Section 12 – Technology

All MPCS students grades six through 12 are considered Connected Learning students and are provided with a school device along with Google computer/email accounts. These technology resources are provided to support the school’s mission and curriculum and are available for academic or school-related purposes only. For the protection of students and the school, each student is required to adhere to the Student Responsible Use (of Technology) Policy. Violations of this policy can result in restriction of school computer privileges.

Student Responsible Use Policy

• No student (or parent, staff member) may assume the identity of another student or employee for any reason whatsoever. This includes, but is not limited to, use of another person’s identity in emails, websites, blogs, social media, or recording of activities.

• Students are forbidden from recording and/or posting or publishing any classroom activities without the expressed written permission from school personnel.

• All use of the school’s internet connection for visiting websites and other tasks should be in accordance with the morals and standards of MPCS. All internet usage and visited websites, via our network, regardless of ownership of the equipment, will be logged and reviewed periodically by the EagleTech IT department to maintain the safety of the students and employees.

• Students have no right of privacy and should have no expectation of privacy in materials sent, received, or stored on the MPCS network, web-based subscriptions, and/or technology devices used by the students.

• Students may not allow anyone to use the school-issued device other than their parents or guardians.

• MPCS reserves the right to monitor student use of school computers and computer-accessed content. The privacy of files and electronic messages is not guaranteed in the school setting.

• The IT department continually updates the filtering software used to protect students. This software also tracks student activity on any MPCS-issued device, and keeps track of web searches and browsing history.

• Given the dynamic nature of technology, it is impossible to completely regulate and monitor all information received or sent by students. If a student does access a site which is offensive or inappropriate despite the filters and restrictions, the student must leave the site immediately and report the incident to their teacher or an administrator.

• Software will be provided on all school-issued devices. Our software license agreements do not allow the installation of software on student-owned machines. Students, as well as parents and staff, may not install any software on any school-issued and owned device.

• MPCS has the right to inspect the school-issued device at any time.

• Use of computer resources (without permission) for non-educational activities is prohibited.

• MPCS utilizes Canvas as the school learning management system. Students grades six through 12 are required to track assignments, homework, and announcements through Canvas.

• MPCS students must maintain the same standards of any “face-to-face” communications in digital communications as when on the MPCS campus or at MPCS-sponsored events.

• The school-issued devices and accessories are the property of MPCS. If a student withdraws or is suspended, expelled, or terminates enrollment for any reason, the tablet and accessories must be returned to MPCS in the condition they were issued. Any damage to the device or missing accessories will be charged to the student/parent account.

• Report any problems, damage, or theft immediately to your teacher and IT office.

• School-issued devices are intended for use at school each day. Students are responsible for bringing their device (fully charged) to all classes, unless specifically instructed not to do so by their teacher.

• Save data to your Google Drive, where it will be automatically backed-up for you.

• Ensure that files received from anywhere outside the school are virus-checked before you open them. This includes files on USB drives. If in doubt, ask the IT department to scan it for you.

• If you suspect that you may have a virus, disconnect from the network, and notify a teacher.

• No MPCS-owned or MPCS-provided computer systems may be knowingly used for activities that are considered illegal under local, state, federal, or international law.

Virtual Learning

MPCS may offer virtual classes during inclement weather or as directed by administration. During virtual classes, students are expected to conform to all acceptable use policies, should dress and behave in the same manner as at school (no uniforms require), and should login to their Canvas accounts at the appropriate class start times. Enrollment in a virtual learning environment and/or use of a school-owned device means parents provide permission for the private use of that recording by MPCS.

Lower school students are not issued school-owned devices. For lower school students to participate in virtual learning, parents/guardians must provide access to a computer device owned by the family.

Home internet services are the responsibility of the parents or guardian. MPCS staff can only provide general guidelines and advice, not hardware or software support to the family.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Statement

In this innovative era, AI presents opportunities to enrich education but requires prudent oversight to align with our dedication to academic integrity and the affirmation of our God-given creative capacities. AI tools must be used transparently within the classroom. All AI-assisted work must be declared in academic submissions, with any AI-generated content properly cited. To maintain clarity and integrity, any use of AI in assignments should receive prior approval.

Device Care and Maintenance

• MPCS will service and repair the school-owned device through the EagleTach Help Desk in the IT department. Third-party repair is prohibited. Damaged laptops should be brought to EagleTech as soon as any damage occurs. Students whose computers are being repaired will be issued a loaner device until their assigned device is ready for pick-up.

• Cords and cables must be inserted and disconnected carefully to prevent damage to the device.

• Tablets must never be left in an unlocked locker, car, or any unsupervised area.

• Students must not remove any labels or Asset Tags.

• Students may not use skins or stickers to personalize their tablet case.

• Do not remove any serial numbers or identification placed on the tablet.

• Keep the equipment clean. For example, do not eat or drink while using the tablet.

• Do not expose your device to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

• Tablets should always be within the protective case when not in use.

• Incidents of theft must be reported in writing to the EagleTech IT department.