Acceptable Use Policy

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Pasadena Unified School District

ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT AND RELEASE OF DISTRICT FROM LIABILITY (STUDENTS)

The Pasadena Unified School District authorizes students to use technology as defined in Board Policy 6163.4 - Student Use of Technology. The use of district technology is a privilege permitted at the district's discretion and is subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in applicable board policies, administrative regulations, and this Agreement. The district reserves the right to suspend access at any time, without notice, for any reason.

The district expects all students to use technology responsibly in order to avoid potential problems and liability. The district may place reasonable restrictions on the sites, material, and/or information that students may access through the system.

The district makes no guarantee that the functions or services provided by or through the district will be without defect. In addition, the district is not responsible for financial obligations arising from unauthorized use, or misuse, of the system.

Each student who is authorized to use district technology and the student's parent/guardian shall sign this Agreement which indicates that the student has read and understands the Agreement and Board Policy 6163.4 - Student Use of Technology.

Student Obligations and Responsibilities

Students are expected to use district technology safely, responsibly, and for educational purposes only, and in accordance with the accompanying board policy and applicable copyright laws. The student in whose name district technology is issued is responsible for its proper use at all times. Students shall not share their assigned online services account information, passwords, or other information used for identification and authorization purposes, and shall use the system only under the account to which they have been assigned.

Students shall not gain unauthorized access to the files or equipment of others, access electronic resources by using another person's name or electronic identification, or send anonymous electronic communications. Furthermore, students shall not attempt to access any data, documents, emails, or programs in the district's system for which they do not have authorization.

Students are prohibited from using district technology for improper purposes, including, but not limited to, use of district technology to:

1. Access, post, display, create, or otherwise use material that is discriminatory, libelous, defamatory, obscene, sexually explicit, or disruptive

2. Bully, harass, intimidate, or threaten other students, staff, or other individuals ("cyberbullying")

3. Disclose, use, or disseminate personal identification information (such as name, address, email, telephone number, Social Security number, or other personal information) of another student, staff member, or other person with the intent to threaten, intimidate, harass, or ridicule that person

4. Share confidential information or personally identifiable information with an open artificial intelligence (AI) system of themselves, another student, staff member, or other person

5. Adjust the privacy settings on any technology tool or AI app unless directed to do so by a teacher or staff member

6. Violate the direction of teachers or other staff members, age restrictions, or the intended use of the technology

7. Infringe on copyright, license, trademark, patent, or other intellectual property rights

8. Intentionally disrupt or harm district technology or other district operations (such as destroying district equipment, placing a virus on district computers, adding or removing a computer program without permission from a teacher or other district personnel, changing settings on shared computers)

9. Install unauthorized software

10. "Hack" into the system to manipulate data of the district or other users

11. Engage in or promote any practice that is unethical or violates any law or board policy, administrative regulation, or district practice

Privacy

Since the use of district technology is intended for educational purposes, students shall not have any expectation of privacy in any use of district technology.

The district reserves the right to monitor and record all use of district technology, including, but not limited to, access to the Internet or social media, Internet searches, browsing history, use of AI, communications sent or received from district technology, or other uses. Such monitoring/recording may occur at any time without prior notice for any legal purposes including, but not limited to, record retention and distribution and/or investigation of improper, illegal, or prohibited activity. Students should be aware that, in most instances, their use of district technology (such as web searches and emails) cannot be erased or deleted.

All passwords created for or used on any district technology are the sole property of the district. The creation or use of a password by a student on district technology does not create a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Personally Owned Devices

If a student uses a personally owned device to access district technology, the student shall abide by all applicable board policies, administrative regulations, and this Agreement. Any such use of a personally owned device may subject the contents of the device and any communications sent or received on the device to disclosure pursuant to a lawful subpoena or public records request.

Reporting

If a student becomes aware of any security problem (including, but not limited to, a cyberattack, phishing, or any compromise of the confidentiality of any login or account information), or misuse of district technology, the student shall immediately report such information to the teacher or other district personnel.

Consequences for Violation

Violations of the law, board policy, or this Agreement may result in revocation of a student's access to district technology and/or discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion. In addition, violations of the law, board policy, or this agreement may be reported to law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

Proper Care of Devices

Students are responsible for maintaining the condition of any district-issued device:
Do not leave your device unattended or unsecured.
Do not let others use or sign in to your device.
Charge your device daily and bring it to school, when applicable
Keep food and drinks away from devices
Transport devices securely and protect your device from potential damage.
Do not disassemble, write on, or apply stickers directly onto the devices
Avoid exposing devices to heat, cold, or moisture
Submit a ticket for repairs; do not attempt them yourself
Return the device and power cord/charger in good working condition when leaving PUSD.

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