Technology Information

Violations of these rules and guidelines will result in disciplinary action.

Acceptable Use Guidelines

The guidelines are provided here so that students and parents are aware of the responsibilities students accept when they use district-owned computer hardware, operating system software, application software, stored text, data files, electronic mail, local databases, CD-ROMs, digitized information, and internet access. In general, this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of all technology resources.

Filtering/Monitoring Software

RCSD maintains an Internet filtering/monitoring solution. This program automatically filters all student access to the Internet and monitors student activities on the computer both in school and at home. Please note, however, that there is no better security tool than an involved adult!

Damaged Equipment

Repairs

Occasionally, unexpected problems do occur with the Chromebooks that are not the fault of the user (computer crashes, software errors, etc.). The Technology Services Department is prepared to assist students in resolving these issues. These issues will be remedied at no cost.

Loaner Chromebooks – “Hot Spares”

Temporary replacements, known as a Hot Spares, are also available in the Technology Department so that student learning is not disrupted by the repair process. Students are responsible for the care of the spare while it is issued to them. All of the same rules and regulations apply to spare computers, and students are expected to treat them as if they were their own. Students are required to save to their Google Drive in case they need to be issued a Spare.

Accidental Damage vs. Negligence

Accidents do happen. There is a difference, however, between an accident and negligence. The price that the district paid for the Chromebook includes: the Chromebook, and a one year warranty. The Chromebook warranty will cover normal wear and tear along with other damage that might occur during normal use of the Chromebook. After investigation by school administration, if the Chromebook is deemed to be intentionally or negligently damaged by the student, the student may be subject  to discipline and the cost of repair or replacement and a swap will not be provided.

Lost or Stolen Equipment

In this section, “equipment” refers to Chromebooks, chargers and cases. Chromebooks and other equipment are issued as an educational resource. The conditions surrounding this equipment can be equated to those of a textbook or a school issued calculator. Students are expected to keep track of and to care for this equipment for the time period it is issued to them. Students/families may be fined for damaged or lost equipment.

Reporting Process

If any equipment is lost, the student or parent must report it to the school immediately. Students can let  a teacher or administrator know, and the staff member will assist him/her.

Student Safety

It is always a high priority to ensure the safety of our students while at school and we hope these precautions will help students be safe on the path to and from school. Student safety always comes first. If a student is faced with an unsafe situation, such as theft, the student is advised to let the assailant have the equipment and to immediately contact the police.

Reporting Process

If any equipment is reported as stolen, a police report must be filed within 48 hours and a copy of the report must be provided to the building principal or the Director of Technology by the student 

Financial Responsibility

The circumstances of each situation involving stolen equipment will be investigated individually.

Damage and Fine List - for reckless or intentional damage or loss

Estimated Item Replacement Cost

• Power Cord $30.00
• Chromebook $220.00
• Full Package $250.00

Estimated Damage Fines

• Cracked Screen $75.00
• Broken Latch $25.00
• Broken Chassis $25.00
• Broken Keyboard $35.00
• Broken or Missing Keys $15.00-$25.00
• Damaged Power Cord $30.00
• Unreported Lost/Stolen Chromebook $220.00
• Intentional Cosmetic Damage $15.00-full cost of item
• Full fine will be based on which items are damaged or missing.

Annually, students are required to agree to the acceptable use policy when they are issued their chromebooks.  Click the box below to view the agreement. 

USER AGREEMENT FORM

Below you will find a link to the state approved district technology plan for 2022-2025.  

Instructional Technology Plan for 2022-2025

View the presentation here.

Romulus Central School District utilizes current technology, including web-based programs and the electronic storage, retrieval, and analysis of students’ education in order to improve academic achievement, empower teachers, students, and parents with information, and increase the District’s efficiency in making data-driven decisions in response to identifiable educational needs.

The Romulus Central School District is committed to protecting the privacy and security of student data and teacher and principal data. The Parents’ Bill of Rights seeks to ensure that parents have information about how the District stores, retrieves, and uses information about students, and to meet all the legal requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of protected student data and protected principal and teacher data, including Section 2-D of the New York State Education Law (Part 121).

1. A student’s personally identifiable information cannot be sold or released for any commercial purposes.
2. Parents have the right to inspect and review the complete contents of their child’s education record.
3. State and federal laws protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information, and safeguards associated with industry standards and best practices, including but not limited to encryption, firewalls, and password protection, must be in place when data is stored or transferred.
4. A complete list of all student data elements collected by NYSED is available at https://www.nysed.gov/common/nysed/files/programs/data-privacy-security/inventory-of-data- elements-collected-by-nysed_0.pdf and by writing to: Chief Privacy Officer, New York State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234.
5. The right to have complaints about possible breaches and unauthorized disclosures of PII addressed. (i) Complaints should be submitted to Jennifer Bartlett-Prati, Romulus Data Protection Officer, 5705 State Route 96, Romulus, NY 14541or complete this form electronically (ii). Complaints may also be submitted to the NYS Education Department at https://www.nysed.gov/data-privacy- security/report-improper-disclosure by mail to: Chief Privacy Officer, New York State Education Department, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234; by email to Privacy@NYSED.gov; or by telephone at 518-474-0937.

Parents have the right to know which vendors the district is using that contains student data. To receive a list of software and website vendors, please contact Jennifer Bartlett-Prati, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. For safety and security measures, we do not post this information publicly.

Last Update: November 2023

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. 

Please follow this link to view these rights.