Group+Four

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This letter has been drafted to explain ideas and beliefs on how to provide safe access to technology and Internet usage without jeopardizing the safety of our faculty, staff, and students. We hope to provide information, guidance, guidelines, and resources on topics relating to, but not limited to, appropriate usage, cyberbullying, social networks, and filtering. When digital technologies are used appropriately, they can be a powerful resource for teaching and learning in any given school setting. If these resources are not used appropriately, they can cause behavioral, emotional, and even legal problems for the students, staff, and the school itself.======

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When using the Internet, email systems, and digital technologies, all users must comply with all relevant legislation on copyright, property theft, libel, fraud, discrimination and obscenity. All school staff are expected to communicate in a professional manner consistent with the rules of behavior governing employees in the public sector. All users should be aware that network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that all stakeholders are using the system responsibly and legally. While normal privacy is respected and protected by password controls, users may not expect files and messages stored on publicly-funded networks to be private. Let's ensure that we model and practice appropriate usage at all times. ======

We understand that using online learning with students can be slightly intimidating with all of the issues of internet safety and cyberbullying. We have created a list of five tips for you to use when using computer technology with your students.
 * 1) ====== Inform the students of the dangers and consequences of improper internet usage by having them sign the RPS internet code of conduct. ======
 * 2) ====== Be aware of proxies that allow students to bypass RPS internet filters. ======
 * 3) ====== Always keep computer screens easily visible to monitor what sites your students are accessing. ======
 * 4) ====== Never leave students on computers unattended. ======
 * 5) ====== Create lesson plans that are engaging and don’t allow students time to get off task while using the computers. ======

One way our school plans to support our teachers and students in the proper usage of technology is to provide training. Our media specialist and classroom teachers will be required to complete specific lessons that support proper Internet usages. Topics that will be covered in these lessons will include Internet safety, cyberbullying, social networking, and appropriate usage of school and home technology. Each lesson will be age appropriate and include activities to support each topic.

__Social Networking__ Social Networking is the use of a website to connect with people who share common interests and/or backgrounds.
 * //Be Aware: Important Technology Terms//**

It is important that schools reflect society today and we live in an incredibly social world. We need to teach students how to effectively interact and collaborate with the people around them. Social networking sites have great academic benefits that are rarely utilized. It allows people to come together around an idea or topic without having to be in the same place at the same time. Teaching students how to appropriately and responsibly use social networking will influence them to make better choices when using such sites in their personal lives.

__Cyberbullying__ Cyberbullying can involve the following: Cyberbullying can occur through the following methods: emails, instant messaging, text or digital messages sent on cell phones, social networking sites, webpages, blogs, and chat rooms.
 * Sending mean, vulgar, or threatening messages or images
 * Posting sensitive, private information and/or lies about another person
 * Pretending to be someone else in order to make that person look bad

Cyberbullying is something that needs to be constantly discussed with students. They need to be clear that it is not tolerated inside or outside of the school building. The lessons planned to support acceptable use of technology is just one piece of the puzzle. Teachers need to be aware of how the students are using technology in their classrooms. Each teacher will be expected to provide a way for students to communicate with them if a situation were to occur.


 * Assistance is Needed**

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In addition, we are asking for volunteers to form a committee in order to create a student internet code of conduct. This code of conduct will contain clear "do’s and don’ts" of internet usage with recommended punishments for violation of the policies within the code. This committee will include teachers, parents, students and computer specialists from the district. We want to be leaders for the district and provide a strong example to follow by being proactive with the issue of cyberbullying and internet usage. ======