K-6 Policy
Admission to the First Year of School
Children who will be five years of age as of August 31st of any school year shall attend the first year of school in the fall of that year unless both school officials and parents agree that in the best interest of the child, s/he should remain out of school until the following year.
Attendance
Regular daily attendance and punctuality are essential for the continuous progress of your child in school. A child is expected to attend school regularly unless s/he is ill. Illness, contagious disease, death in the immediate family, hazardous road conditions, and exceptionally urgent situations affecting the child are the only reasons for excusable absence from school. For your child's safety, please notify the school office personnel prior to any school absence. When the child returns to school, he/she must bring an absence excuse with him/her.
A child arriving late to school is expected to present a note of explanation from his/her parents. If a child is absent, we request that parents call the school.
Arizona Attendance Requirements: Arizona Law Absence reporting requirements for kindergarten students (Including TAPBI, excluding homebound)
For students enrolled in kindergarten, a full day of attendance is a day in which a student attends more than three-quarters of the instructional time for the day. If the total instruction time scheduled for the year is at least 346 but less than 692 hours, attendance for at least three quarters of the day should be counted as one-half day of attendance. If the instructional time scheduled for the year is at least 692 hours, a full day of attendance may be counted as one-half of the instructional time scheduled for the day. A.R.S. § 15-901(A)(6)(a)(i)
• Kindergarten students are considered either to be present or absent for a full day. Incremental absences in proportions that are less than a kindergarten student’s full time equivalency are not allowed.
• Record a kindergarten student who is enrolled in a program with total instruction time between 346 and 692 hours for the year as absent if he/she is in attendance for less than three–quarters of the instructional time scheduled for the day.
• If the total instructional time for the year is 692 hours or more, a student is counted as absent if he/she attends less than half the instructional time scheduled for the day.
Example 1
• Student A is enrolled in a kindergarten program that is scheduled to include 360 instructional hours over the course of the school year. (A half day program.)
• Two hours of instruction are scheduled for a particular day.
• If Student A attends for at least one hour and 30 minutes of the two hours of instruction scheduled for the day, he is considered to be in attendance for the full day and no absences are reported.
• If Student A attends for less than one hour and 30 minutes of the two hours of instruction scheduled for the day, he is considered to be absent for the full day and an absence in the amount of 0.50 must be reported.
Note: The reported amount of a daily absence may not exceed a student’s full time equivalency. In this case, Student A is enrolled in a half- day kindergarten program and has an FTE of 0.50.
Example 2
• Student B is enrolled in a kindergarten program with total instruction time of 720 instructional hours over the course of the school year. (A full day program.)
• Four hours of instruction are scheduled for a particular day.
• If Student B attends for at least two hours of the four hours of instruction scheduled for the day, she is considered to be in attendance for the full day and no absences are reported.
• If Student B attends for less than two hours of the four hours of instruction scheduled for the day, she is considered to be absent for the full day and an absence in the amount of 1.00 must be reported.
Absence reporting requirements for students in grades 1–8 (Including TAPBI, excluding homebound)
For students enrolled in first through eighth grade or an ungraded program, daily attendance is a day in which a student attends more than three-quarters of the instructional time scheduled for the day. The attendance of a pupil at three-quarters or less of the instructional time scheduled for the day shall be counted as follows:
A. If attendance for all pupils in the school is based on quarter days, the attendance of a pupil shall be counted as one-fourth of a day's attendance for each one-fourth of full–time instructional time attended.
• Attendance for more than 75% of the instructional time scheduled for the day is counted as a full day of attendance and no absence is reported.
• Attendance for 75% of the instructional time scheduled for the day is counted as three–fourths of a day’s attendance and a quarter day (0.25) absence is reported.
• Attendance for at least 50% but less than 75% of the instructional time scheduled for the day is counted as a half day of attendance and a half day (0.50) of absence is reported.
• Attendance for at least 25% but less than 50% of the instructional time scheduled for the day is counted as a quarter day of attendance and three–quarters of a day (0.75) of absence is reported.
• Record a full day (1.00) of absence for a student that is in attendance for less than 25% of the instructional time scheduled for the day.
Absence Amount
>75% of the instructional time scheduled for the day
0.00
75% of the instructional time scheduled for the day
0.25
≥50% but <75% of the instructional time scheduled for the day
0.50
≥25% but <50% of the instructional time scheduled for the day
0.75
<25% of the instructional time scheduled for the day
1.00
Dismissal
In case of illness, injury or emergency, a child may be dismissed from school during the school day. Teachers may not give dismissal permission at any time. This is the responsibility of the building principal or his/her designee. Children who are absent as a result of a communicable disease may not borrow regular textbooks from the school but will be given, upon request, materials for the child to continue his/her school work at home, at no cost to the parents. Such materials should not be returned to the school. Again, the principal may be contacted if this is necessary.
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DRESS CODE
The purpose of Sequoia Pathway Academy's dress code is to minimize distractions to learning and promote positive, modest choices in dress. Our dress code standards are meant to be conservative. All students enrolled in Sequoia Schools are expected to abide by the following dress code while on campus or while attending off campus Sequoia School sponsored activities including field trips, parties, and sporting events. Violations of Dress Code Standards are covered in the discipline system. Specific standards are covered in the following:
Kindergarten through 6th grade
1.Clothing must be neat, clean and in good repair.
2.Clothing that is cut off, tattered, torn or has holes must be repaired before being worn to school.
3.Inappropriate, suggestive, or obscene language, advertisements or images including violence, drugs, alcohol, tobacco or other possible offensive symbols are not allowed on any article of clothing or on any item brought to school.
4.Shirts must have a collar and sleeves.
5.Dresses must have a collar and sleeves.
6.Pants and Capri pants must be solid navy blue, tan or blue jean. Pants should be worn around the waist. Extremely baggy/saggy style shorts or pants showing underclothing, are not acceptable. The length of the pants should not hinder walking or running.
7.Skirts and shorts must be solid navy blue, tan or blue jean. The length must pass student's fingertips.
8.Leggings must be of solid color.
9.Baseball caps, hats, hoods or visors may be worn to and from school and during outside activities. They may not be worn inside any building.
10.Shoes must be closed toe and fastened to the heel. No flip flops or crocs
11.Hair may not be distracting to others. Appropriate grooming and hygiene standards must be met. Hair must be neat, clean and conservative in color cut and style. Mohawks, long spikes (longer than 2 inches) or brightly, unnaturally colored hair will not be allowed. Streaking, tipping and other hair-coloring treatments and styles may be considered out of dress code if they are deemed distracting to learning by teachers. Exceptions in hair coloring may be made for plays, parties or other school events with safety and modesty being a priority.
12.Piercings are limited to the ear lobe.
Note: The only exceptions to a non-collar shirt will be on dress down days, when students will be allowed shirts and pants/shorts of their choice as long as the clothing items are appropriate and follow dress code number 3.
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Parties and Social Activities
Generally, room parties held during school hours will be limited to the following occasions: Halloween, winter break, and Valentine's Day. These allow children to gain social skills during school related activities.
Telephone
Should you find it necessary to telephone your child at the school, the message will be relayed to him/her. If possible, all instructions should be given to your child in writing before s/he leaves home in the morning. Teachers may be reached one half-hour before school opens in the morning, or immediately after school is dismissed. (Please note that teachers may be on duty at these times on certain days.)A message may be taken at any time for a teacher. Unless there is an emergency, teachers will not be interrupted during the school day. Children are not allowed to use the telephone for outgoing calls except in emergencies.
Visitors
Visitors are welcome to the schools at any time. However, all visitors must report to the office upon entering a building as each school may have specific protocols for visitors. We know that children are easily distracted by visitors to the classroom or building, therefore when visiting the school, please leave young children at home. Do not ask for a conference with the teacher during the school day as they are responsible for all of the children in their classroom. Please schedule it before or after school hours.
Homework
Homework can be both educational and practical. Assigned work at home is in keeping with the level of the class and the ability of the children. We design homework to be purposeful not onerous for children and parents.
Home assignments in the primary years are almost negligible in terms of time. In the intermediate years some homework is given, consistent with the level and ability of the child.
Generally students in Grades 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 are expected to spend approximately 20 minutes in language arts and 20 minutes in mathematics three times each week at home excluding Fridays and holidays. Social studies and science projects are designed to be dealt with over an extended period of time.
Instructional Supplies
The occasion frequently arises when a student has lost or destroyed a book or materials purchased by the district. When this does occur, the student and his/her parents are held liable to replace the damaged or lost article. A receipt for payment will be given to the parent.
When a child has been sick over an extended period of time, books may be borrowed from the school so the child may continue his/her schooling at home. Contact the building principal for assistance.
All students are taught how to use school supplies and equipment properly as part of the first six weeks of school training.
Kindergarten Philosophy
Kindergarten is the creation of an environment that helps the child understand, act, and build on the world the child knows. The kindergarten program is an activity-centered program providing experiences that not only meet the child's needs but stimulates learning in all developmental areas - physical, social, emotional and intellectual. We believe these experiences are enhanced by a child's natural curiosity and desire to understand his/her world. We encourage our children and seek ways to motivate them to become involved in learning activities. The program is built on the sequential development and needs of children. The program is systematic but free from constraints and undue pressure. This can be accomplished and will facilitate growth by providing the child with the space, the freedom, and the necessary materials to achieve goals. It is rich in language experiences, particularly speaking, listening and writing as these types of experiences form the foundation for reading and comprehension. Manipulative materials and hands-on activities are presented at every opportunity, for it is through experiences of touching and seeing that the comprehension of abstract ideas evolves. We follow the Spalding Reading Program and Saxon Mathematics.
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Parent - Teacher Organizations
The home and the school are the two major factors in the complex educational life of children; therefore, the home and the school should have a relationship of understanding and co-operative spirit that establishes a mutual respect for the responsibility and unavoidable duty they share in the well-being and educational growth of children. To achieve this, each and every parent is urged to join and become a participating member of his/her local parent/teacher organization. In addition to a planned PTO the Sequoia Pathway Academy will have a parent council for the site.
Lost and Found
A great deal of time is spent during the school year trying to locate owners of lost articles of clothing, etc., and trying to match boots and mittens. Children's clothing and footwear should be clearly marked with their name. Check with the teacher if an article has been lost. Articles that are not claimed in a timely fashion will be given to service organizations.
Parking
When visiting the school or waiting for students, parents should park their cars in the parking lot, away from the front of the school entrance so that they do not block in other vehicles.
Supplies
Pathway provides many of the supplies needed for day-to-day activities. We recommend different supplies for various grade levels. This list is in Appendix B.
Testing
Throughout the coming year, students will participate in a variety of formative (daily) and summative assessments. These assessments assist us in planning instructional programs to meet the needs of the students. Every effort should be made for children to attend school when major summative assessments (Wiggins 1993; Wiggins 1998; Wiggins and McTighe 1998; Yin 2003) such as the Arizona State Testing program are being administered.
Parent - Teacher Conferences
The home and the school should be mutually informed about the progress of each child. Report cards alone are not sufficient to do this job, but report cards combined with parent conferences allow both the teacher and the parent, in a joint endeavor, to program the child's work. Pathway will provide online tools for viewing each student’s progress. A parent-teacher conference may be requested at any time. This conference can be requested by the teacher, principal, or parent and will be scheduled at the convenience of everyone concerned. If you wish a conference with your child's teacher or other school personnel please make an appointment one or two days before the scheduled conference thus avoiding conflicts with other activities.
Reporting Pupil Progress
In an effort to provide parents with as much information as possible about their child's progress, a report card has been developed, combined with parent conferences, to show how well a child is progressing in relationship to his/her ability and peers.
Report cards are issued four times yearly, and each report covers approximately 9 - 10 weeks of work. Parents are asked to come to the school for conferences at the end of the first and third marking periods. This private conference allows parents to ask more detailed questions, see their child's records and maintain open communication between the home and school in jointly planning for the child's growth. Parents should review the marks for personal and social development carefully as these marks relate directly to the progress a child is making in the academic areas. If a child is in one of the special programs, such as reading improvement or special education, supplementary reports will be issued each period he/she is in the program.
Interim Progress Reports
Progress reports may be sent home at any time during the school year. A warning notice will be sent to you if your child is failing or is doing unsatisfactory work. This is an invitation to you to discuss your child's progress in school with his teachers. Again, parents may also initiate a request for more information at any time.
Academic Awards Grades 1 - 2
Principal’s List: Each marking period, students who received all E‟s (Exceeds Grade Level Expectation OR a GPA of 3.5) in Reading, Spelling, Language, Science, Social Studies and Mathematics will be named to the Principal's List.
Honor Roll: Students receiving a minimum of all M‟s (Meets Grade Level Expectations) (or a greater number of M‟s than E‟s) will be eligible for inclusion on the Honor Roll.
Academic Awards Grades 3 - 8
Principal’s List: Each marking period, students who received a GPA greater than 3.5 will be named to the Principal„s List
Honor Roll: Students receiving a minimum of all B‟s (or a greater number of B‟s than A‟s) will be eligible for inclusion on the Honor Roll. A GPA of 3.0 is necessary for this award.
Academic Awards at Graduation
This level of achievement provides recognition for students in grade 8 who have maintained a 3.3 or B+ average since 3rd grade. At the end of grade 8 teachers will average grades for the six subject areas.
Grade Point Average Scoring Mechanism
A+ 4.33 B+ 3.33 C+ 2.33 D+ 1.33
A 4.0 B 3.0 C 2.0 D 1.0 F 0.0
A- 3.66 B- 2.66 C- 1.66 D- 0.66
An A + is awarded for performances that are 97 to 100% and earns a 4.33 score. Students receiving this grade must be performing at near perfect level in coursework that is beyond the grade level expectation.
Presidential Academic Awards are awarded to students meeting the above criteria along with a Arizona State Testing score in the excelling or above.
Distribution of Report Cards
The first and third quarter report cards are presented to the parents at a parent conference. The school district provides two “late” days each year for these conferences. The staff of Sequoia Pathway Academy meets prior to these days to discuss protocol and scheduling of the conferences. Classroom teachers will provide a letter inviting parents to the first and third quarter parent conferences. The office will gather data on the attendance of parents at parent conferences. Every effort is made to meet each parent. The second and fourth quarter report cards are sent home with students. A form acknowledging receipt of the card is sent home with each child.
Progress Reports Part 2
A parent should not be receiving a report card that is a surprise at report card time. With this in mind Sequoia Pathway Academy utilizes a progress report format to inform parents of their child‟s performance.
It is important that report cards reflect a child's performance based on our expected outcomes. Children on a special education program for specific subjects should be graded according to their individual progress in meeting IEP goals all other students need to be assessed according to district standards.
Special Programs, Sports and Clubs
Special programs will be offered which round out the school curriculum and assist the children in developing their interests and abilities. These special programs will include clubs, after school sports and intramurals, and academic as well as social offerings.
Music
Vocal music, K- 8th grades, and Instrumental music, 4th - 8th grades, give a child the opportunity to think and act creatively and gain new experience under the direction of the school staff. The music program will be tied to the academic program through curriculum mapping.
School Lunch
Pathway is seeking to establish a school lunch program. At the beginning of the year parents should provide a cold lunch for their child along with an appropriate beverage. We encourage parents to send water in a reusable container for their child’s daily consumption.
Art
Art is an integral part of the Pathway program and is a vital part of the complete curriculum package. Curriculum mapping will show the way art at Pathway correlates with the other subjects.
Physical Education
We believe firmly that Physical education leads to a well-developed healthy child. Physical education and developmental education are linked in the literature as mutually beneficial aspects of early childhood education. We will attempt to provide physical education twice weekly in our program.
Field Trips
Authorized field trips that have an expressed educational value are part of the student's school experience. We plan these trips to supplement our curriculum. School buses are usually provided for these trips. Permission slips are required for every child before s/he leaves the school grounds. It is necessary that these be signed and returned promptly to the school by parents/guardians.
Speech Therapy, Psychological and Counseling Services
Speech therapy is offered to those children in the school who need corrective programs in this area. Psychological and/or counseling services are also available for those children who require it as part of their individualized special education program.
Reading Improvement
Remedial reading is provided for those children who have experienced difficulty in the regular reading program. Trained personnel work with individual students or with small groups to help develop strategies and skills needed for success in reading.
Parents' Concerns
If you have any concerns regarding your child's placement, program, or behavior in school, you should immediately contact your child's teacher. In the event your concerns have not been answered to your satisfaction, you should then contact the principal of the school.
NOTE: We cannot respond to requests for grade level assignment to a particular teacher.
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Health
At this time Pathway Preparatory does not have a school nurse. We will contract with a nurse for record reviews and any health reviews required by law. No internal medicine shall be dispensed or administered to any child by school personnel except by the office staff, or under her supervision, upon written order of the physician who has examined and prescribed the medicine and a written note from the parent. Please do not send medicine to school with your child as generic medicines can be abused. Parents should bring any medication that needs to be dispensed during the day. All medicine must be brought to school by the parent and in the original container. A child should be kept home if s/he has a temperature, sore throat, ear ache, cough or cold, upset stomach, or skin rash or if s/he cannot participate in all the school activities, including recess.
Children with these conditions in school will be sent home, and it is the responsibility of the parents to provide transportation. No child may go home to an unoccupied house. An ill child may be excused by the principal only into the company of a parent or person designated by the parent in writing. Please keep your emergency contact list up to date.
Fire and Evacuation Drills
Preparedness is an objective of education in all phases of school life to this end fire drills, lock down drills, and emergency drills are held periodically and evacuation drills are conducted in accordance with district and state guidelines. In the event of an actual emergency, students will be sent home. We will make every effort to contact parents using a school emergency phone tree system. Announcements will be made in the same manner as for school delays or closings due to inclement weather.
Emergency Information
At all times the school should be informed of whom to contact in case of emergency. It is essential that the school be provided a complete health record of each child and that we know who to call if the child becomes sick or is injured. A form is provided for this purpose. If parents are to be out of town during a school day, they should notify the school indicating who will accept responsibility for the child in case of emergency. We keep an emergency contact list that is five contacts deep.
BUS REGULATIONS
The following transportation regulations are provided for field trip buses
A. The school bus driver is in complete charge of the school bus and the pupils and shall have the same authority in maintaining discipline as a teacher in the classroom. When a teacher is on the bus they are the agent of the school and as such shall determine any questions regarding student safety.
B. Any unnecessary talking with the school bus driver is prohibited. While ordinary conversation between pupils is permitted, loud, vulgar, and other improper language will not be tolerated.
C. Smoking is not permitted on the school bus by anyone. Waste paper is not to be thrown on the floor or out the windows. Eating and drinking are not permitted on the bus.
E. Pupils shall go to the rear of the bus when getting on unless assigned a seat near the front of the bus by either the school bus driver or teacher in charge.
F. The rear door shall be used only in cases of emergency.
G. All pupils must be seated while the bus is in motion.
H. Students who are confronted by the bus driver for unacceptable behavior shall provide that driver with his/her name. Failure to do so may result in suspension from riding the bus for up to three (3) days.
I. In the event of a breakdown or accident the bus will be taken to a safe location as determined by the driver or the Department of Safety official on the scene.
J. The school office needs to be notified immediately of a breakdown or accident and we will then notify the transportation director of Sequoia Charter Schools. (480-649-9088).
K. Bus evacuation drills will precede any field trip so that students are prepared for any emergency.
WALKING/BICYCLING TO SCHOOL
1. Always ride your bicycle on the right side of the road.
2. Helmets should be worn when riding a bicycle.
3. Never ride two on a bicycle.
4. Children are to use sidewalks where possible.
5. In the absence of sidewalks, children should walk facing oncoming traffic.
5. We are seeking to provide crossing guards at the Porter Street crossing.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Statement of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
Sequoia Pathway Academy is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, and disability. This policy will prevail in all matters concerning staff members, students, the public, educational programs and services and individuals with whom the Governing Body does business. To access a complaint for A-0281 please contact the office
Safe and Drug-free Schools
Sequoia Pathway Academy will provide a drug-free workplace in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and its implementing regulations.
Special Education Student Referral
Persons wishing to refer a child for a special education evaluation should contact the building principal. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Director of Special Education for Pathway Schools, Rachael Lay.
Weapons Regulations
Any student entering school property with a weapon (any form of firearm) will be expelled from school for 365 days, in accordance with the Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994.
Student Privacy
As a general rule, schools do not release the names of students or any identifying information about students to outside agencies. However, the school reserves the right to release the names of students in announcing honors and recognition won by students, participation in plays, musical programs, etc. In releasing such information, the school may also provide the student's town, age, sex, name of parent or guardian, etc. and such other details deemed appropriate.
The schools also maintain web pages that will occasionally feature children's pictures and/or names. Parents sign written releases that permit in school use of student pictures. Parents who do not wish any information released must contact the school and request, in writing, that the information be withheld.
Student Records
In accordance with the Buckley Amendment the school respects the rights of parents or guardians to examine the school records of their children. Please contact the building principal for more information.
Smoking
In accordance with state law no smoking is allowed in school buildings or on school grounds.
Harassment and Bullying
Sequoia Pathway Academy will not tolerate sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious harassment of any kind. Sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Sequoia District Policy GBEB and the District considers such harassment to be unacceptable behavior on the part of students and employees of the district. If you feel that you are or have been harassed for the above reasons you should contact your teacher, counselor, nurse, principal, or superintendent. A report will be filed with the principal and superintendent and an investigation will be conducted. If warranted, corrective action will be administered.
Student Suspension
Prior to suspension of a student, a hearing shall be conducted by the principal or acting principal.
Suspension and Expulsion of Pupils
(a) The superintendent or chief administering officer, or a representative designated in writing by the superintendent, is authorized to suspend pupils from school for a period not to exceed 10 school days for gross misconduct or for neglect or refusal to conform to the reasonable rules of the school.
(b) The school board or a representative designated in writing by the school board is authorized, following a hearing, to continue the suspension of a pupil for a period in excess of 10 school days. The school board's designee may be the superintendent or any other individual, but may not be the individual who suspended the pupil for the first 10 days under subparagraph (a). Any suspension shall be valid throughout the school districts of the state, subject to modification by the superintendent of the school district in which the pupil seeks to enroll.
(c) Any suspension in excess of 10 school days imposed under subparagraph (b) by any person other than the school board is appealable to the school board, provided that the superintendent received such appeal in writing within 10 days after the issuance of the decision being appealed. The school board shall hold a hearing on the appeal, but shall have discretion to hear evidence or to rely upon the record of a hearing conducted under subparagraph (b). The suspension under subparagraph (b) shall be enforced while that appeal is pending unless the school board stays the suspension while the appeal is pending.
For more information contact the school principal.
COMPUTER USAGE and INTERNET POLICY
Sequoia Schools (designated as School) has established a policy effective November 17, 2009 with regard to access of the Internet and the School’s private Intranet.
Certain employees may be provided with access to the Internet to assist them in performing their jobs. The Internet can be a valuable source of information and research. Use of the Internet, however, must be tempered with common sense and good judgment. The School’s Intranet is a private information system of the School and its intended use is strictly for business purposes.
Any individuals using either system expressly consent to monitoring of their activities. Anyone using either system in violation of the School’s Internet usage policy may be subject to disciplinary action, including possible discharge. Furthermore, employees could be exposed to civil and criminal liability. The School reserves the right to amend or modify this policy at any time as may be required.
1. The School is not responsible for material viewed or downloaded by users from the Internet. The Internet is a worldwide network of computers that contains millions of pages of information. Users are cautioned that many of these pages include offensive, sexually explicit, and inappropriate material. Even innocuous search requests may lead to sites with highly offensive content.
2. Employees must not deliberately perform acts unrelated to legitimate business interests that waste computer resources. These acts include, but are not limited to, sending mass mailings or chain letters, spending excessive amounts of time on the Internet unrelated to business, playing games, engaging in online chat groups, listening to streaming audio (radio, music, etc.) or streaming video (News casts, TV, Movie Trailers, etc.),or otherwise creating unnecessary network traffic. Because audio, video and picture files require significant storage space, files of this, or any other sort, shall not be downloaded unless they are business-related.
3. The computers and computer accounts provided to employees are to assist them in the performance of their jobs. Employees should not have an expectation of privacy or ownership in anything they create, store, send, or receive on the computer system. The computer system belongs to the School, and may only be used for business purposes. The School has the right, but not the duty, to monitor any and all of the aspects of its computer system, including, but not limited to: monitoring sites visited by employees on the Internet, email traffic, any document created or stored on the computer system, and installed software applications.
4. The School may use software to identify inappropriate Internet sites, including but not limited to sexually explicit sites. Such sites may be blocked from access by the School’s network. In the event you nonetheless encounter inappropriate material while browsing on the Internet, immediately disconnect from the site, regardless of whether the site is subject to the School’s blocking software.
5. Material that is unlawful (including, but not limited to, illegal copies of software, music files, movie files or malware {malicious software}, such as computer virus, Trojan horse, spyware, keyloggers, etc.), harassing, embarrassing, sexually explicit, profane, obscene, intimidating, defamatory, or otherwise offensive (including offensive material concerning sex, race, color national origin, religion, age, disability, or other characteristic protected by law), or in violation of the School’s equal employment opportunity policy and its policies against sexual or other harassment may not be loaded, downloaded from the Internet, displayed or stored on the School’s computers. Employees encountering or receiving this kind of material should immediately report the incident to Administration. The School’s equal employment opportunity policy and its policies against sexual or other harassment apply fully to the use of the Internet and any violation of those policies is grounds for discipline up to and including discharge.
6. Employees may not illegally copy material protected under copyright law or make that material available to others for copying. You are responsible for complying with copyright law and applicable licenses that may apply to software, music files (.mp3, .wma, .rm, .ra, etc.), movie files (ripped copies of movies/videos to .avi, .mpg, .wmv, .mov, etc.), graphics, documents, messages and other material you wish to download or copy. You may not agree to a license or download any material for which a registration fee is charged without first obtaining the express written permission of the School.
7. To ensure security and to avoid the spread of viruses, employees connecting to our network from a computer not supplied by the School, must have up-to-date virus protection, a secure VPN connection, and use a hardware-based router or software firewall. The School will provide, upon request, VPN (Virtual Private Network) client software for installation on your personal computer. However, all other security software is the responsibility of the end user.
8. Files obtained from sources outside the School, including disks brought from home; files downloaded from the Internet, bulletin boards, or other online services; files attached to e-mail and files provided by clients or vendors may contain dangerous computer viruses that may damage the School’s computer network. If you suspect that a virus has been introduced into the School’s network, notify the IS Dept. immediately.
9. Information posted on the School’s Intranet is property of the School. Any copying, or unauthorized use, of such information is strictly prohibited without expressed written consent of the School.
10. All employees must acknowledge that they have read and understood the above computer and internet usage policy.