April 13, 2011
Dear Students and Parents, We are very excited to bring a new set of free digital resources in the hands of our Andover students this year - Google Apps for Education. Now students will have true 21st century learning tools that support collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity while providing an online space for students to archive their classroom products. Students who chose to participate with Google Apps for Education will be able to access a free, online web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, form, and data storage service along with online tools for calendars, photo editing, web design, and video production. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. Philosophy The Andover Public Schools encourages the use of student email as an effective and efficient way to improve communication between students, faculty members, and administrative staff. The primary purpose of student email is to support teaching and learning. This students.usd385.org email account is housed on a Google mail server, thereby giving student access to Google Docs (word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation software) and also allowing teachers and students to share information housed in these file areas with others. 1. Official Email Address All students in grades 6‐12 will be assigned a Andover Schools student email account. This account will be considered the student's official Andover email address until such time as the student is no longer enrolled in the district. 2. Prohibited Conduct Student email is a privilege and may not be used in the following ways: • Unlawful activities • Commercial purposes • Personal financial gain • False identity in email communications • Misrepresentation of the Andover Public Schools • Interference with Andover technology operations through a. b. c. electronic chain letters unsolicited electronic communications disruption of electronic communications 3. Access Restriction Access to and use of student email is considered a privilege accorded at the discretion of Andover Public Schools. The district maintains the right to immediately withdraw the access and use of student email when there is reason to believe that violations of law or district policies have occurred. In such cases, the alleged violation will be referred to the Building Principal for further investigation and adjudication. 4. Security Andover Public Schools cannot and does not guarantee the security of electronic files located on the Google Mail system. Although Google does have a powerful content filter in place, Andover Public Schools cannot assure that users will not be exposed to unsolicited information.
5. Privacy The general right of privacy will be extended to the extent possible in the electronic environment. Andover Public Schools and all electronic users should treat electronically stored information in individuals' files as confidential and private. There is an acknowledged trade‐off between the right of privacy of a user and the need of system administrators to gather necessary information to ensure the continued functioning of these resources. In the normal course of system administration, system administrators may have to examine activities, files, and electronic mail to gather sufficient information to diagnose and correct problems with system software or hardware. Users of student email are strictly prohibited from accessing files and information other than their own. The Andover Public Schools reserve the right to access the students.usd385.org Google Mail system, including current and archival files of user accounts when there is reasonable suspicion that unacceptable use has occurred. Benefits: ● Students without personal access to Microsoft Office now have an online space to write papers, create slideshow presentations, spreadsheets, and forms. ● Students have an online document storage of created files accessible from any computer or mobile device (Smartphone, iPad, or iPod Touch) with Internet access. ● Teachers can review, collaborate, and co-edit student documents providing a new level of support and guidance. Requirements to Participate: ● Participating students will have a personal login through the Andover Schools secure and private Google Apps for Education link located at www.usd385.org. ● Every student and parent are required to sign the agreement form in order to receive a login to the Andover Google Apps for Education. ● All participating students must abide by the Andover Public School Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Please return this permission form by : October 8, 2010
Sincerely, Rob Dickson Director of Technology Andover Public Schools
Google Apps Permission Form Student Name: ________________________________________________________ Select one: I give my permission for my student to have an Andover Public Schools Google Apps for Education account. I DO NOT give my permission for my child to have an Andover Public Schools Google Apps for Education account. Parent’s signature: _____________________________ Date: ___________________