Please note this policy applies to the 2025–26 school year. The policy for the 2026–27 school year is forthcoming and will be shared here once available.

LFDCS is committed to producing technology-literate students ready for the demands of an ever-changing society. As with any other provided materials, LFDCS uses technology resources responsibly to promote good and safe habits and to ensure their longest possible lifespan. In order to preserve the privileges of using this system, as school community members (students, staff, administrators, parents, etc.), certain guidelines are expected.

To graduate technology-literate students, LFDCS manages curriculum materials and academic resources for students on a Learning Management System (LMS) licensed by LFDCS. The LMS used at LFDCS is called Schoology which also integrates with Google Workspace for Education. Accounts for both Schoology and Google Workspace for Education are provided by LFDCS. Using the LMS and Google Workspace for Education, students experience a 21st century learning environment where they engage with their learning materials and efficiently design their own digital portfolios.

The use of technology and the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use of LFDCS technology and digital resources will result in cancellation of those privileges and could result in disciplinary action by the school or criminal prosecution. Contained in this document are the rules and policies that students must follow in order to use technology at LFDCS. Before signing and returning the permission form, located at the end of this handbook, students and parents should carefully read this agreement.

Security
● Students are only granted access to local computers or devices such as Chromebooks or iPads, in labs and classrooms. In these instances, they have no inherent rights to use the internal network resources.
● Beyond their granted access level, students do not bypass, attempt to change security measures in place, or in any way attempt to gain unauthorized access to the network systems.
● Any student identified as a security risk or as having a history of problems with other computer or network systems, may be denied access to computer systems.
● All users of the Learning Management System (LMS) and the school’s Google Workspace for Education account are responsible for maintaining the security of user names, passwords and any other access credentials assigned.

Privacy
● Curriculum resources posted to the LFDCS network and LFDCS Google Workspace for Education are the property of LFDCS.
● To maintain system integrity, all communications (electronic or not) are monitored and reviewed.
● All violations will be reported to the appropriate administrator and dealt with in accordance with the consequences section of this document.
● LFDCS has the right to inspect all electronic messages and other forms of communication, including email, LMS messages and text messages.

Technology and Digital Resources
● Technology and digital resources are defined as all educational applications, including printing, scanning, internet usage, educational services and websites, and all forms of communication or storage from a computerized system.
● Students will not attempt to manipulate system resources by adding or removing programs, hardware or peripherals of any kind. All school-owned electronic devices may be inspected and breaches of policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

All students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of the network. The following list is not exhaustive but highlights some LFDCS expectations. All users on the LFDCS network will:
● Use school appropriate language and/or images in all communication.
● Avoid using sarcasm, bad language, threats, or name-calling in all communications.
● Demonstrate the same good moral school behavior online as they would in all face-to-face school settings.
● Protect all personal information (name, address, phone numbers, photos, etc.) of self and peers over the Internet.
● Assume that e-mail is not secure or confidential.
● Use proper grammar and be mindful of correct spelling.
● Respect other people’s privacy regarding mail or files.

● LFDCS computer systems may not be used to violate copyright laws, perform acts of plagiarism or engage in any other illegal activities.
● Account credentials and/or passwords may not be given to anyone other than the user to whom they were assigned.
● Students may not record or take pictures using cell phones, personal or school devices, of other students or any staff members without permission.
● All use of the internet while at LFDCS may not be used for any activity other than school- directed academic activities and/or other LFDCS-affiliated activities.
● Vandalism: vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the data/character of another user, the Internet, or any network connected to the Internet backbone which includes, the creation and/or uploading of programs designed to cause malice (virus, spyware). The administration and faculty at LFDCS may request the system administrators to revoke or suspend specific users’ accounts if they feel vandalism has occurred.
● Prohibited Internet/Email Usage: The use of Internet and e-mail access must be in support of education and research in accordance with the educational objectives of LFDCS. Prohibited use of Internet/email usage includes, but is not limited to, the following:
  ○ The Internet/email may not be used for any social media streaming content without express permission. Social media includes Facebook, Twitter, online radio, etc.
  ○ Students may not lend their Internet/account password to other users or use another person’s account.
  ○ The Internet/email may not be used for commercial or non-profit purposes or political lobbying.
  ○ School computers may not be used to purchase items or register in contests online.
  ○ Students may not in any way attempt to destroy another user’s data on the Internet including the creation or uploading of viruses or malware of any kind.
  ○ The Internet/email may not be used to transmit any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation. This includes, but is not limited to, the transmission of copyrighted material; material that glorifies violence, is threatening, racist, sexist, pornographic and is obscene material or material protected by trade secrets.
  ○ The Internet/email may not be used to participate in any non-educational “chat rooms.” Use of other LFDCS networks or computing resources must comply with the rules of that network.
  ○ Students should not expect e-mail or Internet usage confidentiality; use of the LFDCS systems constitutes consent to the monitoring of all transmissions and Internet usage and is conditional.

Digital communication, which may include but is not limited to email, social media, texting, and cellular communication, can provide both educational and professional benefits. LFDCS is committed to ensuring that all members of our school community who utilize digital communication do so in a safe and responsible manner. Students are expected to use social media outside of school in a responsible manner that reflects the highest standards of honesty, respect, and consideration of others in the school community.

It is the expectation of LFDCS that students’ use of social media while on or off school property, during or after school hours and events, using school owned property (laptops, tablets, etc.) or their own devices, must not materially interfere with or substantially disrupt the educational purpose and operation of the school or interfere with the rights of other students.

This policy supplements LFDCS’s other applicable policies, including but not limited to the Acceptable Use Policy (of Technology). For the purposes of this policy, “social media” refers to any publicly accessible Internet-based service that enables a user to share communications, images, or videos with others, or to participate in social networking. Social media includes, but is not limited to, blogs and social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube and TikTok.

A student’s off-campus social media use materially interferes with the educational purpose and operation of LFDCS when it causes, or it is reasonably foreseeable that it will cause, a substantial disruption within the school environment or will interfere with the rights of another student. Improper off-campus use of social media includes, but is not limited to, posting the following:

   ● threats of violence
   ● threats of bullying (including cyber-bullying) or hazing
   ● threats of harassment or actual harassment

Any off-campus social media use that materially interferes with LFDCS’s educational purpose and operation and will be subject to disciplinary action up to expulsion, depending on the severity of the violation, and as further described in the section below entitled “Consequences” and elsewhere in the handbook.

1. Violations of any guideline presented above may result in immediate termination of Internet and technology access privileges. In addition, violations of this Acceptable Use Policy (of Technology) may result in temporary, long- term or permanent suspension of the student’s privileges.

2. Unless otherwise determined by members of the school administration, progressive discipline will be used for violations of the guidelines listed above:

First Offense: The student will lose their access to LFDCS technologies for one week.
Second Offense: The student will lose their access to LFDCS technologies for one month and their parents meet with the Head of School.
Third Offense: The student will not be able to use LFDCS technologies for the remainder of the school year and their parents meet with the Principal

The severity of the infraction may exempt the progressive discipline listed above and lead directly to discipline and consequences as determined by members of the school administration.

3. In addition to suspension or termination of access privileges, student infractions may result in disciplinary action including suspension and expulsion from the school. Unlawful use of computers/any network/or the Internet under federal or state law may subject the user to criminal prosecution.

4. Access to the LMS/Google will be disabled or suspended for users who display inappropriate behavior per the LFDCS Acceptable Use Policy and other guiding policies that define appropriate conduct for LFDCS students. Students who misuse the LMS will be referred to the LFDCS administration.

5. Students will be notified of each alleged violation of the computer/network/Internet Acceptable Use Policy and will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegation.

LFDCS makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied for the service it is providing. The school will not be held responsible for any damages that students suffer due to the loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries or service interruptions.LFDCS will not be held liable for any losses, obligations, injuries, damages, death, incidental or consequential damages attorneys’ fees or liabilities of any kind for which a student may acquire or hereafter accrue stemming from usage of the Internet.

Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. LFDCS will not be responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its Internet services. It is impossible to restrict access to all controversial materials found on the Internet, and LFDCS will not be held responsible for materials acquired using this method.

Students must immediately report to a teacher if they observe or are unwillingly involved in anything which violates the LFDCS Acceptable Use Policy. Should students encounter inappropriate materials/communications by accident or witnessed others doing so, they are obligated to report it to a teacher or staff member immediately. Students must be prepared to be held accountable for actions and for the loss of privileges which