Gateway School District

Gateway School District

2015-2016

Cyber

Academy

Handbook

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Gateway Cyber Academy

Philosophy

Gateway School District is partnering with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit to offer Gateway students the opportunity to attend a full-time cyber school. The Gateway Cyber Academy is for students in grades 3-12. Enrollment is based on an agreement between the school district and the student’s family, and it gives children an opportunity to complete school work using online curricula at home, while allowing Cyber Academy students the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities sponsored by the district. Additionally, each Gateway Cyber Academy student who completes all program requirements will be awarded a Gateway High School diploma and will be eligible to participate in Gateway High School Commencement Exercises.

Advantages:

• Gateway High School Diploma • Highly Qualified Teachers • Elective Course Options • Flexibility in Program Design • Individualized Instruction • Progress Monitoring

• Computer provided by Gateway School District

NOTE: The computer and related equipment remain the property of Gateway School District. All equipment is collected at the end of each school year in order to perform basic maintenance and updates and redistributed at the start of the new school year. The student and parent/guardian are responsible for any lost or damaged equipment. Legal action will be taken if equipment is not returned. Two options are available for students who are enrolled in the cyber academy, internet reimbursement and aircards!

Staff: Program Facilitator Dr. Marci Klinger

*Highly Qualified Teachers for individual subjects are employed by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit or Gateway School District.

3" Gateway School District Graduation Requirements

All Gateway High School students must successfully earn a total of 23 credits during grades 9 through 12 in order to earn a Gateway High School Diploma. Additionally, students must complete a graduation project and demonstrate proficiency on Keystone Exams. Gateway Cyber Academy students are NOT exempt from district policy. Required credits MUST be earned as follows:

Arts/Humanities 2.00 credits

English 4.00 credits

Information Technology 0.05 credit

Health 0.05 credit

Mathematics 3.00 credits

Science 3.00 credits

Social Studies 3.00 credits

Physical Education 1.00 credit

Electives 6.00 credits

TOTAL 23.0 credits

The Graduating Classes of 2017 and beyond, will be required to earn a total of 25 credits as follows:

English 4.00 credits

Social Studies 4.00 credits

*Science 3.00 or 4.00 credits

*Mathematics 3.00 or 4.00 credits

Physical Education 1.00 credit (1/4 per year)

Health 0.05 credit

Life Roles 0.05 credit

Technology 1.00 credit

Arts and Humanities 2.00 credits

Electives 5.00 credits

TOTAL 25.00

*Students must take a total of 7 credits in math and science. 4 math credits and 3 science credits or 4 science credits and 3 math credits. .25 credit will be awarded in the cyber program for quarter classes when district personnel deems necessary.

4" Summer School

When Summer School credits are applied toward graduation, the district will enter the summer school grade onto the student’s transcript. The summer school grade is factored into the student’s transcript but does not replace the original grade.

Course Weights

At this time, the cyber program does not have honors-level courses, nor issues weighted credit for AP courses.

Additional Requirements: Keystone Exams

All juniors as part of graduation eligibility will be required to take Biology, Algebra I, and Literature Keystones in December, January, and May as scheduled by administration.

Senior Project

Students must successfully complete all components of the Senior Project.

Physical Education

Physical Education credit will be offered to Cyber Academy students via an activity log and completion of the Fitness Online Course.

Health Screenings

All students must participate in regular health screenings at Gateway School District. Individual screening appointments will be coordinated by the Program Facilitator in conjunction with the School Nurse.

5" Pictures

Ramsey— September 16

University Park— September 15 Cleveland Steward— September 18 Evergreen--- September 17

Mosside Middle— September 3

Gateway Middle — (Contact Dr. Klinger if you are interested) September 9 9, 10, 11 pictures— (Contact Dr. Klinger if you are interested) September 10

Senior Photo Deadline: ALL photographs NOT TAKEN by the districts contracted photographer – Friday, November 20, 2015.

PSSA-Grade 8

Gateway Cyber Academy students enrolled in grades 3-8will be required to report to Gateway School District at designated times to complete the PSSA as follows:

Testing Window (Actual assessment dates TBA)

Assessment

April 11-15 English

April 18-22 Math

April 25-29 Science

Failure to do so could end up in removal from the cyber program. Benchmark

Students will participate in administration of benchmark assessments throughout the school year. Dates are to be announced. Students could be required to come to GSD to take these exams.

6" Enrollment Process

Students expressing interest in the Gateway Cyber Academy are expected to have basic computer skills and be willing to follow all Academy guidelines. Students must be able to manage their time and to work productively in a less restrictive learning environment. Gateway Cyber Academy, as part of its

registration process, will review current transcripts and complete a diploma audit. A student may be declined enrollment if Gateway School District Staff determine enrollment in the Gateway Cyber Academy will not afford the student an opportunity to gain required credits and/or to meet graduation requirements in a timely fashion. Enrollment may be declined also if Gateway School District Staff determine Academy course options do not allow a student to continue his/her studies in a particular content area or course options do not match a student’s career focus and/or special interests. Enrollment may be declined also for students who have pending disciplinary matters and/or for students who entered into legally binding agreements with the district in lieu of formal expulsion.

Interested students and their parents/guardians must complete all district enrollment forms as a means of confirming residency and program eligibility. Upon receipt of registration forms and academic transcript, a representative of the Cyber Academy program will review all documents and confirm program

eligibility based on progress made toward Gateway School District graduation requirements and current online course options. Once eligibility has been confirmed, the Gateway Cyber Academy Facilitator will contact each student to arrange an interview to discuss program expectations and guidelines and to discuss each student’s online scheduling option. Each student should investigate the specific subject requirements needed for admission to post -secondary schools of his/her choice and/or course

requirements specific to his/her area of career interest.

Enrollment Process

An orientation will be scheduled for those students/families who wish to finalize their enrollment in Gateway Cyber Academy. The orientation will cover topics relevant to login procedures, academic and technology support options, tips for online success, etc, It is anticipated that Gateway Cyber Academy students will review login procedures on August 20th and August 21st and begin their studies from home August 24, 2015.

7" Progress Monitoring and Minimum Login Time

Gateway Cyber Academy Staff will review student login time on at least a weekly basis. Interventions will be offered at the discretion of staff based on login and performance data. However, students who continue to demonstrate a lack of commitment to their cyber studies may be referred to the local

Magistrate in consideration of truancy charges and/or withdrawn from the Gateway Cyber Academy. The student must log in everyday 5 days a week and progressing adequately, passing grades in classes. If a student is 17 or older and misses10 consecutive days he/she will be removed from GHS.

Self-reflection is an integral component of the monitoring process. Students will be challenged to consider the following:

1. Pacing: Are you behind, at pace or ahead? Adjust your online time accordingly. 2. Attendance: You need to work consistently - that means EVERY DAY.

3. Performance: Are you passing or performing at the level needed/expected.

Progress Grades

Students/parents will receive progress reports via email, therefore, progress reports will not be mailed home at midpoint. If you ever have a question or concern you can contact the cyber facilitator at any time.

Email

Email is the main form of communication used between the cyber facilitator and the parents/students. It is used to send out pertinent information regarding student progress and all updates related to the cyber academy. All parents and students must have an email account and check it regularly.

Students should communicate with teachers/waterfront learning staff/cyber director in a positive manner. Students will be warned one time and could be removed from cyber academy if improper communication continues.

Course Parts

Courses are broken up into quarters. It is a student’s responsibility to tell the cyber facilitator if a course part (quarter) has not been added to student’s account.

8" Extra-Curricular Participation

Students enrolled in the Gateway Cyber Academy will have an opportunity to participate in Gateway extra-curricular programs consistent with students who are attending Gateway School. Gateway Cyber Academy students who participate in district-sponsored, extra-curricular activities are subject to academic and attendance monitoring as per district, WPIAL, and PIAA policies and procedures. Gateway Cyber Academy students will be held to the same level of review based on the district’s Code of Student Conduct as Gateway School students, and participation and/or attendance at district-sponsored activities may be revoked at the discretion of Gateway School District Staff. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the coach and find out when all games and practices are.

Internet Safety

The Gateway School District along with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit will make every effort to

maintain a safe learning environment for all students. All laptops are provided with basic Internet content filter and are locked to prevent students from downloading other programs. It is an assumed role of the parent/guardian to monitor his/her child as online studies are being completed in the home. A record of sites visited and email account data will be archived, and Gateway School District staff reserve the right to review live use and archived records.

Cyber Bullying

249. BULLYING/CYBER BULLYING

The Gateway Board of School Directors is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. Students who are bullied, harassed, intimidated or fearful of other students may not be able to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the school district. Bullying/Cyber Bullying and harassment can also escalate into more serious violence. To that end, the school district has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying/cyber bullying and harassment, as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying/cyber bullying and harassment when they occur.

This policy is in effect while students are on property within the jurisdiction of the school district; while on school-owned and/or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school district. Students who file a bullying/cyber bullying complaint or who have assisted or participated in any manner in a bullying/cyber bullying investigation may not be retaliated against.

9" Bullying/Cyber bullying shall mean unwelcome repeated and systematic

harassment and attacks on others by means of verbal, written, electronic, or physical conduct. Bullying/Cyber bullying can take many forms and can include many different behaviors, such as:

1. Physical violence and attacks.

2. Verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs.

3. Emotional bullying/cyber bullying, i.e. spreading rumors, ridiculing, manipulating social relationships.

4. Threats and intimidation. 5. Extortion or stealing.

6. Racially or ethnically based, or gender based verbal abuse. 7. Spreading false information about a person.

8. Cyber bullying.

Characterizations of bullying/cyber bullying:

1. It is aggressive behavior or intentional harm doing.

2. It happens when one or more persons with more power unfairly and intentionally hurt someone with less power; the hurt may be physical, social, or emotional. 3. It is carried out repeatedly and over time.

The school district will not tolerate any acts of bullying/cyber bullying occurring on school district property, at school-sponsored activities scheduled on or off school grounds, or during the time students necessarily spend traveling to and from school or school-sponsored activities, or transmitted in any way through school computers, networks or equipment. Additionally, events that include on-line activities that have a negative impact on the school environment whether the student is using school resources, or not, shall be considered as a nexus to the school environment. Specifically, online activities, cell phone transmission, chat rooms and any other form of online communications shall be included and encompassed by this policy.

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Each staff member shall be responsible to maintain an educational environment free of bullying and cyber bullying.

Each student shall be responsible to respect the rights of his/her fellow students and to ensure an atmosphere free from all forms of bullying and cyber bullying.

Students shall be encouraged to report bullying or cyber bullying complaints to district employees.

Teachers and other staff (including, but not limited to, secretaries, custodians, bus drivers, hall monitors, etc.) who observe acts of bullying/cyber bullying shall take reasonable steps to intervene to stop such conduct, unless intervention would threaten a staff member’s safety. The nature of the intervention will vary depending upon the age of the student (both the victim and aggressor), the severity of the bullying/cyber bullying and the student’s involvement in prior acts of bullying/cyber bullying. The purpose of the intervention is to take prompt remedial steps to ensure observed acts of bullying/cyber bullying cease and to teach students that

bullying/cyber bullying is not acceptable behavior.

If teachers and/or other staff cannot reasonably remediate acts of bullying/cyber bullying through their own intervention, they should report the bullying/cyber bullying to the building principal. Other school employees who observe acts of bullying/cyber bullying shall report that conduct to the building principal. The building principal or his/her designee will inform parents/guardians of the victim and person accused.

Gateway is committed to providing a safe and bully-free learning environment. All suspicions and/or incidents should be reported to the Gateway Cyber Academy Program Facilitator who will investigate and address per Gateway School District policy.

Options (Blended and Forbes)

The Cyber Academy offers a full range of options. Students can enroll full time, part time GHS and part time cyber, or part time Forbes and part time cyber.

Gateway School district does not provide transportation to or from Forbes Technical School for Cyber Students. It is the responsibility of the parent. Students are not permitted to drive to Forbes unless granted official permission.

Students requesting blended cyber schedules must have transportation to/from school. No one is permitted to walk (unless designated by the district). The District follows Pennsylvania Public School Code 1949.

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Additionally, students scheduled in blended cyber programs (1/2 GHS and 1/2 cyber) have official permission to leave school at specific times. Students must leave the building immediately at dismissal time, and are not permitted to remain in the building.

Add/Drop

Students can drop/add courses within the first 9 days of the course. Students will receive a failure withdraw for any course that is dropped outside of that window.

Return to GSD

Requested/approved returns to GSD will be accommodated at the next quarter or semester

break. However, based on graduation requirements and grade-level status, administration may approve returns at semester break only if they deem an adjusted return date to be in the best interest of the student.

School Calendar

Gateway Cyber Academy students will begin classes on Monday, August 24, 2015 and will follow the

district's official school calendar. GCA students will NOT be expected to participate in online studies on designated 'off' days:

No School September 7 October 12 November 3- No School K-4 November 25-30 December 23-January 1 January 18 January 19 February 12 February 15 March 24-28 April 26 May 30

Last day of school-June 2

Academy students must login daily and maintain full participation on all designated school days. If they do not, they will be marked absent by the Academy Program Facilitator.

* Seniors may exit the Academy program prior to June 2 (or the last designated school day for students), based on individual completion of all district graduation requirements. Academy online studies will be extended in accordance with any/all days added to the Gateway School District official school calendar as the result of cancellations. Academy class meeting times will NOT be adjusted based on Gateway School District delays and/or early dismissals. However, Academy classes will be canceled when Gateway High School classes have been canceled due to inclement weather or other circumstances that might warrant cancellation at the discretion of the Gateway School District Superintendent.

12" Academic Records

Gateway Cyber Academy embraces the philosophy that courses should be rigorous enough to prepare students for college, and program guidelines must meet standard NCAA requirements. All credits earned in the Gateway Cyber Academy Program will be recorded as part of each student’s official Gateway High School transcript. Program enrollment will be coded by homeroom assignment and course section

number ONLY in the district’s internal student database. Transcripts will NOT reflect Gateway Cyber Academy Program enrollment.

The Gateway Cyber Academy Facilitator, in consultation with members of the Allegheny Intermediate teaching staff, will record course grades based on content and skill mastery. Report cards will be issued to Gateway students on a quarterly basis, consistent with Gateway High School reporting procedures.

If a student receives an incomplete on his/her report card, course work must be completed within three weeks after the end of the term to avoid receipt of a failing grade. Quarter 4 will not have this extension.

Cheating

The following rules apply when a student resorts to cheating on an assignment or test:

1. Students copying from another student's test or homework assignment will receive a "0%" grade for the test or assignment.

2. Students bringing and using unauthorized information in any form on a test will receive a "0%" grade for the test/assignment.

3. Students receiving stolen test information will receive a "0%" grade for the test/assignment. 4. Students stealing, distributing, or using unauthorized tests or any other such major form of

cheating will receive a "0%" grade for the grading period in the subject(s) involved.

5. Plagiarism - According to the Modern Language Association, plagiarism is defined as "the act of using another person's ideas or expressions without acknowledging the source. It is the false assumption of authorship: the wrongful act of taking the product of another person's mind, and presenting it as one's own." Simply, it is creating the impression that your writing is original when, in fact, you have taken another individual's work and presented it as your own. 6. Plagiarism is unacceptable and a violation of school policy and, therefore, is subject to the

following disciplinary action. Students who submit work that is proved to be plagiarized will receive a 0% for the project.

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Information on Grades

1

nine weeks

First Day of Class

August 24, 2015

Midpoint

September 23, 2015

End Date

October 27, 2015

2

nine weeks

Midpoint

December 3, 2015

End Date

January 15, 2016

3

nine weeks

Midpoint

February 22,

2016

End Date

March 29, 2016

4

nine weeks

Midpoint

April 29, 2016

End date for ALL STUDENTS

May 30, 2016

Return Equipment

May 31

and June 1

AIU Pickup

AIU to pick up equipment morning of

June 2

15" " " " " " 814.1.""ACCEPTABLE"USE"OF"COMPUTERS" " 1." Purpose" " The"Gateway"School"District"believes"that"use"of"computers"is"vital"to"students"who" will"be"entering"the"job"market"in"today's"world"to"enhance"professional" development,"learning,"and"performance"of"its"students"and"staff."The"goal"of"the" Gateway"School"District"is"to"promote"educational"excellence"in"our"schools"by" facilitating"resource"sharing,"innovation"and"communication"using"the"latest"in" district"technology."In"order"to"obtain"this"goal,"the"district"will"provide"network" and"Internet"access"to"its"students"and"staff"for"professional"development"and" educational"enhancements." 2." Definitions" " School&computer&networks"are"provided"to"students"and"staff"so"they"may"access" software"that"supports"learning,"instructional"and"administrative"needs."These"inW house"networks"connect"classrooms,"computer"labs,"resource"rooms,"media" centers"and"administrative"offices."The"Internet"is"an"electronic"highway"connecting" millions"of"computers"all"over"the"world"and"millions"of"individual"subscribers."It" allows"students"and"staff"access"to"vast"diverse"and"unique"resources." " District&technology&resources"refer"to"all"district"networks,"computer"software," computer"hardware,"digital"image"and"audio"devices,"peripheral"devices,"computer" services,"all"emergent"technology"and"the"Internet." " Users"refer"to"all"district"personnel"including"employees,"contracted"services," volunteers,"and"others"who"have"been"granted"access"to"district"technology" resources." "

"

GATEWAY"

SCHOOL"DISTRICT"

TITLE:""""" ACCEPTABLE"USE"OF"" COMPUTERS" ADOPTED:"" May"25,"1993"

REVISED:"" August"25,"2010"

16" 3." Authority" " Networks"and"school"computers"can"provide"access"to"resources"for"our"users,"as" well"as"the"ability"to"communicate"with"other"users"worldwide."Such"open"access"is" a"privilege"and"requires"that"individual"users"act"responsibly."Users"must"respect" the"rights"of"other"users,"respect"the"integrity"of"the"systems"and"related"physical" resources,"and"observe"all"relevant"laws,"regulations"and"contractual"obligations."To" ensure"the"above,"authority"is"granted"to"the"appropriate"district"personnel"to" develop"and"implement"user"regulations."Students"and"staff"members"are"required" to"have"a"signed"statement"of"understanding"on"file"to"permit"the"use"of"the"district" computers"and"network." " The"electronic"information"available"to"students"and"staff"on"the"Internet"or" through"web"based"services"does"not"imply"endorsement"of"the"content"by"the" school"district,"with"the"exception"of"resources"approved"and"adopted"by"the"Board" of"School"Directors."Nor"does"the"district"guarantee"the"accuracy"of"information" received"on"the"Internet."The"district"is"not"and"will"not"be"responsible"for"any" information"that"may"be"lost,"damaged"or"unavailable"when"using"district" technology"resources"including"any"information"that"is"retrieved"via"the"Internet." The"school"district"is"not"and"will"not"be"responsible"for"any"unauthorized"charges" or"fees"resulting"from"access"to"the"Internet"or"other"commercial"online"services." " The"district"reserves"the"right"to"log"network"use"and"to"monitor"fileserver"space" utilization"by"district"users."The"district"retains"the"right"to"review"and"edit"any" materials"on"individual"user"accounts"and"workstations"where"reasonable"suspicion" of"abuse"of"this"or"other"district"policies"exists."The"district"reserves"the"right"to" purge"data"stored"by"all"authorized"users"and"to"delete"an"account"when"personnel" are"no"longer"employed"in"or"in"the"service"of"the"district."Data"will"be"retained" according"to"the"RightWtoWKnow"law"as"set"forth"in"the"PA"School"Code." " The"district"will"use"a"firewall"system"to"block"inappropriate"access"and"limit"use" only"to"those"areas"that"are"age"appropriate"and"of"educational"value."The"firewall" system"will"help"to"limit"or"eliminate"access"to"sites"that"encourage"cyber"crime," cyber"bullying/harassment,"or"inappropriate"social"technology"networks."The" district"will"incorporate"content"filtering"software"to"prevent"access"to" inappropriate"material"on"the"Internet."However,"the"district"shall"not"be"held" responsible"when"an"employee"or"student"knowingly"or"willingly"accesses" inappropriate"material"or"communicates"or"shares"such"materials"with"others." " " All"computer"communication"systems"and"all"communications"and"information" stored,"transmitted,"received,"or"contained"in"the"school"district’s"information"

17" systems"are"the"school"district’s"property"and"are"to"be"used"primarily"for"job" related"purposes."All"eWmail"messages"are"school"district"messages."To"ensure" proper"use"of"computer"systems"and"equipment,"the"school"district"will"monitor"the" use"of"these"systems"and"equipment."Such"monitoring"may"include,"but"not"be" limited"to,"entering"a"user’s"eWmail"files"whenever"there"is"a"school"district"business" need"to"do"so." " Subscriptions"to"Listservers"must"be"preapproved"by"the"school"district" Superintendent"or"designee." " The"level"of"access"that"users"have"to"school"computers"and"related"peripheral" devices,"the"network"and"Internet"services"is"based"upon"specific"student"class"and" coursework"and"staff"operational"requirements"and"needs."The"district"shall"make" every"effort"to"ensure"that"students"and"staff"use"these"educational"resources" responsibly."The"district"strives"to"provide"error"free,"dependable"access"to"the" Internet"and"other"district"technology"resources."However,"the"district"shall"not"be" held"liable"for"any"information"that"may"be"lost,"damaged,"or"unavailable"due"to" technical"or"other"difficulties."The"district"reserves"the"right"to"establish"network" storage"limitations." " The"district"will"provide,"as"part"of"its"curriculum,"an"Internet"Safety"Program."This" program"will"be"present"to"both"students"and"staff"to"inform"them"of"the"proper" and"secure"usage"of"the"Internet." 4." Guidelines" " Pol."814" All"existing"laws"(federal"and"state)"and"Gateway"School"District"regulations"and" policies"apply."Misuse"of"computing,"networking,"or"information"resources"may" result"in"the"loss"of"computer"privileges"and/or"disciplinary"actions"as"per" contractual"or"employment"agreements"and/or"student"discipline"codes." Additionally,"misuse"can"be"prosecuted"under"applicable"statutes."Users"may"be" held"accountable"for"their"conduct"under"any"applicable"school"policies"or" procedures."Complaints"alleging"misuse"of"Gateway"School"District"resources"will"be" directed"to"those"responsible"for"taking"appropriate"disciplinary"action"and"handled" within"the"framework"of"the"district"discipline"code"and/or"Criminal"Code"of" Pennsylvania,"Section"3933."Illegal"reproduction"of"software"protected"by"U.S." Copyright"Law"is"subject"to"civil"damages"and"criminal"penalties"including"fines"and" imprisonment." " " No"personal"digital"technology"or"removable"storage"device"(i.e.,"disk,"removable" storage"device,"PC,"PDA,"Ipod,"CD/DVD,"etc.)"should"be"brought"into"the"district" from"an"outside"source"that"has"not"been"properly"scanned"for"viruses"or"that"has"

18" not"been"authorized"for"use"by"the"Technology"Department." " Staff"may"develop"and/or"publish,"with"written"permission"from"administration"and" approval"from"the"Technology"Department,"content"to"the"World"Wide"Web"via" web"pages,"blogs,"wikis,"podcasts,"vodcasts,"etc." " Personal"information"such"as"phone"numbers,"address,"eWmail"addresses," biographies,"photographs,"or"other"specific"personal"information"shall"not"be" published"nor"shared"to"a"district"page"or"videoconference."All"district"web"content" must"comply"with"this"policy." " Prohibitions" " Staff"and"students"are"expected"to"act"in"a"responsible,"ethical"and"legal"manner"in" accordance"with"district"policy,"accepted"rules"of"network"etiquette,"and"federal" and"state"laws."Specifically,"the"following"prohibited"uses"of"the"district’s" technology"resources"shall"include,"but"are"not"limited,"to"the"following:" " 1. District"digital/computer"technology"and"internal/external"Regional"Wide"Area" Network"(RWAN)"networks"may"not"be"used"for"personal,"financial,"commercial," or"criminal"purposes."Users"may"not"buy"or"sell"products"or"services"or"use" district"technology"resources"for"personal"communication,"commercial" advertising,"gambling,"noneducational"use"of"social"networking"sites,"cyber" crime,"or"political"lobbying." " " 2. Production"or"distribution"of"hate"mail,"unlawful"discrimination"remarks,"and" offensive"or"inflammatory"communication."District"technology"and"networks" may"not"be"used"for"any"activity,"or"to"transmit"any"material,"that"violates"local," state"or"federal"laws." " " 3. Unauthorized"or"illegal"installation,"distribution,"reproduction,"or"use"of" copyrighted"materials."Users"may"not"download,"copy,"or"store"any"software," shareware,"or"freeware"without"prior"permission"from"the"Network" Administrator." " " 4. Access"and/or"transmission"of"obscene"or"pornographic"material."Users"may"not" access"web"sites,"newsgroups,"social"networks"technologies,"or"chat"areas"that" contain"material"that"is"obscene"or"that"promotes"illegal"acts."If"a"user" accidentally"accesses"this"type"of"information,"s/he"should"immediately"notify" the"Network"Administrator." " " 5. Use"of"inappropriate"language"or"profanity."Users"may"not"engage"in"the"use"of" vulgar,"derogatory,"or"obscene"language"on"any"district"computer"system." "

19" " 6. To"transmit"material"likely"to"be"offensive"or"objectionable"to"recipients." " 7. To"intentionally"obtain"or"modify"files,"data"and"passwords"belonging"to"other" users,"or"integral"to"system"and"network"operations."Users"may"not"damage," disable,"alter"or"remove"software,"hardware,"wiring,"or"peripherals"without" prior"permission"from"the"Network"Administrator."Users"may"not"leave"laptops" unattended"or"desktop"computers"logged"on"to"passwordWprotected"content." " " 8. Impersonation"of"another"user,"anonymity,"and"pseudonyms." " 9. Loading"or"use"of"unauthorized"games,"programs,"files,"or"other"electronic" media." " " 10. To"disrupt"the"work"of"other"users."Users"may"not"log"on"to"someone"else’s" account"or"attempt"to"access"another"user’s"files."Hacking"or"otherwise"trying"to" gain"access"to"another"person’s"or"organization’s"computer"system"is" prohibited." " " 11. Destruction,"modification,"or"abuse"of"computer"and"peripheral"hardware" software."Users"will"not"change,"or"attempt"to"change,"computer"settings"or" system"files"without"prior"permission"from"the"Network"Administrator." " " 12. Users"may"not"attempt"to"change"computer"settings"or"system"files"without" prior"permission"from"Network"Administrator." " " 13. Cyber"harassment,"cyber"bullying,"or"cyber"stalking"(a"situation"when"an"adult" or"child"is"repeatedly"tormented,"threatened,"harassed,"humiliated," embarrassed"or"otherwise"targeted"by"an"adult"using"test"messaging"or"any" other"type"of"digital"technology.)"Cyber"harassment/bullying/stalking"is" prohibited"on"Gateway"School"District"digital/computer"technology"and"internal" or"external"networks."(Refer"to"Board"Policy"249"–"Bullying/Cyber"bullying." " " 14. Relocations"of"district"hardware"without"prior"Network"Administrators"consent." " 15. Quoting"personal"communications"in"a"public"forum"without"the"original" author’s"prior"consent." " " 16. Revealing,"confidential,"or"private"information"to"unauthorized"individuals." " 17. Using"the"network"to"participate"in"online"or"realWtime"conversations"or"written" chats"or"messaging,"unless"authorized"by"the"teacher/administrator"for"the" purpose"of"communicating"with"other"classes,"or"students,"teachers"experts"or" professionals"for"education"purposes." " " 18. Users"must"keep"all"food"and"drink"away"from"Gateway"School"District" equipment."

20" " " Security" " System"security"is"protected"through"the"use"of"passwords."Failure"to"adequately" protect"or"update"passwords"could"result"in"unauthorized"access"to"personal"or" district"files."To"protect"the"integrity"of"district"technology"resources"and"systems," the"following"guidelines"shall"be"enforced:" " 1. Users"shall"not"reveal"their"passwords"to"another"individual." " 2. Users"are"required"to"log"off"from"the"network"when"they"complete"working"at" a"particular"station." " " 3. Users"are"not"to"use"a"computer"that"has"been"logged"in"under"another"user’s" name." " " 4. Any"use"identified"as"a"security"risk"or"having"a"history"of"problems"with"other" computer"systems"may"be"denied"access"to"district"technology"resources"for"an" appropriate"time." " " 5. Consequences"for"failure"to"adhere"to"this"policy"will"be"accepted"by"the"user" per"the"discretion"of"the"administration." " Safety" " System"security"is"protected"through"the"use"of"passwords."Failure"to"adequately" protect"or"update"passwords"could"result"in"unauthorized"access"to"personal"or" district"files."To"protect"the"integrity"of"district"technology"resources"and"systems," the"following"guidelines"shall"be"enforced:" " 1. To"the"greatest"extent"possible,"users"of"the"network"will"be"protected"from" cyber"bullying/harassment"or"unwanted"or"unsolicited"communication."Any" network"user"who"receives"threatening"or"unwelcome"communications"shall" immediately"bring"them"to"the"attention"of"his/her"immediate"supervisor" and/or"the"Technology"Department." " " 2. Communications"through"district"electronic"resources"are"limited"to"only"that" which"serves"a"demonstrable"educational"or"operational"purpose."For"safety" reasons,"district"users"are"encouraged"not"to"reveal"personal"addresses"or" telephone"numbers"to"other"users"on"district"networks"or"on"the"Internet," unless"deemed"necessary"for"educational"or"operational"purposes." " " 3. The"Superintendent"and/or"designee"shall"be"responsible"for"implementing" technology"and"procedures"to"determine"whether"the"district’s"computers"and" other"computer"related"devices"such"as"USB"drives,"digital"cameras"and"video" cameras,"PDAs,"MP3"players,"printers"and"emergent"technology,"etc."are"being"

21" used"for"purposes"prohibited"by"law"or"for"accessing"sexually"explicit"materials." The"procedure"shall"include"but"not"be"limited"to:" " " a. Utilizing"technology"protection"measures"that"block"or"filter"Internet"access" for"minors"and"adults"to"certain"visual"depictions"that"are"obscene,"child" pornography,"harmful"to"minors"with"respect"to"use"by"minors,"or" determined"inappropriate"for"use"by"minors"by"the"Board." " " b. Maintaining"and"securing"a"usage"log." " c. Monitoring"online"activities"or"users." " No"Privacy"Rights" " Employees"who"use"the"network"must"realize"that"the"district"administration"does" have"the"authority"to"intercept"eWmail"messages"of"all"users."Employees"will"have"no" right"of"privacy"with"regard"to"the"use"of"the"district’s"technology"resources." Information"transmitted"over"the"network"will"be"monitored"to"ensure"appropriate" use." " Users"of"the"network"are"discouraged"from"storing"extensive"eWmail"messages"in" the"network."Messages,"which"are"no"longer"useful"or"necessary,"should"be" eliminated"on"a"regular"basis."The"district"may"eliminate"any"messages"that"are" stored"longer"than"deemed"necessary"by"the"Network"Administrator." " Faculty"Rule"With"Respect"To"Student"Use" " Professional"employees"of"the"school"shall"use"their"best"judgment"and"discretion" in"authorizing"student"access"and"monitoring"student"use"of"the"Internet."The" school"district"shall"hold"harmless"any"employee"from"liability"resulting"from"a" student’s"use"of"the"Internet"when"the"employee"has"exercised"his/her"best" judgment"in"authorizing"student"access"and"monitoring"of"student"use"of"the" Internet,"provided"however"that"in"doing"so,"the"employee"has"not"engaged"in" willful"misconduct"or"criminal"behavior." " Children’s"Internet"Protection"Act"(CIPA)" " The"district"has"installed"filtering"software"to"restrict"and"monitor"the"use"of"the" Internet,"eWmail,"newsgroups,"FTP,"chat,"instant"messaging,"etc.,"in"accordance"with" the"Children’s"Internet"Protection"Act"(CIPA)."The"district"acknowledges"that"no" filtering"software"is"100%"effective."Internet"safety"measures"shall"effectively" address"the"following:"

22" " 1. Control"of"access"by"minors"to"inappropriate"matter"on"the"Internet"and"World" Wide"Web." " " 2. Safety"and"security"of"minors"when"using"electronic"mail,"chat"rooms,"and"other" forms"of"direct"electronic"communications." " " 3. Prevention"of"unauthorized"online"access"by"minors,"including"hacking"and" other"unlawful"activities." " " 4. Unauthorized"disclosure,"use,"and"dissemination"of"personal"information" regarding"minors." " " 5. Restriction"of"minors’"access"to"materials"harmful"to"them." " References:" School"Code"–"24"P.S."Sec."1303.1WA" Child"Internet"Protection"Act"–"24"P.S."Sec."4601"et"seq." Enhancing"Education"Through"Technology"Act"of"2001"–"20"U.S.C."Sec."6777" Internet"Safety"–"47"U.S.C."Sec."254" Board"Policy"–"249,"814"

23" No. 814.1-R-1 GATEWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION COMPUTER USE GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS

The Gateway School District provides computer technology and network connectivity to improve the processes of teaching and learning as well as facilitate improvements in communication between all members of the learning community.

In order to obtain access to technology resources, students and their parents/guardians must first read and understand the following computer use guidelines. This is a non-inclusive list and is not intended to limit the applicability of any other district policy or discipline procedure.

Acceptable Uses Of District Technology And Networks

1. Use of Gateway School District computer technology and networks is contingent upon parent/guardian permission in the form of a signed copy of the Computer Use - Statement of Understanding.

2. School district computer technology and network connectivity are provided to allow access to Course Management Systems, the Internet, software, and electronic resources for educational purposes only. This includes classroom activities, research activities, peer review of assigned work, and the electronic exchange of education-related ideas, opinions, and inquiries.

3. Users must respect disk space limitations. Users are responsible for deleting old and unused files that may take up excessive amounts of storage space.

4. Material created and/or stored on the system or network is not guaranteed to be private. Network administrators and teachers may review the system periodically to ensure that the system is being used properly and that resource limits are being observed. For this reason, users should expect that communication, files, web pages and other work that is created, sent, or received using the network or when using district technology equipment may be viewed by a third party.

5. Users must keep their passwords private at all times. Accounts and/or passwords may not be shared.

6. Users will follow appropriate computer use procedures, including proper startup, shutdown and sign-in.

24" Unacceptable Uses Of District Technology And Networks

1. Users may not download, copy, or store any software, shareware, or freeware without prior permission from the teacher or network administrator.

2. District digital/computer technology and internal/external networks may not be used for personal, financial, commercial or criminal purposes. Users may not buy or sell products or services or use district technology resources for personal communication, commercial advertising, gambling, non-educational uses of social networking sites, cyber crime or political lobbying.

3. District computer technology and networks may not be used for any activity, or to transmit any material, that violates local, state or federal laws.

4. Cyber bullying/Cyber Harassment: a situation when a child, teen, or adult is repeatedly tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted' by another child or teenager using text messaging, email, instant messaging or any other type of digital technology. Cyber bullying and/or Cyber Harassment are not permitted on Gateway School Districts digital/computer technology and internal or external networks. Users may not use vulgar, derogatory, or obscene language on computer systems. Users may not post private information about themselves.

5. Users may not access web sites, newsgroups, or chat areas that contain material that is obscene or that

promotes illegal acts. If a user accidentally accesses this type of information, s/he should immediately notify a teacher.

6. Users may not log on to someone else’s account or attempt to access another user’s files. "Hacking" or otherwise trying to gain access to another person’s or organization’s computer system is prohibited.

7. Users may not attempt to disable, alter, or otherwise circumvent district filtering, firewall, antivirus, or other security measures.

8. Users may not damage, disable, alter, or remove software, hardware, wiring, or peripherals without prior permission from the teacher or network administrator.

9. Users must keep all food and drink well away from the Gateway School District equipment.

10. Users will not change, or attempt to change, computer settings or system files without prior permission from the network administrator.

11. Users may not copy district software or files. Digital technology is also not to be used to make illegal copies of software or other copyrighted media.

25"

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING NETWORK AND INTERNET PERMISSION

As the parent/guardian of ______________________________ (student’s name), I have read the Computer Use Guidelines above and I understand that access and related technology is provided for educational purposes only. I also understand that, while the Gateway School District has taken precautions to restrict access to inappropriate material, the Internet inherently contains an unregulated collection of resources; thus the district cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information or the appropriateness of any material that a student may encounter. As

parent/guardian, I agree to not hold the district responsible for materials acquired by my child while using the systems, for violations of copyright restrictions, user mistakes, negligence or any costs incurred by him or her. My child and I accept full responsibility for his/her use of this technology and the Gateway School District network, whether in school or at home. Furthermore, we understand the consequences of misuse and damage, beyond normal wear and tear, could result in disciplinary action in accordance with the district’s discipline code and/or the Crimes Code of PA, Section 3933.

Appropriate action will be determined based on factors such as severity, frequency, and degree of deviation from expectations and length of time involved. Because of the great variety of situations that may arise with the use of technology, administration reserves the right to decide what course of action will be taken.

Student's Name (please print): _______________________________________ Student Homeroom: _______________________________________ Student Signature: _______________________________________

Please check:

______ I have read and understand that Cyber Bullying and the uses of Gateways resources for non-educational purposes are prohibited.

______ I have read and understand the Academic Social Networking guidelines. ______ I do give permission for my child to use the district’s computer technology and access the networks.

______ I do not give permission for my child to use the district’s computer technology and access the networks.

Parent’s/Guardian's Name (please print): _________________________________ Today’s Date: ________________________________________ Parent’s/Guardian's Signature: _______________________________________

26" Gateway Cyber Academy Interview

Student Name: _________________________________________ Date: ________________ Address: _______________________________________ Birth date: _____________ Parent/Guardian Name: _________________________________________

Grade: (circle)

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Quarter: 1 2 3 4

Last School Attended: ____________________________________

Have you ever been assigned specially designed instruction in the form of a GIEP or IEP?

__ yes __ no If so, which one? ____IEP ____GIEP

Why would you like to enroll in Gateway Cyber Academy?

_____________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

What are your career goals? Please list/describe any special interests you have in terms of elective

studies?

_____________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

Please rate your proficiency levels with respect to computer usage?

____ Very Limited (Will Need Extensive Support) ____ Novice Level (May Need Some Support)

____ Mastery Level (Expect to Need Very Minimal Support)

Is your parent/guardian at home throughout the school day?

Yes ________ No ________

If no what is your plan to ensure your child completes school work in your absence?

_____________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________

27" Do you plan to participate in extra-curricular activities at Gateway School High School during this school year?

Yes ________ No ________ (Please specify your area of interest) ____________________

* Gateway Cyber Academy students who participate in district-sponsored, extra-curricular activities are subject to academic and attendance monitoring as per district, WPIAL, and PIAA policies and procedures. *

Family Responsibilities

1. The family will maintain a home learning environment that supports academic progress. 2. All district property will be used for educational purposes ONLY.

3. The family will take steps to ensure Gateway School District property is being used

EXCLUSIVELY by the student who has been issued the computer and related equipment. 4. The family will designate a primary contact for the purposes of communicating with Allegheny

Intermediate Unit Staff and Gateway School District Staff.

5. The family will monitor student performance and ensure the student contacts Allegheny

Intermediate Unit Staff for academic support and/or Gateway Cyber Academy Facilitator to report technical difficulties when progress appears to be stalled.

6. The family will refrain from attempting to make repairs to district property and will contact Gateway Cyber Academy Program Facilitator to report technology concerns.

7. When in attendance at school events and participating in online studies, students will abide by all district policies and adhere to the Gateway School District’s Code of Student Conduct.

8. The student will handle district property responsibly and will return all district property when requested by Gateway School District.

28" District Responsibility

1. Gateway will provide a contact person within the district to address any/all concerns within a reasonable amount of time.

2. The district will provide a computer and related equipment to facilitate online studies. The computer will be equipped with stand-alone Internet access.

NOTE: The computer and other equipment issued remains the property of Gateway School District. Computers and equipment are collected at the end of each school year in order to perform basic maintenance and updates and redistributed at the start of the new school year. The student and parent/guardian are responsible for any lost or damaged equipment

3. The district will provide textbooks as needed for courses in which the student is enrolled.

Students who choose to enroll in Gateway Cyber Academy will be issued a letter grade for each course completed upon verification of academic performance. Students are responsible for meeting all district graduation requirements. All students are expected to follow the Acceptable Use of Computers policy of Gateway School District.

I understand and agree to adhere to all Gateway School District policies and Gateway Cyber Academy Program Guidelines as noted in the Gateway Cyber Academy Handbook.

Student Signature: ________________________________________ Date: ____________ Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________________ Date: ____________ Primary Contact (if different from parent signature):

_________________________________________

Home Phone: ______________________

Parent Cell Phone: _______________________ Parent Work Phone: _______________________ Student Cell Phone: _______________________ Parent Email: ______________________

29" Gateway School District

Agreement for USE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

This AGREEMENT is made on ___________________________(date) by and between the Gateway

School District and ___________________________ (responsible party) who resides

at______________________________(address). WHEREAS, Responsible Party is the parent or legal guardian of:_______________________________ (Student).

WHEREAS, GSD has agreed to permit the student to use certain computer equipment to facilitate the Student’s education during enrollment with GSD.

WHEREAS, Responsible Party is willing to accept responsibility for the Property set forth below, subject to the terms of this Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by Responsible Party, the parties intending to be legally bound hereby agree to the

following:

1. Use of Property. GSD shall permit the Student and the Responsible Party to use the equipment listed

on the attached Property Schedule (collectively the “Property”) solely for the education of the Student while enrolled at GSD and for no other purpose.

2. Term. This Agreement, unless extended in writing by all parties, shall expire upon the earlier of: (I)

Student’s termination of enrollment at GSD or June 2, 2016. Notwithstanding the foregoing, GSD reserves the right to terminate this Agreement immediately. Responsible Party shall return all of the Property to GSD within five (5) days of the termination date.

3. Legal Title to Property. Legal title to all of the Property shall at all times remain solely in GSD or its

designee. Neither the Responsible Party nor the Student shall have any right to the Property except under this Agreement

4. Condition of Property at Commencement of Term. Responsible Party agrees to complete, sign, and

return the attached Textbook & Technology Loan Forms to GSD. This Form serves to acknowledge receipt of the Property and to affirm that the Property is in satisfactory operating condition upon receipt.

5. Responsibility for Property. Responsible Party will maintain the Property at the Responsible Party’s

residence set forth above. Responsible Party shall not move the Property from Responsible Party’s residence without written approval from GSD. In the event Responsible Party intends to move or change addresses during the term of this Agreement, Responsible Party agrees to provide thirty (30) days written notice and the new address to GSD. Failure to provide GSD advance notice of any movement of the Property from the Responsible Party’s residence set forth above may result in the termination of this Agreement. Responsible Party shall be solely responsible for the Property until it is returned to GSD), and shall take all reasonable precautions to protect the Property. Responsible Party agrees to inform GSD) of any loss or damage to the Property from any cause whatsoever, except normal wear and tear, within three (3) days of the loss or occurrence of damage.

30" 6. Maintenance and Repair. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, Responsible Party

shall deliver the Property to GSD in the same condition, normal wear and tear excepted, as when delivered to Responsible Party. Responsible Party shall be liable for any and all damage caused by accident, negligence, fire, theft, the elements, or any other cause. Responsible Party will proactively follow all instructions for Property requiring repairs as directed by GSD.

7. Use of Property. Responsible Party agrees that (1) all Property shall be used in accordance with GSD

rules and all usage of the Property shall be subject to GSD rules and regulations regarding Network-Internet use and Protocol, School Board Policy 814.1, any unacceptable usage of the Property and/or violation of GSD rules and regulations regarding the Property or Network/Internet protocol may result in the immediate termination of the Agreement.

8. General Indemnity. You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless us, our employees, officers,

directors, agents, assignees, and all affiliated companies and/or entities, from and against any and all claims, actions, suits, proceedings, costs, expenses (including, without limitation, courts costs, witness fees and attorneys’ fees), damages, obligations, judgments, orders, penalties, fines, injuries, liabilities, and losses, including, without limitation, actions based upon GSD strict liability in tort (“claims”) arising directly or indirectly out of or in connection with any matter involving this Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHERE OF, each party has caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day, month, and year first above written.

Gateway may take legal action if equipment is not returned.

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

31"

!

Name:&______________________________________&

Cyber&Academy&&

Equipment&Inventory&Sheet&

_!

_!"

_!"

_!"

_!"

I acknowledge receipt of all equipment:

Guardian!Signature:!_____________________________________!

Facilitators!Signature:!!_____________________________________!

Air!card!!

_!

Wireless!

Reimbursement!

"

I acknowledge return of all equipment:

Guardian!Signature:!_____________________________________!

Facilitators!Signature:!!_____________________________________!

Exceptions:

!

!

32"

!

Forbes!

!

!

I"would"like"my"daughter/son,"________________,"to"attend"Forbes"School"for"

the"am/pm"session"for"the"2015A2016"school"year.""However,"

___________________"would"like"to"attend"the"Gateway"Cyber"Academy."""I"will"

provide"______________________"transportation"to"and"from"Forbes"School.""

Gateway"will"not"have"to"provide"this"transportation.""Thank"you."

"

Parent"Signature:"_________________________________" Date:"_________________"

"

Cyber"Academy"Facilitator:""______________________"Date:"_________________"

33" Online Learning Readiness Questionnaire

Before enrolling in an online course, you should first assess your readiness for stepping into the online learning environment. Your answers to the following questions will help you determine what you need to do to succeed at online learning.

Instructions: Choose the most accurate response to each statement.

Agree =A Somewhat Agree =SA Disagree= D

I am good at setting goals and deadlines for myself. A SA D

I have a really good reason for enrolling into cyber. A SA D

I finish projects I start. A SA D

I do not quit just because things get difficult. A SA D

I can keep myself on track and on time. A SA D

I learn fairly easily. A SA D

I can learn things I hear, like lecture, audio recordings, or podcasts. A SA D

I have to read something to learn it best. A SA D

I have developed good ways to solve problems I run into. A SA D

I learn best when I figure things out for myself. A SA D

I like to learn in a group, but I can learn on my own as well. A SA D I am willing to send e-mail to or have discussions with people I might never see. A SA D I usually study in a place where I can read and work without distractions. A SA D

I can ignore distractions around me when I study. A SA D

I am willing to spend 5 hours a week on an online course. A SA D

I keep a record of what my assignments are and when they are due. A SA D I plan my work in advance so that I can turn in my assignments on time. A SA D When I study, people around me will help me work and not try to distract me. A SA D I am willing to use e-mail and other online tools to ask my class. A SA D

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I am comfortable with surfing the internet. A SA D

I am comfortable conducting searching, setting bookmarks, and downloading files. A SA D I know someone who can help me if I have computer problems. A SA D