Students are responsible for the general care of the device they have been issued by the school. Devices that are broken or fail to work properly must be taken to the tech support desk at the student’s school for an evaluation of the equipment. Please see Device Care and Security for more information.

Cords and cables must be inserted carefully into the device to prevent damage

Devices must remain free of any writing, drawing, stickers, labels, or any other physical alterations.

Devices must never be left in an unlocked locker, unlocked car, or any unsupervised area.

Devices should also not be left visible in a locked or unattended car

Devices must never be left in a location susceptible to extreme cold or hot weather

Moisture is damaging to devices; keep it out of water and humid locations.

Students are expected to follow the same code of conduct on the Internet as they do in the classroom.

• Follow copyright laws
• Use appropriate language online
• Students will make available all messages or files upon parent, administrator or teacher request
• Like a textbook or a locker, HISD owns the laptop. Students are only permitted to use it for educational advancement
• Administrators have the capability to remotely view student computers

All student devices are managed by the District Technology Department through a device management system and our district internet filtering systems. Any attempts by students to circumvent any district management and/or monitoring settings through software restoration or jailbreaking will result in disciplinary action. The device is owned by the Houston Independent School District.

NEVER give out personal information

NEVER share passwords with anyone

NEVER arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you met online

DO NOT OPEN an email if you do not know who sent it

DO NOT CLICK on banner ads or pop up ads on websites

NEVER USE bad language or send threatening emails

Improper use of the laptop will result in consequences such as discipline, detention, and/or limited use of the device. The following actions are prohibited:

• Bypassing the district's filter.
• Using another student’s username or password.
• Sharing passwords (other than with parents).
• Downloading or installing software that has not been approved.
• Tampering with hardware.
• Using chat rooms, IM, social networking; hosting non-school-approved web pages.
• Accessing inappropriate material that is unacceptable in a school setting.

Although social media programs are blocked on all HISD student computers, parents should:

MONITOR all social media use.

BE AWARE of which social media sites your child is using.

TALK WITH YOUR CHILD about their digital footprint, which is any and all information about a person on the Internet.

LOOK OUT FOR CYBER-BULLYING and notify the school immediately if you find evidence of it.

Under no circumstances should devices be left in unsupervised areas. Unsupervised areas include the school grounds and campus, cafeteria, unlocked classrooms, gymnasiums, auditorium, and hallways. Any device left in these areas is in danger of being stolen. If a device is found in an unsupervised area, it will be taken to the main office.

When devices have be brought to school each day, they must be adequately charged to work throughout the school day. Students need to charge their devices each evening by plugging them into an electrical wall outlet. We recommend setting up a station at home where the device is stored and charged each evening.

The device comes equipped with audio and video recording capabilities through a built-in microphone and cameras. All electronic recordings created with the device must comply with District Policies and State and Federal Laws.

Use of the device and any other device with audio and video recording capabilities during instructional time is at the discretion of the teacher. Any electronic recordings obtained with the recording device are for instructional/educational purposes and individual use. Therefore, electronic recordings obtained with the device may not be shared, published or re-broadcasted for any reason by the student without permission. Furthermore, users of the device should be aware that state and federal laws in many instances prohibit secret or surreptitious recording undertaken without the knowledge and consent of the person or persons being recorded. Violations of state and federal recording laws may be reported to the proper authorities and may result in criminal prosecution.

The device screens can be damaged if subjected to rough treatment. The screens are particularly sensitive to damage from pressure on the screen:

• Do not stack items on top of the device or lean on top of the device
• Do not place device in a backpack so other items put pressure on the screen
• Clean the screen with a soft, dry cloth or anti-static cloth, no cleansers of any type (i.e. no Clorox wipes)
• Clean the keyboard with a damp rag and/or compressed air designed for electronics

When students are not using their device, it should be securely stored in their desks or in a supervised backpack. Nothing should be placed on top of the device.  Students will take their devices home every day after school unless alternative arrangements have been made. Never expose a device to long-term temperature extremes or direct sunlight. An automobile is not a good place to store a device.