On Wednesday, January 4, 2012 I met with all of the students in the Middle/High School to discuss the use of our school network now that we have opened it up to a wider array of websites. During the presentation I reviewed our Acceptable Use Policy which states in part:
The Internet is available for all students in the Rockport Public Schools (RPS). RPS Strongly believes in the Internet is available for all students in the Rockport Public Schools (RPS). RPS Strongly believes in the educational value of the Internet, and sees the potential of the Internet to support the curriculum and student learning and in this way to support its educational mission. Use of the Internet has been established at RPS for educational purposes only, not as a public access service, a public forum, for commercial use or for political lobbying. Internet access for students is provided to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.
With this in mind we discussed the use of computers here at school, interactions between students, the use of internet ready devices, and reviewed proper Internet etiquette, digital citizenship, school and student responsibilities. At the meeting I shared a Power Point presentation with the students and made public an email I had sent to the staff regarding our network.
Both of these are available at http://teacherweb.com/MA/RockportHighSchool/SchoolHomePage/photo7.aspx
I hope this will help as we work with students to become and remain responsible digital citizens.
