W̱SÁNEĆ School Board provides the opportunity for students to access online communications through the Internet. Students and parents must agree to the appropriate use of the network as per the Internet/WAN Acceptable Use Policy (attached) and provide consent for access.
To support the development of responsibility, the school will strive to establish and maintain shared expectations around online etiquette and the ethical use of computer communications. As in other areas, open communication between parents and students about the Internet, personal safety, and personal ethics is vital in building responsibility.
Teachers will occasionally monitor students’ use of the school’s online infrastructure to ensure appropriate use. Students who deliberately use their internet access in a way that is contrary to the Acceptable Use Policy will face disciplinary action and loss of computer privileges.
Parent/Guardian Consent for Online Communications Access (Acceptable Use Policy Excerpt) Preamble:
The Purpose of this policy is to set expectations for ethical and appropriate use of the internet and the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board Wide Area Network by staff and students. This policy also indicates consequences for improper use. These consequences are not identical for the various user groups, but are consistent with the type of user:
Policy Statement:
All computers connected to the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board’s network are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner.
Guiding Principles:
1) All students and staff access to the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board online communication is governed by the Internet/WAN Acceptable Use Policy.
2) The W̱SÁNEĆ School Board computer storage facilities shall be treated like other storage facilities, such as desks, file cabinets, and lockers provided by the W’SANEC School Board for employees and students.
3) Staff and student access to online information and communication is a necessary part of education. All W̱SÁNEĆ School Board users benefit from equitable access to the World Wide Web in an inclusive environment through extended learning opportunities and awareness of and access to a global perspective.
4) Online communications access for students should be developed and operate in a collaborative learning environment, in supervised contexts and should be accompanied by instruction and high expectations about safety, ethics, etiquette and appropriateness of material.
5) Parents must give their informed consent before elementary and middle school students are permitted online communications access which can potentially allow exposure to resources that would be approved using the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board’s criteria for selection. Parents may request that their students not have access to the Internet.
6) Provision of online communications access outside of the school setting is the responsibility of students and their parents.
7) Consequences for inappropriate use are outlined in the Administrative Procedures and will be consistent with other disciplinary procedures within the Board.
Administrative Procedures:
1. Purposes
a) The W̱SÁNEĆ School Board Network’s primary function is to enhance educational opportunities at WSB facilities.
b) The W̱SÁNEĆ School Board’s Network is maintained to facilitate communication among staff, students and the community.
2. W̱SÁNEĆ School Board Rights - The W̱SÁNEĆ School Board has the right to restrict of terminate network access at any time for any reason. The W̱SÁNEĆ School Board further has the right to monitor any network activity in order to maintain both the operation and appropriate function of the information network.