Recognizing that life outside the classroom is more connected, mobile, and on-demand, St. Ignatius is committed to creating a learning environment inside the classroom that focuses on the principles of 21st century education: communication, creativity, critical thinking, safety, mental health, and collaboration.

In order to achieve this, we want to ensure that every student can be connected to electronic resources throughout the school day, within the school and beyond. The acceptable use of electronic devices maintains a safe and secure educational environment with the goal of preparing students for the future, improving learning, and fostering digital citizenship.

An important component of technology use will be ongoing education about appropriate online behaviors. We will review cyber-safety rules with students frequently throughout the course of the school year and will offer reminders and reinforcement about safe online behaviors. In addition to the rules outlined in these guidelines, students will be expected to comply with all class and school rules while using personal devices.

St. Ignatius understands that our students are digital natives who live in a multimedia world.

• In order to be able to use a device in school, both student and parent must complete the Electronic Device Agreement form found [here].
• St. Ignatius requires students to use a laptop, tablet with keyboard, or Chromebook in grades three through eight.
• Students are required to connect their device to the school network.
• Students may not connect to personal accounts during the school day. (i.e. Gmail, Snapchat, other social media, etc.)
• Devices should arrive at school, functional and fully-charged, ready to be used.
• Teachers and staff will not provide technical support or configure any personal electronic device. Parents will make sure that the child is trained on the basic use of the device (on/off, volume control, etc.)
• Devices will only be used by the student who owns or is issued them.
• Teachers will determine when devices will be used at schools.
• Students are not allowed to use devices to text or communicate electronically with one another or with people outside the school, including parents, while school is in session unless it is approved by the teacher.
• Students will not be allowed to use cell phones during the school day. Cell phones will be turned off and teachers will store them in a secure location.
• Smart watches brought to school must have messaging apps disabled. Smart watches are discouraged.
• The student and family take full responsibility for all personal property that is brought to school, and will take all reasonable measures to protect against theft or damage. St. Ignatius School is not responsible for any loss or damage to devices.

Enforcement of Expectations

The use of technology is a privilege. When abused, privileges will be taken away. For students who fail to follow personal device policies, the following steps may be taken: