Student and Family Handbook

Insight PA Cyber Charter School is committed to student use of technology as a tool to expand learning opportunities and conduct scholarly research.  The use of technology facilitates global collaboration- a vital skill for our 21st century learners.  Students at Insight PA utilize laptop computers on a wireless network.  Laptops are strictly for educational use consistent with the educational goals of Insight PA Cyber Charter School, the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.  This Acceptable Use Policy is designed to give students and their families clear and concise guidelines regarding the appropriate use of laptops.  The underlying premise of this policy is that all members of the Insight PA community must uphold the values of honesty and integrity.  The proper use of technology reflects the strength of one’s character, as does one’s behavior.  We expect our students to exercise good judgment and to utilize technology with integrity.

Email

• Students should always use appropriate [friendly and clear] language in their e-mail messages.
• Email etiquette demonstrating politeness and respect should always be used.  In general, only messages that one would communicate to the recipient in person should be written.  Email services provided by the school are to be used only for the exchange of appropriate, school-related information.
• Inappropriate email, which includes derogatory, racist, obscene, or harassing messages, is never permitted.  E-mail messages of an abusive or harassing nature will be regarded as a major violation and will be subject to a disciplinary response.
• Chain letters of any kind and spam are prohibited.  Chain letters are defined as any e-mail message asking you to pass information or messages on to other individuals or groups via email.
• Students are prohibited from accessing anyone else’s email account without first receiving explicit written permission from the account holder.
• Only school-approved email applications may be used for student mail.
• Only school-related attachments may be sent using the school email system.

Games

• Insight PA reserves the right to remove any game from a School computer that is considered inappropriate or impedes the educational purposes of the laptop program.
• The viewing and/or playing of electronic games is not permitted during school hours except as part of an assigned in-class activity.
• Games that include violence, adult content, inappropriate language and weapons are not to be installed or “played” on School computers including laptops.

Laptops

• Student laptops must not be left unattended at any time.
• Do not lend your laptop to other students.
• Do not borrow a laptop from another student.
• Food or beverages should not be consumed near the laptop.
• Laptops should be handled with respect and care. Inappropriate treatment of school laptops is not acceptable.
• Laptop and laptop cases are not to be written on, have stickers applied to them, or defaced in any way.
•  Do not remove, move, or write on the identification sticker on your laptop.
• Students are not permitted to create any administrative passwords on their laptops.
• Students may not swap batteries or other hardware.
• Students must not make any attempt to access servers or network information that is not open to the public.
• The utilization of proxy avoidance IP numbers and programs such as private VPN services is strictly prohibited.
• Students may not use the Insight PA network for personal or private business reasons including but not limited to online ordering and purchasing.
• Students may not knowingly degrade or disrupt online services or equipment as such activity is considered a crime under state and federal law.  This includes tampering with computer hardware or software, vandalizing data, invoking computer viruses, attempting to gain access to restricted or unauthorized network services or violating copyright laws.

File Sharing

• File sharing is the public or private sharing of computer data or space.  Any program that creates a point-to-point connection between two or more computing devices for the purpose of sharing data is considered to be file sharing.
• File sharing of any kind is prohibited both on campus and off campus.  The only exception to this is when a faculty member assigns a specific project that requires file sharing by students; students must confine file sharing to the parameters of the faculty directive.
• Do not delete any folders or files that you did not create or that you do not recognize.  Deletion of certain files will result in a computer failure and will interfere with your ability to complete class work and may affect your grades.

Downloading and Loading of Software

• Students are not permitted to install custom individualized applications that require administrator privileges.
• All installed software must be a legally licensed copy.
• The downloading of music files, video files, games, etc. through the Insight PA network is absolutely prohibited unless it is part of an assigned in-class activity.
• Insight PA reserves the right to remove any software that has been loaded onto the computer that impedes the educational purpose of the laptop program.
• Copyrighted movies may not be “ripped” from DVDs and placed on the laptops nor may copyrighted movies be downloaded to the laptops from the Internet.
• Only commercial videos such as television programs legally purchased at a music store or another like entity may be downloaded to the laptops.
• Shareware and freeware programs such as animated cursors (i.e., Comet Cursor), screensavers, and others similar to these automatically open connections to the computers from outside the Insight PA network.  Such connections are Spyware, and they not only monitor the activities on that computer, but they also slow down the operations of the computer and the network connection.  Downloading these types of files is strictly forbidden.

Screensavers

• Inappropriate or copyrighted media may not be used as a screensaver.
• Presence of weapons, pornographic or racist materials, inappropriate language, alcohol, drug, and gang-related symbols or pictures will result in disciplinary actions.

Internet Use

• The Internet is a rich and valuable source of information for education.  Inappropriate materials are available on the internet and are strictly prohibited.  These materials include items of a sexual or pornographic nature, extremist, racist or militant materials, gambling, depictions of violence and images that are intended to be abusive or harassing etc.  Students must not access, display or store this type of material.
• Students are required to give proper credit to all Internet sources used in academic assignments whether quoted or summarized.  This includes all forms of media on the Internet, such as graphics, movies, music and text.
• Plagiarism includes the use of any information obtained from the Internet that is not properly cited.  Plagiarism of Internet resources will be treated in the same manner as any other incidences of plagiarism.
• Students may use AI tools with the permission and guidance of Insight PA staff to fact-check by quickly cross-referencing information and claims, though they must still be critical of the output.
• Students are prohibited from entering confidential or personally identifiable information into unauthorized AI tools, such as those without approved data privacy agreements.  Sharing confidential or personal data with an AI system could violate privacy without proper disclosure and consent.
• If a student accidentally accesses a website that contains obscene, pornographic, racist, or otherwise offensive material, he/she must notify a teacher, the Network Administrator or the Technology Coordinator as quickly as possible so that such sites can be blocked from further access.  This is not merely a request; it is a responsibility.

Privacy, Use, and Safety

• Students may not give any personal information regarding themselves or others through e-mail or the Internet including name, phone number, address, passwords, etc. unless they are completely sure of the identity of the person with whom they are communicating.  Frequently the identity of someone on the Internet is impossible to confirm.  Therefore, contact with such individuals is considered inappropriate and unsafe.
• Students may not provide the e-mail address or other personal information regarding other students, faculty, or administration to anyone outside of the school without their written permission.
• Students must secure and maintain private passwords for network and laptop access.  This is important to protect the privacy of each student.  Do NOT share personal passwords or usernames.
• Insight PA respects the privacy of every student, faculty member, and administrator with respect to stored files and email accounts.  However, if inappropriate use, such as violations or harassment, is suspected the school administration has the right to view these files in order to investigate suspected inappropriate behavior.
• Insight PA will monitor computer activities that take place on School-owned computers including logging website access, newsgroup access, bandwidth, and network use.
• Students are prohibited from accessing faculty, administration and staff computers as well as School file servers for any reason without explicit written permission from the user or administrator of that computer.
• Students are prohibited from utilizing the command prompt interface, unless instructed by an Insight PA employee for educational purposes.  In addition to this, students are prohibited from using any method to obtain control of another person’s computer through the use of their own computer.
• Students are prohibited from utilizing peer-to-peer networking or any method of file sharing between computers unless authorized by the technology staff.
• Students are prohibited from using laptops or any computer for acts of cruelty (including mean-spirited e-mails, offensive blogging, etc.).
• Laptops that are provided by the school continue to be the property of the school.  Therefore, the School has the right to view all content anytime.
• Any electronic device used on the Insight PA network, even if privately owned, is subject to all policies and consequences of the Acceptable Use Policy including: the right to view the content of the device at any time; the right to remove content from the device; and the right to return the device to the School’s possession if there is an infraction of the Acceptable Use Policy that deserves that consequence

Social Media

• Use good judgment.  You must know and follow the school’s Code of Conduct and Privacy Policy.  Regardless of your privacy settings, assume that all the information you have shared on your social network is public information.
• Be respectful.  Always treat others in a respectful, positive and considerate manner.
• Be responsible and ethical.  If you are approved to represent the school, unless you are specifically authorized to speak on behalf of the school as a spokesperson, you should state that the views expressed in your postings, etc. are your own.  Stick with discussing school-related matters that are within your area of responsibility.  Be open about your affiliation with the school and the role/position you hold.
• Be a good listener.  Keep in mind that one of the biggest benefits of social media is that it gives others another way to talk to you, ask questions directly and to share feedback.  Be responsive to others when conversing online.  Provide answers, thank people for their comments, and ask for further feedback, etc.  Always be doing at least as much listening and responding as you do “talking.”

Confidential information

As per Insight PA’s policy, confidential information should never be published, posted, or released.  If it seems confidential, it probably is.  Online “conversations” are never private.  And remember, avoid using your birth date, address, and cell phone number on any public website.  This is to ensure the security of our information and your personal data.

Private and Personal Information

• To ensure your safety, be careful about the type and amount of personal information you provide.  Avoid talking about personal schedules or situations.
• NEVER give out or transmit personal information of students, parents, or co-workers.
• NEVER electronically share your physical location with anyone, unless required to by Insight PA staff for the purposes of attendance monitoring.
• Don’t take information you may receive through social networking (such as e-mail addresses, customer names or telephone numbers) and assume it’s the most up-to-date or correct.
• Always respect the privacy of the school community members.
• Please be cautious with respect to:

Images

• Respect brand, trademark, copyright information and/or images of the school (if applicable).  You may use photos and videos (products, etc.) that are available on the school’s website.
• It is generally not acceptable to post pictures of students without the expressed written consent of their parents.  Do not post pictures of others without their permission.

Other Sites

• A significant part of the interaction on blogs, Instagram, Facebook, and other social networks involves passing on interesting content or linking to helpful resources.  However, the school is ultimately responsible for any content that is shared.  Don’t blindly repost a link without looking at the content first.
• Pay attention to the security warnings that pop up on your computer before clicking on unfamiliar links.  They serve a purpose and protect you and the school.
• When using Instagram, Facebook, and other tools, be sure to follow their printed terms and conditions.

And if you don’t get it right…

• Be sure to correct any mistake you make immediately, and make it clear what you’ve done to fix it.  Apologize for the mistake if the situation warrants it.
• If it’s a MAJOR mistake (e.g., exposing private information or reporting confidential information), you must inform your LEAP Specialist immediately so the school can take the proper steps to help minimize the impact it may have.

Personal Safety

• If you see a message, comment, image, or anything else online that makes you concerned for your personal safety, bring it to the attention of an adult (teacher or staff if you’re at school; parent if you’re using the device at home) immediately.
• Users should never share personal information, including phone number, address, social security number, birthday, or financial information, over the Internet without adult permission.
• Users should recognize that communicating over the Internet brings anonymity and associated risks and should carefully safeguard the personal information of themselves and others.
• Data, programs, hardware, software, and other materials including those protected by copyright may not be transmitted or duplicated.

Consequences

• Insight PA reserves the right to enforce appropriate consequences for the violation of any section of the Acceptable Use Policy.  Consequences could include the loss of privileges on a laptop and/or the loss of the use of the computer for an amount of time determined by the administration and members of the Technology Department; possible disciplinary action; and possible legal action.
• Computers with illegal or inappropriate software or materials on them will be reformatted or “re-imaged.”
• In the case of repeated laptop abuse and/or damages, the school has the right to revoke the use of the school’s laptop.

Internet Hot Spots or Jet Packs

In limited instances, students may be provided internet hot spots if they qualify through a needs-based review process conducted by the Student Resource Coordinator.  All parameters of the Acceptable Use policy apply to hot spots in the same manner they apply to student laptops.

Return of Equipment

All laptops and internet Hot Spots are school owned and provided to students for use during their time enrolled with Insight PA.  Upon withdrawal, it is expected that all equipment be returned to Insight PA or compensatory payment be made to replace the item.  Failure to return equipment or pay replacement costs could result in legal action.

Responsible Use of AI Tools

Insight PA recognizes that responsible uses of AI will vary depending on the context, such as a classroom activity or assignment.  Teachers will clarify if, when, and how AI tools will be used, while the school will ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding data security and privacy.  Appropriate AI use should be guided by the specific parameters and objectives defined for an activity.

Prohibited Use of AI Tools

As we work to realize the benefits of AI in education, we also recognize that risks must be addressed.  Below are the prohibited uses of AI tools and the measures we will take to mitigate the associated risks.

Student Learning

Bullying/harassment: Using AI tools to manipulate media to impersonate others for bullying, harassment, or any form of intimidation is strictly prohibited.  All users are expected to employ these tools solely for educational purposes, upholding values of respect, inclusivity, and academic integrity always.

Overreliance: Dependence on AI tools can decrease human discretion and oversight.  Important nuances and context can be overlooked and accepted.  Teachers will clarify if, when, and how AI tools should be used in their classrooms, and teachers and students are expected to review outputs generated by AI before use.

Plagiarism and cheating: Students and staff should not copy from any source, including generative AI, without prior approval and adequate documentation.  Students should not submit AI-generated work as their original work.  Staff and students will be taught how to properly cite or acknowledge the use of AI where applicable.  Teachers will be clear about when and how AI tools may be used to complete assignments and restructure assignments to reduce opportunities for plagiarism by requiring personal context, original arguments, or original data collection.  Existing procedures related to potential violations of our Academic Integrity Policy will continue to be applied.

Unequal access: If an assignment permits the use of AI tools, the tools will be made available to all students, considering that some may already have access to such resources outside of school.

Authority: The Board has the authority and responsibility to provide leadership with approval of technology use at Insight PA, accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.  The CTIO and CAO have the responsibility to prepare and present recommendations and suggestions.