Internet User Policy

The Scotia-Glenville Central School District provides students and staff (users) with access to the Internet as a learning tool. This electronic communications network gives users an opportunity to explore a diverse and unique pool of information.

Utilizing this network in a school setting allows users of all ages to research information related to their classes, participate in innovative educational projects, and develop personal skills needed to communicate with others in the global community.

An instructional tool

The students and staff utilize the Internet as an instructional tool in grades K-12. The following list highlights examples of the current Internet usage in our schools:

• Searching for information to support research projects for classes
• Collecting and analyzing information for exchanges with other classes
• Evaluating web sites for accuracy of content and bias
• Utilizing interactive simulations
• Participating in enrichment activities
• Researching current events and developments

The staff guides and supports students in developing skills and behaviors needed to properly use the Internet. In addition to staff supervision, the school district network is equipped with software directed at preventing students from accessing illegal, defamatory, or potentially offensive resources.

However, the content of the Internet changes on a daily basis and, even with these safeguards, by chance or determination a user may be exposed to inaccurate or inappropriate information.

Students, parents/guardians, staff, and administrators must form a partnership to promote responsible educational use of the Internet. Federal and State laws as well as Scotia-Glenville Board of Education policies outline the responsibility and govern the appropriate use of the Internet and the school district network. Scotia-Glenville staff will teach and clarify appropriate use standards to students.

Abuse of the internet

If a student violates acceptable use of the Internet by engaging in any of the following actions, he or she will face the consequences as outlined in the District Code of Conduct.

• Sending or receiving offensive language or graphics
• Violating copyright laws
• Utilizing another user’s password
• Attempting to harm or destroy the equipment or data of any user or organization
• Posting defamatory or slanderous statements
• Engaging in unauthorized access of data or transfer of files
• Using Internet access for non-educational purposes.

Internet access is an important privilege to aid in the educational process and to help prepare our students for their roles in the 21st century. It is our intention to provide this access for all of our students unless parents or guardians indicate that they would rather their children not have this opportunity. In that case, please send to the principal a short letter indicating that your child should not have Internet access during this school year.

Please review this correspondence with your child. Thank you for helping to effectively extend our school-community partnership into the area of technology and the Internet.