Technology Use

W.R. Myers High School is committed to ensuring the responsible, purposeful, and ethical use of technology in a manner that upholds privacy, digital citizenship, and a safe learning environment. The use of technology should support student learning while respecting the integrity of the teaching and learning environment.

This policy aligns with Horizon School Division Policy HG – Citizenship in a Digital Age and establishes clear expectations for students when using school-provided devices, networks, and personal technology on school property.

Responsible Use of Technology

Students are expected to use technology in a way that is respectful, responsible, and aligned with school and division policies. Prior to accessing school devices or networks, all students must sign a Digital Use Agreement, which outlines their commitment to responsible use.

• Use technology for educational purposes only – Students should engage with digital tools in a way that supports learning and school-related activities.
• Respect privacy and security – Students must not share personal information online or attempt to access, modify, or distribute personal data belonging to others.
• Maintain appropriate digital conduct – The use of technology should align with school values and should not involve inappropriate, harmful, or illegal content.
• Follow all Canadian laws – Students are prohibited from downloading, transmitting, or distributing illegal or copyrighted materials.
• Protect school property – Students must handle technology with care and store devices properly. Devices must not be left in lockers, unattended, or stored in unauthorized locations.

Prohibited Activities

Students shall not:

• Engage in illegal or unethical acts, including attempts to damage, hack, or disrupt school networks or devices.
• Download or transmit pornographic, obscene, or socially inappropriate material.
• Gain unauthorized access to the personal data of others.
• Install or transfer copyright-protected software without authorization.
• Use technology to bully, harass, or intimidate others.

Student Responsibilities for Technology Care

Students are expected to:

• Handle school devices with care – Any damage resulting from misuse, neglect, or improper storage may result in the student being responsible for repairs or replacement costs.
• Properly store devices when not in use – Technology must be kept in designated areas and should not be left in lockers, unattended, or unsecured.
• Report any issues immediately – If a device is lost, damaged, or malfunctioning, students must notify a staff member as soon as possible.

Monitoring and Privacy

The use of division-owned devices and networks is actively monitored. This includes, but is not limited to:

At WR Myers we believe that students deserve to learn in a space with minimal distractions so that they can reach their full potential.  Cell phone use can create distractions and diminish the learning experience for students.  Under the direction of Alberta Education and the Horizon School Division, WR Myers has adopted the following policy.

Restrictions

Personal Mobile Devices (PMD) are expected to be out of sight, and powered down or on silent during instructional time.

No use of PMD is permitted in bathrooms or changing room areas at any time, including during breaks. Usage in bathrooms or changing rooms will result in immediate confiscation of the PMD.

Students will be allowed to use cell phones during breaks in between classes, so long as they are not in restricted areas (i.e. bathrooms or changerooms).

Exceptions

Teachers may allow students to use PMD for educational purposes during instructional time.  

Students may use PMD for health or medical reasons or to support special learning needs.

The Principal must approve these exceptions prior to them being issued.

Non-compliance

Any student who fails to follow these guidelines will have their PMD confiscated for the day.  The teacher confiscating it will, at a time acceptable to them, bring it down to the office for storage.  Parents will be notified.  

Notwithstanding confiscation for the purpose of discipline, the school assumes no responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair, or replacement of such items, except in the case of gross negligence.

Students can pick up their PMD at the end of the day.

If a student continues to break this policy, the consequences of non-compliance will escalate and may result in the student not being allowed to bring their PMD onto school grounds.

Storage of Devices

Teachers will bring PMD to the office where it will be stored in the office safe for the remainder of the day.

Communication Home

Teachers will notify parents by email.

Definitions

For the purpose of this policy, a personal mobile device includes any internet-connected device. This includes, but is not limited to: smartphones, smart watches, and non-school provided laptops.

Reference: Horizon School Division Policy IGB

W.R. Myers High School recognizes that students may require access to school-owned technology for off-campus use. Borrowing technology supports students in catching up on missed or overdue work, maintaining academic progress during extended absences, and ensuring equitable access to learning resources.

This policy outlines the procedures for requesting, borrowing, and returning school technology while ensuring responsible use and accountability.

Definition of Technology

For the purposes of this policy, "technology" refers to any division-owned laptop, Chromebook, tablet, or other division-controlled device that connects to the internet.

Requesting to Borrow Technology

• Students must obtain a permission form and receive approval from a parent or guardian before borrowing a device for off-campus use.
• The signed form must be submitted to an administrator for review and approval.
• The administrator will consider the following factors before granting approval:
• The reason for the request.
• The length of time the device is needed.
• The student’s academic and behavioral standing.
• The availability of devices at the school.
• If approved, the administrator will sign the form, and the student will submit it to the Learning Commons Facilitator to check out the device through the library booking system.

Device Check-Out and Weekly Check-Ins

• The student will receive the device with a due date indicated on the request form.\
• While borrowing the device, the student must check in weekly with the Learning Commons Facilitator, bringing both the device and its power cord.
• Failure to check in may result in the early recall of the device before the due date.

Returning the Device

• The device and any accessories (e.g., power cords) must be returned to the Learning Commons Facilitator on or before the due date.
• If the device is damaged, it will be documented, and the student or their parent/guardian may be required to cover the cost of repairs.

Consequences for Late Returns

• If the device is not returned within one week of the due date, it will be considered missing.
• The Learning Commons Facilitator will issue a replacement bill to the student's parents or guardians equal to the replacement cost of the device.
• This bill will be waived if the device is returned in good working condition.

Accountability

• The Principal or designate is responsible for overseeing the implementation and enforcement of this policy.
• The Learning Commons Facilitator is responsible for tracking device loans, weekly check-ins, and monitoring returns.
• Students and parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring careful use, timely returns, and proper maintenance of borrowed devices.