Our technology vision is rooted in purpose, clarity, and sustainability. We aim to cultivate a safe digital environment that enhances learning, simplifies operations, and empowers both educators and students through intentional and strategic use of technology.
Ensuring Consistency and Success with Technology at Willows Prep
At Willows Preparatory School, we aim to create a consistent, reliable, and secure digital learning environment for all students. To support collaboration, productivity, and access to learning tools, all student devices must integrate smoothly with our Microsoft 365 tenant infrastructure.
For the 2025 – 2026 School Year:
Grades 5–6: Families purchase a managed device through the school to ensure proper setup, software management and security.
Grades 7–12: Families purchase a personal device that meets the specifications listed below.
Device Minimum Requirements:
Operating System Microsoft Windows 11 Pro.
Processor AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel Core i5.
Memory (RAM) 8 GB minimum.
Storage 256 GB SSD.
Connectivity Wi-Fi enabled.
Screen 13.3-inch touchscreen.
Stylus Recommended.
Software Antivirus software; Microsoft applications provided through WPS M365.
We appreciate your partnership in supporting a consistent and secure learning environment for our community.
This Responsible Technology Use Policy outlines the guidelines and expectations for the appropriate and ethical use of technology within our middle and high school community. It is designed to promote responsible and safe digital citizenship while maximizing the educational benefits of technology.
General Guidelines
Digital Citizenship: All members of the school community are expected to uphold high standards of digital citizenship. This includes demonstrating respect, empathy, and kindness in online interactions, and understanding the impact of their digital footprint.
Personal Responsibility: Students are responsible for their own actions. Respect the privacy and property of others and use technology in a manner that is productive and respectful.
Appropriate Content: Students must not access, create, share, or distribute inappropriate, offensive, or illegal content. This includes but is not limited to explicit material, hate speech, cyber bullying, and plagiarism.
Respect for Others: Online communication should be conducted with the same level of respect as face-to-face interactions. Treat others’ ideas and opinions with respect, even in disagreement. This respect extends to privacy and identity.
Cyberbullying and Harassment: Cyberbullying, harassment, or any form of intimidation online is strictly prohibited. Report any instances of such behavior to WPS staff immediately.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) use: AI programs such as, but not limited to, Copilot, ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity.ai should not be used to generate answers for classwork, assignments, projects or tests unless directed by the class teacher. Plagiarism performed intentionally or unintentionally using AI will not be tolerated.
Willows Prep reserves the right to use security software (Securly Filter, Securly Home, Securly Classroom, Securly Aware) to protect the safety and well-being of our students and the integrity of data and device use on the school network.
The Digital Citizenship at WPS presentation made to grades 5 and 6 discusses what digital citizenship means at WPS and why we monitor technology use.
This presentation is designed to promote a partnership between the technology department and students and remind them that their choices affect other people in our community. Monitoring is not about spying, but rather about safety, fairness and consistency and keeping our school infrastructure systems running. Students and families can reach out to ask questions using tech@willowsprep.com, students must include another adult when emailing, this can be a family member, their advisor or classroom teacher.
The presentation reminds students of the agreements they signed at the beginning of the school year, and that by using technology at school they agree to the policies. The presentation also explains consequences for breaking the Student Agreement.
Important points include:
Devices must be connected to the school WiFi during class times.
Students must not use VPNs at school.
Students must not use mobile Hotspots at school.
Technology tools including BYOD and school managed devices are to be used for academic purposes only. While on school grounds, student technology tools must only be connected to the student Wi-Fi, when applicable.
To support safe and focused learning, the school uses Securly Filter and Securly Classroom for students in Grades 5 and 6.
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Securly Filter blocks or allows websites based on their appropriateness for learning activities.
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Securly Classroom enables teachers to monitor student device use during class to help keep students on task.
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When devices are off campus, families can manage and adjust their student’s internet access through Securly Home.
In addition, all devices connected to the school network are subject to filtering provided by our network firewall. This provides an extra layer of protection and is especially beneficial for students in Grades 7–12 as these devices are not filtered using Securly.
Students may use laptops, calculators, and other teacher approved devices for coursework during school hours. Cell phone and smart watch specifics are outlined below.
Artificial intelligence programs are a tool that can be used to generate ideas and boost creativity and should only be used as directed by the class teacher. They are not a replacement for student effort and work.
Students and their parents or caregivers are required to sign agreements for Technology and Internet Use. Violations of these agreements or the technology use policy will result in a verbal warning, then confiscation of the device for the class period or until the end of day. Repeated violations will result in parent/guardian/caregiver involvement and potential loss of technology privileges at school.
Cell phones are to be off or silenced and, in a backpack, or locker during class, smart watches are to be in “Schooltime” mode, unless approved by the classroom teacher.
Cell phones may be accessed during “free time” which are passing periods, lunch, and recess. If the phone use is disruptive, or inappropriate, we reserve the right to require the student put the phone away.
The cell phone owner may not share their device or give another student access to their phone or any content within.
Students must respect privacy and not use cell phones to record or take pictures/videos without permission.
Specific guidelines will be provided for cell phone and smart watch usage on field trips, overnights, and extracurricular activities. Please know that some field trips and overnight venues have their own policy that we must adhere to as guests.
Violations of this policy will result in a verbal warning, then confiscation of the phone or smart watch until the end of day. Repeated violations will result in parent/guardian/caregiver involvement and potential loss of privileges at school.
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