Dear fellow Scarsdale residents,
I hope this new update email finds you all well. I sent the below letter today to the Scarsdale Board of Education and copies to the Scarsdale PT Council and all Scarsdale Schools PTA's regarding two current important school issues. I thank you all in advance for your consideration in reading.
Best regards,
Ray
Ray Dotoratos
Scarsdale resident and school parent
(Letter to the Scarsdale Schools Board of Education from Ray Dotoratos on 10/23/23)
Dear fellow residents of the Scarsdale Schools Board of Education,
I hope you are all doing well. Due to recent school events and to keep all informed regarding these important school-related matters, I have sent a copy of this letter to the Scarsdale Schools PT Council, PTA's and the 700 petition signatories. I am asking the Scarsdale Schools Board of Education to oversee these two very important issues to our Scarsdale Schools' community.
First issue:
As a result of the petition that I had initiated, "Scarsdale Petition for Learning Options in Scarsdale Schools at: https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-choose-learning-options-in-scarsdale-public-schools?redirect=false 700 signatories have called for the revaluation of technology usage and learning options for our children in our schools. This most likely led to the Scarsdale Schools' District Technology Department and the PT Council formulating the "Comprehensive Technology Survey" and distributed via e-mail to all parents, students and faculty 4 months ago in June of last school year.
I commend and sincerely thank all the members of the PT Council and PTA's for all of their volunteerism and help in assisting the School District Technology Department who produced the survey and their scheduling an informational session on November 8 about the survey. The session will include a pre-session submit questions via Google form in the eblasts.
It is very important for all members of our school community be entitled to have the opportunity to read, review and judge an emailed written copy of the full complete survey results by the District Technology Department in advance and prior to the Nov. 8 session in order to formulate and submit educated pre-session questions online. For anyone in attendance during the Nov. 8 session, it also makes logical sense and would be most effective to have read an emailed copy of the full complete survey results to know what questions to ask about the entire June 2023 survey during the question-and-answer portion along with the speakers presentation. Otherwise, it is a horse before the carrot situation. This is an example of a Harvard University survey they supply to their university community: https://pulse.harvard.edu/files/pulse/files/pilot_pulse_survey_ib_final_report.pdf
Again, I commend the PT Council an District Technology Department that this session has been scheduled, but it might be possible that many residents, students and faculty will not be able to attend the session scheduled on a school/work night. All reasons why the entire school community needs to be emailed a written copy of the complete full results of the "Comprehensive Technology Survey." By achieving this, I believe our entire Scarsdale School's community would be better informed about the survey and most appreciative.
Second issue:
(I would like to please note, the following problematic issues regarding School District Technology polices were initiated prior to Dr. Patrick's appointment as School Superintendent).
Due to the Scarsdale School District issuing children as young as kindergarten through 12th grade and their parents/legal guardians that they sign the School District's "Required Electronic Signature Form"/"Responsible Use Policy" or (RUP), the School District Technology Department has not been forthcoming in notifying all students and parents/legal guardians that this form and policy is actually a legal contract. Please see inaccurate statements made by Scarsdale Schools Technology Department letter dated 9/11/23 below. The School District Technology Department has also been contradictory regarding the signing requirements for the "Required Electronic Signature Form" RUP legal contract. Please see email letter dated 9/11/23 which is contradictory to letters on 9/21/22 and 9/23/21.
This is significant because these misleading statements and contradictions issued to our school community cause students and parents who sign the "Required Electronic Signature Form" RUP to be not aware as to it being a legal contract and the legal responsibilities put forth upon them. I have now showed it to two legal experts who said the School District's RUP is clearly a condition included in their legal contract. They 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.
You can read more about RUP, or more commonly referred to as AUP's, that are used and defined as legal contracts here:
And regardless of whether members of the school community sign the actual "Required Electronic Signature Form" RUP legal contract or not, kindergarten children through 12th grade are required to use the School District Network online in school or at home. Students are expected to agree, abide and be subjected to all the terms, conditions and legal responsibilities of the RUP as stated in the Scarsdale Schools' Handbook for Code:: 5450.1 (Pages 31-32). You can read in the High School Handbook:
https://www.scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us/cms/lib/NY01001205/Centricity/Domain/69/2021-2022%20STUDENT%20HANDBOOK.pdf
If I may please put this school technology policy into perspective. It is alarming that our School District allows for a policy that students starting as young as kindergarteners through 12th grade are issued school tablets and computers, all who use the School District Network, can be the subject of possible criminal legal action against them by their own school due to any violations of the School District's RUP legal contract.
However, individuals or groups cannot be forced into signing a legal binding contract nor can individuals or groups be forced into agreeing to conditions that can possibly place them into situations of harm's way by not allowing guarantees for safe usage of the School District Network as stated and by admission in the RUP: ". . .through the School District's Network, it is impossible for the Scarsdale School District to restrict access to all controversial and objectionable materials."
This makes the RUP self-defeating and why parents and students have the right to not sign the "Required Electronic Signature Form"/RUP legal contract and reject the conditions for Code 5450.1 of the RUP in the School District Handbook if they so choose. The legal experts say schools have to allow students and parents to choose learning options because online network filters used by school districts cannot fully protect or guarantee students (minors) from exposure to problematic safety and security concerns that can arise.
May I also mention I never had to worry about such legal burdens when I simply needed to use learning tools such as text books with my Scarsdale School teachers and neither do the children of our country's top tech executives from Google, Apple, Yahoo and Hewlett-Packard who today choose to enroll their children in non-computer, non-technology addiction/distraction, non-RUP/AUP legal contract exclusive Walton Schools. Walton schools achieve effective educational results without computers and technology because their past statistics show that 94% of students graduating attend college with many going onto prestigious universities.
"The private school in Silicon Valley where tech honchos send their kids so they DON'T use computers"
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2052977/The-Silicon-Valley-school-tech-honchos-send-kids-DONT-use-computers.html
Now after 4 months, the Scarsdale BOE needs to oversee the School District Technology Department's supplying the Scarsdale School community as soon as possible with a written copy of the complete full survey results via email for the "Comprehensive Technology Survey." The Scarsdale School District also needs to be required and transparent in clearly defining and identifying by notification to all parents and school students that the terms/conditions of the "Required Electronic Signature Form" / RUP is written as a "legal contract" by inclusion at the School District website, any distributed School District emailing or School District Handbooks in order that our entire Scarsdale Schools' community be fully informed.
Thank you all for your much needed oversight and transparency to the above issues.
Best regards,
Ray Dotoratos
Scarsdale resident and school parent
E-MAIL CORRESPONDENCES WITH THE SCARSDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT:
(Please note: 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.)
[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