November 19, 2020

Appropriate Online Behaviors

Dear BBMS Families,

I want to take a moment and share a concern with you and ask that you take time to talk with your student(s) about online behavior.  

We realize from time to time that we must revisit guidelines with students as a reminder for how they should act during Google Meet sessions, how they communicate with others, and explain what to do if things don't seem appropriate.  This is part of learning and growing up; and a message we hope students continue to carry with them long after they leave BBMS. 

Today, we took time to remind our 8th grade students that they should never take photos or videos of anyone during a Google Meet session. 

Here is the statement we shared during 8th grade classes today: 

"8th Grade Teachers will have cameras off today.  

A student at Bonnie Branch took a picture of an 8th grade teacher during a Google Meet

without permission and shared that picture with others. 

It is not okay to share a picture without that person’s consent

and it violates policy 8080 (appropriate use of technology).

  Teachers keep their cameras on to help you learn; it is a privilege, not a requirement. 

Teachers are people.  We deserve to feel safe and respected."

Teachers started the first few minutes of class without their camera on. Then, they held a brief conversation with students about appropriate behaviors and possible consequences to remind students that they have a responsibility to contribute to a safe learning environment.  We did not name the teacher nor any of the students involved.  We also emphasized that everyone deserves to feel safe:  students, teachers... everyone.  We also emphasized ways that students can be a part of the solution by talking with trusted adults and letting their friends know when something is "just not right".

We know that virtual learning can be challenging; and maintaining a safe and supportive environment where students feel comfortable comes first.  Thank you for talking with your student(s) about this and for helping to reinforce this message.  We are proud that incidents like this are not common at BBMS and know our students will do their part to ensure that all classroooms are safe spaces for each and every student, staff or guest.

Thank you,

Dr. Cockley

Principal

HCPSS Policy 8080 - Responsible Use of Technology, Digital Tools, and Social Media

https://policy.hcpss.org/8000/8080/

GOOGLE MEET SAFETY MEASURES

Please take a few moments to review the following information regarding appropriate behavior and engagement during Google Meet Sessions:

• Adhere to HCPSS Policy 8080 Responsible Use Technology and Social Media and other relevant HCPSS policies.
• Students will only be permitted into a Google Meet session with a HCPSS email account.  All students can be identified through their HCPSS email account.
• Inappropriate/offensive/threatening comments, misrepresentation of identity, and/or disruptive participants (invited or uninvited) during Google Meet sessions will not be tolerated.
• No one should take photos or videos of another person during a Google Meet session. 
• ​​​​​​​Sharing login information violates the confidentiality rights of other students and places them at risk of having to witness disruptive behaviors from students who are not members of the class or school community.
• Students who are disruptive and/or “trespass” Google Meet sessions will be immediately reported to administration and will receive appropriate consequences in accordance with the HCPSS Code of Conduct.  Consequences may result in temporary or permanent loss of technology access, which will also result in a student's inability to participate in Google Meet sessions; arrangement for receiving instruction and assignments will be established by administration communicated and arranged with parents.

Additional information can be found in the  Safety Measures During the Google Meet Session on 20-21 HCPSS Virtual Teaching and Learning Page

FEW REMINDERS AND UPDATES:

ABSENCE DUE TO TECHNOLOGY 

If your child misses class due to technical difficulties, you should let their teachers know as soon as possible so that they will not be marked absent.
 

ABSENCE FOR ALL OTHER REASONS (except technology reasons as listed above) 

If your child is absent from school, please email your child’s attendance note to bbmsabsence@hcpss.org 

GOOGLE MEET SAFETY MEASURES

Please take a few moments to review the following information regarding appropriate behavior and engagement during Google Meet Sessions:

• Adhere to HCPSS Policy 8080 Responsible Use Technology and Social Media and other relevant HCPSS policies.
• Students will only be permitted into a Google Meet  session with a HCPSS email account.  All students can be identified through their HCPSS email account.
• Inappropriate/offensive/threatening comments, misrepresentation of identity, and/or disruptive participants (invited or uninvited) during Google Meet sessions will not be tolerated.
• Sharing login information violates the confidentiality rights of other students and places them at risk of having to witness disruptive behaviors from students who are not members of the class or school community.
• Students who are disruptive and/or “trespass” Google Meet sessions will be immediately reported to administration and will receive appropriate consequences in accordance with the HCPSS Code of Conduct.  Consequences may result in temporary or permanent loss of technology access, which will also result in a student's inability to participate in Google Meet sessions; arrangement for receiving instruction and assignments will be established by administration communicated and arranged with parents.

Additional information can be found in the  Safety Measures During the Google Meet Session on 20-21 HCPSS Virtual Teaching and Learning Page

VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTS

While this school year’s opening is different than any that have come before, our staff has the same level of commitment and excitement to meet, teach and support all students. HCPSS teachers have been busy preparing online learning materials for their classes and are dedicated to creating a caring and supportive online classroom.

We recognize there may be times the applications HCPSS is using for virtual learning may not work as anticipated. This may be due to the nationwide increase in demand on these services or an issue with your local internet provider. We know this may be stressful for both you and your child, and ask for your patience as we work through any challenges that may arise. HCPSS teachers will be understanding and flexible if interruptions to technology services cause delays in assignment submissions and missed virtual learning sessions. 

Please find below suggestions on how to proceed if your student experiences an issue.

What should we do when technology is not working?

Occasionally, students may have issues with Canvas, Google Meet or other learning platforms used by HCPSS. If your child is having difficulty:

• Logging in to Google Meet - Directions on joining a Google Meet can be found online. If your child is still unable to join, have them send their teacher a message via Canvas or you can send the teacher an email to make them aware. Your child can work on other assignments in Canvas and/or you can have them focus on another learning platform used by their teachers, such as Actively Learn, until the issue is resolved.
• Logging in to Canvas - Have your child attend any scheduled virtual learning sessions and/or have them focus on another learning platform used by their teachers, such as Actively Learn. Make sure to let your child’s teacher know about the issue via email.