Student Handbook - Safety and Behavior
Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy
Internet Safety
The Worcester Public Schools are in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The Worcester Public Schools will comply with any additional state and federal regulations that pertain to technology use within the district and through use of the Worcester Public Schools District network infrastructure and servers that is forthcoming from the local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
A third party filtering system is in place that prevents accessing web pages that are 1) obscene, 2) pornographic, or 3) deemed harmful to minors. The district will monitor the online activities of users. The staff and students are advised never to access, keep or send anything that they would not want made public. While some pages are blocked by human intervention, other sites are blocked based on an algorithm that attempts to discern inappropriate sites. Best efforts are made to make the filtering as accurate as possible given the vast number of websites on the Internet. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
Inappropriate Network Usage
Staff and students should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. The Internet is to be used for constructive educational purposes only. Drives and files may be reviewed by network administrators occasionally to maintain system integrity.
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Worcester Public Schools online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: a) unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities; and b) unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.
Penalties
Violation of any terms set forth in this policy may result in the loss of Worcester Public Schools computer network privileges, disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action.
Electronic Messaging Guidelines
The Worcester Public Schools contracts with a vendor to provide emergency and informational calls, texts and emails. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 “TCPA” (and subsequent amendments) was created to prevent consumers from receiving “robo” marketing calls from telemarketers. By signing the student handbook, you are providing prior express consent for the school district to contact you and your family via phone, email or text message for emergency and informational purposes. If you would like to opt out of receiving informational messages, you do so by adjusting your notification settings on ParentSquare. Emergency messages will continue to be sent to the contact numbers provided, as authorized under TCPA. When using email or the WPS messaging system to communicate with teachers, please follow these important guidelines: Email is not confidential. Teachers will not respond via email to discuss contentious, emotional, or highly confidential issues. These issues are to be handled by phone or personal contact. Emails should be used for general information that is non-vital. For example, do not use email to inform a teacher that your child is not to go home on the bus. A teacher may not read the message in time. A phone call should be made to make sure your message is clearly received.
AI and Future Technologies Guidelines
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and future technologies can enhance learning and creativity when used responsibly. Students are encouraged to leverage AI tools to support their education, such as conducting research, organizing information, or improving project design. However, all use of AI must adhere to the district’s academic integrity policies and the following considerations:
Originality and Attribution: Students must acknowledge and cite AI tools used in their work, specifying their purpose (e.g., editing, brainstorming, or problem-solving).
Learning Focus: AI should complement, not replace, student effort. Assignments should reflect the student’s understanding and skills.
Ethical Use: AI should not be used to plagiarize, fabricate, or generate work intended to deceive.
Teacher Guidelines: Specific assignments may have additional restrictions or expectations for AI use as determined by teachers.
By using AI responsibly, students can explore innovative ways to learn while maintaining academic integrity and personal growth. Guidance for the district may be updated through the school year based on changes in technology.
Social Media
Social media is a popular communication tool for schools and the district to share information about activities, accomplishments, and announcements, and can enhance family and community engagement when used responsibly. Use of social media by students or staff must follow existing policies that protect against harassment, bullying, discrimination, sharing of personal information that is prohibited by law, and using personal devices during class time. Additionally, students, staff, and third-party visitors are subject to comment moderation that would ban commentary that violate these existing policies while also preserving freedom of speech, which includes expressing opposing thoughts and views. Please note that all content on a district or school social media account is considered public information under the state Public Records Law (G.L.c.4, § 7(26)). The district’s social media guidelines are reviewed annually and posted on the Worcester Public Schools website.
Adoption
The School Committee of the Worcester Public Schools adopted this Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy at a public meeting following normal public notice on May 21, 2009. This amended policy was adopted by the School Committee of the Worcester Public Schools on June 5, 2014.
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
The Worcester Public Schools utilizes a number of computer software applications and web-based services to supplement educational services provided by school- based staff. While these tools are reviewed to ensure that they provide students with effective tools for learning, the applications and services are not operated by the district but by third parties. In order for students to use these programs and services, certain personal identifying information – typically the student’s name and e-mail address – may be provided to the website/application operator. The Worcester Public Schools enters into a data sharing agreement with third parties to ensure student data is handled in a manner not in violation of federal requirements.
Under the federal Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the websites/ application operators must provide caregiver notification and obtain consent before collecting personal information from children under the age of 13. The law permits school districts to consent to the collection of personal information on 10 behalf of its students thus eliminating the need for individual caregiver to consent directly to individual website/application providers. A list of the sites used in our classrooms with links to privacy policies, terms of service and our data share agreements can be found on our Student Data Privacy Consortium website.
If a caregiver wishes for their child to be removed from specific third party services, an opt-out form can be obtained at the Student Data Privacy Consortium website. Completed forms should be returned to the school principal.
Science Laboratory Safety
Science is taught using an inquiry based approach in the Worcester Public Schools. This can be done safely only with the cooperation of students to the teacher's directions and procedures. It is the responsibility of students to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in the lab setting.
Students are expected to:
Successfully complete a Lab Safety Assessment after engaging in instruction with their instructor;
Sign a safety contract which emphasizes their responsibilities in the science lab;
Have caregivers co-sign the contract to alert them to these responsibilities;
Use protective equipment (gloves, aprons, goggles, etc.) provided as instructed;
Wear appropriate clothing, including closed-toe shoes, and tie back long hair;
Refrain from eating and drinking in the laboratory;
Dispose of all waste materials according to the teacher's instructions.
Report all accidents, injuries, and spills to the teacher immediately, regardless of severity; and
Know classroom evacuation procedures in case of an emergency.