Dear fellow Scarsdale residents,

The Scarsdale Schools District Technology Department has now released their "Tech Survey Data" results from the June, 2023 "Comprehensive Technology Survey" and it lacks transparency.  Important parent responses and comments regarding concerns over student usage of school technology have been omitted from the results.

Please see my request for oversight and transparency from the Scarsdale Schools District Board of Education below.

Best regards,
Ray

Ray Dotoratos
Scarsdale resident and school parent

[Letter to Scarsdale Schools BOE from Ray Dotoratos on 10/25/2023]

Dear fellow Scarsdale residents of the Board of Education,

I hope this email finds you all well.  To keep all informed, I have sent a copy of this letter to the Scarsdale Schools’ PT Council, all school PTA's and the 700 petition signatories. 

I read the recent “Tech Survey Data” results.  As you are all aware, this survey report is the results from the original June, 2023 "Comprehensive Technology Survey" sent to students, parents and faculty (both links listed below).  After reading, the Scarsdale School District Technology Department's “Tech Survey Data” lacks transparency.  Omitted are the survey results most important and sensitive concerns to parents, that of the adverse mental and physical effects technology has upon our children.  Concealing these important parent responses in the survey results from the Scarsdale community is neither helpful nor productive.

The following is being withheld from the Scarsdale community for their review by the Scarsdale Technology Department in their now released “Tech Survey Data” report from the original June, 2023 “Technology Survey.”

1) Parent responses
2) Parent comments (please see below)

[Questions from the “Comprehensive Technology (Parent) Survey of June, 2023]:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqAM3im4Ny5-xB8yB-JyP5bu7XI0BsR2isV3IzMQl6wdcdkg/viewform

1) What are your top three concerns about your child's use of school technology (in class or for homework)?

2) What are your top three concerns about your child's use of personal technology (home computers or cell phones)?

(Note: These choices below are the same for both questions 1 and 2 above):

Physical impact of screen time (eye strain, hand grip weakness, carpal tunnel, etc.)
Impact on mental health
Distraction from assignments or activities (go onto other sites when they’re supposed to be doing school work)
Impact on concentration or deep thinking
Impact on their social wellbeing
Impact on sleep or rest
Exposure to misinformation or disturbing content
Safety (exposure of information or contact with unknown individuals)
Bullying
Other: ___________________

Is there anything additional you’d like to share about your experiences with technology at Scarsdale?

Your answer: ______________________

“Tech Survey Data” results link (all above has been omitted):
https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/scarsdale/Board.nsf/files/CWVH8V464319/$file/Technology-Survey-Data.pdf

The District School's Technology Department in PTA Newsletters stated: "will share a selection of the survey results from the Technology Survey."  Omitting important parts of the survey results to the Scarsdale community is concerning.
I personally never read surveys results or studies that will intentionally share only handpicked selected sections by omitting important data and not releasing its full information to the public.

The Scarsdale community is also entitled to read all the parent comments and is of utmost importance.  People find reading comments and reviews to be helpful, informative and beneficial at sites such as Amazon and Home Depot.  This is an easy task to accomplish and should any names be mentioned within the comments, names can be easily blocked-out to keep anonymity.

The Scarsdale Board of Education pledged to our Scarsdale community that this year there would be more oversight and transparency since the recent IRS matter.
https://scarsdale10583.com/section-table/122-scarsdale-worships/9595-board-member-ron-schulhof-advocates-for-oversight-and-transparency-in-second-term

I am asking the Scarsdale Board of Education again for immediate oversight and transparency for the following two important matters:

1)  The School District Technology Department’s immediate release of omitted data from the recent “Tech Survey Data” results being withheld from the Scarsdale community.  This data includes all parent responses and comments previously listed above that were obtained from the original June 2023 “Comprehensive Technology (Parent) Survey.”

2)  The Scarsdale School District Technology Department has issued false and contradictory statements regarding the "Required Technology Signature Form" / "Responsible Use Policy" (RUP) legal contract and for Code 5450.1 of the RUP in the School District Handbook for all its terms and conditions. (Please see below email communications).  These misleading statements made by School District Technology Department personnel can cause confusion for the Scarsdale Schools' community into believing the RUP legal contract is not a legal contract.  These misleading statements can cause the Scarsdale Schools' community into signing onto a legal contract under false pretenses that results in burdening students and parents/legal guardians into unknowingly accepting all legal responsibilities upon school students and parents/guardians and absolves all School District Administration and personnel of any legal responsibility.

Thank you all for your much needed and immediate attention to the above two important matters.

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