not try to change security settings or install any software on school computers without permission
• I will not use a phone, personal laptop, or any other electronic device in school without a teacher's permission
• Tampering with or vandalizing hardware, software, or data will not be tolerated.  It is each student's responsibility to check the computer before and after use and to report problems to the teacher immediately
• Students will only use applications, software and programs required to complete assignments/projects and only those that have been approved by the teacher of the current class.  Failure to stay “on task" may result in loss of technology privileges and/or further discipline actions.  Students should not use personal or school equipment to play online or video games
• I will access chat rooms, bulletin boards, blogs, or post to an Internet site only with explicit permission from my teachers.
• I understand that the school monitors all iPad activity. I will not attempt to bypass security settings or monitoring software.
• I will notify a teacher immediately if I come across information, images, or messages that are inappropriate, dangerous, threatening, or make me feel uncomfortable.
  

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING SBS PROPERTY

• I will not break or destroy any computer equipment on purpose
• I will not move any equipment, including keyboards and mice, without permission
• Do not attempt to modify the appearance or operation of any technology equipment.  This includes, but is not limited to, commands, copying or installing software, setting pass code locks or copying files of any type.  Each one should remain in its original or teacher-set configuration
• No food or drink is allowed near any technology at SBS
• I understand that the iPad belongs to the school and is a classroom tool. I will follow the guidelines for maintenance and care explicitly, so I can return it in the best possible condition.
• The device and accessories I will receive are as follows: an iPad, iPad sleeve, a folio that includes a keyboard and cover, a charging cord and power adapter. All of these things have been labeled with my name and the school logo. (5th - 8th grade only)
• I will not peel, remove or deface any stickers or identification information placed on the iPad, the iPad sleeve or any part of the device accessories. 
• I will only clean the screen with a soft, dry microfiber cloth if needed.
• I will not clean my iPad with water or any other cleaning agents.
• I will report any damage to the device as soon as possible. (Within a school day.) 
• I will keep my iPad connected to the keyboard and hard top at all times.
• To ensure my iPad has the latest updates, I will leave my iPad on and connected to the Internet and restart my device at least once a week.
• I will keep my iPad in my backpack or a safe place when not in use.(5th - 8th grade only)
• I will not throw, swing, drop, step on or be physically rough with my iPad or backpack.
• I will not leave my iPad in the car or other places where it can be lost or stolen. (5th - 8th grade only)
• I will handle my iPad with two hands when carrying it and/or opening it and will place it completely on a desk or table when using it. 
• I will completely shut down the device and place it in a backpack or sleeve before traveling.(5th - 8th grade only)
• I will not put anything on top of my iPad. When storing it in my locker, I will make sure that it is standing on the side without anything on it. (5th - 8th grade only)
• I will take my iPad home at the end of the school day, fully charge it every night, and bring it back to school everyday.(5th - 8th grade only)
• I will store my iPad in the sleeve while in my backpack or on a table or desk. I will not leave my iPad on the floor. (5th - 8th grade only)
• I will keep my iPad safe from extreme heat and cold, food, drinks, and other liquids.
  

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING OTHER PEOPLE'S PROPERTY ONLINE

• I will not “plagiarize". When I use information from a website, I need to let people know where I got the information
• I will obey copyright laws and will not download words, pictures, video, or music that belongs to someone else
• I will complete all homework and classwork independently, ensuring that my work is original.
• For research assignments, if I borrow or copy material from other sources, I will properly cite those sources.
• I will turn in only my own work and follow the school's academic honesty policy.  
  

I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR FOLLOWING SCHOOL RULES IF I PUBLISH ANYTHING ONLINE

• I will not publish any material using social networking/media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Tumblr, YouTube, Flickr, Whisper, etc.) that violates St. Brendan School's Technology and Social Media policy
• I will not publish any pictures, including my picture, with the person's first or last name in the caption
  

PHONE-FREE SCHOOL ACT
California Assembly Bill 3216, also known as the Phones-Free School Act, schools across California are now required to have a comprehensive phone management plan in place by July 1, 2026. This legislation mandates that all school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education implement policies to limit or prohibit student phone use during school hours.
 
This policy, which also includes smartwatches and earbuds, aims to address concerns about mental health, bullying, and classroom distractions. Schools have flexibility in how they enforce the ban.

Rationale:

• The policy aims to improve mental health, reduce distractions, and encourage more in-person interaction among students. 
• Improved Focus and Academic Performance: Cell phones, especially smartphones with access to social media and games, can be a major source of distraction for students, particularly younger children who are still developing their attention spans and learning habits.
  
• Reduced Cyberbullying: Limiting cell phone use can decrease the opportunities for cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content, which can be particularly harmful to elementary school students.
• Encouraged Social Interaction: A phone-free environment can encourage children to interact with each other in person during breaks and lunch, fostering the development of crucial social skills.
• Improved Mental Health: Restricting cell phone use can provide a break from the pressures of online social comparison and help reduce anxiety and depression linked to excessive screen time, according to research published in the journal Emotion. 
  

All St. Brendan School students are expected to turn in their cell phones to their teachers from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If the cell phone rule is violated, the following consequences will be followed:

• First Offense: The student will pick up the phone at the end of the day from the school office. Parent(s) are contacted by the teacher.
• Second Offense: Cell phone will be taken by the teacher and turned into the school office. Parent(s) are contacted by an administrator.  Parents may pick up the device at the end of the day. 
• Third Offense: Cell phone will be taken by the teacher and turned into the school office. Parent(s) contacted by an administrator. Parents may pick up the device at the school office. Students are not permitted to have cell phones on campus for the remainder of the trimester.

We also recognize that cell phones are an important safety device and that parents may want to contact their child during the school day; however, parents must contact the school office if they need to reach their child.

All students must comply with St. Brendan's technology policy. During class time, computers and other school technology resources are to be used for academic purposes only. St. Brendan School also reserves the right to specify how its technology resources can be used at other times.