Technology

We recognize the role technology-based learning experiences provide to students to navigate creative pathways to courageous, compassionate, and fulfilling lives. At Falmouth Public Schools, we are preparing our students to thrive in our digital world while understanding that technology should be thoughtfully and safely utilized (compass point East).

Students and a teacher stand around a augmented reality sandbox learning about topography

Elementary school students show off their passion art projects, with a physical piece of artwork and a video created on an iPad

A student works on editing sound clips from a video on her computer

Falmouth 1:1 Devices

The Falmouth 1:1 device initiative supports the district’s strategic priority areas of curriculum and instruction, social emotional learning, and a connected community. 1:1 device initiatives are school-based any may vary grade-to-grade—FES students in grades K-5 are issued iPads to use during the school year, FMS issues Chromebooks to 6th grade students and MacBooks to 7th and 8th grade students for a $50 a year rental fee, and FHS issues MacBooks to 9-12 grade students for a $100 a year rental fee.

Individual devices allow us to manage the devices and what is accessible during the school day, helps teachers with lesson planning, reduces costs for the District, and ensures each student has a device that will meet statewide and national testing requirements.

What do students need to know about their Falmouth-issued devices?

Students are expected to use their Falmouth-issued devices for all school related activities. Please review your school's Handbook below for additional information.

Technology Change at FMS for 2025-2026 School Year

Starting in August 2025, all FMS students will be issued iPads instead of laptops. All student iPads will have a case with a keyboard and trackpad built into the case.

There are several reasons why iPads were chosen for FMS students. iPads provide a powerful learning platform with a wide variety of educational apps, creative tools, and features that support organization and productivity. They also include built-in assistive technologies to help all students succeed.

By switching to iPads, all students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will have the same type of device, creating a more consistent and streamlined experience for everyone. This change will also help our school manage devices more effectively and ensure technology is being used in a safe and focused way. Also, iPads are more cost effective than laptops, which is more financially sustainable for our school district.

iPad FAQs

When is this change happening?

What grades will have iPads?

Why is FMS switching to iPads?

There are several reasons why iPads were chosen for FMS students.

iPads provide a powerful learning platform with a wide variety of educational apps, creative tools, and features that support organization and productivity. They also include built-in assistive technologies to help all students succeed.
By switching to iPads, all students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will have the same type of device, creating a more consistent and streamlined experience for everyone.
This change helps our school manage devices more effectively and ensures technology is being used in a safe and focused way.
iPads are more cost effective than laptops, which is more financially sustainable for our school district.

How will students complete school work on iPads?

When will we learn more about the iPad rollout?

Will the iPads have a keyboard?

Falmouth Elementary School

Students in grades K-5 will be issued iPads to use during the school year.

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.

Read the full Falmouth Elementary School Handbook

Falmouth Middle School

Students in grade 6 will be issued Chromebooks to use during the school year, and students in grades 7 and 8 will be issued Macbooks. 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 Acceptable Use of Laptops Form before students are allowed to bring their laptops home. Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to review the MLTI Laptop slide presentation.

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 (i.e SnapChat, Instagram, TikTok, etc).

Prohibited Use

Students are responsible for their actions and activities involving school computers, networks, and Internet services and for their computer 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 computers, 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 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 laptops outside of the state of Maine.

School Vacations

Students will leave their laptops 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 computers.

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

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 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.

Read the full Falmouth Middle School Handbook

Falmouth High School

Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, all 9th grade students will be issued a school-owned MacBook, with the goal of moving to school-issued devices being provided for all FHS students over the next few years. 10th, 11th, and 12th graders are encouraged to rent laptops from the school as well. See why we are moving to 1-1 devices at the high school. 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 computers, 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 computers 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 computers, technology devices, networks, and Internet services.

Prohibited Use

The user is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving computers, technology devices, networks, and Internet services and his/her computer 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 computers. Policies also guide how students, using personally owned computers and technology devices must follow procedures when using them from home. A complete copy of the policy and guidelines of the Falmouth School Department Policy (IJNDB) is available online.

Read the full Falmouth High School Handbook

Artificial Intelligence & Academic Integrity

Falmouth Public Schools recognizes the opportunities that Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers our students. However, we maintain that students must uphold academic integrity in their schoolwork. Using AI unethically or without expressed and clear permission from the teacher is an improper use of AI in school and not allowed in Falmouth.

Examples of improper use of AI may include:

Using generative AI tools on assessments or to complete assignments without expressed and clear permission from the teacher.
Copying AI-generated content and turning it in as your own work.
Using AI to misrepresent your abilities or turning in AI-generated work without personal understanding of the assignment.

Cell Phone and SmartWatch Protocols by Building

Falmouth Elementary School

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.

Falmouth Middle School

Student cell phone and Smartwatch use is not allowed on buses, on field trips, or during school between 7:30AM-2:30PM. If students need to bring a cell phone or smartwatch 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 phone or smartwatch 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.

Falmouth High School

Cell phones are not allowed to be used during class times and should be silenced during classes and put in the cell phone holders provided in the classroom. A student’s phone may be confiscated if it is seen or used during inappropriate times or when classes are interrupted. Searches involving electronic devices can legitimately be done if administration has reason to suspect that the device contains evidence that the student violated the law or school rules.

Falmouth High School conducted a survey in September of 2024 and a community discussion in October 2024 on the new cell phone guidelines. We encourage you to review the findings from the survey and the overview from the community discussion.

Board Policies

IJNDB - Student Technology and Associated Technology Services Usage

IJNDB-R Student Computer and Internet Use Rules

Resources for Parents/Guardians

Media and Children

What pediatricians, parents can do to mitigate harm from negative media messages

Media use for 5 to 18 year olds

8 tips for parents and kids on social media use—from the U.S. surgeon general

Teens online and social media use

Cellphones and Devices: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Parenting, Media, and Everything in Between