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Respect Your Tech

Brockton Public Schools recognizes that access to technology in school gives students greater opportunities to learn, engage, communicate, and develop skills that will prepare them for college, career, life, and digital citizenship. We are committed to helping students develop 21st-century technology and communication skills.

The commitment by the district is made with the understanding that students and families will make a commitment to care for the devices issued to them by the district. Simply, BPS is calling on all students to Respect Your Tech.

What does it mean to Respect Your Tech? 
When they receive their district-issued laptops and tablets, students make a commitment to caring for and maintaining their devices. That means taking proactive steps like keeping laptops or tablets properly charged, cleaned and free from damage that could not only degrade their functionality, but potentially render them dangerous. 

While the majority of devices are returned each year in good working order, BPS has identified numerous instances where students have -- either through intentional behavior or neglect -- damaged their laptops or tablets. Misuse or mistreatment of these devices not only has a negative impact on students' learning, it has the potential to create a safety hazard. Students found responsible for damage to or loss of their devices will face accountability in line with district policies.

Accepting a loaned device makes you responsible for:

  • Ensuring the device is brought to school each day
  • Ensuring the device is kept charged using only the charger provided so that it's ready to use in school each day
    • Repeated failure to keep devices properly charged will result in the loss of take-home privileges
  • Ensuring the device is not over-charged. Devices should be unplugged once their battery level reached 100%
  • Ensuring the device is protected from accidental damage from drops or bumps, and especially any intentional damage
  • Ensuring that no foreign objects are inserted into the device's charger or USB ports
  • Ensuring the device is returned at the end of every school year in good working condition 
  • Ensuring the device is not left unattended or unsecured, such as in an unlocked locker, vehicle or other location where it could be subject to theft
  • Reporting any theft, loss or damage to the school within one school day

The Brockton School Committee authorized the implementation of an updated policy regarding BPS technology and internet acceptable use. The policy authorizes BPS to collect fees for damage to or loss of district-issued devices. 

Costs to families for damage, destruction or loss:
Students and families are responsible for the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged or lost devices. Students are also subject to additional disciplinary action if they are found to have willfully or intentionally caused damage or loss of the district-issued device in their care.

  • Replacement of laptop - Approximately $250, though this cost will be determined at the time of replacement
  • Cost of charger and cord - $25
  • Repair or replacement of keyboard - $12
  • Repair of laptop screen - $150

By signing the student handbook at the beginning of every year, students who wish to use the internet and school devices acknowledge they have read and agree to follow the BPS Technology and Internet Acceptable Use Policy and Guidelines.

Tips to help Respect Your Tech:

  • Only use a clean, soft cloth to clean the screen. Do not use cleansers of any kind.
  • Insert cords and cables carefully, using only those provided by BPS.
  • Do not leave devices in vehicles, outdoors or in other places where they may be exposed to extreme heat or cold.
  • Never use a district-issued device to charge external electronic items of any kind
  • Keep food and drinks away from devices at all times.
  • Do not make any physical modifications to devices, including removing or adding physical components nor adding stickers or decorations.
  • Do not lean on or place pressure on a device, including placing items against it in a carrying case.
  • Never attempt to pull apart or otherwise dismantle any component of a device.
  • Do not leave devices unattended or unsecured.

Prices You'll Pay to Replace: