FOREST CITY REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Forest City Regional School District believes that the Internet can allow for a creative, collaborative, and learning environment in which our students can learn skills needed in the 21st Century. As more projects gain online components or use online resources, the School District believes that it is necessary to inform the parents of Internet Safety. This section of the handbook will briefly discuss Internet Safety and how you can extend the safety net of the School District to your own home. 

At Forest City Regional School District, the District has implemented a CIPA, Child Internet Protection Act, filter in which Internet traffic is filtered and monitored. This filter is based upon Internet black lists, local black lists, and other custom algorithms that can block inappropriate material from view. Additional, our computers have anti-virus and anti-malware software on them to protect our computers, data, and users. 

What Students Need to Know

1. The Internet is a powerful tool that should be used wisely.
2. Students need to know that not all Internet information is valid or appropriate.
3. Students should be taught specifically how to maximize the Internet’s potential while protecting themselves from potential abuse.
4. Internet messages and the people who send them are not always what or who they seem.
5. Predators and cyber bullies anonymously use the Internet to manipulate students. Students must learn how to avoid dangerous situations and get adult help.
6. Internet activities, such as playing games and downloading music or video files, can be enjoyable. Students need to know which activities are safe and legal.

What Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers Need to Know

1. The Internet is a valuable learning, communication, and entertainment provider. A child’s Internet use should be based on age and the family’s needs and values.
2. Parents must understand potential Internet dangers and prepare their children just as they prepare them for going to the playground or crossing the street.
3. Parents can provide the best protection for their children and help reinforce the principles learned in the classroom. Families should reach agreements about acceptable Internet activity and content.
4. Monitoring is crucial. Parents should know where their children go online, how long they stay there, and the warning signs that something is wrong.

If there are any questions about Internet Safety, please contact the Technology Department, technology@fcrsd.org.

Internet Resources

At the Forest City Regional School District, our students and teachers take advantage of the Internet’s resources to enhance their education through collaboration and creativity as they work and learn in a 21st Century Environment. Throughout the school year, teachers prepare projects that may contain online content. The following are some the websites and tools that students will use and learn with at Forest City Regional School District. 

1. Microsoft Office 365

2. Adobe Creative Cloud

4. Google Classroom

5. Forest City YouTube Channel

This is a short list of some of the Technologies your children will encounter at our School District. If there are ever any questions about the use of a site for a project or for part of a class, please contact the school, teacher or offices. Most of the resources are available locally without the Internet. The rest of the resources require an Internet Connection to access. The online resources are free and widely used for education. Additionally, free educational sites may contain non-educational versions; these non-educational sites may be inappropriate. If you ever have questions about any of these sites, please contact the office, teacher, or technology coordinator.