Technology-info-policies

Purpose

Seton Catholic Schools provides technology resources to students, faculty, and staff in support of our mission to form young men and women of competence, conscience, compassion, and faith. Technology is a valuable educational tool that enhances learning, communication, creativity, collaboration, and service.

The use of technology at Seton Catholic Schools is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to use all technology resources responsibly, ethically, legally, and in a manner consistent with Catholic values and the mission of Seton Catholic Schools.
This policy applies to all school-owned devices, school-issued accounts, school networks, personal devices used on school property, and any digital activity that substantially impacts the school community.

---

Digital Citizenship Expectations

Students are expected to:

• Treat others online with dignity, kindness, and respect.
• Communicate honestly and appropriately.
• Use technology to support learning and personal growth.
• Respect the privacy, intellectual property, and work of others.
• Follow all school rules and expectations when using technology.
• Demonstrate good judgment when creating, sharing, or viewing digital content.

Any technology use that disrupts learning, harms others, violates school policies, or conflicts with Catholic teachings is prohibited.

---

School Accounts and Credentials

Students may be provided with school-issued accounts and credentials that grant access to educational resources, email, wireless networks, and learning platforms.
Students are responsible for all activity conducted through their assigned accounts.
Students must:

• Keep passwords confidential.
• Log in only with their assigned credentials.
• Immediately report suspected unauthorized access.
• Use accounts only for educational purposes.

Students may not:

• Share passwords or accounts.
• Access another person's account.
• Attempt to bypass security measures.
• Misrepresent their identity online.

---

School-Issued Devices

Students issued school-owned devices are expected to:

• Care for equipment responsibly.
• Keep devices charged and ready for school use.
• Use devices primarily for educational purposes.
• Protect devices from damage, theft, or misuse.

The school reserves the right to inspect school-owned devices at any time.
Families may be responsible for repair or replacement costs resulting from negligence, abuse, or intentional damage.

---

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence tools may be used only when permitted by teachers and in accordance with classroom expectations.
Students must:

• Use AI tools honestly and ethically.
• Verify information generated by AI systems.
• Cite AI assistance when required.
• Submit work that reflects their own learning and understanding.
• Further explaination of our AI policy can be found here 

Misuse of AI may be treated as academic dishonesty and may result in disciplinary consequences.

---

Internet and Network Use

Seton Catholic Schools provides filtered Internet access in accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Students may not:

• Attempt to bypass Internet filters or security systems.
• Use VPNs, proxy services, or similar technologies to circumvent restrictions.
• Access, create, transmit, or store inappropriate, obscene, threatening, or unlawful content.
• Engage in hacking, network scanning, or unauthorized access attempts.
• Download or install unauthorized software.

Internet access is monitored and logged.

---

Email and Electronic Communication

School-issued email accounts are intended for educational and school-related communication.
Students should:

• Check their school email regularly.
• Communicate respectfully and professionally.
• Use school email when communicating with faculty, staff, coaches, and administrators.

Students may not:

• Use email to harass, threaten, bully, or intimidate others.
• Send spam or mass unsolicited messages.
• Share confidential information without authorization.

---

Personal Communication Devices

In accordance with Indiana law and Seton Catholic Schools policy, personal communication devices may not be used during the school day.

Personal communication devices include:

• Cell phones
• Smartphones
• Smart watches capable of communication
• Personal tablets
• Earbuds connected to personal devices
• Any device capable of sending or receiving electronic communications

Students must turn in  personal devices as directed by school administration during the school day.
A phone is available through the school office for students who need to contact parents or guardians.
Parents and guardians may contact students through the school office during the school day.

Cell Phone Violations

1. First Violation – Device confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day.
2. Second Violation – Device confiscated and returned according to administrative direction.
3. Third Violation – Parent/guardian notification and device pickup required.
4. Additional consequences may be assigned by administration.

---

Photography, Video, Audio Recording, and Livestreaming

Students may not photograph, record, livestream, or distribute images, audio, or video of students, staff, classrooms, school activities, or school property without permission.
Recording or sharing content that embarrasses, harasses, threatens, or harms another person is prohibited.
The use of cameras or recording devices is strictly prohibited in restrooms, locker rooms, dressing areas, or other locations where privacy is expected.
Violations may result in disciplinary action and possible law enforcement involvement.

---

School Name, Logo, and Branding

The Seton Catholic Schools name, logos, mascots, photographs, athletic marks, and other branding elements are the property of Seton Catholic Schools.
Students may not:

• Create websites, social media accounts, podcasts, videos, publications, or digital content that appear to officially represent Seton Catholic Schools without permission.
• Use school logos or branding on merchandise or promotional materials without approval.
• Alter or manipulate school branding in a misleading, offensive, or inappropriate manner.

Students participating in approved school programs may use school branding under faculty supervision.

---

Social Media and Online Conduct

Students are responsible for their online behavior both on and off campus.
Online conduct that substantially disrupts the school environment or harms members of the school community may result in disciplinary action.
Examples include:

• Cyberbullying
• Harassment
• Threats
• Impersonation
• Sharing inappropriate images or content
• Creating accounts or content that falsely represent others

Students should remember that digital content is often permanent and may reflect upon themselves, their families, and the Seton Catholic Schools community.

---

Privacy and Monitoring

School-owned devices, school email accounts, school networks, and school technology resources remain the property of Seton Catholic Schools.
Students should have no expectation of privacy when using school-owned technology resources.
The school reserves the right to:

• Monitor network activity.
• Review school-issued accounts.
• Inspect school-owned devices.
• Investigate suspected violations of school policies.

Connecting a personal device to the school network constitutes acceptance of this policy.

---

Consequences for Violations

Violations of this policy may result in one or more of the following:

• Warning
• Loss of technology privileges
• Restricted network access
• Detention
• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension
• Restitution for damages
• Referral to law enforcement when appropriate
• Additional disciplinary action as determined by school administration

The severity of consequences will depend upon the nature and frequency of the violation.

---

Parent Partnership

Parents and guardians play an important role in helping students develop responsible technology habits.
Families are encouraged to:

• Establish technology expectations at home.
• Monitor online activity.
• Encourage technology use in common areas.
• Discuss digital citizenship and online safety.
• Reinforce that technology is a tool for learning, creativity, and service.

Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising Internet use when students access technology outside of school.

---

Acknowledgment

By signing below, the student and parent/guardian acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to follow the Seton Catholic Schools Acceptable Use Policy.
Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action and the loss of technology privileges.
Student Name: ______________________________
Student Signature: ___________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________
Date: ___________________