We are pleased to offer students access to a computer network for electronic mail and access to the Internet. To gain access to e-mail and the Internet, all students must obtain parental permission as verified by the signatures on the form below. Should a parent prefer that a student not have e-mail and Internet access, use of the computers is still possible for more traditional purposes such as word processing.
What are the rules?
Privacy - Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review communications to maintain system integrity and will insure that students are using the system responsibly.
Storage capacity - Users are expected to remain within allocated disk space and delete e-mail or other material which takes up excessive storage space.
Illegal copying - Students should never download or install any commercial software, shareware, or freeware onto network drives or disks, unless they have written permission from the Network Administrator. Nor should students copy other people's work or intrude into other people's file.
Inappropriate materials or language - No profane, abusive or impolite language should be used to communicate nor should materials be accessed which are not in line with the rules of school behavior. A good rule to follow is never view, send, or access materials which you would not want your teachers and parents to see. Should students encounter such material by accident, they should report it their teacher immediately.
Rules of appropriate use. These are guidelines to follow to prevent the loss of computer privileges at school:
1.Do not use a computer to harm other people or their work.
2. Do not damage the computer or the network in any way.
3. Do not interfere with the operation of the network by installing illegal software, shareware, or freeware.
4. Do not violate copyright laws.
5. Do not view, send, or display offensive messages or pictures.
6. Do not share your password with another person.
7. Do not waste limited resources such as disk space or printing capacity.
8. Do not trespass in others' folders, work, or files.
9. Do not notify an adult immediately, if by accident, you encounter materials which violate the rules of appropriate use.
10. Do not remove any parts from the computer.
Be prepared to be held accountable for your actions and for the loss of privileges if the Rules of Appropriate Use are violated.
The Lawson Academy realizes that part of 21st century learning is adapting to the changing methods of communication. The importance of teachers, students and parents engaging, collaborating, learning, and sharing in these digital environments is a part of of 21st century learning. To this aim, The Lawson Academy has developed the following guideline to provide direction for instructional employees, students and the school district community when participating in online social media activities. Whether or not an employee chooses to participate in a blog, wiki, online social network or any other form of online publishing or discussion it is his or her own decision. Free speech protects educators who want to participate in social media, but the laws and courts have ruled that schools can discipline teachers if their speech, including online postings, disrupts school operations. The Lawson Academy social media guidelines encourage employees to participate in online social activities. But it is important to create an atmosphere of trust and individual accountability, keeping in mind that information produced by The Lawson Academy teachers and students is a reflection on the entire district and is subject to the district's Acceptable Use Policy. By accessing, creating or contributing to any blogs, wikis, or other social media for classroom or district use, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Please read them carefully before posting or commenting on any blog or creating any classroom blog, wiki and/or podcast.
Social Media Guidelines for Students
Be aware of what you post online. Social media venues including wikis, blogs, photo and video sharing sites are very public. What you contribute leaves a digital footprint for all to see. Do not post anything you wouldn't want friends, enemies, parents, teachers, or a future employer to see.
Follow the school's code of conduct when writing online. It is acceptable to disagree with someone else's opinions, however, do it in a respectful way. Make sure that criticism is constructive and not hurtful. What is inappropriate in the classroom is inappropriate online.
Students should not 'friend' faculty or staff and faculty should also not accept student 'friending'.
Be safe online. Never give out personal information, including, but not limited to, last names, phone numbers, addresses, exact birthdates, and pictures. Do not share your password with anyone besides your teachers and parents.
Linking to other websites to support your thoughts and ideas is recommended. However, be sure to read the entire article prior to linking to ensure that all information is appropriate for a school setting.
Do your own work! Do not use other people's intellectual property without their permission. It is a violation of copyright law to copy and paste other's thoughts. When paraphrasing another's idea(s) be sure to cite your source with the URL. It is good practice to hyperlink to your sources.
Be aware that pictures may also be protected under copyright laws. Verify you have permission to use the image or it is under Creative Commons attribution.
How you represent yourself online is an extension of yourself. Do not misrepresent yourself by using someone else's identity.
Blog and wiki posts should be well written. Follow writing conventions including proper grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. If you edit someone else's work be sure it is in the spirit of improving the writing.
If you run across inappropriate material that makes you feel uncomfortable, or is not respectful, tell your teacher right away.
Students who do not abide by these terms and conditions may lose their opportunity to take part in the project and/or access to future use of online tools.
Parent Social Media Guidelines
Classroom blogs and other social media are powerful tools that open up communication between students, parents, and teachers. This kind of communication and collaboration can have a huge impact on learning. The Lawson Academy encourages parents to view and participate by adding comments to classroom projects when appropriate.
Parents are required to adhere to the following guidelines:
Parents should expect communication from teachers prior to their child's involvement in any project using online social media applications, i.e., blogs, wikis, podcast, etc.
Parents will need to sign a release form for students when teachers set up social media activities for classroom use.
Parents will not attempt to destroy or harm any information online.
Parents will not use classroom social media sites for any illegal activity, including violation of data privacy laws.
Parents are highly encouraged to read and/or participate in social media projects.
Parents should not distribute any information that might be deemed personal about other students participating in the social media project.
Parents should not upload or include any information that does not also meet the Student Guidelines.