The Montclair Kimberley Academy recognizes how valuable the appropriate use of technology is to improving the educational process. Accordingly, The Montclair Kimberley Academy has made a significant commitment to integrating technological advances into the school program to enhance students' learning experiences. Students are able to use computers in classrooms, computer labs, and in the library. MKA provides access to the school's file servers, printers, Internet services and email system from every computer connected to the school's network.
In addition, students may choose to bring their laptops and/or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) to school. Students will be responsible for the technical upkeep of their laptop and/or PDA, and students will be expected to bring the equipment to school fully charged because access to power outlets is limited. Laptop access to MKA's network services will be provided via a wireless network. Students who wish to use such services will be responsible for providing their own wireless networking card. Each wireless device must be registered to work on the school's network. No unauthorized network access is permitted.
Use of personal laptops or PDAs at school is subject to the following restrictions:
- Laptop/PDA access to the school's network will be provided via the wireless network only; students are not permitted to use the existing wired network for laptop or PDA access.
- Use of personal laptops and/or PDAs in class is at the teacher's discretion.
- Use of personal laptops and/or PDAs during tests or quizzes is strictly prohibited, except where accommodations are required as per school policy.
The Montclair Kimberley Academy recognizes that issues such as fairness and network capacity limitations require a policy concerning the appropriate use of all technology, including personal laptops and PDAs, in the school. Academy network resources are considered the property of MKA. Any actions performed or initiated through the network must reflect the integrity and honesty expected of an MKA student, as described in the MKA Code of Honor, and be compliant with MKA's rules of conduct, as set forth in the Student Handbook. MKA will not tolerate the use of computers, both in and out of school, to harass, disparage or intimidate any member of the MKA community or the school itself. The school will continue to take precautions to restrict access to sexually explicit, violent, obscene or unlawful material on all school-owned equipment.
The following uses of technology are PROHIBITED because they violate MKA school rules and/or the spirit of the MKA Code of Honor:
- Accessing the accounts and files of others
- Accessing sexually explicit, violent, obscene or unlawful material
- Attempting to subvert network security, to impair functionality of the network, or to bypass restrictions set by the administrators
- Placing or accessing unlawful or obscene material on the network
- The unauthorized use and distribution of licensed software is illegal
- Installing unauthorized software on a computer
- Improper use or distribution of information is prohibited. Sending "chain letters" or inappropriate "broadcast messages" that may cause undue congestion on networks
- Using the network for commercial purposes or in support of illegal activities
- The school will not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations resulting from school-provided access to the internet
- Sending messages that would hurt or embarrass the school by virtue of the sender's address or other means of identification
- Use of chat, messaging, or ICQ software other than for educational purposes
- Use of any (school or personal) computer for playing non-academic, Internet/network-based, multi-player or fantasy-league games
- Vandalism of computer hardware, including theft, damage or misconfiguration
- Changing software settings or otherwise impairing the software's function
- Use of a computer for any inappropriate purpose including, but not limited to, the provision of billable services to others for profit or distribution of unacceptable material (text, sound, pictures, or video)
- Use of foreign language translating programs, except by express permission of the teacher
- The use of file sharing or Peer-to-Peer software (Downloading music, software, etc. using programs such as Kazaa, LimeWire, BitTorrent,et al.)
Note:
The school cannot be held responsible for any damages, injuries, or claims resulting from student violations of responsible use of technology as outlined herein.
PRIVACY STATEMENT
As a rule, MKA will protect students' privacy and will treat students' electronic information as it treats any other student property. The school reserves the right to search randomly students' personal belongings or computer files and accounts.
