VITAL Code of Conduct
Student Code of Conduct (Acceptable Use Policy)
Internet access
is required for all VITAL students, but access must be used in a
responsible, safe, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. With expanded
access to electronic information, availability of inappropriate material
is not uncommon. Content on computers in schools is filtered but
students may access content via other devices and off campus that is not
filtered. It is impossible to control such misuses, but with
responsible use, the benefits of the Internet as an educational tool
outweigh the negatives. We consider parents our partners in teaching
responsible Internet use.
Please review the following VITAL expectations carefully:
- Students
are responsible for good behavior on all school and provider networks.
Computers should always be used in a way that shows consideration and
respect. It is illegal to use obscene, profane, threatening, or
disrespectful language.
- We
take integrity and authenticity of student work very seriously. Do not
cut, copy, or plagiarize Internet content or the work of your online
classmates. VITAL instructors do utilize technologies to check for
authenticity. Copying, knowingly allowing others to copy from you,
and/or misusing Internet content could result in removal from our
courses.
- It is illegal to create harmful computer viruses.
- Email is
not private. Never say anything via email that you wouldn't mind seeing
on the school bulletin board or in the local newspaper.
- Beware of
emails from anyone, particularly adults you don’t know, asking for
personal information, attempting to arrange meetings, or engaging in
personal contact. Alert your teacher of any message you receive that is
inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.
- Email with
your online classmates should be course-related. It is prohibited to
send unsolicited email to your online classmates.
- Email
addresses that use profanity or may be construed as offensive, shall not
be permitted for VITAL correspondence. VITAL administration reserves
the right to determine if student email addresses are inappropriate.
When necessary, students will be asked to use an alternative email
address or be refused for participation in VITAL courses.
- Protect your password. Keep it secret from anyone except your parents.
- VITAL is not responsible for any phone charges, line costs or usage fees for connectivity to the Internet.
VITAL and
Putnam County Schools administrators will cooperate fully with local,
state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal
activities conducted through Internet access. In the event there is a
claim that you have violated this policy, you will be provided with
notice of the suspected violation and have an opportunity to present an
explanation. Any violations may result in removal from VITAL course(s),
as well as other disciplinary or legal action.
Bullying & Harassment
It
is an expectation that all VITAL students and employees shall use all
equipment and programs for the intended educational purpose. VITAL is
committed to protecting its students and employees from bullying,
harassment or inappropriate uses of VITAL computers or programs to
participate in bullying behavior. Bullying and Harassmentwill not be
tolerated and shall be just cause for disciplinary action.
Conduct that constitutes bullying or harassment, as defined herein, is prohibited.
Bullying,
harassment, cyberstalking is defined as inflicting physical or
psychological distress, communicating words, images or language using
electronic mail or social media that causes emotional distress and for
which there is no legitimate purpose.
Any action by a student or parent deemed inappropriate will be fully investigated by the appropriate school administrator.
Consequences
for students for actions that violate the policy on bullying and
harassment shall be determined by the administrative staff of VITAL and
may include:
- Student/teacher/parent conference
- Suspension of email privileges
- Removal from access to VITAL courses/Expulsion (TCA? 49-6-3401)
If you experience bullying or harassment in any form, please contact your Onsite Facilitator for assistance. | | |
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