Beaumont School encourages students and parents to use the following information to help guide them in selecting a device for the mandatory BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) program.
Please be sure to consider size, operating system, and price to find a device that fits with your family budget. It is recommended that every student also purchase or bring to school ear-buds or headphones to allow for quiet listening.
For those who purchase a device, we recommend the following specifications:
BYOT Device Overview
Chromebook Laptops
A Chromebook laptop from any manufacturer will be compatible with our BYOT network. Chromebook laptops run Chrome OS and have: Google apps built in, weigh less than 3 pounds, approximately 6.5 hours of battery life, automatic operating system updates from Google, dual Wi-Fi, integrates seamlessly with Google Drive, and built-in security to protect the laptop against viruses and malware. Recommended Chromebook manufacturers: Samsung, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, and Toshiba. One feature buyers should be aware of is that Chromebook laptops may have limited functionality offline.
PC Laptops
PC laptop with Microsoft Windows will generally provide optimal functionality. These computers are able to be used offline, contain the Microsoft Office Suite, and will be able to run most popular software. A drawback may be a shorter battery life, generally weigh more, and require more frequent software updates.
Apple Laptops
Macbooks with MacOSx will also generally provide optimal functionality. These computers are able to be used offline, contain Apple applications and/or Microsoft Office Suite, and will be able to run most popular software. A drawback may be a shorter battery life, general weigh more, and require more frequent software updates.
BYOT Program Guidelines
Definition of Technology
For purposes of ‘Bring Your Own Technology’ (BYOT), “Technology” means a privately-owned wireless and/or portable electronic device with: Capability to connect to the Internet, Minimum screen size of 10 inches, permanently-attached keyboard (any device with a touchscreen only or detachable keyboard does not meet our guidelines), and earbuds/headphones for quiet listening. Earbuds/headphones may not be needed daily, but there may be times when they will be required by the classroom teacher.
For further clarification, students may not use tablets as a BYOT device. This directive includes, but is not limited to, Microsoft Surface tablets, Google Pixel, Google Nexus, and iPads.
Smartphones/Cell Phones
The BYOT policy does NOT apply to smartphones or cell phones. Students are not permitted to carry their phones with them during the school day.. These devices are not to be present in any classroom and may not be connected to the Beaumont BYOT Network. Please see the student handbook for more information about cell phones.
Internet Access
Students bringing their own device for educational use are to connect to the BYOT Student Network, which offers a filtered internet experience in compliance with Federal CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) regulations. Any personally owned device will not be in compliance if accessing unfiltered internet (via 3G/4G/LTE data plans) during times when the device is on school grounds. Independent hotspots are not permitted. Smartphones are not acceptable BYOT devices. Smartphones are not allowed to connect to our BYOT Network unless given specific permission.
Security and Damage Responsibility
Students are solely responsible for the proper care of their device, including any costs or repair, replacement, or any modifications needed to use the device at school. Students are advised to keep their device with them at all times. Beaumont School is not liable for any device stolen or damaged while on campus. If a device is stolen or damaged, it will be handled through the assistant principal’s office similar to other personal items that are impacted in similar situations. We recommend the labeling of student-owned devices with a name as it will assist in the return of a misplaced device.
Technological Support
Beaumont School does not provide comprehensive technological support for student-owned devices and will not fix any personally owned BYOT device. Any troubleshooting of a BYOT device by school personnel will be done in the presence of the student and may not result in a solution.
Printing
Access to the BYOT Student Network permits networked printing from a BYOT device. Students wishing to print must access the BYOT Student Network. Individual print jobs are limited.
Rules of BYOT Use
All students must follow the school’s Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy contained in the Student & Parent/Guardian Handbook.
In addition, the following rules apply:
Each teacher has the discretion to allow and regulate the use of personal devices in the classroom, campus, and at school events.
Each teacher has the discretion to determine the appropriate use of a device on tests, quizzes, and assignments.
All devices must be maintained in silent mode on campus, unless otherwise allowed by a teacher. Students are not permitted to walk the halls with earbuds/headphones, whether in use or not in use.
Devices may only be used to access files on the device or Internet sites which are relevant to the classroom curriculum. Texting/instant messaging/gaming is not permitted.
Use of camera and/or recording function on any device on campus or during school hours/activities requires approval from an administrator, teacher or staff member and is otherwise prohibited.
Possession of pornographic images or video on any device is strictly prohibited.
All wireless activity on the BYOT Student Network may be monitored by school personnel.
Use of devices in the following areas is not permitted: The Chapel (including the exterior area), school hallways, and school stairwells unless given explicit permission by a teacher or administrator.
Devices may NEVER be used in locker rooms and bathrooms.
Do not download apps or update operating systems while on campus, as these data transfers can make undue demands on school’s Internet bandwidth.
Devices should be fully charged and ready to use at the start of each school day. Students will not always have access to power sources.
Network filters in compliance with CIPA apply to the BYOT Student Network; students shall make NO ATTEMPT to bypass the filter using any technology available (i.e., proxy servers, remote desktops, browsers, or VPNs).
Infecting any school network with a virus, Trojan, or program designed to damage, alter, destroy, or provide access to unauthorized data or information is in violation of the Beaumont School Computer and Acceptable Use Policy. BYOT devices should have up-to-date Anti-Virus software installed; we do not recommend AVG Free Anti-Virus or Avast Free Anti-Virus software.
Processing or accessing information via “hacking”, altering, or bypassing network security and filters is considered a serious violation. Beaumont School has the right to collect and examine any device that is suspected of causing problems or being the source of an attack or virus infection.
Consequences of Misuse: Student abuse or misuse of school technology will result in disciplinary action, up to and including a hearing with the student’s parents and possible expulsion as determined by the assistant principal, and/or requirement that the student make full restitution to Beaumont School for resources consumed. Students should also be aware that their conduct may result in civil and criminal liability and that their conduct may be referred to law enforcement agencies at the discretion of school administration.
