Overview of Acceptable Use for Students
Updated for 2025-26

Purpose and Scope

Oak Park Unified School District ("District") authorizes students to use technology, as defined in Board Policy 6163.4 - Student Use of Technology. The use of district technology is a privilege permitted at the district's discretion and is subject to the conditions and restrictions set forth in applicable board policies, administrative regulations, and this Agreement. The district reserves the right to suspend access at any time, without notice, for any reason.

Permitted Use

1. Students are expected to use district technology safely, responsibly, and for educational purposes only, and in accordance with the accompanying board policy and applicable copyright laws.
2. The student in whose name district technology is issued is responsible for its proper use at all times. Do not share or use others' accounts.
3. Students are expected to comply with all copyright and intellectual property laws when using District technology.

Prohibited Use

Students are prohibited from using district technology for improper purposes, including, but not limited to, using district technology to:

1. Access, post, display, create, or otherwise use material that is discriminatory, libelous, defamatory, obscene, sexually explicit, or disruptive.
2. Bully, harass, intimidate, or threaten other students, staff, or other individuals ("cyberbullying").
3. Disclose, use, or disseminate personal identification information (such as name, address, email, telephone number, Social Security number, or other personal information) of another student, staff member, or other person with the intent to threaten, intimidate, harass, or ridicule that person.
4. Share confidential information or personally identifiable information with an open artificial intelligence (AI) system of themselves, another student, staff member, or other person.
5. Adjust the privacy settings on any technology tool or AI app unless directed to do so by a teacher or staff member.
6. Violate the direction of teachers or other staff members, age restrictions, or the intended use of the technology.
7. Infringe on copyright, license, trademark, patent, or other intellectual property rights. Copyright Guidelines can be referenced at https://copyright.gov/title17/.
8. Intentionally disrupt or harm district technology or other district operations (such as destroying district equipment, placing a virus on district computers, adding or removing a computer program without permission from a teacher or other district personnel, changing settings on shared computers)
9. Install unauthorized software.
10. "Hack" into the system to manipulate data of the district or other users.
11. Engage in or promote any practice that is unethical or violates any law or board policy, administrative regulation, or district practice.

Responsible Use - Digital Citizenship

Students are expected to use district technology and digital tools in ways that reflect the values of respect, responsibility, and safety. As digital citizens, students will:

1. Communicate Thoughtfully and Respectfully: Use school-appropriate language in all digital communication, including email, chats, video conferencing, Google Classroom posts, and collaborative educational platforms.
2. Contribute Positively in Online Spaces: Engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue when using discussion boards, social media, collaborative documents, or other digital platforms—representing themselves and the district with integrity.
3. Protect Personal and Community Privacy: Be mindful about what is shared online by protecting their own personal information and respecting the privacy of classmates, staff, and school activities. Images, videos, or student work should only be shared for educational purposes with appropriate consent.
   *Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that requires confidentiality of student information. Publicly posting students personal information, student records or graded work is a violation of FERPA. To learn more about FERPA beyond responsible use and posting online please visit https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/.
4. Use Technology for Learning and Growth: Use district devices, accounts, and platforms to support academic work, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore, create, and innovate using tools provided, as long as the use aligns with instructional goals and expectations.
5. Maintain Security and Digital Safety: Take personal responsibility for logging out of devices and accounts when not in use, reporting any suspicious activity, and following security practices as directed by school staff.
6. Act with Academic Honesty: Use technology ethically by giving proper credit to sources, avoiding plagiarism, and creating original work. Students should use AI and other digital tools responsibly and transparently, as directed by their teachers.

Student Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Students may only use AI tools (i.e. MagicSchoolAI) in class or on assignments when allowed by their teacher.

1. Use must follow the teacher’s instructions for that specific assignment, including which AI tools are approved.
2. If a student is unclear about whether or how AI may be used for a particular assignment, it is their responsibility to ask the teacher for clarification before proceeding.
3. Any information or content you get from AI must be cited. Do not turn in AI-generated content as your own original work.
4. Students should not rely on AI tools as the sole source of information, as AI-generated content may be inaccurate or outdated.
5. Students are prohibited from using AI to access, create, or display content that is inappropriate, harmful, misleading, or offensive. This includes content that may be perceived as threatening, sexually explicit, disruptive, or harassing, or that targets individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or political beliefs.
6. Unauthorized use of AI may result in consequences for academic misconduct and may lead to disciplinary action and/or legal consequences in accordance with District policy and law.
7. If a teacher suspects that a student has used AI inappropriately or in violation of assignment instructions, the student will be given an opportunity to explain their use. If, after review, the use is determined to be improper, the matter may be referred to the principal or designee as a case of academic dishonesty.

Mobile Communication Devices

Mobile communication devices are defined as cell phones, smartphones, earphones/earbuds, tablets, gaming devices, smartwatches, smartglasses or any other device that connects to the internet or a cellular network. When on campus or when under the supervision of district employees, students may only use mobile communication devices as permitted under Board Policy 5131.8 Mobile Communication Devices.   

Devices may only be used during approved times:

• TK-5: Devices off and stored during school hours.
• 6-8: Devices off and away unless explicitly permitted by the teacher for instructional purposes.
• 9-12: Devices off during class unless explicitly permitted by the teacher for instructional purposes. Use allowed during breaks and lunch.

A student shall not be prohibited from possessing or using a mobile communication device under any of the following circumstances: (Education Code 48901.5, 48901.7) 

1. In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger
2. When a teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a mobile communication device, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator
3. When a licensed physician or surgeon determines that the possession or use is necessary for the student's health and well-being
4. When the possession or use is required by the student's individualized education program

Appropriate Use of Equipment & Accounts

District technology includes all District-owned or managed computing devices (such as Chromebooks, laptops, and tablets), communication tools (such as email, phones, and ParentSquare), network infrastructure (including Wi-Fi, servers, and security systems), and online information systems and services (such as Google Workspace, Q-SIS, and educational software platforms).

1. Students are expected to use all District technology and network resources with care and respect. Tampering with or attempting to bypass District security measures, including filters, firewalls, or monitoring systems, is strictly prohibited. This includes the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), spyware, or malicious software.
2. District-provided accounts, including the @opusd.us Google Drive account, must be used solely for educational purposes such as creating, collaborating, and communicating on school-related projects. These accounts may not be used for unauthorized file sharing, downloading or storing pirated media, or any non-educational activity.
3. Students are expected to use District 3D printers responsibly. These printers are intended for student-created or modified designs related to school assignments. Students may not use 3D printers to produce items that include:
   1. Weapons or replicas of weapons
   2. Devices related to drug use, including vaping or smoking tools
   3. Sexual or anatomically explicit materials
   4. Threatening, violent, or inappropriate language or imagery

Privacy and Monitoring

1. Since the use of district technology is intended for educational purposes, students shall not have any expectation of privacy in any use of district technology.
2. District may monitor, access, and review student use at any time without notice. This includes files, communications, browsing activity, and AI tool use. All passwords created for or used on any district technology are the sole property of the district. The creation or use of a password by a student on district technology does not create a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Reporting

• If a student becomes aware of any security problem (including, but not limited to, a cyberattack, phishing, or any compromise of the confidentiality of any login or account information), or misuse of district technology, the student shall immediately report such information to the teacher or other district personnel, and email technology@opusd.org.

Consequences for Violation

• Violations of the law, board policy, or this Agreement may result in revocation of a student's access to district technology and/or discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion. In addition, violations of the law, board policy, or this Agreement may be reported to law enforcement agencies as appropriate.

Notice of Student On-Line Account Opt-Out Form

• According to the Federal Children On-line Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the District must allow parents/guardians to Opt-Out of the District’s plans to create and manage on-line student accounts used for educational purposes. Parents/guardians may obtain the Student On-line Account Opt-Out Form from the school office, schedule a conference with the school principal, and then complete and sign the Opt-Out form in the presence of the principal who will counter sign receipt of the form after a discussion about the reasons for and the consequences of opting out.   If parents/guardians do not submit a Student On-Line Account Creation Opt-Out Form, the District shall assume implied consent to the District creating and managing on-line accounts for their child(ren) in order to provide access to educational materials, services, and on-line storage of student information.

Notice of Student Photo and Media Release Opt-Out Form

•  In accordance with California Education Code section 49076 and Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the District considers photographs (including digital photos) to be directory information and thus may be used by the District for non-commercial purposes including digital, on-line, and traditional publications. Parents/guardians may opt-out of the use of student photos by the District by completing the Media Release Opt-Out Form which may be obtained from the school office and submitting the completed form to the school office annually with a counter signature provided by the school office to denote receipt. 

Student Acknowledgment

I have received, read, understand, and agree to abide by this Agreement and other applicable laws and district policies and regulations governing the use of district technology. I understand that there is no expectation of privacy when using district technology. I further understand that any violation may result in loss of user privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.

Parent or Legal Guardian Acknowledgment

If the student is under 18 years of age, a parent/guardian must also read and sign the Agreement.

As the parent/guardian of the above-named student, I have read, understand, and agree that my child shall comply with the terms of the Agreement. By signing this Agreement, I give permission for my child to use district technology and/or to access the school's computer network and the Internet. I understand that, despite the district's best efforts, it is impossible for the school to restrict access to all offensive and controversial materials. I agree to release from liability, indemnify, and hold harmless the school, district, district personnel and the Board against all claims, damages, and costs that may result from my child's use of district technology, or the failure of any technology protection measures used by the district. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision of my child's use of my child's access account if and when such access is not in the school setting.

By using District technology resources after reading this AUA, we (Parent/Guardian and Student) agree to not hold the District, or any District staff, responsible for the failure of any technology protection measures or users’ mistakes or negligence and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the District and District staff for any damages or costs incurred as is required by Board Policy 6163.4.

Parents/guardians and students are required to acknowledge that they have received, read, and understood the Student Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA) each school year. This acknowledgment is completed electronically during the registration or enrollment process, or through the Q ParentConnect/Student Connect portal.

These policies apply whenever a student uses or accesses District technology, including (but not limited to) devices connected to the District network or District-managed online accounts.

By using District technology, parents/guardians and students agree to comply with the AUA as a condition of access.