A - Technology Policies

The purpose of technology at Saint Andrew Academy is to advance and promote education and faithfulness. It is intended to assist in the collaboration and exchange of information among all who are concerned and involved with education.

Technology is sometimes used in daily operations of our classrooms, libraries, and offices in order  to promote high quality technological resources in an equitable, efficient, and cost effective manner. Such technology includes and is not limited to email, local computer networks, the Internet, and other online services.

Taking this into consideration, Saint Andrew Academy has established the following guidelines for the use of technology while on campus:

• Student cell phones should be left at home or turned OFF from 7:30-3:10 when on site.
• Cell phones must be stored out of sight (in a locker or backpack).
• ell phones that ring or cause a disturbance will be kept by the administration until the end of the day.
• Even before and after the academic day, texting is strongly discouraged. Texting is allowed between student and parent before or after school hours. However, idle chatter via text message or social media chat is generally unhealthy to the students and their community.
• Laptop computers and IPads, etc. are allowed for students in grades 7 through 12 at the teacher’s discretion. These must only be used for Academy purposes and must not be wirelessly connected to outside services or plugged into the Academy’s network.
• No games are allowed at any time on campus. (Typing games and ‘productive’ games are still games.)
• Absolutely no pictures may appear on the screen unless they are directly related to the Academy.
• Scientific calculation software and calculators on laptops are permitted at the teacher’s discretion.
• Under no circumstances should students have any type of device, including iPad, laptops, or cell phones communicating with outside servers while at the Academy.
• No other electronic devices (Switches, MP3 players, iPods, etc.) are allowed on the premises. If they are seen, they will be confiscated. This includes iPods or other devices used for music and games. Exceptions may be approved by the administration, in rare cases.
• Any violation of the above will result in the loss of privilege using electronic devices and/or their confiscation.
• Any teacher may, at his discretion, forbid the use of any device at any time without giving a reason.

Internet

The benefit of being connected to the Internet and other on-line services is that it expands teaching and learning by making many fascinating resources, including original source materials from all over the world, available to students, teachers, parents and administrators. These services bring information, data, images and computer software into the classroom from places around the globe, and it does this almost instantaneously. Access to these resources can involve students in individual and group projects, cross-cultural collaborations, and idea sharing not found in learning environments that lack Internet and on-line services access.

While the potential benefits of the Internet are many, so are its clear dangers. Parents need to be aware that they are open systems which contain pockets of material that are disapproved of. The Academy will make an effort to prevent students’ access to inappropriate materials on the Internet and other on-line services, but cannot guarantee that they will not encounter text, pictures, or references that are objectionable. The Academy asks parents for assistance in developing responsible attitudes, reinforcing appropriate behaviors and observing security practices. System users should have no expectation of privacy with respect to files saved or maintained on Academy computers or computer systems. Network administrators and Academy officials will have access to all files and Internet history in order to ensure system integrity and compliance with this procedure.

The use of the Internet at Saint Andrew Academy is a privilege, not a right. Users are responsible for what they say and do on the networks. Because communication with thousands of others is so quick and easy, it is important to think before communicating and to show respect for other people and their ideas. The use of computers must be in support of education and research, and consistent with the educational objectives and the mission of Saint Andrew Academy. Use of the Academy’s network or computers must comply with the rules appropriate for such a network.