Students have access to a variety of media texts and technology tools in our Learning Commons and through their classrooms. It is expected that all students adhere to expectations for responsible and ethical use of technology and the internet while in the school. Misuse of digital tools, including the computer, the network, digital cameras and cell phones, will result in suspension from access to the network.

Students also have the opportunity to access the wireless network using their own digital devices in the school. Students and their parents/guardians are required to read, sign and return to the school the Network User Agreement form before accessing this service in the school. Students may use their own devices, at their teacher’s or administrator’s discretion. To be eligible to use your own device parents and students must sign Thomas B Riley Acceptable Use Guidelines – Personally- Owned Devices. The privilege to use cell phones and other digital devices during nutrition and lunch breaks are also at the discretion of school staff.

Our Digital Use Policy

Personal digital devices (including music players, phones, computers, calculators) may be used:

• Before school (until the warning bell)
• During lunch break
• After school
• During class time, only in support of learning and with a teacher's permission

Headphones and ear buds must not be worn/used unless students have asked for, and gained permission for their use during class. Headphones and ear buds must not be worn/used in the hallways or other common areas. 

Students must not use devices during class changes. In respect of everyone's privacy, taking photos/videos is strictly prohibited within the school, unless part of a learning project and with teacher permission. For similar reasons, digital devices are never to be used in washrooms or change rooms. 

If a student fails to meet the above expectations, they will have their device confiscated and it will be stored in the office until the end of the school day. The incident will also be recorded. After three such incidents, parents will be contacted. Should there be a fifth confiscation, the student will be banned from bringing digital devices to school. Under certain circumstances, additional disciplinary action may also apply and/or the process may be escalated faster.

Digital Citizenship at Thomas B. Riley School

At certain times, students are provided access to computers, other technology, and the internet to assist them in their learning. Students may (but are not required to) bring their own digital devices to school and, under certain conditions, may use these devices in the classroom.

Students who bring their own devices to school will not have access to school servers or printers through the network. As such they will need to utilize their CBE mail, D2L storage lockers, etc. to transfer files to the school network. School classes may utilize software applications that the student does not have on their device. No software or technical support can be provided to students, who bring such devices at their own risk.

The following activities are prohibited and will be addressed on an individual basis as needed:

• Use of someone else’s CBE account
• Sharing of usernames and passwords for other people to use
• Sending, posting, displaying or using obscene language/messages or pictures or information about oneself or others
• Harassing, insulting or attacking another person or their reputation
• Viewing websites through a proxy server
• Plagiarism of online content
• Tampering with any computer accessories, hardware or software
• Use of technology or accessing sites not approved by staff
• Trespassing in other’s folders, work areas or files
• Utilizing another student’s device without permission

The following sites are prohibited from use:

• Vulgar or lewd depictions of the human body
• Any adult content
• Violent acts
• On-line gambling
• Social networking sites (such as Facebook, etc.)
• Sites that encourage the use of illicit or illegal substances
• Sites that advocate hatred or violence against an identifiable group
• Sites promoting criminal activity
• Non-educational games

Our expectation is that our students will become educated and responsible Digital Citizens. 
If students breach any of the above, each situation will be dealt with on an individual basis and may result in:

• Restriction or loss of technology privileges
• Restriction of use or confiscation of personal device
• School based disciplinary consequences, and/or;
• Police intervention and/or legal action.

It is important that parents/guardians and students remember the following:

• The school is not responsible for the loss, damage to, or theft of student electronic devices.
• The school is not able to provide technical support for student devices.
• Devices can only be utilized when students are under the supervision of a teacher in an approved area of the school, or as otherwise outlined below.
• Misuse will be determined by the staff and administration.

We view digital citizenship as a shared responsibility between students, their families and the school. We appreciate families taking the time to discuss this with their children and supporting the work of the school.