Regulation Code: 3225/4312/7320-R&P Technology Responsible Use

A. WakeID

WCPSS will create a WakeID for each student and staff member, which will be used along with the studen or staff name to create accounts necessary for access to technology and digital resources. A WakeID looks like an e-mail address. For any student who is assigned a WCPSS e-mail address, the WakeID will be the same as the email address. Students that do not yet have an e-mail account will still receive a WakeID, however, their WakeID will not be linked to an e-mail account. The WakeIDs are visible in various applications to teachers and students across the school system.

B. Laptops and Other Devices

The Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) uses a variety of technology and digital resources to enable and enhance instruction. With permission, students may use physical devices, including but not limited to, computers, tablets, and other hardware, for approved educational uses. All technology involves some sort of Internet access, especially because many instructional tools are now located on the Internet rather than on a school server; therefore, technology access also means Internet access.

WCPSS strives to provide a laptop computer or other physical device to every student for approved educational uses.  All WCPSS-issued devices may be inspected by WCPSS officials, with or without prior notice, either in person or remotely via the Internet, for purposes of maintenance and/or to monitor the Student’s use of the device (including any email and Internet activities) to determine whether the Student is complying with applicable laws, policies, and regulations. Students and parents have no reasonable expectation of privacy to any data or information of any kind that is stored in a WCPSS device, which remains at all times the property of WCPSS. If any such inspection reveals that the Student has violated any provision of the Code of Student Conduct or any criminal law, any such evidence may be used in support of a disciplinary action against the Student and/or shared with law enforcement consistent with applicable law. Staff should consult with the WCPSS Security Department before sharing any student information obtained from student devices with any law enforcement agency.

Parents who do not want their student to be issued a WCPSS device may opt to provide their own for the student’s use at school, so long as the device is a laptop computer (no tablets), has the latest operating system, and includes a keyboard, camera, and microphone.  The device must otherwise be safe, adequate, and compatible with WCPSS educational services and technology resources.

Any non-WCPSS device that students use at school for educational purposes as an alternative to using a WCPSS-issued device are subject to inspection and monitoring by WCPSS at any time in the same manner and under the same circumstances as a WCPSS-issued device. The fact that the device is private property does not insulate it from inspection and monitoring pursuant to policy 4342 Student Searches. Students and parents who do not wish their personal devices to be subject to monitoring and inspection at school have the option to use a WCPSS-issued device instead.

C. Web-Based Applications

With the approval of an authorized WCPSS teacher or administrator, students may access web-based applications to create, review, store, share and potentially post their work on the Internet. Examples of these tools include, but are not limited to learning management systems, productivity tools and WCPSS student e-mail.  WCPSS has a review process for web-applications, and approved applications must have acceptable security and privacy practices. Staff and students should only use applications that have been approved.

Not all tools are used at all grade levels. At Kindergarten through fifth grade, student e-mail is turned on only at the principal's request.

All WCPSS business conducted online must utilize WCPSS authorized communication programs or services.  Schools wishing to use third-party services must be approved by the Technology Services Division so that the appropriate provisions may be added to the contract e.g., procedures, and contacts for public information requests.

D. Safe and Appropriate Use of Technology and the Internet

WCPSS has several processes in place to protect students while using technology and web-based instructional tools. All students will be trained annually in Internet safety.  In accordance with federal law, school principals shall communicate and enforce an Internet-safety training program for all students under their care.  At a minimum, student training must include appropriate online behavior; interacting with other individuals on social media and in chat rooms and; cyber bullying awareness and response.  School principals must maintain records that support the existence of the Internet safety program and how the program is implemented at their school.  The district also uses Internet filters to remove most harmful content. District supplied devices and cellular hotspots provide filtering at school and at home. These protective measures do not relieve students of their responsibility to comply with all applicable policies and procedures and to use school system technology and networks safely, responsibly, and in compliance with all applicable laws. Nor do they relieve parents and guardians of their responsibility to monitor and supervise safe and appropriate use of technology and the Internet in settings outside of school. Students are strictly prohibited from taking any measures to evade, disable, or circumvent any WCPSS Internet filters or other WCPSS technology protocols or procedures designed to protect the safety of students, WCPSS technology resources, and/or the general public. 

E. Student Data

Student work and identifying information about students, such as name and classroom, may be maintained by and stored on web-based instructional sites and applications and/or on WCPSS servers consistent with applicable law

Legal Reference: 15 U.S.C. § 6501 et seq.; 16 C.F.R. Part 312; 47 U.S.C. § 254; 18 U.S.C. § 2510 et seq.; 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.; 20 U.S.C. § 6777; 20 U.S.C. § 1232g; G.S. 14-196.3; G.S. 15A-286 to 287; G.S. 115C-47(33); G.S. 115C-391; G.S. 115C-398; G.S. 115C-401.1; G.S. 115C-402; G.S. 115C-523

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