n a year beset with various changes and new additions to student lives in FCPS many students are regarding the recent WiFi network switch as simply another dictatorial adjustment by the school system. Some, in fact, believe that it is an effort by FCPS to be able to view what students are doing on their phones. The reality, however, seems to be that no such effort will take place, simply because FCPS doesn’t have the time to do such things.

“I really don’t think they’re watching what students do on their phones,” business teacher Eileen Fox said. “They just don’t have the time.”

LB students have echoed this sentiment, agreeing that the school system doesn’t really have any motivation to constantly check up on students. Some have even added that the surveillance feature might not be a bad thing.

“I seriously don’t think that FCPS has the time, nor the desire, nor the money to look at what we’re doing on our phones,” junior Michael Rivera said.

However, despite the reassurances proving otherwise, students can’t shake off the idea that FCPS is invading their privacy. While FCPS may not have sufficient motivation to check up on student activities, the fact that they have the power to scares many students. For example, the terms and conditions of the new WiFi states: “Activities on the FCPS network may be subject to discovery under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). FCPS reserves the right to monitor and investigate all devices and activities on the FCPS network.”

In addition to this, despite these attempts by FCPS to expedite the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) process, some are still having difficulties connecting to the network. For example, Android users need to have a passcode on their phone in order to download the app necessary to connect to the network.

“I have an Android phone, so I haven’t gotten the app,” junior Kobe Jones said. “Plus, I’m pretty sure the school is able to go into all my files and look at everything I’m doing.”
Despite these uncertainties, however, many students and teachers alike believe that the new network is a positive step. They believe that FCPS is looking towards the future and embracing new technology as well as helping students who use the WiFi in positive ways before, during and after school.

“I do think that this was a worthwhile investment by FCPS,” Fox said. “It will also impact how much we spend on technology down the road.”