Group+Two

﻿ Dear Faculty and Staff,
= Internet Safety is all about balancing and protecting students with the need to utilize technology to its full potential. It doesn’t make sense that we institute policies that completely restrict students and teachers in regards to the content of their web sites and possibly stifle creativity; however we **__must__** have certain guidelines in place. = = We have to try to teach our students how to utilize technology without abusing technology. They are very computer literate and have to know that there are limitations to what they can do in school and home and also moral boundaries they should not cross. We have to balance all of this in addition to making the internet use innovative and fun. We as a staff have to come up with a way to show the students how to gain our trust and show that they will be safe surfers. As previously discussed, there needs to be frequent monitoring of the computers and technology within the class. There needs to be filters placed on the computer to discourage students from going to inappropriate sites. Teachers (employees of the district) should be allowed to override some filters if related to education if we know how to do it. . = = In planning for the successful use of the internet in our school, we are asking the staff’s input in incorporating a Safe Surfers internet safety program. As a grade level team, develop a themed lesson for internet use. You will have one day off to plan. We will have a school wide launch to bring awareness to internet safety. We will have a school ‘Surf Day” in which we will present grade appropriate internet safety and cyber-bullying seminars to the children. There are games and videos on Internet safety available to help you teach your students about online predators and cyber bullies. This can be done with parents’ permission or on a PTA parent accompaniment night which can also have a surf theme. = = Website references are also provided but there are many you can use on your own. A very good site with lesson plans included is []. In these seminars, we need to stress three main points. = = ***//__Internet safety__//**- how you can use it and the consequences for misuse  ([]) = =***//__Cyberbullying__//**//__-__// [] promoting good cybercitizens = =***//__Internet filtering__//**- Bess filters are designed to block sexually explicit or otherwise objectionable Internet sites before they get on a student's workstation. = = Once the student completes the seminar, they will receive a certificate of completion and a surfboard necklace with their name on it. A great site for certificates is [|http://www.infinitelearninglab.org]. .There are some basic tips to give out to your students prior to allowing them to go online. Create a policy that they sign alongside of your own name. Keep this policy posted aside of the designated computer. Ensure that they only access the Internet with your or another adult’s permission. We are looking forward to receiving your lesson plans and theme ideas. Please contact us if you have any questions or need any more references. = =Your administrative staff =