Technology

The District provides Internet services to its students. The District's Internet system has a limited educational purpose, and has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. Student use of the District's computers, network and Internet services/connection ("Network") are governed by the following principles and guidelines, and the Student Code of Conduct. Users have a limited privacy expectation in the content of their personal files and records of their online activity while on the Network. Parents and students are advised that the District may not be able to technologically limit access through the District's Internet connection to only those services that have been authorized for the purpose of instruction, study and research related to the curriculum. Because it serves as a gateway to any publicly available file server in the world, the Internet opens classrooms and students to electronic information resources that have not been screened by educators for use by students of various ages. The District utilizes a Technology Protection Measure, which is a specific technology that will protect against (e.g., filter or block) access to visual displays/depictions that are obscene, pornographic, and materials that are harmful to minors, as defined by the Children's Internet Protection Act. At the discretion of the Board or the Superintendent, the Technology Protection Measure may be configured to protect against access to other material considered inappropriate for students to access.

The District further utilizes software and/or hardware to monitor online activity of students to restrict access to child pornography and other material that is obscene, objectionable, inappropriate and/or harmful to minors. Nevertheless, parents/guardians are advised that a determined user may be able to gain access to services on the Internet that are not authorized for educational purposes. In fact, it is impossible to guarantee students will not gain access through the Internet to information and communications that they and/or their parents/guardians may find inappropriate, offensive, objectionable or controversial. Parents/Guardians assume risks by consenting to allow their child to participate in the use of the Internet. Parents/Guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using the Internet. The District supports and respects each family's right to decide whether to apply for independent student access to the Internet. At Northridge Local Schools, we use G Suite for Education, and we are seeking your permission to provide and manage a G Suite for Education account for your child. G Suite for Education is a set of education productivity tools from Google including Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Classroom, and more used by tens of millions of students and teachers around the world. Northridge students will use their G Suite accounts to complete assignments, communicate with their teachers, sign into their Chromebooks, and learn 21st century digital citizenship skills.

In G Suite for Education Core Services, Google uses student personal information to provide, maintain, and protect the services. Google does not serve ads in the Core Services or use personal information collected in the Core Services for advertising purposes. Google provides information about the information it collects, as well as how it uses and discloses the information it collects from G Suite for Education accounts in its G Suite for Education Privacy Notice. You can read that notice online at https://gsuite.google.com/terms/education_privacy.html Students are encouraged to use the "Network" for educational purposes. Use of the Network is a privilege, not a right. When using the Network, students must conduct themselves in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner.

Students are responsible for good behavior on the District's computers/network and the Internet just as they are in classrooms, school hallways, and other school premises and school-sponsored events. Communications on the Internet are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communication apply. Unauthorized or inappropriate use of the Network, including any violation of these rules, may result in cancellation of the privilege, disciplinary action consistent with the Student Code of Conduct, and/or civil or criminal liability. Prior to accessing the Network, students must sign the Student Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Agreement. Parent permission is required for minors. Parents are encouraged to discuss their values with their children so that students can make decisions regarding their use of the Network that is in accord with their personal and family values, in addition to the Board's standards.

Students must complete a mandatory training session/program regarding the appropriate use of technology and online safety and security as specified in Policy 7540.03 – Student Network and Internet Acceptable Use and Safety before being permitted to access the Network and/or being assigned an e-mail address. Smooth operation of the Network relies upon users adhering to the following guidelines. The guidelines outlined below are not exhaustive but are provided so that users are aware of their general responsibilities.

A. Students are responsible for their behavior and communication on the Network.
B. Students may only access the Network by using their assigned Network account. Use of another person's account/address/password is prohibited. Students may not allow other users to utilize their account/address/password. Students may not go beyond their authorized access.
C. Students may not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, data or passwords belongings to other users, or misrepresent other users on the Network.
D. Students may not use the Network to engage in "hacking" or other illegal activities (e.g., software pirating; intellectual property violations; engaging in slander, libel, or harassment; threatening the life or safety of another; stalking; transmission of obscene materials or child pornography; fraud; sale of illegal substances and goods).
E. Transmission of any material in violation of any State or Federal law or regulation, or District policy is prohibited.
F. Any use of the Network for commercial purposes (e.g., purchasing or offering for sale personal products or services by students), advertising, or political lobbying is prohibited.
G. Use of the Network to engage in cyberbullying is prohibited. ""Cyberbullying" involves the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phone and pager text messages, instant messaging (IM), defamatory personal Websites or MySpace accounts, and defamatory online personal polling Web sites, to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others." For further information on cyberbullying, visit http://www.cyberbullying.ca

 

As per our Student handbook:

STUDENT FEES AND FINES Students will be provided necessary textbooks for courses of instruction without cost. In accordance with State law, Northridge Local School may charge specific fees for activities and materials used in the course of instruction. As of this time, Northridge Local Schools does not charge individual student course fees. Charges/fees may be imposed for loss, damage or destruction of school apparatus, school Chromebook, equipment, musical instruments, library materials, textbooks and for damage to school buildings or property. Students using school property and equipment can be fined for excessive wear and abuse of the property and equipment. Failure to pay fines, fees, or charges may result in the withholding of grades and credits. Seniors with any outstanding fee balances (academic or extra-curricular) or who have not returned property of Northridge Local Schools will not be permitted to walk at graduation.

Do you need help with getting affordable internet? If so, please keep reading!

With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act on November 15, 2021, the EBB program transitioned to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) effective January 1, 2022. ACP is a permanent program and will expand on EBB, but it comes with changes in eligibility and benefits.

Summary of Benefits/Changes:

• The monthly benefit is now $30/month.

• Eligibility is being extended to those households with an income that is at or below

200% Federal Poverty Guideline (EBB’s threshold was at 135% of poverty guideline).

• Current EBB recipients eligible under the ACP guidelines will automatically transition

to the $30 benefit March 1, 2022.

• Households can select the service they want from participating providers.

• Households that lose their EBB benefit due to ACP eligibility changes will need to

reapply. Their benefits will be discontinued sixty days from December 31, 2021. ISPs are

not required to notify them of the termination of service.

The RemotEDx Connectivity Champions have been assisting families from all over Ohio with the EBB application process, and they will continue to assist them in the transition to the new program. The need for affordable internet for students continues to be paramount in today’s learning environment and teaching strategies.

HAVE QUESTIONS? NEED HELP? Contact us. Contact the Connectivity Champions directly:

1) webform at www.ohio-k12.help/remotedx,

2) email or text at connectme@ohio-k12.help, or

3) phone at 844-K12-OHIO (844-512-6446).