GRAFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Digital Learning Initiative

Information for you…

Graford ISD has purchased Kindle Fires for the students in grades 9-12. We will issue them to students as soon as this mandatory orientation is viewed by both parent and student AND the one-time usage fee is paid.

Payment plans are available, if necessary. A student will not be allowed to take the Kindle Fire home until the fee is paid, but will still be able to use the Kindle Fire during school hours.

Information for you…Consequences for Misuse:

Step 1 : Student will have their Kindle Fire taken by administration. The Kindle Fire will be

reimaged and the student charged $25.00 to regain the Kindle Fire.Step 2: The student will be held accountable to the following disciplinary consequences:

Step 3. An automated phone call will be placed, notifying the students parent / guardian that the

student has used their computer in an inappropriate matter.  Examples of Inappropriate Computer use: This list is provided as an example. The

students should use Kindle Fires for sound educational purposes and not to participate or view vulgar, lewd, or illegal websites, emails, or media / communication outlets. This list is not a complete list of prohibited conduct.

  Lewd or vulgar websites, emails, chat, searches, or other content Any content of a pornographic nature Any content that requires parental advisory Internet searches that contain inappropriate content, language, or use. Downloading of prohibited content Use of the computer to disrupt class Continual misuse of the Kindle Fire while in class

Did you know that…

Dropping your Kindle Fire into your bag or onto the floor or allowing it to hit the desk will cause cracks in the screen.

You can set up a passcode to lock your screen down; however, you must give Mrs. Fitzhugh or Mrs. Henderson the passcode.

Did you know that…

Leaving your Kindle Fire in the car will create heat(daytime) then the cooling overnight will create liquid build up inside the Kindle Fire.

If you leave your Kindle Fire sitting around alone, it might disappear. The school WILL NOT cover this kind of behavior. Keep your Kindle Fire with you at all times.

We can limit your Kindle Fire’s access to applications, internet travel, and social sites.

Did you know that…

Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, state law will define bullying as engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the district and that: (1) has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student's property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or of damage to the student's property; or (2) is sufficiently severe, persistent and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening or abusive educational environment for a student.

Did you know that…

Bullying, harassment, or intimidation are serious and will not be tolerated.  A form to report alleged bullying, harassment, or intimidation that occurred on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the district can be obtained at the high school office. If you are a student victim, the parent / guardian of a student victim, a close adult relative of a student victim, or a school staff member and wish to report an incident of alleged bullying, harassment or intimidation, complete this form and return it to the principal at the high school.

Did you know that…

You are being given access to the District’s electronic communication system. Through this system, you will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations, and people around the world through the Internet and other electronic information systems /networks. You will have access to hundreds of databases, libraries, and computer services all over the world. With this educational opportunity comes responsibility. Inappropriate system use will result in the loss of the privilege to use this educational tool.

Did you know that…

In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, Graford Independent School District educates staff and students regarding appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites (including chat rooms). Graford ISD also educates staff and students on cyber-bullying awareness to ensure Internet safety, including use of email and Web 2.0 resources, and has deployed filtering technology and protection measures to restrict access to inappropriate content such as those that are illegal, harmful, or contain potentially offensive information.

Did you know that…

While every effort is made to provide the most secure and optimal learning environment by monitoring on-line activities, it is not possible to absolutely prevent access (accidental or otherwise) to inappropriate content. It is possible that you may run across areas of adult content and some material you (or your parents) might find objectionable. While the district will take reasonable steps to restrict access to such material, it is not possible to absolutely prevent such access.

Did you know that…

You and your parent have already signed an appropriate acceptable use policy for this year that applies to the school-purchased Kindle Fire. It is each student’s responsibility to read district policies, regulations and agreement forms and ask questions if you need help in understanding and following the guidelines for appropriate and acceptable use.

Frequently Asked Questions…

Do we keep this Kindle Fire all year?No, you will return it in May for “clean up.”

How do I store my projects?We can help you store your projects when

the end of the year is over. Can we hook up to our internet at

home?Yes, if you have service at your home you

are free to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions…

How does the monitoring of our Kindle Fires work?Our CIPA filter is set to standards that keep unsavory or

inappropriate sites from opening on our school computers and our Kindle Fires.

If an inappropriate site is attempted, a notification is sent to Mrs. Fitzhugh, who will notify Mrs. Henderson. Each incident will be investigated on a case-by-case basis. Repeated offenders will lose the privilege of using the Kindle Fire and/or incur fines.

How can we help monitor at our house?Never allow students with Kindle Fire in a “closed” room.Have knowledge of apps and information downloaded by your

child.Place a curfew on the Kindle and keep in your possession

during curfew hours.

Frequently Asked Questions…Can you shut off Facebook and

other social sites from the Kindle Fire?Yes, Facebook, Youtube, and other social

sites can be turned off at school.Our filters do not work at your house. It is

your responsibility to monitor your child’s Internet usage at home. Any inappropriate usage that leads to Kindle Fire damage will also be your responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions…Must we use the school-issued

protective case on our Kindle Fire?No, if you have your own, you may use it

when you turn in the school issued one. There must be a protective case on your Kindle Fire at all times.

Are we issued the same Kindle Fire each year?Yes, you will have the same unit while you are

at GHS.

Frequently Asked Questions… Can we purchase our Kindle Fire when we

graduate? Yes, they may be purchased at a pro-rated price.

I’m good with electronics, why can’t I work on my own Kindle Fire to repair issues? By doing so, you void the warranty and are responsible for the

cost of all parts that are replaced.

What happens if we have an accident? See Mrs. Fitzhugh or Mrs. Henderson. We will view each

incident on a case-by-case basis.

What happens if our Kindle Fire is lost/stolen? Same as above but we must also file a police report with a

timeline of the events surrounding the loss/stolen Kindle Fire.

Questions, comments, or concerns

If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Mrs. Fitzhugh (jfitzhugh@grafordisd.net ) or Mrs. Henderson (lhenderson@grafordisd.net) . You may also call the school at

(940)664-3101.