Dear Parents,

Technology is a very key part of today’s education. As we begin the new school year, I wanted to take a minute and fill you in on what Montgomery County does to insure internet safety and what I do in the classroom as well.

What Montgomery County does:

1. Each student is given a unique and individual log-in to provide the system a way to monitor students and to protect the students and their work.

2. The school system has purchased a filtering system that helps to control the type of messages that come into the network and also limits students and adults as to which web pages they can view.

3. At the school and through central office, the use of computers can be monitored through the network to ensure that all use is for educational purposes only.

4. MCPS has also developed an evaluation program that now includes websites. Only approved sites will be used with students in instructional activities.

What I do as a classroom teacher:

1. Clear expectations will be set on the use of the computer and the internet before students will use the computers on their own.

2. Students will be supervised while using computers in the lab at all times.

3. All websites will be previewed and checked for appropriateness and safety.

4. Students are aware of the consequences that will follow any improper use of the computer.

For more information on Montgomery County’s practices, visit these sites:

Staying Safe While Using E-Mail and the Web by MCPS at http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/info/cipa/safe.shtm

To view the position paper from Montgomery County, go to http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/info/cipa/positionpaper.shtm

I realize that there is no sure way to keep the kids 100% safe without putting them into a little bubble, but the hope is that with these practices in line, the students will be as safe as they possibly can be.

Sincerely,

Erin King