Oakview Elementary

Oakview Elementary School
Media Center

2011- 2012 Handbook

The mission of the school library media program is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of information
The Greenville County School District’s mission is to support the school library media specialists in their efforts to:

The mission of the school library media program is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of information

The Greenville County School District’s mission is to support the school library media specialists in their efforts to:

§ Provide a program that is fully integrated into the school's curriculum and is central to the learning process.

§ Provide access to a variety of information representing a wide range of subjects and difficulty levels.

§ Provide learning experiences that encourage users to become discriminating consumers, skilled creators of information, and lifelong learners.

§ Provide leadership, instruction, and consulting assistance in the design of learning strategies and the use of information and the use of information technology.

§ Promote the enjoyment of reading, listening, and viewing for users.

§ Participate in partnerships, including networks, that provide access to information outside the school

§ Promote literacy that enables students and teachers to live, work, and communicate in a democratic information society.

§ Promote innovative media services through professional growth and continuous learning.

Mission Statement of Oakview Elementary School Media Center Program:
The mission of the Oakview Media Center is to help students learn by providing books and other media to support curriculum and state standards, to teach students how to use the media center effectively and to create a lasting interest in using the library for information seeking and enjoyment.
Goals and Objectives
Goals:
To ensure that students are effective users of ideas and information
To provide library media materials and services appropriate to the curriculum of the school.
To provide age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate resources in all formats to meet the information and recreational needs of all users.
To provide library media materials and services that makes reading fun for the learning community.
To provide opportunities for collaboration between the library media specialist and classroom teachers to incorporate information literacy and technology into instruction.
To promote and provide instruction in information literacy to teachers and students.
To implement the integration of the library media program into the curriculum through collaboration among all members of the school community—teachers, students, parents, and administrators.
Objectives:
Will use the suggestions of peers, teachers, administration, and other various selection tools (including state standards, district curriculum maps and review sources) to select materials that are appropriate to the curriculum of the school. Will also use these suggestions to purchase materials that make reading fun and enjoyable for the learning community.
Will provide professional materials to help teachers plan lessons that are appropriate to the curriculum of the school.
Will administer a yearly survey to teachers to ensure that we are providing materials and services (including technology training) that meet the information needs of the learning community.
Will try to attend grade level meetings (at least once a month) to keep up with what is going on in the classroom and to suggest ways to integrate the library media center into the classroom teacher's lessons.
Will maintain an updated schedule/calendar for teachers to consult when planning lessons.
Will introduce students and teachers to information literacy by integrating lessons such as copyright, bibliographic formats, Internet evaluation, etc. into library lessons and workshops.
Will include programming that will make reading fun for both students and teachers.

Library Media
The library media center is open 7:30a.m. – 3:00p.m. on school days. It is open for teachers, students, and parents use anytime within these hours.

Library Media Center Behavior Policy
The LMC behavior policy is based on OES’s School Wide Rules:
1. We respect others and their property
2. We keep our hands, feet, and objects to ourselves at all times.
3. We are prepared for class
4. We are responsible for our own actions

Library media center expectations are as follows:
1. Follow directions
2. Be kind to books and other resources
3. Be kind to others

When expectations are not met, the following procedures will be followed in addition to notifying the teacher:
First time: Warning
Second time: Sit the student out
Third time: Phone call home

Library Media

Library Media Specialist:
Gwendolyn Brown, glbrown@greenville.k12.sc.us Gwendolyn Brown graduated from University of South Carolina with her Masters in Library and Information Science (MLIS) in May 2006 and is excited about her new career at Oakview. She is a member of South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL) and the American Library Association (ALA). Before her position as a Media Specialist, Mrs. Brown was an Environmental, Safety and Health Manager. She has been married 3 years. When Mrs. Brown is not reading she enjoys photography and music.

Library Media Specialist:
Beth Mitchell, emitchel@greenville.k12.sc.us Mrs. Mitchell has a MLIS (Master's of Library and Information Science) from the University of South Carolina in December 2009. She is a member of the Greenville County Media Specialists group and the South Carolina Association of School Librarians (SCASL.) She has her undergraduate degree in electronic media: interactive multimedia. Mrs. Mitchell enjoys reading books to her niece over Skype, hiking, and making family home movies.

Daily Operations
*Check-in/check-out procedures and classes:*
Kindergarten and first grade may check out 1 book; first graders may check out 2 books after first semester or when their skills demonstrate they are ready for more reading; second graders may check out 2 books; third, fourth, and fifth grade students may check out 3 books. This number is negotiable between the media specialists and the grade level teachers.
Books are due in one week. Students may renew their books. If they have overdue books out, they may not check out another book until the overdue book is turned in or renewed.
Kindergarten comes to the library for 30 minutes once a week for library class and book check out. First and second grades come to the library for 45 minutes once a week for library class and book checkout. Third, fourth and fifth grade students come to the library a minimum of once a week to check out books. Teachers may choose to use a weekly system to ensure that students are utilizing the media center, e.g. Monday group, Tuesday group, etc., or Red Group, Blue group, etc.
Third, fourth, and fifth graders come to the library for library instruction on an "as needed" basis. The library media specialist and the classroom teacher collaborate to plan lessons that enrich what the student is doing in the classroom and that will foster information literacy.
Teachers may check out as many books as needed. Creating book baskets is encouraged! Due dates for teachers are flexible.
*All students may check out magazines for 3 days. Parents may check out books on tape/CD.
*Emergency Checkout*
If the automation system goes down, the LMS and the media assistant will make a decision* of one of the following:
1. Use Destiny Remote Dolphin to check out. 2. Cancel checkouts for the remainder of the day, to be rescheduled when automation system is back up.
*The media specialist or the media assistant will alert staff as to when a decision has been made.
*Overdues*
Overdue slips will be printed out once per nine weeks. While we do not charges fines for late materials, report cards will be held if student's have library books that have not been returned or paid for by the end of the school year.
*Payment for Lost and Damaged Books*
If an item is lost or damaged, the LMS will send home a bill for payment of the item. If the book is lost, please keep your receipt. If the item is found, we will reimburse your money if the book is found within that fiscal year (July 1-June 31). If the book is damaged beyond repair, you must pay the total replacement cost of the item.
*Settlement of Library Accounts*
Report cards will be held at the end of the year until outstanding balances are paid or lost books are returned.

User Services and Programs (for all patrons: students, faculty and staff, and parents)
Programs
*South Carolina Picture Book Award Program*
The S. C. Picture Book Award Program provides an opportunity for kindergarten, first and second grade students in our state to vote on a favorite book. Students who read three or more of the 25 titles selected by a committee of parents, teachers, media specialists and students may vote for one of the 25 titles. The library media center provides information about the program to students and teachers and provides multiple copies of the 25 books for checkout. Many of the selections are read during scheduled classes enabling all K through 2 students to vote during library class.
*South Carolina Children's Book Award Program*
The S. C. Children's Book Award Program provides an opportunity for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students in our state to vote on a favorite book. Students who read three or more of the 20 titles selected by a committee of parents, teachers, media specialists and students may vote for one of the 20 titles. The media center distributes information about the program to students and teachers and provides multiple copies of the 20 books for checkout. Students who read five or more titles and pass a Reading Counts test will be invited to participate in a celebratory event where the winning title will be announced.
*Reading Counts*
The above program is a computerized reading tool that allows students to read books, take self-directed computerized tests (or complete other activities) to check comprehension, and earn points based on questions answered correctly. Tests and activities are no longer purchased for specific titles, but can be developed and put in the system by a media specialist. After a child has read a RC book, he or she may take a test on the title, earning points based on the length and complexity of the book and the number of correct answers given. Each classroom teacher determines how they will reward students for reading RC books. The program is managed by our Instructional Coach, Becky Riddle.
*Grandparents Day Honor Books*
Grandparents of Oakview students will have the opportunity to donate books in honor of their children. The book selected will have a bookplate detailing the children’s name, year given, given by, the child’s birthday, or other occasion. Grandparents day is held every three years.
*Library Cadets*
Library cadets fill out an application at the beginning of the school year. These fourth and fifth grade students are chosen by the library media specialists based on their answers to the application questions and a teacher recommendation. Another factor that goes into choosing a library cadet is student behavior in the library media center. Some library cadet responsibilities include-- Straightening up bookshelves Shelving books Checking items in/out Delivering items to classrooms Turning computers on/off Alphabetizing and putting materials in correct order Applying barcodes and stamping ownership marks on materials for circulation Assisting with book fairs and other special activities
Services
Printing
Students, teachers and parents may print information for school from the library printers. Please anticipate the number of pages before you print to conserve paper and ink.
Information Station
There is a mini-lab of 14 computers for teacher and student use anytime. Teachers may sign up for their whole class to use the Information Station or students may come in to the library media center to work on individual computer.
Other services
Teachers are encouraged to make use of the library media specialist and all library media center resources. If you need us to pull books for you on a certain topic for a unit of study, please let us know, and we will get the resources to you as soon as possible. If you would like to bring your students in to make selections for a classroom unit or for independent reading, please do! If you are going to assign your students a research project, talk to one of the media specialists about how we can work together to incorporate information literacy skills into your project! Bringing your students into the library media center is a great way to integrate library skills with classroom instruction.
Equipment checkout
The Library Media Center has a number of items available for checkout to teachers and staff. Items available for check-out include: Promethean ActiVotes Promethean ActiExpressions Promethean ActiSlates Digital cameras Flip cameras HUE and other document cameras Laptops (subs and temporary)
How to report problems
Teachers are asked to e-mail the Computer Lab Manager first and then media specialists with technology concerns.
Teacher Material Requests (books and AV) and checkout policy
Teachers may check out as many materials as needed. Creating weekly or monthly book baskets that you rotate in and out of your classroom library is encouraged! Teachers may check out any materials including equipment and audiovisuals. Teachers may set their own due dates. However, if the materials are needed, the teachers will be notified to return the needed materials.
AV problems
If you notice a malfunction with a piece of equipment you are using, please report the problem to the Computer Lab Manager firstso that the equipment can be repaired before further use. Depending on the nature of the problem, we may need to turn in a technology assistance request to the district.
ITV telephone: 1-877-885-5272 Web site: http://www.itv.scetv.org/
ITV provides the programming schedule for the entire school year in the book Instructional Television Resources. This resources guide is delivered at the beginning of school and is also available on-line at http://www.itv.scetv.org. It contains the following information: • telephone numbers, • Web site addresses, • channel information, • listing of new programs, • listing of revised programs, • listing of programs no longer being aired and their retention rights, • guide to program listings’ format, and • descriptions of rights on programs. We will be happy to tape any ITV program upon a specific request by a teacher
Scheduling a Video Broadcast Time
If you need to schedule a video broadcast time, please speak with a media specialist to secure a DVD or VCR. When it is time to play the media, we appreciate a call from the room. We have the capability to show 2 VHS tapes and 2 DVDs simultaneously. Teachers may also show DVDs in the classroom through their computer and Promethean board.
Summer Checkout Policy
Items are available for summer checkout by teachers with approval of the school principal.
Videotaping of events and classes
The library media center has limited equipment available that you may check out to videotape your event or class. If time allows, the Library Media Specialists or Library Media Assistants may be available to videotape school events and classes. Please give advance notice (at least 24 hours).
Laptop Carts
Laptop carts are available for checkout to teachers for class instruction. Oakview has 7 laptop carts available. Laptop carts (a.k.a. COWs – Computers On Wheels) need to be checked out and in through the media center using the yellow card with an attached barcode from the top of the cart. Upon checking a cart in or out, the teacher will receive or return the laptop cart keys to the media center. Two or more students may move the COW from the barn to the classroom and back in grades 3 through 5. Teachers in grades K through 2 must arrange to move the COW to the classroom themselves or with media center personnel.
Sending Students to the Media Center
All classroom teachers may send up to five students at a time to renew, check out or return books at any time the media center hours of operation. Teachers are encouraged to send students with a timer so they will know how long they have to spend in the media center before they are due back in class. Students should sign in when they come into the media center any time the classroom teacher in not with them. Whole class visits or visits of more than five students at a time require the classroom teacher or other supervising adult to be present in the media center with the students.
ONLINE SERVICES
StreamlineSC
The Greenville County School District has adopted and encourages the use of ETV's StreamlineSC a standards-based video-on-demand service now available free to every classroom in South Carolina. Media specialists should provide their school access code to each faculty member allowing them to setup their own login and password. A brief in-service will help teachers understand the download to desktop process that will allow teachers to use video clips at the most appropriate point during instructions. For questions relating to Greenville County use and school access codes, contact Jeff McCoy or your school media specialist via district email. ETV, partnering with the State Department of Education and the K-12 Technology Initiative, created StreamlineSC to improve and manage learning resources in South Carolina schools. The content includes ETV's educational productions; State Department of Education approved K-12 programs, and Discovery Education content, an extensive digital library of more than 26,000 video clips. Videos are correlated to South Carolina's state K-12 curriculum standards and are searchable by curriculum area, subject and grade level. In addition to video, schools have access to a high-resolution image library with over 2,700 slides and pictures, an interactive quiz center, pre-produced classroom activities, tests and teachers' guides. Some videos have close-captioning for the visually-impaired.
Cable in the Classroom
Cable in the Classroom telephone: 1-800-743-5355 Web site: <http://www.cicon-line.org/>
Charter Communications is the cable provider for Greenville County Schools, providing free basic cable service. The library media center is also provided a complimentary subscription to Cable in the Classroom magazine, showing programs airing on cable channels and the copyright clearance for each program. Teachers have permission to tape programs airing in the Cable in the Classroom program times for use in their classrooms. The library media specialist will be glad to tape these programs for classroom teachers who submit a written request. Unlike ITV programming, Cable in the Classroom programs may not be taped in
OverDrive
eBook and Audio Book Downloads for K-12 Motivate all students to read more with books they need in formats they want! OverDrive® School Download Library® delivers audio book and eBook downloads directly from your school's website. It's easy: Students install free software on their computers, browse the secure website for curriculum-based or recreational titles, check out their selections with an existing library card (or other ID) then download audio books and eBooks. Icon for access located on the school website home page. Link: http://greenville.lib.overdrive.com/
DISCUS
The State of Education offers a free data base called ”DISCUS” is an electronic library of essential information and learning resources for all South Carolinians. DISCUS provides Internet accessible, subscription resources to public schools, SACS-accredited private schools, public libraries & colleges. DISCUS selects reliable, up-to-date resources on a wide variety of subjects for all age groups. Icon for access located on the school website home page.
E Books
Oakview has a growing collection of e-books through Follett Shelf and Learner Interactive. Teachers can access these resources by going to the Teacher Links page. Check the current year password list on the t drive for applicable usernames and passwords.
Acquisitions
Materials Selection Policy
Materials are selected to support the curriculum and instructional program of the school as well as the needs and interests of all patrons (i.e., students, teachers, administrators, and support staff). The library media center provides materials in a wide range of difficulty, in a variety of formats, which represent multiculturalism and differing points of view. The Internet and other on-line resources are not subject to the materials selection policy. However, online databases or subscriptions to websites that the school pays for ARE subject to the materials selection policy.
Criteria for Selection
The following criteria are recommended as a guide to selecting the best resources for the library media center:
Literary and artistic excellence
Lasting importance or significance to a field of knowledge;
Support of the curriculum and the educational goals of the school;
Favorable reviews found in standard selection sources;
Favorable recommendations by educational professionals based on examination of materials;
Reputation and significance of the author, illustrator, or publisher;
Timeliness of the material;
Contribution to the diversity of the collection;
Contribution to multicultural awareness;
Appeal to the library patrons;
Suitability for intended use
Selection
The following resources shall be consulted when materials are being selected for inclusion in the library media center collection (although the library media specialist is not limited to these tools in making the final determination):
Booklist, Follett Titlewave, School Library Journal, Horn Book, Publishers Weekly and other professional journals;
Specialized bibliographies prepared by various educational groups for individual curricular areas.
Selection Process
The library media specialist will solicit requests and suggestions from all members of the educational community—students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community leaders. Reviews will be collected for titles under consideration. Weeding of the collection to remove materials that are outdated or no longer part of the state curriculum guidelines is a part of the selection process to ensure that the collection is as current as possible and continues to meet the information and recreational reading needs of all patrons. All donated materials will be subject to the same selection criteria as purchased materials.
Request for Media Center Purchases
Because our mission is to support the curriculum and information needs of students and teachers, it is important for teachers to have an active voice in the purchasing of materials. Teachers should make their request to the media center staff in writing (jotted down on a piece of paper or circled on a photocopied magazine or catalog will be fine). Please provide as specific information as possible to facilitate the location and ordering of your requested materials in a timely fashion. Always include your name and grade level on your requests in case we have questions or need clarification. As you make your requests, keep in mind that the Media Center's budget is limited and purchases meeting several instructional objectives are preferable to those meeting only one objective.
Donated Materials Policy
The Oakview Elementary School Media Center welcomes gifts. All donations will be acknowledged. All donations will be subject to the same selection criteria as purchased resources. If any donation is not selected for inclusion in the collection, the gift material will be passed on to a more appropriate recipient, more than likely, the Greenville Literacy Association.
Challenged Materials
Find district forms and policy about challenged materials by locating board policy KNBA here .
Budget and budget management
The media center is given a budget at the beginning of each school year. We are given money by the district to meet our collection development goals to purchase books. We use technology funds to purchase computer equipment, and technology related supplies. In addition, the media center budget is strongly supported through funds from the bi-annual book fairs. Book fair money allows the media center to purchase more books, online subscriptions, library furniture/display cases, supplies, decorations, etc.
ALA Position
The media center and agrees with the position statements below
Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights from American Association of School Librarians a division of the American Library Association 50 East Huron Street Chicago, IL 60611 1-800-545-2433 x4386 http://www.ala.org/aasl/positions/ps_roleschool.html
The school library media program plays a unique role in promoting intellectual freedom. It serves as a point of voluntary access to information and ideas and as a learning laboratory for students as they acquire critical thinking and problem solving skills needed in a pluralistic society. Although the educational level and program of the school necessarily shapes the resources and services of a school library media program, the principles of the Library Bill of Rights apply equally to all libraries, including school library media programs.
School library media professionals assume a leadership role in promoting the principles of intellectual freedom within the school by providing resources and services that create and sustain an atmosphere of free inquiry. School library media professionals work closely with teachers to integrate instructional activities in classroom units designed to equip students to locate, evaluate, and use a broad range of ideas effectively. Through resources, programming, and educational processes, students and teachers experience the free and robust debate characteristic of a democratic society.
School library media professionals cooperate with other individuals in building collections of resources appropriate to the developmental and maturity levels of students. These collections provide resources, which support the curriculum and are consistent with the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the school district. Resources in school library media collections represent diverse points of view on current as well as historical issues. While English is, by history and tradition, the customary language of the United States, the languages in use in any given community may vary. Schools serving communities in which other languages are used make efforts to accommodate the needs of students for whom English is a second language. To support these efforts, and to ensure equal access to resources and services, the school library media program provides resources, which reflect the linguistic pluralism of the community.
Members of the school community involved in the collection development process employ educational criteria to select resources unfettered by their personal, political, social, or religious views. Students and educators served by the school library media program have access to resources and services free of constraints resulting from personal, partisan, or doctrinal disapproval. School library media professionals resist efforts by individuals or groups to define what is appropriate for all students or teachers to read, view, hear, or access via electronic means.
Major barriers between students and resources include but are not limited to: imposing age or grade level restrictions on the use of resources, limiting the use of interlibrary loan and access to electronic information, charging fees for information in specific formats, requiring permission from parents or teachers, establishing restricted shelves or closed collections, and labeling. Policies, procedures, and rules related to the use of resources and services support free and open access to information.
The school board adopts policies that guarantee students access to a broad range of ideas. These include policies on collection development and procedures for the review of resources about which concerns have been raised. Such policies, developed by persons in the school community, provide for a timely and fair hearing and assure that procedures are applied equitably to all expressions of concern. School library media professionals implement district policies and procedures in the school.
Adopted July 2, 1986; amended January 10, 1990; July 12, 2000, by the ALA Council
The Role of the School Library Media Program from American Association of School Librarians, American Library Association 50 East Huron Street Chicago, IL 60611 1-800-545-2433, x4386 http://www.ala.org/aasl/positions/ps_roleschool.html
The school library media program is not only integral to and supportive of the school curriculum, but also provides a mechanism for choice and exploration beyond the prescribed course of study. The school library media program provides a wide range of resources and information that satisfy the educational needs and interests of students. Materials are selected to meet the wide range of students individual learning styles. The school library media center is a place where students may explore more fully classroom subjects that interest them, expand their imagination, delve into areas of personal interest, and develop the ability to think clearly, critically, and creatively about the resources they have chosen to read, hear, or view.
The school library media center provides a setting where students develop skills they will need as adults to locate, analyze, evaluate, interpret, and communicate information and ideas in an information-rich world. Students are encouraged to realize their potential as informed citizens who think critically and solve problems, to observe rights and responsibilities relating to the generation and flow of information and ideas, and to appreciate the value of literature in an educated society.
The school library media program serves all of the students of the community--not only the children of the most powerful, the most vocal or even the majority, but all of the students who attend the school. The collection includes materials to meet the needs of all learners, including the gifted, as well as the reluctant readers, the mentally, physically, and emotionally impaired, and those from a diversity of backgrounds. The school library media program strives to maintain a diverse collection that represents various points of view on current and historical issues, as well as a wide variety of areas of interest to all students served. Though one parent or member of the school community may feel a particular title in the school library media center s collection is inappropriate, others will feel the title is not only appropriate but also desirable.
The school library media center is the symbol to students of our most cherished freedom--the freedom to speak our minds and hear what others have to say. I urge that the decision of this board be one which reaffirms the importance and value of the freedom to read, view, and listen and sends a message to students that in America, they have the right to choose what they will read, view, or hear and are expected to develop the ability to think clearly, critically, and creatively about their choices; rather than allowing others to do this for them. Adopted October 1990
MISC. Information
*Magazines in the OES collection (2011-12 school year):*
Booklist Boys Life Discovery Girls Mailbox Yearbook (K & 1) National Geographic Kids Sports Illustrated for Kids Ranger Rick Scholastic Art School Arts Sandlapper South Carolina Wildlife
*Website*
The Library Media Center does have a website. The web address is: http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/oakview/dept/media/medcen.asp or it may be accessed by going through the main page of the school web site. Go to Academics, then Media Center.
Copyright Information It is the policy of the Oakview Elementary School Media Center to adhere to existing copyright laws and maintain ethical standards in the use of copyrighted materials for instructional purposes. We support the laws as defined by the courts and the South Carolina State Board of Education as summarized in the publication “The Copyright Law and its Implications" (August 1985). The media specialist(s) will conduct a copyright workshop at the beginning of each school year for the Oakview staff. If you have questions about copyright, please see one of the media specialists.
Some Copyright Reminders:
“Fair Use” is not a justification for defying the Law. · Any resources used in any type of project must be given proper credit. · Consider materials found on the Internet to be copyrighted unless specifically noted as “copyright free” or “royalty free.” · Copyrighted materials on the Internet have the same rights and protection as any other copyrighted materials. · Access to information does not mean freedom to copy and use. · Multimedia projects cannot be posted on your web site without prior permission from every copyright holder whose work was used. · Archival copies may not be used unless the original is destroyed. · Videos cannot be used for reward, entertainment, or any other use that would constitute a public performance. · Videos are not meant as a means of “crowd control”. More copyright information is available at the State Department web site: http://www.myscschools.com/offices/tech/ms/lms/LMCManagement.cfm SC-ETV also has copyright information: http://www.itv.scetv.org/
Beginning Fall 2004, StreamlineSC will be furnished free to South Carolina teachers for the next 5 years. Teachers and students may use the clips as needed including duplicating and inserting clips and pictures into multimedia projects. Teachers should see their media specialists for school access codes and to set up teacher logins and passwords. View clips at: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm. More information about Copyright can be found on the SC School Library Media Services web page.
Important Documents
Greenville County Schools Internet Use Policy ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT
The School District of Greenville County provides computer, network, email, and Internet access to students as part of the learning environment. While these systems have the power to deliver a huge number of resources to our classrooms, their ability to serve students depends on the responsible and ethical use of them by every student. "Acceptable use" of these systems is use that is consistent with the instructional goals of the District. If you break "acceptable use" rules, you may lose the privilege to use both classroom computers and/or the Internet. Further disciplinary and/or legal action may be taken at the discretion of school administration. The District takes reasonable precautions by using filtering software to keep inappropriate Internet sites and email out of the classroom. The District does not supervise individual email accounts, a Parent Portal is available that permits the supervision of your child’s email account.
Please note that parents may choose for their child not to have access to the internet at school; however, students who do not have access to the internet will not be able to access email or web based programs that teachers may be using in class. Your child has agreed to the terms and conditions of this document upon acceptance of the school district handbook. Violation of any of the terms or conditions will result in disciplinary action and or involvement of law enforcement.
Treat computer equipment with care and respect – Willful destruction of any computer equipment or software will be considered vandalism, and may warrant the involvement of local law officials. Parents and guardians, by you and your child agreeing to this acceptable use policy you will insure that GCS computer equipment is handled with care and respect. Only GCS ETS personnel are allowed to repair or modify GCS computer equipment hardware and software. Do not add, modify, repair, remove, reconfigure or otherwise tamper with any device on the network infrastructure including, but not limited to: wireless network devices, workstations, printers, servers, cabling, switches/hubs, routers, etc Do not perform unauthorized access, use, or attempt unauthorized access or use of District information systems. “Hacking tools” Hacking tools” which may be used for “computer hacking” as defined in the South Carolina Computer Crime Act, may not be possessed on any district premise or run or loaded on any district system. Do not use school computers for illegal activities such as planting viruses, hacking, or attempted unauthorized access to any system. This is an automatic recommendation for expulsion. Do not use a cell phone or PDA to access the Internet on school premises. Any written text, graphics or executable files created, downloaded, displayed, or exchanged with another student or teacher must be for education-related purposes only. Do not bypass or attempt to bypass any of the District’s security or content filtering safeguards. Do not use school computers for commercial purposes. Follow copyright laws at all times – See District copyright policies for more information. If you have questions about the legality of using software, text, graphics, or music you find online, ask your teacher or media specialist for guidance. Keep your password secret – You will be held responsible for all computer activities associated with your password. For example, if you share your password with your friend and he/she signs on as you and breaks one of the rules outlined above, you will be held responsible. Do not allow another person to use the computer under your district login. All online communication must be polite and not threatening or offensive in any way – All students in grades 3-12 are issued e-mail accounts. The District has the right to review any e-mail sent or received using District equipment and e-mail accounts. E-mail accounts should be used for educational and district purposes only. Do not give out personal information or photos through online communications (i.e. e-mail, cell phone, PDA, etc). Never give out your phone number, social security number, full name, age, home address, or any other personal information. Home directories are provided to students for educational related work. Students should not store personal or non-school related work in home directories. The District reserves the right to review the contents of a student’s home directory.
Please contact your school if you do not want your child to have access to the internet and email.
Descriptor Code: KNBA Revised: 10/06 COMPLAINTS: ABOUT INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Any parent or citizen may lodge a complaint against any reading material used in the school system. A student who objects to or finds offensive any instructional materials should be given alternatives. If the complaint cannot be resolved satisfactorily during a conference with the principal or media specialist or teacher concerned, then the following procedure will be used: A materials challenge shall be filed by completing and returning to the principal the form entitled "Citizens Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials." This form is available in the online Board Manual or in the Medial Center at all schools. The principal will submit the challenge to the District Media Services Coordinator who will gather challenge materials necessary to convene the committee. Materials will be sent to the Associate Superintendent for Student Performance to convene the appropriate district level committee. Pending review by the Materials Review Committee, the books or materials will remain in use throughout the district. Three Material Review Committees will handle complaints from the public concerning the appropriateness of instructional materials, including library materials. The Committees' responsibilities will be: 1. To receive written complaints from members of the public concerning the appropriateness of instructional materials. 2. To review the materials complained of in light of the age of the students using them, the purpose of the materials, any mandatory use of the materials, their educational value, the basis for the complaint, and relevant community standards. 3. To render a decision on the appropriateness of the challenged materials. 4. The Associate Superintendent will convey the Committee's decision on the matter in writing to the parent or citizen who made the complaint and to the principal. A copy of this correspondence will be sent to the superintendent. If the person who filed the complaint does not agree with a Committee's decision, he may appeal the decision to the Board by notifying the superintendent in writing within ten days of receipt of the Committee's decision of his desire to appeal. The notice of appeal shall state the specific bases of the disagreement. The Board will review the appeal and the Committee's decision at or before it's next regular monthly meeting. The Board will take such action as it deems appropriate. The committee's will be composed as follows: For Complaints Arising from Elementary Schools: 1. Three parents, each of whom must have a child enrolled in a District elementary school. 2. Four District elementary school teachers, each of whom shall teach a different grade level. 3. One District elementary school media specialist.