Email and Technology

Boarding Handbook 2020-21

Acts inconsistent with any of the school’s policies are considered improper uses of the school’s computer and network resources. Students are expected to use technology resources shared by the entire community, such as Wi-Fi and email, in a responsible, ethical and legal manner, as outlined in the Senior and Middle School Code of Conduct. Inappropriate use of cell phones, laptops, smart watches and other personal electronic devices will result in the confiscation of the device and a TRAC for the student. It is not permitted, at any time, on school property, on school trips or at school-organized events, to take photos or videos without the individual subject’s permission. Students are required to request permission from their subjects before taking a photo. Photos may not be shared without the permission of the subject. Branksome Hall will treat wearable devices in a similar fashion to smartphones with regard to when they can or cannot be used. Branksome Hall considers a wearable device to be any such electronic computing device that is worn on your person. No wearable device can be worn during testing or exams.

Email Guidelines

We recognize that email is both an efficient form of communication and a time-consuming reality. These email guidelines are intended to ensure that the health and well-being of our community and respectful communication practices are equally valued at Branksome Hall. We understand that there are special circumstances where individual judgments need to be made. Remember, email is not private. Confidential information should be discussed

on the phone or in person as available.

Email Response Time

	Weekdays: 24–48 hours (optimally within 24 hours).
	If you email a staff member after 5:00 p.m. during the week, you should not expect a response until the following day.
	Weekends: For the purpose of email, weekends begin on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Emails received after 5:00 p.m.on Friday need not be replied to until the end of day on Monday. On long weekends, the reply may be sent on Tuesday morning.

School Laptop

The IT Department is open and available to students Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. for technical support.

	Laptops must be brought to school every day. It is an essential classroom tool.
	Students must back up their work nightly (use an external hard drive). It is their responsibility to ensure that work is not lost due to mechanical failure or accidental deletion. Technology can never be used as an excuse not to complete homework or submit assignments; if necessary, students must find another way to complete their work.
	Students must not share passwords. Students should change passwords regularly and log off from the network when their computer is not in use.
	Do not load software or plug-ins that will affect the functioning of your machine. The laptop will be re-imaged if it cannot handle your academic needs. Ask an IT staff member if you are not sure. The installation and/or use of any Internet-based file-sharing programs are explicitly prohibited. File-sharing programs facilitate the illegal sharing of copyrighted material (music, video and images). Such programs are subject to automatic removal without notice.

Cell Phones and Mobile Devices

While at school, cell phones and mobile devices should be turned off. If lockers are not available, cell phones should be put away, out of reach, in backpacks and turned off. They may not be taken out in class, unless the teacher has specifically requested their use or they are part of a student's Learning Strategies Plan. Students may use cell phones during lunch and after school.

Calculators

All students in Grades 9–12 will need to have a Texas Instruments TI-84+ calculator with them in every Math class. Students should purchase their calculators independently before the start of the school year.