Dear Fellow Scarsdale residents,
As I mentioned in my 3rd update email I recently sent you, below this letter to you all, are past correspondences I have had with the Scarsdale School District that show the contradictions and discrepancies regarding the Scarsdale School District's 'Required Electronic Signature Form'/'Responsible Use Policy' (RUP) Agreement legal contract. You have the right to not sign this one-sided contract that designates all legal responsibility upon you and your child if you so choose, deeming the contract unenforceable. Please read as to why.
This paragraph is from the 1st email below dated 9/11/2023 from Scarsdale School District Administration Technology Department personnel who stated:
"Thank you for reaching out with questions about the District's Responsible Use Policy. The RUP is not a legal contract and we do not expect minors to take on legal responsibility. Rather, the act of signing the RUP is more of a symbolic gesture acknowledging that they are aware of their privileges and responsibilities relating to the District's technology."
Goes on to state further:
"Students who elect not to sign the RUP will still have access to the District's technology resources, including our network and loaner computers."
This is contradictory to the next School District Technology personnel statements, 2nd email dated 9/21/22:
"In order to use any technology in Scarsdale, a Responsible Use Policy (RUP) must be signed by all students. Your son has not signed the policy and will not be able to use a device in school until it is signed."
My son and I never signed the 'Required Electronic Signature Form'/'Responsible Use Policy' (RUP) yet the school still gave him an iPad to use in school and at home irrespective of my notifying the school as to my objections that he use one. After half a school year, the school had to take back possession of the original iPad issued to him for reasons the school deemed a misuse safety concern due to a school student group "dare" while using the iPad/School District Network in school. Despite my prior and ongoing objections and notifications regarding my safety concerns over our son using an iPad, the school eventually gave him another iPad with School District Network online access to use in school, still without our ever signing the RUP contract.
The School circumvented their own RUP requirements for my son while requiring many Scarsdale families sign the 'Required Electronic Signature Form'/RUP legal contract. I have also strongly advocated that we do not expect any preferential treatment for our family that is not also afforded and equal to all our fellow Scarsdale families and their children in school. One of the important reasons why I initiated the petition for our Scarsdale community.
I showed a legal expert who said the School District's RUP is clearly a condition included in their legal contract. He further said minors cannot enter into a legally binding contract by themselves however due to the Scarsdale School District's requirement that all students and their parents fill out a 'Required Electronic Signature Form' which also requires all fields marked with red asterisks to be filled, inclusive of student's name is considered an electronic signature in addition to parent or legal guardian electronic signature. This now legally binds your child to you within the 'Required Electronic Signature Form'/RUP and all its conditions.
Note: The RUP legal contract is not limited to the school loaning an electronic device to your child for home/school use. Your child's legal inclusion in this contract is now subject to the following from the RUP and is not just a "symbolic gesture" as stated by the School District Administration Technology Department leading parents and students to believe.
Clause/condition for students 3rd grade and up in the RUP legal contract:
RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT: STUDENT/PARENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT This agreement is available on the District website.
* STUDENTS: I have read and will abide by the Responsible Use Policy (hereafter referenced as the “RUP”) of the Scarsdale Public Schools. I further understand that any violation of that agreement is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked and school disciplinary action, as set forth in the District’s Code of Conduct, and/or appropriate legal actions may be taken.
And even though the Scarsdale School District insists on using technology and District Network accessing as predominant tools for educating, the School District cannot guarantee safety while using the District Network while requiring you and your child to sign the RUP legal contract.
". . . through the School District's Network, it is impossible for the Scarsdale School District to restrict access to all controversial and objectionable materials."
So the situation is such, in order that your child receive educational schooling, the Scarsdale School District requires your child to use computers and tablets through their School District Network and requires both you and your child to sign their 'Required Electronic Signature Form'/RUP legal contract. Should you have valid concerns over your child's online usage supervised or unsupervised possibly resulting in a safety issue or accidental misuse that the School District might deem your 3rd grader or older guilty of a criminal offense while accessing the School District's Network, then the School District can seek "school disciplinary and/or appropriate legal actions" against your child and you being you are both required to sign their RUP contract. School District technology scholastic coercion. The RUP also conveniently absolves the School District Administrators and all personnel from all legal responsibility.
Please note: With the exception for the below correspondences with the Scarsdale BOE, I have purposely blocked-out the names of teachers and School District Administrators who had sent me emails below to respect the privacy of these school personnel who are not necessarily involved in actual policy making.
Best regards,
Ray
Ray Dotoratos
Scarsdale resident and school parent
E-MAIL CORRESPONDENCES WITH THE SCARSDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT:
[From Scarsdale School District Administration Technology Department Personnel]
From: ####### ####### <########@scarsdaleschools.org>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:16 PM
To: Ray Dotoratos
Mr. Dotoratos,
Thank you for reaching out with questions about the District's Responsible Use Policy. The RUP is not a legal contract and we do not expect minors to take on legal responsibility. Rather, the act of signing the RUP is more of a symbolic gesture acknowledging that they are aware of their privileges and responsibilities relating to the District's technology. We often find this moment opens an opportunity for dialogue between students and the computer teachers to raise and address questions about the RUP. Students who elect not to sign the RUP will still have access to the District's technology resources, including our network and loaner computers. Students who opt out of signing the RUP are also still expected to follow the expectations outlined for technology in each school's handbook.
In the Middle School, the signing the RUP has also served the dual function of "acknowledgement of receipt" of a device. I can see how this could cause some confusion for families who opt out of receiving a device and will bring this up at our next computer teacher meeting.
#######
On Wed, Sep 21, 2022 at 12:41 PM From ####### ###### <#######@scarsdaleschools.org> wrote:
Mr. and Mrs. Dotoratos,
My name is ####### ######, I am one of the computer teachers in the Middle School. It has come to my attention that you have chosen to not have your son use an iPad again this year. As we did last year, we will provide him with a device to use in class when needed. In order to use any technology in Scarsdale, a Responsible Use Policy (RUP) must be signed by all students. Your son has not signed the policy and will not be able to use a device in school until it is signed. Here is the link.
The RESPONSIBILITY and CARE section of the RUP does not pertain to him since he does not have a school issued iPad. He is acknowledging the USAGE part of the RUP.
In addition, we sent you 2 emails regarding parent acknowledgement of the RUP, social media form, etc., which needs to be signed by one of you. If you can fill out this form, we would appreciate it.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
####### ######
Technology Teacher
Scarsdale Public Schools
134 Mamaroneck Road
Scarsdale, NY 10583
(914)721-####
From: messenger@scarsdaleschools.org <messenger@scarsdaleschools.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2021 10:37 AM
To: Ray Dotoratos
Subject: SMS 1:1 iPad Insurance Information -- A Message From: ####### ######
Scarsdale Public Schools - Infinite Campus Messenger
Dear SMS Parents:
As you know, Scarsdale Middle School currently has a 1:1 iPad program. This is the first year we have completed our planned implementation cycle, providing all grade levels with a 1:1 device. All students are provided with an iPad that they can use throughout the building and at home. For students and teachers, this device is an important part of our instructional program, allowing students to access a single device with all their content.
This letter includes an overview of the program, as well as important information for discussing security, safety and personal responsibility with your child. After reading these documents with your child, submit the REQUIRED ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE FORM linked below.
Every student received an Apple iPad with a screen protector and a LogiTech Rugged Combo Case (with keyboard) during the first week of school. The iPad is configured and managed by the school and district technical services departments, and it includes all of the apps students will use for their coursework.
Our experience with the protection provided by the LogiTech cases has been positive, but we strongly encourage families to consider purchasing the reasonably-priced ($30) insurance policy the district has made available through The Worth Avenue Group, a vendor also used by a number of local districts. Last year, approximately 75% of families chose to purchase this insurance, which provides protection against damage, loss and theft. With at least 5% of iPads requiring repair for screen damage - at an average cost of approximately $150 for uninsured devices, we think this insurance is a prudent choice. More information on the insurance policy is available on the 1:1 Website. Insurance needs to be purchased each year. Note: iPad serial numbers (required for the optional insurance policy) are included at the top of this letter.
In addition, we are setting up a number of resources where students can receive help as needed -- everything from a quick charge or help printing, to safe storage during physical education as well as a staff member who can assist with technical issues. Helpful resources are also available on our 1:1 Website.
While our students are in school, their devices access our network via a district Internet content filter, which helps to prevent students from accessing inappropriate images and websites. A similar content filter will be used on the iPads when they are outside of school. Because no Internet filter is perfect, we recommend proactive parental monitoring of your child's use of the school iPad.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
####### ###### #######@scarsdaleschools.org 914-721-####
######## ##### #####@scarsdaleschools.org 914-721-####
PLEASE REVIEW IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS, DISTRICT POLICIES AND RESOURCES:
Scarsdale Schools Technology Responsible Use Policy LINK
Scarsdale Schools Social Media Policy LINK
Responsible Use of Technology Agreement: Student/Parent Acknowledgement LINK
Scarsdale Middle School 1:1 Website LINK
LINK TO REQUIRED SIGNATURE SUBMISSION FORM
On Thu, Sep 7, 2023 at 1:47 PM From Ray Dotoratos - wrote:
Dear ##. ######, ##. ######, ##. ###### [School District administrators] and fellow residents of the Scarsdale Board of Education,
I hope you all had a wonderful summer. Please note I am including the BOE regarding this school related policy matter based on my reading the Scarsdale10583.com blog article pertaining to the willingness of the BOE to have more oversight and transparency.
https://scarsdale10583.com/section-table/122-scarsdale-worships/9595-board-member-ron-schulhof-advocates-for-oversight-and-transparency-in-second-term
Last school year I received an email letter (also listed below) from ####### ######, Technology Teacher stating: “In order to use any technology in Scarsdale, a Responsible Use Policy (RUP) must be signed by all students.” As I'm sure you are aware, parental signature must be included for this legal contract to be binding and also this contract absolves the School District and its representatives of all legal responsibilities. May I please make you all aware, I have never signed the RUP contract.
I would appreciate if you could please address my following questions regarding technology usage by the Scarsdale School District. Does the conditions and requirements of the RUP legal contract also include student usage of the School District network? If yes and assuming this policy must be consistent for all school students and families, due to my right to opt out from entering any legal binding contract for the same similar safety concerns in which the RUP contract states below and the School District policy is such as stated by ##. #######, how then are my two enrolled sons going to be educated if not permitted by the School District to use the district network due to stipulations of the RUP contract and my right to choose to opt out from signing the contract?
From the Scarsdale School District RUP contract: ". . . through the School District's network, it is impossible for the Scarsdale School District to restrict access to all controversial and objectionable materials." Being it is impossible for the School District, it is also impossible for us to monitor and due to our son’s prior safety issues of internet misuse.
Thank you all for your consideration to answering my questions and appreciate your correspondence via email which I would like have for my records – thank you.
Best regards,
Ray Dotoratos
On Tue, Sep 12, 2023 at 2:16 PM Ray Dotoratos wrote:
Dear ####### and the Scarsdale Schools Board of Education,
#######, thank you for your reply. In all due respect, your response in your email below: ". . .we do not expect minors to take on legal responsibility. Rather the act of signing the RUP is more of a symbolic gesture acknowledging that they are aware of their privileges and responsibilities relating to the District's technology," is contrary to the actual purpose of student signature requirement inclusion in regards to the RUP/School District Network usage, Social Media Policy, responsibility for damage or loss required question, collectively they are all part of a legal contract (Agreement) requiring legal electronic signature. It would not be perceived in any other way in a legal environment. I would imagine you are aware of the Scarsdale School District's 'Required Electronic Signature Form' that incorporated all of the above within this Form? I listed another previous email below from ##. ###### had sent to me for your review.
This form is not limited to the School District's loaning of iPad usage or optional insurance but inclusive of the RUP, substance of which is composed of clauses that absolve the Scarsdale School District and its representatives of any legal responsibility and liability and further inclusion of possible criminal prosecution for any student misuse. Required legal terms and conditions in order that students can use school electronic devices as well as School District Network usage.
Please notice the inclusion in the 'Required Electronic Signature Form' contract that students (minors) are required to submit their name (electronic signature) in required field marked with red asterisk as well is required electronic signature for parents or legal guardians both of which are required to electronically sign, binds both students and parent/legal guardian legally within this required contract that includes the requirement of all fields to be agreed upon (all marked with red asterisks) for the following:
"Please review the linked document, and indicate your understanding and agreement by checking the box below." (For each of the following):
1) Scarsdale Schools Technology Responsible Use Policy
2) Scarsdale Schools Social Media Policy
3) Responsible Use of Technology Agreement: Student/Parent Acknowledgement
4) Acceptable iPad Use at Scarsdale Middle School
The 'Required Electronic Signature Form' constitutes and incorporates all of the above jointly as one electronically signed legal contract document by requiring binding legal co-signing by both student and parent/legal guardian.
As ##. ###### stated in his email, my son was given access use to a second iPad in school. This school decision was done without my signing the Required Electronic Signature Form contract even after an event that school personnel deemed as misuse in school and his originally assigned iPad was taken back in possession by the School District. There are inconsistencies and contradictions regarding technology permission/non-permission in ##. ###### 9/21/2022 email letter to us for iPad usage in terms of School District policy.
May I note to all of you, as parents, BOE Members, School Administrators, the School District having a required policy to illicit signatures from school children just fresh out of elementary school into a binding legal contract with their parents in order that they depend on using a school device and network for learning that could possibly lead to their criminal prosecution can only be described as Shameful! Upon my son learning this, it had caused him some mental anguish and nervousness with the thought if using such a device intended for the purposes of learning that his own school could possibly come after him for criminal prosecution. He had told me he was worried that if he made a mistake while using his iPad, the school might perceive this criminally and said to me, "the school could put me in jail."
I would appreciate by asking again if you would please address my original questions via email in regards to my previous email with some clarification I added:
1) How are my two enrolled sons going to be educated being I have the right to choose to opt out of signing the 'Required Electronic Signature Form' contract with inclusive RUP School District Network and the other required provisions and term agreements such as for Social Media also included?
2) Why did the School District still give my son access to using a second school iPad after deeming it necessary they take back possession of the first issued iPad due to misuse that might have opened a means for safety issues as well? This while ##. ###### clearly stated in his 9/21/22 email to me: “In order to use any technology in Scarsdale, a Responsible Use Policy (RUP) must be signed by all students,” mandatory for students and parents/legal guardians in the 'Required Electronic Signature Form' contract and still void of any signature acknowledgement permission from my son and I?
3) Is it mandatory for some Scarsdale students and parents/guardians sign the 'Required Electronic Signature Form contract' while not required for other students and parents to sign as in our situation? I have also strongly advocated that we do not expect any preferential treatment for our family that is not also afforded to all Scarsdale students and families.
May I please remind again the RUP section inclusive of the 'Required Electronic Signature Form' contract (Agreement) states: ". . . through the School District's network, it is impossible for the Scarsdale School District to restrict access to all controversial and objectionable materials." It is impossible for my wife and I to monitor as well.
There are inconsistencies and disregard on the part of the Scarsdale School District to take into account my serious concerns of possible device misuse and safety issues from the start as to why I will not sign the School District's Required Electronic Signature Form contract. At this date and time, I am also asking for oversight inquiry on the part of the Scarsdale Board of Education regarding the above concerning issues of electronic device and School District policies implemented in the Scarsdale School District.
Thank you again for your consideration to my restated questions above via email communication.
Best regards,
Ray Dotoratos
From: Suzie Hahn <shahn@scarsdaleschools.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 14, 2023 2:43 PM
To: Ray Dotoratos
Cc: ####### ###### <#######@scarsdaleschools.org>; Board of Education <boardofed@scarsdaleschools.org>; ###### ###### <#######@scarsdaleschools.org>; #######@scarsdaleschools.org <#######@scarsdaleschools.org>
Subject: Re: To ##. ######, ##. ######, ##. ###### and fellow residents of the Scarsdale Board of Education from Ray Dotoratos
Dear Mr. Dotoratos,
The Board is in receipt of your recent email. Regarding your question about Board oversight regarding technology, the District Technology Plan 2022-2025 was presented to the Board at a BOE meeting June 21, 2022, and the Board had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss this Plan with the Administration. The Board also received updates regarding the implementation of the technology plan at Board Meetings and as part of Education Reports.
Best regards,
Suzie
Suzie Hahn
Vice-President
On behalf of the Scarsdale Board of Education, 2023-2024
From: Ray Dotoratos
Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2023 11:16 AM
To: Suzie Hahn <shahn@scarsdaleschools.org>; Board of Education <boardofed@scarsdaleschools.org>
Subject: To Vice-President Suzie Hahn and fellow residents of the Scarsdale Public Schools Board of Education from Ray Dotoratos
Dear Ms. Hahn and fellow residents of the Scarsdale Public School District Board of Education,
Thank you Ms. Hahn for your recent email. In all due respect, my specific questions have still not been sufficiently addressed in recent correspondences by the Scarsdale Public Schools Board of Education and with Scarsdale Public School District Administrators to my previous emails and I would appreciate again my asking the Scarsdale Public School District Board of Education and the Scarsdale Public Schools Administration that they be please address these specific questions important to me regarding my children's school education - thank you.
This correspondence also serves as acknowledgement of my notification to the Scarsdale Public School District, its School Administrators and the Scarsdale Public Schools Board of Education concerning the allotted school funding and intentions of issuance of an electronic Chromebook device with access to the Scarsdale School District Network for my eight-year-old son, enrolled in the Edgewood Elementary School's third grade and that I do not agree to any of the policy conditions and terms inclusive and set forth in the Scarsdale Public School District's 'Responsible Use Policy - Scarsdale Elementary Schools 2023-2024' online agreement legal contract requiring binding student and parental electronic signatures listed below. I object to the issuance of a Chromebook to my son by the School District and should there be any circumvention of my intentions of non-issuance of a school issued Chromebook, then the Scarsdale Public School District will assume full responsibility of any possible safety or student misuse issues.
'Responsible Use Policy - Scarsdale Elementary Schools 2023-2024' online agreement legal contract
1. Scarsdale Schools Technology Responsible Use Policy 5450.12. Elementary Online Accounts Overview
3. Responsible Use of Technology Agreement: Student/Parent Acknowledgement
May I please remind all of you again, the RUP section inclusive of the 'Responsible Use Policy - Scarsdale Elementary Schools 2023-2024' online electronic agreement legal contract states: ". . . through the School District's network, it is impossible for the Scarsdale School District to restrict access to all controversial and objectionable materials."
Sincerely,
Ray Dotoratos