The Technology Policies We Need Now and Why Tina-Avalon R-2 School Created by: Ronda Rucker, Librarian Susan Rucker, Business Teacher

Districts Mission and Goals “We believe there are individual differences in children and that adequate provision must be made for a wide variety of activities that will develop the many different talents of the students.”

Policies Currently in Place Each year all users are expected to review the school network policies for acceptable use of technology and/or property. Student handbook is also posted on the school website in order to review school policy school website

Student Handbook “The use of any computer is a privilege, not a right.” Consequences Contract

Educational Benefits of the Internet and its Value as a Classroom Resource Research View lessons, notes, grades from class View instructor websites/school website Educational sites Interactive SMART Board technology

Rapid Growth of the Internet The internet stores a large variety of information today and is an easy form of communication with faculty, staff, students and parents. Educational sites with science, math, SMART board and typing

Student Privileges Students may have access to the internet for educational purposes. Cell phones should be turned off and stored in student lockers until they are ready to leave the building. Students may use the printers to print educational material. All other information printed will cost $.10.

Netiquette Students do not visit inappropriate sites. When such a site is accessed students should get off the site and report it to an instructor and not share it with their friends.

Code of Conduct Students need to treat information on the internet like they would information at the mall. There are some things best ignored and forgotten, we can't stop it from happening, but we can deal with it appropriately.

Responsible Behaviour and Expectations Students should follow teachers instructions while on the computer. Only visit sites designated by the instructor. View appropriate before and after school only. Cell phones should only be used before and after school.

Unacceptable Activities Sharing inappropriate sites with other students. Cell phones anywhere but in the students locker. Students are not allowed to download or install any programs without permission! Viewing and forwarding inappropriate e- mails on school computers. No instant messaging

Consequences First offense: Lose computer privileges for 2 weeks A parent-pupil-school conference In-school suspension or up to 180 days out of school suspension Second offense: Parent-pupil-school conference Up to 180 days out of school suspension or expulsion

Contract Parents are required to sign a contract that they read and agree to the rules and regulations in the student handbook at the beginning of each year. Gives school proof that the parent/child had prior knowledge of consequences for inappropriate use of technology.

Needed Policy We would like to see the board adopt a school policy that would allow the use of student pictures with no names to be allowed on the school website.

Reasons for Change It is often requested by parents and students to see school pictures on the internet because they see other school are doing this. It is a fact that students love to see their pictures on the internet. That is one of the reasons they use MySpace and FaceBook. Posting organizational and team pictures would be great to show that our students are active and involved in our school. Students would be more apt to visit the school website therefore viewing other important information.

In Conclusion Overall, we are very satisfied with school policy in regards to technology and/or property. However, we think it would be great to allow appropriate pictures of organizations, teams and unique individual pictures to be placed on the internet with parental permission. (ie. Catching a fly ball, dunking a basket, state officers)

Resources Tina-Avalon Student Handbook Stay Safe On-line nistrators-and-policymakers nistrators-and-policymakers