Dear Parents and Guardians,

This week we are beginning our safety unit. During this unit we are going to be discussing ways to use the Internet safely. The Internet is a wonderful communication and educational tool when it is used correctly. Here at school the district has taken precautions to keep your children safe while using the Internet. We have a filtering system that keeps out anything with inappropriate concepts or language. It blocks sites that contain certain words. As a parent you have also signed a form that says whether or not your child may use the Internet at school.

In combination with the district I do many things to make sure that your child is safe while using the Internet. First, we start with a safety unit so that students are aware of what they should and should not do on the Internet.

Students are always supervised while using the Internet. I can see their computer screen at all times to ensure that they are looking at appropriate material. We also search for information using kid safe search engines such as Yahooligans, Onekey, and Ask Jeeves for kids. I would suggest that your children use these sites at home when searching the web. They also contain filters to protect your child from inappropriate material.

However, as you know no matter how much we try to protect children sometimes inappropriate information will sneak through. If this happens your child knows to notify me immediately. I will then contact our technology coordinators to make sure the site is blocked from future access.

At school students will only be using the Internet for projects or looking at sites that I have specially selected. Under no circumstance will they be using the Internet unsupervised or for pleasure. They will only be using it for educational purposes.

Please look at the attached Internet agreement with your child. Read it with them and if you agree to the conditions please sign it. We will review this agreement before we use the Internet. Also please ask your children what they know about staying safe on the Internet.

The Internet is a way to learn about any topic in a matter of minutes. It is also an excellent tool that allows us to travel to places where we are unable to go on field trips. It aids in your child’s education. As adults we have to monitor children’s Internet use and teach them how to be safe so that they can experience the benefits it holds. Thank you for your help and support if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

Mrs. Myers

Online Safety Agreement

Check off each statement after you read it.

______ I will not give out personal information such as my name, address, phone number, or the location of my school without my parent’s permission.

______ I will not give out my password to anyone (even my friends).

______ I will tell my parents or teacher right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.

______ I will never agree to meet someone I met online without getting my parents permission first. If they say yes I will take them along with me.

______ I will not respond to messages that are mean or make me feel uncomfortable. I will tell my parents or teacher immediately.

______ I will talk with my parents and teacher about rules for going online. I will follow these rules no matter where I am. I will use the Internet for educational purposes and only when there is an adult present.

______ I will be a good citizen and treat other people on line respectfully. I will not do anything that is against the law.

I agree to the statements above _____________________________

Student’s signature

I will help my child follow this agreement _______________________

Parent’s signature

I will help my student follow this agreement _____________________

Teacher’s signature