PLEASE READ

Netiquette
Skype videoconferencing, when used appropriately, is a fantastic tool that our teachers use to videoconference and interact with our students.

I have recently received a couple of reports of cyber-bullying and inappropriate language from certain students during non-class sponsored Skype chats. This is the equivalent of students passing notes to each other in the hallways between classes; the teachers and administration cannot easily police this type of behavior. We can, however, equip parents and students with the necessary tools to keep our students safe.

Parents, please discuss proper netiquette with your student, including but not limited to: no cursing, no harassment or name calling. For more details read the Suspension/Expulsion section from the OHSU Charter, included for your convenience at the bottom of this e-mail.

Please review the following functions with your student and adjust their Skype settings. Feel free to contact me, or a teacher if you need additional assistance.

TO LIMIT WHO CAN CONTACT YOUR STUDENT USING SKYPE

Open Skype.

Click on TOOLS, then OPTIONS.

The Skype Options window pops up.

Click on PRIVACY SETTINGS

Check “allow calls from people in my contact list only”

Check “allow IM’s from people in my contact list only”

Return to the ALL CONTACTS tab in the main Skype window and determine which contacts you would like to keep.

Right click on any contacts you wish to remove and choose “remove from contacts”

To completely block a contact, choose “block this contact” (Please do not block or remove OHSU teachers!)

By doing the above, you can control who can contact your student using Skype.

TO DIASABLE THE AUDIO NOTIFICATION OF INSTANT MESSAGES

Open Skype.

Click on TOOLS, then OPTIONS.

The Skype Options window pops up.

Click NOTIFICATIONS

Click SOUNDS

In the “Select which events play a sounds” field, uncheck “incoming IM”

TO REMOVE YOURSELF/STUDENT FROM A CONVERSATION OR CONVERSATION GROUP

Right click on the conversation (in the Conversation Tab)

Choose “Leave the conversation”

11.4. Suspension/expulsion

All students at OHSU have the right to feel that they are physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe. Therefore, if at any time a student feels he/she is the subject of harassment, hazing, threats, or other intimidating behavior, he/she should immediately speak to an administrator about the problem. The situation will be investigated immediately. All reports like this will be kept completely confidential.

A student may be suspended at any time for disobedient behavior, fighting, bad language, poor attitude, rebellion, disregard for school rules or property, or similar incidents. No student will be suspended without notice for the reason for which he/she is being suspended and an opportunity to be heard in his/her own behalf before the director/designee. Parents will be informed immediately of all suspensions. The student’s parents are required to contact with the Director and any staff member involved in the suspension prior to the student’s return to school. A suspended student may or may not be required to make up work missed, and will not be allowed to attend any school related function during a period of suspension.

The decision to expel any student will be made in writing and will include the reasons for the expulsion by the Director after hearing about the events involved in a situation. No student shall be expelled without the opportunity for a formal hearing before the Board or before a disciplinary committee duly authorized by the Board. Such hearings shall be closed to the public, but should the parent request, the meeting will be held in public. Students and parents/guardians may appeal an expulsion within two school days of the expulsion being issued. This appeal will be made to the Director and heard by the Board or disciplinary committee. All disciplinary committee hearings on expulsions will be held within five (5) school days of the appeal being made. The decision of this disciplinary committee is final.