Dear fellow Scarsdale residents,
I hope you are all doing very well. There is important information that was uncovered regarding Scarsdale School District Board of Education policy for technology/internet student usage. Our Scarsdale community is entitled to see this BOE enacted school policy that gives all school parents and students the right and ability to make their own determinations as to what is available to them, overriding School District Administration positions regarding technology.
A previous Scarsdale Schools Board of Education had enacted our currently implemented School District Internet Safety Policy, 5450.1/5450.1-E, also referred to as the Acceptable Use Policy “AUP”/Responsible Use Policy “RUP,” which is a Federal, State, Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) law requirement as well as BOE requirement, (please see listed at the bottom of this email). This school policy is the email Form you receive regarding the School District technology/internet network. It is a legally binding contract that is dependent on your parental signed permission in order that your child can use the School District's technology equipment and electronic communication system. If you grant permission for your child's usage. this Form places all legal liability upon you and your child while absolving the School District and personnel of any legal responsibilities, even in the event that the School District's internet networks filters fail to prevent and protect your child from exposure to harm's way while online.
What this current BOE and School District Administration is not transparent about, is the BOE’s AUP/RUP school policy 5054.1-E (Form that can be printed out, signed and given in to the School District) permits parents and students the right to choose from these two options on the Form:
"I DO grant my child permission to use the district's technology equipment and electronic communication system"
"I DO NOT grant my child permission to use the district's technology equipment and electronic communication system"
See link here:
Scarsdale School District Board of Education School Policy 5450.1-E
Acceptable Use Of Technology Agreement:
Student/Parent Acknowledgement https://www.scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us/cms/lib/NY01001205/Centricity/Domain/5/5450.1-E%20Accept.%20Use%20of%20Tech.%20Agreement-Student-Parent%20Acknowledgement.pdf
BOE school policy AUP/RUP 5450.1-E two listed options for parental signed permission to grant or not grant child School District technology/internet network usage is consistent with Federal, State, Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) laws, regulations, requirements and BOE requirements. The lack of transparency stems from the School District’s omission of BOE school policy AUP/RUP 5450.1-E option for opt-in or opt-out options as to the following:
1) Omitting the options from the electronic email version you receive at the start of every school year causing Scarsdale parents and students to be unaware of your right to choose from these options.
2) The BOE omits the AUP/RUP 5450.1-E at the BOE’s webpage for school policy listings for viewing by the Scarsdale Schools community: https://go.boarddocs.com/ny/scarsdale/Board.nsf/vpublic?open
Click on upper “Policies” tab. Then in “Featured” box on left scroll down to bottom and click on: “Policies 5000 – Student Related Policies” and when you scroll down you will notice the BOE’s omission of enacted school policy 5450.1-E.
Top technology company executives want their own children to learn computer/internet free to fully academically achieve while not being hampered with or experiencing any of the adverse mental and physical effects caused by technology, as also listed below in the Scarsdale Schools Technology Department’s own Tech Survey.
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
6 tech executives who raise their kids tech-free or seriously limit their screen time
https://www.businessinsider.com/tech-execs-screen-time-children-bill-gates-steve-jobs-2019-9
From the Scarsdale Public Schools Technology Department’s list of technology usage adverse effects in their June 2023 “Comprehensive Technology (Parent) Survey:
- 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
Not very favorable conditions for children to learn. Never heard of a text book or handwriting cognitive sensory processing cause this kind of harm. And the School District Technology Department was not even transparent and chose not to allow the Scarsdale Schools community to even see the parent's written comments section part of the survey when it was distributed. It would have been informative for all to read what our fellow residents truly had to say about school technology in our Scarsdale Schools.
I have heard pros and cons from many Scarsdale parents. On one side parents say their children are doing well with technology learning and many others that their children are struggling and is affecting their health, academic performance and grades due to these adverse mental, physical, distractive and addictive effects caused by school tech usage. I believe a previous Scarsdale BOE had more foresight and concern back then to enact our current BOE school policy 5450.1/5450.1-E giving these two options in anticipation that our children today would be trying to cope with these adverse effects caused by school tech learning. Perhaps it can be said that top tech company executives are sending their children to computer free schools knowing that their children have an edge over our children. This while our children use their products and have difficulties focusing due to the adverse effects of tech during learning, as listed above by our own School District Tech Department's Survey. The writing's on the wall. But even that ability is becoming lost due to student's dependency on keyboards.
Also, there are many Scarsdale parents who now have deep concerns due to full student academic workloads and pressures, that there are strong temptations for our children to quicken study time by using a very popular search engine to do homework for them and an AI chatbot to write their essays due to technology/internet/social media learning. These are consequences of major technology companies large monetary contracts with school districts that affects curriculum. Unfortunately due to technology use during the pandemic, it gave complacency afterwards for the continuation of this tech company/school relationship. An example now, those student group projects that educators now require students do together but online. Perhaps we have forgotten after pandemic/e-learning how parents wanted their children back in school for real human social interactions. More and more educators teaching responsibilities are being taken over by technology.
You might have heard some typical type of reasoning from the School District that parents who prefer their children not use the district’s technology equipment and electronic communication system does not preclude teachers from expecting or requiring students to use technology as part of their studies and due the Board’s collective bargaining agreement with the Scarsdale Teachers Association grants a measure of academic freedom on how instruction is going to be delivered. In reality, a school board’s collective bargaining agreement with groups such as an association, club, or organization has no legal basis to override Federal and State laws, regulations and requirements for schools to have implemented Internet Safety Policy (AUP/RUP) as well as not being able to override Scarsdale Schools BOE school policies such as 5450.1-E. Due to the inclusive options for the BOE school policy AUP/RUP 5450.1-E, if parents and students choose to opt-out of School District computer/internet network and also for reasons that they feel their children are experiencing adverse mental and physical effects due to technology/internet network studies then modifications for non-tech/internet studies would be needed. As a similar example, a school would be required to modify a building entrance by constructing a new ramp for a student with a disability in need of easy access to a school building. And there are students currently receiving modified studies.
As I had mentioned in the past, the intentions of the petition is to give Scarsdale school parents and children/students the right to choose learning options. The petition is not intended to eliminate e-learning for families who choose such educational means. It turns out Scarsdale School taxpaying parents and students had the right to these options being in place all along with the BOE’s enacted school policy AUP/RUP 5450.1/5450.1-E. Our Scarsdale community gave this current BOE the responsibility to oversee that all BOE enacted school policies are fully implemented such as 5450.1/5450.1-E which gives Scarsdale School families the right to choose either opt-in or opt-out of technology/internet network student usage. That right to choose is guaranteed by BOE school policy 5450.1/5450.1-E.
I am not giving any kind of legal advice. There are various online legal and school websites that mention, once signed, a school AUP/RUP permission/acknowledgement contract remains in effect until revoked by the parent at any time.
I hope this information is helpful in letting you all know that as Scarsdale residents, you have a voice to choose how your children are educated in our schools and not based by tech company influence and School District Administration positions. BOE school policy 5054.1/5054.1-E gives you that voice to choose. I am working very hard for so many of you who signed the petition and our Scarsdale community that I greatly admire and have called home for almost 60 years, for the need of learning options for our Scarsdale School children while also respecting parents and students who want and feel they are benefitting from technology learning. It can be achieved, it just takes some more effort from our School District Administration and very fine school teachers so all students with individual learning needs can have a fair chance to fully achieve.
If possible, please share this important information with as many fellow Scarsdale residents as you can so they are aware of their options - thank you. More updates to follow. I listed below information from Federal, State and BOE websites below.
Best regards to you and your families,
Ray
Ray Dotoratos
Scarsdale resident and school parent
ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT: 5450.1-E
STUDENT/PARENT ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This agreement is available on the District website.
STUDENTS: I have read and will abide by the Acceptable Use Policy (hereafter referenced as the “AUP”) 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 maybe taken.
PARENTS/GUARDIANS: I have read and agree to assist my child in understanding and abiding by the AUP of the Scarsdale Public Schools. I understand that access to Technology, as defined in the AUP, (“Technology”) is designed for educational purposes. I also recognize that some materials on the Internet may be controversial and objectionable and that, while every attempt will be made to block inappropriate sites accessible through the School District’s network, it is impossible for the Scarsdale School District to restrict access to all controversial and objectionable materials. I also understand that the School District may provide students with hardware or devices that are capable of accessing Internet sites off school district premises that do not themselves filter access to Internet sites. I will not hold the Scarsdale School District responsible for the accuracy or quality of any materials acquired via or viewed on Technology by my child. I understand that improper or inappropriate use of Technology by my child may result in revocation of his/her Technology privileges and the imposition of school discipline, criminal penalties, or civil penalties. I accept all financial and legal liabilities that may result from my child’s misuse of Scarsdale School District Technology. I release the Scarsdale School District, its officers, employees, agents, representatives, and all organizations and individuals related to the Scarsdale School District’s Technology from any and all liability or damages that may result from my child’s misuse of the district’s Technology. I specifically agree to indemnify and hold the Scarsdale School District, its officers, employees, agents, and representatives harmless from any actions, claims, costs, damages, or losses, including, but not limited to, attorney’s fees, incurred by the Scarsdale School District relating to, or arising out of my child’s misuse of district Technology.
MOBILE DEVICE USE: The student below has been issued school district equipment in support of his/her education in the Scarsdale Public Schools. The device and its content remain the property of the Scarsdale Public Schools. The district’s AUP fully applies to the use of this equipment both on and off school premises. The device’s settings have been adjusted for appropriate school use. These settings must not be altered, deleted or circumvented in any way. The district also has downloaded applications to the device for student use. No additional applications may be added to the device, whether for purchase or free, other than by authorized district personnel. The student and parent/guardian agree to be responsible for the maintenance and care of the device, and to return it when requested in the same condition in which it was received, except for normal and reasonable wear and tear. The parent/guardian will be responsible for excess wear and tear. Use of the device is not private and the device may be inspected periodically to check for appropriate use and compliance with district policies.
______________________________________________________________________________
STUDENT NAME: ________________________________________________________
(PleasePrint)
STUDENT SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________________
PARENT NAME: __________________________________________________________
(Please Print)
Please check off the statement below which is applicable.
_____ I grant my child permission to use the district’s technology equipment and electronic communication system.
_____ I DO NOT grant my child permission to use the district’s technology equipment and electronic communication system.
PARENT SIGNATURE: __________________________________________________________
DEVICE SERIAL NUMBER:______________________________________________________
DATE: ____________________________________
Scarsdale School District Board of Education Enacted School Policies
Board of Education Policy 5450.1-E Scarsdale Schools Acceptable Use Of Technology Agreement: Student/Parent Acknowledgement
https://www.scarsdaleschools.k12.ny.us/cms/lib/NY01001205/Centricity/Domain/5/5450.1-E%20Accept.%20Use%20of%20Tech.%20Agreement-Student-Parent%20Acknowledgement.pdf
Board of Education Policy 5450.1 – Scarsdale Schools Technology Responsible Use Policy:
. . . students, and other users of District technology and networks agree to follow the District Responsible Use Policy (RUP) and to abide by the following guidelines when using technology provided by the Scarsdale Public Schools and other technology on District premises. "District Technology" as used in this policy means all hardware, software, online or Cloud-based services, devices, and wired and wireless networks: 17. Users who connect personal mobile devices to the District wireless network must adhere to the requirements of this Responsible Use Policy.
Board of Education Policy 5451 – Personal Computer and Mobile Device Policy:
The Scarsdale Schools provides students and teachers with the computing resources needed to complete all work required for computer and technology-related projects. Students and teachers who choose to bring a computer or mobile device of their own to school to use in class or make it more convenient to work on a project both in school and outside of school must comply with the following policy:
Staff and Student Responsibilities
Students and staff agree to follow the District’s Acceptable Use Policy, a copy of which is attached to this Policy (hereinafter referred to the “AUP”) when using their own computers and mobile devices in the building. Staff, students, and other users of their own computers and mobile devices agree to abide by all regulations and expectations for appropriate use applying to District technology including the following: Students are permitted to use their own computers and mobile devices only if a signed District AUP is on record.
Social Media Policy - The Scarsdale Public Schools
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From the prepared audit by Cullen & Danowski, LLP, Certified Public Accountants on June 21, 2022 and the Scarsdale Schools Board of Education affirmed and submitted to the New York State Education Department, the audit report states under “Findings”(page 6, paragraph2):
“There are several Board policies related to IT that cover acceptable use of District computer networks, code of ethics for all personnel, internet protection act, student/parent agreement for acceptable use of District devices, disposal of District property, asset management, and information and data privacy, security, breach and notification.”
Continued (page 7, paragraph 4): “The parents and students are required to sign the Mobile Device User Agreements prior to receiving a device (e.g., Chromebook, iPad, laptop, etc.) from the IT Department to acknowledge that the item is District property and agree to the acceptable use of the device.”
Federal, State, Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) Laws, Regulations, Requirememts
The New York State Education Department / www.nysed.gov
Internet Safety and Cyberbullying:
School and district leaders have a variety of responsibilities regarding Internet Safety and Cyberbullying. These responsibilities are outlined in State and Federal Law. Leaders should ensure the following:
Acceptable Use Policies (AUP): AUPs, the guidelines for appropriate technology use, are developed, implemented, and revised as needed in the school district. These written agreements, signed by students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other school or district personnel, and outline the terms and conditions for using any kind of technology during school hours on school property.
The U.S. Department of Education / National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) website states under “Web-Related Legal Issues and Policies:”
“Acceptable Use Policy”: The responsibility of “acceptable use” comes with the privilege of Internet access that is afforded to students, staff, and, sometimes, parents. No one should be using the Internet in a school or district environment until that person has reviewed and signed the agency’s AUP. Where students are concerned, parents need to review the AUP and complete the signature page, indicating their understanding.
No student should have school-based Internet access without specific written approval of a parent or guardian.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) / Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA / Public Law 106-554) Compliance:
“CIPA compliance means that schools and libraries are filtering their Internet services and have implemented formal Internet Safety Policies (also frequently known as Acceptable Use Policies).”
What CIPA requires:
“Schools and libraries subject to CIPA may not receive the discounts offered by the E-rate program unless they certify that they have an Internet Safety Policy that includes technology protection measures.”
New York State Education Department (NYSED) website:
‘Laws and Regulations for Internet Safety and Cyberbullying.’
“Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requires that schools that receive E-Rate discounts for Internet access and internal connections must certify that they have an Internet Safety Policy.”