Important Technology Updates for TK-5 Families and Students

Dear SRCS TK-5 Families,

As we head into the new school year, we want to bring to your attention some important technology-related updates and reminders regarding personal digital devices, Chromebooks and responsible technology use. 

Digital Devices from Home Policy (TK-5)
Below you will find our policy on personal digital devices; we believe these guidelines will help us create the best learning environment for our students. Thank you for your understanding and support!

Digital devices, such as cell phones, smartwatches, gizmos, etc. are devices that can text, make phone calls, play games and record sounds/videos. These digital devices interfere with the learning environment. To create a safe learning environment and prepare students for the device-free middle school experience, it is expected that any device brought to school must be turned off and stored in the student's backpack.

If a student brings a digital device to school, the following policy will be enforced.

• First time: verbal warning to student with the device returned to the backpack and off; parent phone call
• Second time and thereafter: device will be confiscated and kept in the office; parent must pick up the device after school

When a school official reasonably suspects that a search of a student's mobile communication device will turn up evidence of the student's violation of the law or school rules, such a search shall be conducted in accordance with BP/AR 5145.12 - Search and Seizure.

Per Education Code 48901.5, 48901.7, “if there are extenuating circumstances and the student requires a device for some reason, there is a formal process that must be completed in partnership with the school principal.” Students will not be prohibited from possessing or using a mobile communication device under any of the following circumstances: 

1. In the case of an emergency, or in response to a perceived threat of danger
2. When a teacher or administrator grants permission to the student to possess or use a mobile communication device, subject to any reasonable limitation imposed by that teacher or administrator
3. When a licensed physician or surgeon determines that the possession or use is necessary for a documented medical need 
4. When the possession or use is required by the student's special education individualized education program

Smartphones and other mobile communication devices shall not be used in any manner which infringes on the privacy rights of any other person.

The school will not be held responsible for loss or damage to any electronic device as per California Education Code 48901.5. As a reminder, the school is not responsible for stolen property. Please make sure your child leaves valuables at home.

Student Chromebook Changes
For the upcoming 2025-26 year, incoming fifth graders that currently have a Chromebook checked out should bring the device and the power cord (charger) back to school with them this week. They will then be unassigned from individual students, and become Classroom Chromebooks, as we now have Chromebook carts in fifth grade classrooms. All students will have access to the Chromebooks via the cart as needed during the school day. A teacher has the discretion to allow a student or the class to bring home a Chromebook for use at home, if necessary. When students start sixth grade, they will be assigned a Chromebook. 

2025 Back-to-School Forms In Aeries
Thank you to those who have completed the Back-to-School Forms (Data Confirmation Process) in the Aeries Parent Portal! 

If you haven't, please do so right away to ensure that your student and emergency contact information is as accurate and current as possible. Login to the TK-8 Aeries Parent Portal and you'll be prompted to begin. As you go through each section, look for the "Confirm and Continue" button in the sidebar. If you complete it on a computer, there may be some pages where you will need to zoom out to make the text smaller so you can see all the content. Learn more. 

Responsible Use Agreements
Through the data confirmation process in Aeries, parents agree to the Student Technology Use Agreement, which applies to TK-12 grade students. 

We also want to share a related document, our Technology Responsible Use Agreements designed for SRCS elementary students. It covers three main areas: responsible use, safety and respectful use. While there is no required action for this document, we recommend students review it to better understand the responsibility that comes with the use of a school device.  

Thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring a safe and productive learning experience for all students. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your school office.

Sincerely,

Carmen Diaz Ghysels

Superintendent 

San Rafael City Schools www.srcs.org  |  communications@srcs.org 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 9490