pressing X to doubt that you only help keep information on students that you’re required to by law.

If we were to store private information or data that falls outside the boundaries of the law, we would be subject to arrest for unlawfully retaining children’s data. I want to emphasize to both you and OP that schools are legally obligated to store this information, and that I strongly advise against tampering with a device owned by the school.

uncritical support for surveillance

We are, by law, required to keep this information. However, unlike many other schools, we have a byod policy that allows students to use their own device to essentially bypass this ‘surveillance’.

I work for a school and I provision these types of devices. You do not want to modify or change anything about them, as it probably breaks your acceptable use policy. If they allow you to bring your own device, then do that. But do not change the device they give you in any manner. Just don’t use school property for things you want to be private. It works the exact same way with anything owned by any organization you may work for in the future. They own the device, they set the terms. And your excuse of ‘it does not break policy’ or ‘it is not against the law’ is ridiculous, as policy is intentionally broad for this reason, and the law requires you to not interrupt normal classroom activities. If the school lets you, bring your own device. Otherwise, tough luck, seems like you won’t be able to play your games.