Technology

Acceptable Use

Student access to the school's computers, networks, and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school's educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals, and code of conduct. The same rules and expectations govern student use of computers as apply to other student conduct and communications. There is no social media use at school (e.g., SnapChat, Instagram, TikTok, etc).

Prohibited Use

Students are responsible for their actions and activities involving school devices, networks and Internet services and for their devices, passwords, and accounts. Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following:

• Accessing and/or Authoring Inappropriate Materials - Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning, or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal;
• Illegal Activities - Using the school's computers, networks, and Internet services for any illegal activity or activity that violates other Board policies, procedures, and/or school rules;
• Violating Copyrights - Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the owner's permission;
• Plagiarism - Representing as one's own work any materials obtained on the Internet (such as term papers, articles, etc.). When Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher and web site must be identified;
• Copying Software - Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the system administrator;
• Non-School-Related Uses - Using the school's computers, networks, and Internet services for non-­school-related purposes such as private financial gain, game playing, personal communication, or any other personal use;
• Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access - Sharing passwords, using other users' passwords without permission and/or accessing other user's' accounts;
• Malicious Use/Vandalism - Any malicious use, disruption, or harm to the school's computers, networks, and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses; and
• Social Media Use - No SnapChat, Instagram, TikTok, other social media or messaging apps.

No Expectation of Privacy

The school unit retains control, custody, and supervision of all computers, networks, and internet services owned or leased by the school. The school reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers, including school e-mail and associated digital documents.

Travel Outside of Maine

Students may not transport their school-issued devices outside of the state of Maine. 

School Vacations

Students will leave their devices at school during school vacations, unless administration requires devices to go home. 

Compensation for Losses, Costs, and/or Damages

Students and their parents are responsible for compensating the school for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the school for violations of Board policies and school rules while the student is using school computers. We understand that accidents happen and we will work through each individual circumstance appropriately. 

School Unit Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs, or Illegal Use

The school assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by students including but not limited to credit card charges, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.

Student Security

A student should not reveal their full name, address, telephone number, social security number, or other personal information on the Internet. Students should never agree to meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parental permission. Students should inform their teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate, or make them uncomfortable in any way.

System Security

The security of the school's computers, networks, and Internet services is a high priority. Any user who identifies a security problem must notify the assistant principal or the school technology specialist. The user shall not demonstrate the problem to others. Any user who attempts or causes a breach of system security shall have is/her privileges revoked and may be subject to additional disciplinary and/or legal action.

Student cell phone and smartwatch use is prohibited at school, on buses, and during field trips. If students need to bring these devices for use after school, they must be turned off and stored in the student's backpack or locker. Unauthorized use of phones or smartwatches during the school day will result in the device being confiscated and kept in the main office until the end of the school day. Repeated offenses will require a family member or caregiver to pick up the device from the school. Students needing to contact a parent or caregiver during the day can use a school phone. Parents or caregivers wishing to relay messages to their child should call the main office at 207-781-3988, and we will ensure the message is delivered. Unauthorized digital photos from cell phones or other devices are strictly prohibited.

Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will be issued iPads to use during the school year. These devices are part of the Maine Learning Technology Initiative. Students may bring home their devices to complete school assignments during the school year.

Family/Caregiver Permission Required

Students and their parents/caregivers are required to sign and return the FMS Digital Operating Contract before students are allowed to bring their iPads home. 

Acceptable Use

Student access to the school's devices, networks and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school's educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals, and code of conduct. The same rules and expectations govern student use of computers as apply to other student conduct and communications.  There is no social media use at school (i.e SnapChat, Instagram, TikTok, etc).

Prohibited Use

Students are responsible for their actions and activities involving school devices, networks, and Internet services and for their device files, passwords, and accounts. Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following:

• Accessing and/or Authoring Inappropriate Materials: Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning, or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, and/or illegal;
• Illegal Activities: Using the school's devices, networks, and Internet services for any illegal activity or activity that violates other School Board policies, procedures, and/or school rules;
• Violating Copyrights: Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the owner's permission;
• Plagiarism: Representing as one's own work any materials obtained on the Internet (such as term papers, articles, etc.). When Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher, and web site must be identified;
• Copying Software: Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the system administrator;
• Non-School-Related Uses: Using the school's devices, networks, and Internet services for non-­school-related purposes such as private financial gain, game playing, personal communication, or any other personal use;
• Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access: Sharing passwords, using other users' passwords without permission, and/or accessing other user's' accounts;
• Malicious Use/Vandalism: Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the school's devices, networks, and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of device viruses; and
• Social Media Use: No SnapChat, Instagram, TikTok, other social media or messaging apps.

No Expectation of Privacy

The school unit retains control, custody, and supervision of all devices, networks, and internet services owned or leased by the school. The school reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by students. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school devices, including school e-mail and associated digital documents.

Travel Outside of Maine

Students may not transport their school-issued iPads outside of the state of Maine. 

School Vacations

Students will leave their iPads at school during school vacations. 

Compensation for Losses, Costs, and/or Damages

Students and their family/caregivers are responsible for compensating the school for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the school for violations of Board policies and school rules while the student is using school devices. 

School Unit Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs, or Illegal Use

The school assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by students including but not limited to credit card charges, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.

Student Security

A student should not reveal their full name, address, telephone number, social security number, or other personal information on the Internet. Students may never agree to meet people they have contacted through the Internet without family/caregiver permission. Students should inform their teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate, or make them uncomfortable in any way.

System Security

The security of the school's devices, networks, and Internet services is a high priority. Any user who identifies a security problem must notify the Assistant Principal or the school technology specialist. The user shall not demonstrate the problem to others. Any user who attempts or causes a breach of system security shall have is/her privileges revoked and may be subject to additional disciplinary and/or legal action.

Student cell phone, Smartwatch, and other personal electronic device use is not allowed on buses, on field trips, or during school between 7:30AM-2:30PM. If students need to bring a personal electronic device for after school use, it must be turned off and kept in the student’s backpack or in their locker. If students are using their personal electronic device without permission during the school day, it will be taken and kept in the main office until the end of the school day. If this happens more than once, family/caregivers will be asked to pick up the device from the school. If students need to contact a parent/caregiver during the day there is a phone in the office for them to use. If a parent/caregiver needs to get a message to their child, they should call the main office at 207-781-3740 and we will make sure they get the message. Unauthorized digital photos from cell phones or any other devices are prohibited.

FMS Digital Operating Contract

FMS School Rules for Student iPads

FMS Digital Citizenship Standards Grades 6-8

Beginning August 2026, all students in grades 9–12 will transition from laptops to school-owned iPads. Personal devices will no longer be permitted during the school day. This change aligns with new state law and School Board Policy JICJ. It allows teachers to monitor and manage device usage, ensuring technology enhances learning without increasing screen time. We understand this is a significant shift, and we made this decision thoughtfully to best support our students.

Why This Change is Happening

• Better Focus: School-managed devices allow teachers to monitor and limit non-educational use.
• Balanced Tech: The goal is to enhance learning tools, not to increase overall screen time.
• Restrict personal electronics to minimize distractions and enhance classroom focus

Every Student Will Receive a School-Issued

• iPad with a charger
• Keyboard case
• Smart pencil

Next Steps

Additional details regarding device distribution, expectations, Power School use form, use fees and usage procedures will be shared in the near future. Thank you for your partnership as we work to create a more focused, supportive learning environment.

Q&A

• Can students bring their own devices to school? No, students cannot bring any personal devices from home (per State Law Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §4013 and Falmouth Schools Policy JICJ; updated April 15, 2026).
• Which grades will receive iPads? All high school students will receive an iPad at the start of the 2026/2027 school year. Rising 9th graders will receive the same iPad they used in 8th grade after a system update and data purge.
• Will students receive keyboards? Yes, the iPad you receive will be in a case with a connected keyboard.
• Will students receive a smart pencil? Yes. Please note there will be a replacement fee if a student loses their smart pencil.
• Will students bring their iPad home? Yes, once the use fee is paid. 
• Will students receive a charger for their iPad? Yes. The expectation is that every student will bring a fully charged iPad to school everyday. 
• What apps will be on the iPads? Teachers and members of the tech department are currently identifying which apps to put on student iPads. Many of the online resources you currently use in classes are available as apps and will not disrupt learning experiences.
• What if my student has a 504 plan or IEP plan accommodation that allows them to use their cellphone during the school day? The school will ensure that your student’s identified need can still be met. Plans that require a cell phone will still be able to use their cell phone. Please reach out to your student’s case manager or their 504 coordinator with any specific questions. 

Beginning August 2026, all students in grades 9–12 will transition from laptops to school-owned iPads. Student use of computers, technology devices, networks, and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Unacceptable use/activity may result in suspension of privileges and/or other disciplinary and/or legal action. The building principal and/or assistant principal shall have final authority to decide whether a student's privileges will be denied or revoked. 

Acceptable Use

Student access to the school's devices, networks, and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school's educational mission, curriculum, and instructional goals. The same rules and expectations govern student use of iPad and other technology devices as with other student conduct and communications. Students are further expected to comply with these rules and all specific instructions from the teacher or other supervising staff member/volunteer when accessing devices, technology devices, networks, and Internet services.

Prohibited Use

The user is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving iPads, technology devices, networks, and Internet services and his/her device files, passwords and accounts. Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include, but are not limited to:

• Accessing inappropriate materials
• Illegal activities
• Violating copyrights
• Harassment
• Plagiarism
• Copying software
• Non-school related uses
• Misuse of passwords/unauthorized access
• Malicious use/vandalism
• Unauthorized access to chat rooms/news groups
• Online translators for world language writing

Family/Caregivers Permission

Through PowerSchool students and their family/caregivers are required to read, sign, and review our technology usage policies before being allowed to use school iPads. 

Read the full Falmouth High School Handbook

The following provisions apply to all students Pre-K through grade 12:

1. Students are not permitted to carry, wear or access personal cell phones, smart watches, or other personal electronic devices (PEDs) during the school day.
2. Upon arrival at school, cell phones, smart watches, and other PEDs must be powered off and stored in accordance with each building’s procedure as stated in the Student & Family Handbook.
3. Cell phones, smart watches, and other PEDs may only be used after dismissal. 
4. Cell phones, smart watches, and other PEDs may be used during bus transportation before and after school.
5. Exceptions to the prohibition on use may be granted for monitoring or management of a health condition in accordance with a health care provider’s order as incorporated into a student’s individual health plan (IHP); implementation of a student’s IEP; a documented Section 504 accommodation for an individual student; or in emergency situations as authorized by staff.