NHCSD iPad Policies and Procedures in Question.... I feel very compelled to write the New Hampton Paper in an effort to inform parents of the New Hampton School District’s fine print and implications of the New Hampton Middle School iPad Policy, Procedures, and Information. First, and foremost it is VERY important to realize as the parents of our children it is our job to protect our children in every way possible. We are the parents of children in a School District who yearly tries to mandate things that are technically illegal. Second, I would like to bring attention to several discrepancies and questions I have concerning the new iPad policies and unclear information that was put out last night at the Middle School because the New Hampton School District is banking on the fact no one will question a) their motives and b) their actual meanings behind their policies and c) the actual cost of the iPad they are signing for. We live in a society in which our Government believes because of 911 they have the right to search our computers, emails, text messages and anything else the Government deems probable cause. The New Hampton School District is another public entity who believes they have this right as well. Neither your child nor you have ANY PRIVACY if you use this iPad. Let’s take a quick look at their motives. Mrs. Anderson made it blatantly clear of how to search the Internet Incognito, or where the parent or child could not be tracked. She made it sound as if this was for the parent’s FYI. I would bet it was more to entrap our children or even you as the parent. Because the iPad is run on their network they maintain they have the RIGHT as per 6.2.3 network data storage areas policy. So, though you maybe able to search the net incognito there is a tracking on the data storage area that the School can search at anytime and see where any of you have been!! They reserve the right to call in law enforcement agencies, suspension, and expulsion for whatever they deem as inappropriate. The students at random may have to give up their iPads for inspection. That also means that if you are connected to the internet via your network at home that iPad is storing and tracking your every move, can check your emails and anything you do while using that network. You have to enact the GPS in the iPad then making them able to track wherever you are if that iPad is with you. In other words by signing and taking the iPad you agree to being spied on by the school at anytime it feels necessary to do so. They can and will check every student’s emails and make no mistake if the child cyber bullies on a social network the school has complete access to that and in turn can call the police and before you know it, your child can be charged for terrorism. Legal Property or 6.5 any form of media that the child copies needs to be properly credited or you or your child could be prosecuted for plagiarism. Now lets examine 8 of the policies which is costs concerning the iPad. NO where in this document that you are signing to take full responsibility for does it disclose the cost of the actual iPad. Which model is this? What is the unit cost of each iPad? And how much did the school actually pay for each one when bought in bulk as a contract with iPad could dramatically reduce the unit cost of each computer while you are signing for the undisclosed wholesale price of the unit. Then they require a $25 dollar non-refundable yearly fee for “insurance” for said device. If the iPad is damaged the “student” (who if under 18 cannot legally enter into said contract) is responsible for the $50 deductible or FULL repair or replacement cost of the iPad should it not be covered under iPad warranty! Warranty and insurance are two different things. Manufacturer’s warranty only covers defects in the iPad but not accidentally or intentionally inflicted damage. So, what is the $25.00 “insurance” fee really going for? And why are they in the next bullet asking parents to put their equipment on their personal or home insurance? NHCSD reserves the right to charge you full cost when damage occurs due to gross negligence as determined by the administration… How many students walk home and sometimes in the rain? How many students ride the bus where things get lost or broken all the time? How many of you have an extra hmmm, what is the cost again, laying around to replace school equipment? Parents you have the right to refuse to take on this responsibility, you have a right to demand the school give your child alternative homework assignments that are not iPad specific as you exercise your rights to protect you and your students privacy and demand the teachers use school time for school instead of relying on the internet to teach our children. If we wanted the internet to be the teacher there is always K-12 and dual enrollment options. One last question, why do 5th-8th graders have these very expensive pieces of equipment while our high school students, who are more responsible, do not? Ponder these questions, demand answers, know exactly what YOU are taking responsibility for, and know exactly what the implications of having said device in your possession gives the school permission to do! Know your rights to REFUSE this in our school district regardless of what the school board voted in without parents consent and the school makes you believe is not an option! Being spied on knowingly and giving permission for it by signing this document is always an OPTION!
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 15:47:18 +0000
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