LAPTOP USER AGREEMENT

WELCOME TO YOUR NEW MACBOOK!

BEFORE YOU FINISH YOUR APPOINTMENT, WE NEED TO COVER A FEW IMPORTANT THINGS.

Please read the following policies carefully. The below documents will require a signature, and are legally binding. In the event of a rule infraction, you will be required to review these documents. If you have any questions while reading the documents, or filling out the forms below, feel free to ask IT office personnel.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

All members of the Midland Christian School ("MCS" or "the School") Community are required to follow this Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") at all times when using MCS Technology (including, but not limited to, licensed software, computers, servers, email, and/or the MCS network).

The AUP is an Honor Code for technology and is designed to help guide the appropriate, ethical, and practical use of the technology available to the MCS Community. All MCS Technology is intended to be used as an academic tool to enrich the learning environment at MCS. All members of the MCS Community are expected to use responsible, safe, and respectful practices at all times when using MCS Technology. The act of bullying, harassment, embarrassment, and/or harm toward another person will not be tolerated and will be subject to any and all appropriate disciplinary and/or legal actions.

The following actions may result in disciplinary action, the loss of enrollment/employment, the loss of network privileges, and/or legal action: local/state/federal illegal activity, accessing or transmitting offensive material, hate mail, material advocating violence or discrimination, obtaining obscene or pornographic material, creating or forwarding inappropriate (mean-spirited, racist, pornographic, false, etc.) material, using another School user's account (with or without their permission), accessing or modifying another user's account, files, or passwords, and any other actions that disrupt School network services or damage MCS Technology or data. This list of prohibited actions is demonstrative and not exhaustive.

While general rules for MCS Technology usage are set by this document, MCS empowers its faculty to set further boundaries within their individual classrooms, offices, and common areas as they see fit.

EMAIL

All MCS staff, faculty, and students will receive an official email account protected by username and password. Any MCS-controlled domain, along with all associated email accounts, are owned by the School and are therefore subject to monitoring. Email access will be unavailable after the email account holder terminates his or her association with the School, or within one year after graduation. MCS assumes no liability for direct and/or indirect damages arising from the use of the MCS Technology, including the email system and services. Users are solely responsible for the content they disseminate. MCS is not responsible for any third-party claim, demand, or damage arising out of the use of the MCS email system or service. Inappropriate language and material should never be sent by MCS email. At no time shall confidential or sensitive information be transmitted through the MCS email system.

INSTANT MESSAGING/CHAT

Instant messaging applications, services, and chat rooms are prohibited during school hours, unless it is part of an assigned, supervised in-class activity.

AUDIO AND VIDEO

The use of audio and video streaming services is prohibited on the School campus, unless it is part of an approved academic activity. Listening to music, either aloud or with earphones, is not permitted during class, unless express permission is given by MCS personnel. The watching of movies, videos, etc. in class is restricted to educational use as directed by the MCS Administration.

GAMES

Games (either installed or over the School's network) are not permitted during school hours, except as part of an assigned, supervised in-class activity, or as directed by MCS personnel.

NETWORK ACCESS

Any attempt to access servers, switches, or any other secure network hardware or software will be subject to disciplinary action. The utilization of proxy avoidance IP numbers and programs is strictly prohibited. No one may use the School network for personal or private business reasons at any time without express permission from the MCS Administration.

FILE SHARING

Any program that creates a point-to-point connection between two or more computing devices for the purpose of sharing data is considered file sharing and is prohibited on and off campus, unless directed or explicitly authorized by MCS personnel.

DOWNLOADING OR LOADING SOFTWARE

Students are only permitted to install software made available in "Self-Service". All other software must be installed by MCS I.T. personnel on any student-issued computer. The School reserves the right, at any time, to remove any software that has been loaded onto MCS Technology.

INTERNET USE

The Internet is a rich and valuable source of information for education; however, there are also malicious and dangerous things available. Inappropriate material is strictly prohibited. The School provides Internet filtering for all MCS Technology, on and off campus. It is impossible to block every possible moral and ethical Internet threat, so the School relies upon parental oversight while students use MCS technology at home. No one at any time may bypass the filter by any means to gain access to sites blocked by MCS. If access to a website that contains obscene, pornographic, or otherwise offensive material is accidentally accessed, it is the responsibility of the user to report it to the teacher, I.T. personnel, and/or Administration so that future access may be blocked. In the case that a student or faculty/staff member feels that some material is being blocked in error, he or she may make a case for that to I.T. personnel for review.

PRIVACY, USE, AND SAFETY

MCS strongly advises against the dissemination of any personal information through email or the Internet, including but not limited to: name, phone number, addresses, age, social security number, credit card information and passwords.

NETIQUETTE AND RESPONSIBLE USE:

All members of the MCS community who use MCS Technology understand that by signing the AUP, they understand and agree, individually, to the following:

  • I understand that passwords are private and I will not allow others to use my account name/password, nor will I try to use those of others.

  • I will be polite and use appropriate language in all digital communication, including but not limited to, email, blogs, and online postings. School administrators will determine appropriate language.

  • I will use School email responsibly for education purposes only. I will not use any technology, School or personally owned, to send, post, or propagate harassing, discriminating, degrading, bullying, or any other harmful messages, images, or videos toward another person or myself.

  • I understand that I am an ambassador for the School in all of my online activities and that these activities should never reflect negatively on myself, my fellow peers, the MCS Community, or the School itself.

  • I understand that masquerading, spoofing, or pretending to be someone else is forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, sending email, creating accounts, or posting messages or other online content (i.e. texts, images, videos, audio, or video) in someone else's name as a 'joke'.

  • I will use MCS Technology resources productively and responsibly for education-related purposes only. I will not use any technology resource in such a way that would disrupt the activities of other users.

  • I will not attempt to bypass security settings or Internet filters, or interfere with the operation of the MCS network.

  • I understand that vandalism is prohibited, which includes, but is not limited to, modifying or destroying equipment, programs, files, or settings or modifying in any way the physical appearance of any MCS Technology resource.

  • I will respect the intellectual property of other users and information provided. I will obey copyright guidelines. I will not plagiarize or use other's work without proper citation and permission. I will not access files, software, or other resources owned by others without the owner's permission. I will use only those School network directories that are designed for my use or for the purpose designated by MCS personnel.

  • I will follow all guidelines set by the School and MCS personnel when publishing work online. I agree to abide by all accepted Internet safety guidelines.

  • I understand that this AUP is to be used as a guideline for my acceptable use of MCS Technology and is by no means exhaustive. MCS Administration has discretion to determine what use and/or conduct involving MCS Technology is inappropriate.

STUDENT LAPTOP USER AGREEMENT

EQUIPMENT

Midland Christian School ("MCS") retains sole right of possession of the laptop and related equipment ("the Computer"). The MCS technology team retains the right to collect and/or inspect the Computer at any time, and to update, alter, add, remove, or delete software or hardware. Per MCS policy, all 9th-12th grade students will be issued and required to use the Computer as part of their educational studies at MCS.

SUBSTITUTION OF EQUIPMENT

In the event that the Computer is inoperable, the student should bring it to the MCS IT Department immediately. If the repair is extensive, a "Loaner" may be provided for the duration of the repair. This Laptop User Agreement ("the Agreement") will remain in force for the Loaner. If a student forgets to bring their laptop or power charger to school, a Loaner will not be provided.

CUSTOMIZATION OF EQUIPMENT

Students are permitted to make limited changes to customize the Computer to their own working styles. The student is not permitted to install software on the Computer. To submit a request for program/application approval, send an email to ethomas@midlandchristianschool.org.

DAMAGE OR LOSS OF EQUIPMENT

Any damage, theft, or loss sustained to the Computer will be the financial responsibility of the student's family. Parents will be billed for the cost of repair, up to a potential replacement cost of approximately $1200. Most repairs can and will be done in-house according to the actual cost of Apple-certified parts. Should the charger become inoperable (including damage to the cord), the current cost of replacement is $60.

STANDARDS FOR PERSONAL COMPUTER CASE

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. All students are required to use a hard shell case provided by MCS, which will only protect the Computer from incidental bumps and scratches. Students may elect, with prior approval from I.T. personnel, to purchase covers providing equivalent protection. The student must allow I.T. personnel to remove the school supplied cover

  2. Bring the Computer and charging unit to MCS every school day. Keep the Computer with you, within your sight, or in a secured place at all times. Computers must not be left unattended at any time.

  3. The Computer is expected to be in good working order at all times.

  4. Do not let anyone use the Computer other than your parents or guardians, MCS I.T. personnel, or MCS Administrators.

  5. Do not use the Computer in class or at school at any time other than for educational purposes pertinent to school work, as permitted by MCS personnel, or as permitted by an express MCS policy.

  6. Adhere to MCS's Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") at all times.

  7. Back up your data often.

  8. Report any problems, damage, or theft immediately to a member of the MCS IT Personnel or MCS Administrator.

  9. Arrive at school each day with a fully charged battery.

  10. Any audio or video recording may be conducted only with prior permission of all parties being recorded.

  11. Online games may not be played over the MCS network.

GENERAL CARE

  1. Do not do anything to the Computer that will permanently alter it in any way.

  2. Do not remove any serial number or identification placed on the Computer.

  3. Keep the Computer clean. No food or beverages should be in close proximity of the Computer at any time.

  4. Do not disassemble or alter any part of the Computer or attempt any repairs.

CARRYING THE COMPUTER

Students are strongly encouraged to transport the Computer in a sturdy case, other than their backpack, unless the backpack is specifically designed to transport laptops.

Laptop lids should be closed and the laptop secured before any transport. Failure to close the lid of the Computer before transporting could damage internal components and the LCD screen.

SCREEN CARE

Clean the screen with a soft, dry, anti-static cloth or with a screen cleaner designed specifically for LCD screens only; this service can also be provided in the I.T. Office.

Be careful to handle the screen properly. The following situations often cause damage to the screen and should be avoided at all times:

  • Undue pressure on the back of the screen caused either by books, papers, pens, etc. Placing the Laptop inside an overloaded backpack is not recommended.

  • Closing the lid with a pencil/pen, any document with a staple, etc. on the keyboard.

  • Lifting the Computer by the screen.

  • Carrying the Computer outside of a hard case.

  • Placing the Computer on an uneven surface or surface easily tipped over.

CONSEQUENCES

MCS reserves the right to enforce appropriate consequences for the violation of any rule regarding the use and care of the Computer. Such consequences could include, but are not limited to, the loss of the use of the Computer, reimbursement of any costs or damages incurred, including, but not limited to, internal or external personnel costs, possible disciplinary action, including suspension, dismissal, and/or referral to law enforcement. Random checks of student and faculty Computers may be conducted throughout the year to ensure that these policies are being followed.

SUGGESTIONS FOR PERSONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

  1. Avoid extended use of the Computer while resting the Computer directly on your lap.

  2. Take frequent breaks when using the Computer for long periods of time. Remember the '20-20-20' rule - every 20 minutes, look away from the screen at something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

  3. Do not provide your personal information to anyone over the Internet.

  4. Do not share passwords with anyone. Keep the Computer in a secure location at all times.

ACCOUNTS

GMAIL HELP

  1. After pressing the button to sign into your Google account, you will be presented with a prompt to sign in. If you are not presented with a sign in prompt click the account button in the top right corner then click add account, then click use another account.

  2. After signing in for your first time, you will be prompted to change your password

  3. To check your email, first click the apps button located in the upper right corner

  4. Click Gmail

  5. You should see an email from an MCS IT Dept Employee which will contain the verification code.

Check your email for the verification code.