Lexington City Schools (LCS) believes that all students should be adequately educated to function as citizens in an increasingly digital world. To this end, LCS uses free and purchased resources to train students regarding the technology skills, digital literacy skills, and digital citizenship skills they will need to succeed in college, in their careers, and in their relationships with other digital citizens.
LCS strives to remain current and well-educated in new technologies helping learners understand how to use new technology successfully and appropriately. LCS allows families to determine the parameters for time spent on or off devices, and LCS supports parental decisions about the degree of technology use inside their homes. LCS also recognizes the need for digital health and wellness education and strives to help students maintain a healthy balance between online activities and relationships with the other activities and relationships in their lives. Students are to follow all provisions of the LCS Responsible Use Policy (RUP) at all times.
LCS utilizes free tools through Common Sense Media (scope and sequence provided at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/scope-and-sequence) to train students about various aspects of digital citizenship. These tools are used in Kindergarten through 8th grade and include topics such as Internet Safety, Privacy and Security, Relationships and Communications, Cyberbullying, Digital Footprint and Reputation, Self-Image and Identity, Information Literacy, Creative Credit and Copyright.
LCS believes that all educators and parents can and should help educate students about these key skills.
LCS encourages parents to access quality parent training resources using any of the following sources:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/connecting_families/tip_sheets_a ll.pdf
HTTP://WWW.LEARNING.COM/RESOURCES/PDF/PRODUCTS/PARENTS/PARENT_ONLINE_SAFETY_G UIDE_EN.PDF
LCS believes that all students should be adequately educated to function as citizens in an increasingly digital world. To this end, LCS makes understanding and applying copyright guidelines part of our K-8 digital citizenship curriculum and expects all students and staff to use best practices with regards to copyright guidelines.
First, LCS recognizes that federal law states that it is illegal to duplicate or distribute copyrighted materials without authorization of the holder of the copyright, except for certain exempt purposes. Copyright laws govern the use of copyrighted materials. Teachers and students may use copyrighted materials for educational projects and learning activities, but they must follow specific “fair use” guidelines. Staff and students receive copyright and fair use instruction and/or guidelines from a variety of sources, including:
Collaboration and social networking have become vital parts of a student’s education. Online networking connects people in order to form virtual communities. Users must respect the privacy of others. When using e-mail, chat rooms, blogs, or other forums of electronic communication and collaboration, students must not reveal personal identifying information or information that is private or confidential. Online behavior should be appropriate and follow the guidelines set forth by the LCS RUP. When any student’s online behavior has a direct and immediate effect on school safety or maintaining order and discipline in the schools, the student may be disciplined in accordance with board policy.
LCS may use any means available to request the removal of information on personal websites or social media sites that substantially disrupts the school environment. LCS recognizes and communicates that it is unlawful to publicly post or share pictures or media of other individuals without the consent of parents for minors.
LCS also encourages students to use appropriate digital etiquette (commonly referred to as netiquette) when interacting with others in an online environment. The following links include helpful resources for parents and students regarding digital etiquette: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/7-rules-to-teach-kids-online-etiquette