section 5.9 - Technology

Redeemer Academy strives to be a face-to-face community, intentionally engaging in relationships in all we do. In the educational setting, electronic devices used by students without adult oversight primarily distract and detract from the learning process. To that end, the use of technology is strictly limited and closely supervised. 

The following guidelines will be enforced to facilitate a safe and relational environment on our campus. Any individual who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action by the Head of School, up to and including dismissal. 

Grades K-5th 

Student cell phones and smart watches are not allowed on campus for our elementary-grade students. If a parent needs to contact a student on campus, please call the office phone. 

Grades 6th-12th 

● Student cell phones and smart watches are not allowed on campus with a student during the school day or Redeemer student events unless they are in a car or checked in to the office. If a parent needs to contact a student on the Redeemer campus, please call the office phone. 

● Students may leave their phones at home or check them into the office at the beginning of the school day. Phones will be stored in a locked drawer. Please note that Redeemer Academy is not responsible for lost or damaged phones left in the office.

● Student phones will be confiscated if they are on campus. They may be picked up from the office at the end of the school day. The parent(s) will be notified, and disciplinary action will be taken.

● Laptop PCs and headphones may be allowed on campus for individual student use during study hall or approved classwork time with staff permission. Individual teachers and study hall supervisors will regulate usage. 

● Explicit music, pornography, and distasteful videos are not permitted on Redeemer Campus. 

● Students may not share screens or music during school or any school-sponsored events (including transportation to and from school events for field trips, concerts, etc.) without permission from the supervising teacher/chaperone. Generally, phones and electronic devices will not be used during Redeemer-sponsored events (retreats, field trips, mission trips, sporting events, etc.). 

● Students should conduct themselves with wisdom and care towards others on social media and other communications outside of school. 

● Misuse of electronic devices, including phone usage or phone presence on campus other than the above exception, will result in disciplinary action. 

● Students are encouraged to hold each other accountable to these standards. 

*Note to parent partners: We encourage you to refrain from using cell phones and other electronic devices whenever possible during our short time together. 

Prohibited Use 

Hardware and software provided by Redeemer Academy are used to conduct official and authorized Redeemer Academy business. The following activities involving the use of Redeemer Academy-provided, as well as personally provided, computer hardware or software are expressly prohibited: 

● Storing, processing, displaying, sending, or otherwise transmitting offensive, violent, threatening, or obscene language or material. Offensive or violent material includes, but is not limited to, racist literature, materials or symbols, and sexually harassing materials. This includes, but is not limited to, pornography and other sexually explicit materials. 

● Using another person’s account or identity. 

● Viewing, changing, damaging, deleting, or blocking access to another user’s files or communications without appropriate permission. 

● Transmitting user IDs and passwords over an unsecured network. 

● Using any device with recording capability while in a restroom or locker room. 

Video/Film Policy 

Using videos/films in the classroom can be an effective way for teachers to engage students in course material and curriculum if teachers take some essential precautions. Teachers will want pre-discussion to connect the movie to course content and prepare students for specific themes or plot points.

● Grades K - 5th: Only “G” rated videos/films may be shown in the classroom without written parent approval. Parents shall receive written notification of the proposed “PG” movie showing at least two (2) days before showing a film or video. 

● Grades 6th - 12th: Only “G/PG” rated videos/films may be shown in the classroom without written parent approval. Parents shall receive written notification of the proposed “PG-13” movie showing at least two (2) days before showing a film or video. 

● A film/video rated R, NC-17, Mature, or X is inappropriate for school use. 

Social Media Policy 

Redeemer recognizes the importance of incorporating technology tools, including new electronic communication methods, into the classroom to enhance student learning. It further recognizes the importance of employees, students, and parents who engage, learn, collaborate, and share in digital environments as part of 21st-century learning. 

● Redeemer Academy may, at times, provide access to secure social media tools and Redeemer-approved technologies for use during instructional time and for school-sponsored activities. 

● Individuals will be held liable for any legal and financial damages that result from failure to comply with this policy. 

● Any individual who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action by the Head of School, up to and including dismissal. 

● Using the school's name or logos as part of a social media account's identity is strictly forbidden, except for those accounts owned and managed by Redeemer. 

● Upon request, parents must provide Redeemer the ability to view their student's social media accounts. 

● Redeemer students, parents, and employees may not publish on social media or distribute in any print or electronic form any image or text that is not in alignment with the school's mission, beliefs, and values, that is derogatory, or that negatively reflects upon the school or school community. 

Electronic Communication 

● All electronic communications between students and teachers at Redeemer Academy must be school-related and within the scope of the employee’s professional responsibilities. 

● Employees should CC parents on emails with students if the topic is controversial and/or disciplinary. 

● Redeemer strives to ensure that electronic communication tools incorporated into the school curriculum are used responsibly and safely. 

A.I. Usage 

Use Prohibited 

Students cannot use advanced automated tools (artificial intelligence or machine learning tools such as ChatGPT or Dall-E 2) for Redeemer Program coursework assignments. Students are expected to complete all assignments without substantive assistance from others, including automated tools. 

A.I. Software Detection 

Redeemer Academy reserves the right to use A.I. deduction software to combat the lack of human-generated content and plagiarism. If A.I. usage is detected, the plagiarism policy will be followed, and disciplinary action will be taken. Please see the Plagiarism section of this handbook.

Consent to Monitoring 

For safety and security, the use of Redeemer Academy technology systems and hardware may be monitored. All students who use Redeemer Academy technology systems and hardware do so with the understanding that such use serves as consent to monitoring any type of use, including incidental and personal uses, whether authorized or unauthorized. The student understands there is no reasonable expectation of privacy when using Redeemer Academy technology systems and hardware. 

Privacy 

No right to privacy exists with the use of technological resources. Users must not assume that files or communications created or transmitted using school system technological resources or stored on servers or hard drives of individual computers will be private. School system administrators or individuals designated by the Head of School may review files, monitor all communication, and intercept email messages to maintain system integrity and to ensure compliance with Redeemer policy and applicable laws and regulations. School system personnel shall monitor the online activities of individuals who access the Internet via a school-owned device. Communications relating to or supporting illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities. Information in electronic messages is not anonymous and is subject to disclosure to third parties under state and federal law in certain circumstances. 

Personal Technology Devices 

Students are encouraged to use the technology that will make them the most effective in the classroom; however, Redeemer reserves the right to full access to all technology on campus if needed. Students will be required to grant access to their personal devices if the administration deems it necessary. All personal technology equipment is subject to the previously stated privacy and data privacy agreements. The owner of the outside technology will assume the responsibility for repairing and replacing damaged or stolen devices and for any data or other charges arising from using a personal device.