Policies

INSTRUCTION

Instruction contains policies on the instructional program: basic curricular subjects, special programs, instructional resources, and academic achievement.

ACADEMIC FREEDOM

The teacher is entitled to freedom in the classroom in discussing his/her assigned subject matter, but shall limit him/herself to comments that are directly related to the curriculum established by the Board.

The teacher should at all times be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others, and should make every effort to indicate that he/she is not an institutional spokesperson.

Reference:

MEA Agreement Article XVII (C)

NHSBA Code IB
First Reading Coordination: 07/11/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 08/13/01

Also Instruction 103

END OF ACADEMIC YEAR

Students shall attend classes for 180 days. However, the school calendar shall designate 190 days to provide additional days for emergencies and professional development.

Despite normal student tendency to relax efforts in the final days of June, teachers must maintain stimulating presentations and the normal class routine to provide constructive, continued learning experiences for all children.

Recognizing that high schools have special circumstances with reference to their graduating classes, seniors must complete 175 full instructional days of school in accordance with State Department of Education policy and regulations.

Statutory References:

RSA 189:1 (Days of School)
Ed. 306.02 (School Year)
Ed.306.03 (School Calendar)

NHSBA Code IC
08/94 revised 03/01
Curriculum and Instruction: 04/16/01
First Reading Coordination: 05/09/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 05/14/01

See also Instruction 102

SCHOOL CALENDAR

The school calendar will be developed by the Superintendent and/or his/her designee and approved by the Board.

Days that the schools are closed for emergency reasons will be made up at the end of the school year, as approved by the Board upon the Superintendent's recommendation. Under special circumstances, the Board may request a waiver to this requirement from the State Board of Education.

References:

RSA 189:2 (Reduction of Time)
Ed. 306.02 (School Year)
Ed.306.03 (School Calendar)

NHSBA Code ICA
Curriculum and Instruction: 01/22/01 and 02/20/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 07/09/01

See Also Instruction 105

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

Curriculum development is the foundation of instruction. It is an all-encompassing task which involves the entire community. Students, parents, teachers and administrators work cooperatively to develop a curriculum that strives to provide a wide variety of approaches to instruction in an increasingly complex world.

The Superintendent and/or his/her designee will guide curriculum development for the school district. Curriculum committees will be established for curriculum development, curriculum revision and the selection of new instructional materials.

It is expected that all teachers and administrators will make contributions to curriculum development. The Board will encourage and support the professional staff in its efforts to investigate and develop new curricular ideas.

The Superintendent and/or his/her designee will submit recommendations developed by the curriculum committees to the Curriculum and Instruction Committee. These recommendations will be submitted to the Board for its consideration and adoption.

NHSBA Code IGA
Curriculum and Instruction: 01/22/01 and 02/20/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 07/09/01

See also Instruction 104

CURRICULUM ADOPTION

It is the policy of the Board that no basic course of study shall eliminated or new courses added without approval of the Board, nor shall any alteration or reduction of a course of study be made without such approval.

New programs and courses of study shall not be acted upon by the full Board until the meeting following their presentation by the administration at the Curriculum and Instruction Committee.

NHSBA Code IGD
Curriculum and Instruction: 01/22/01 and 02/ 20/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 07/09/01

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The Board of School Committee shall ensure that a physical education program is developed and offered at all schools within the District. Such approved program shall provide systematic instruction and activities which are developmentally appropriate and which enable students to:

• Develop an awareness of the benefits of physical fitness;
• Recognize and respect individual differences in ability;
• Develop skills in leadership, responsibility and teamwork;
• Learn about lifetime activities; and
• Enjoy and understand activities as a participant and/or spectator.

No student shall be excused from regular physical education except on the written notice of a duly licensed physician in which case an alternative program shall be provided. The teacher, upon the request of the parents, may grant temporary excuses on a day-to-day basis.

Any student with a disability may be excused from physical education based upon the recommendation of that student's educational planning team and/or his/her personal physician. In all such cases, an appropriate alternative program will be provided for the student.

References:

Ed. 306:35 (Physical Education Program)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

NHSBA Code IHAE
Curriculum and Instruction: 01/22/01, 04/16/01
First Reading Coordination: 05/09/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 05/14/01

TEACHING ABOUT RELIGION

Religious education is the responsibility of the home and the church. Any instruction relating to religion within the District shall conform to all applicable legal requirements.

Schools within the District may choose to include the study of religion. In doing so, the school's approach must be instructional. It must not be devotional or one of indoctrination. As such, teachers should seek to inform students about various beliefs and should strive for student awareness of all religions.

NHSBA Code IHAL
02/95 Revised as follows:
Curriculum and Instruction: 01/22/01 and 02/20/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 07/09/01

TEACHING ABOUT ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND TOBACCO

The Board of School Committee shall ensure that a health curriculum is developed that includes systematic instruction about the effects of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and the abuse of these substances. The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall be responsible for establishing and periodically reviewing the health curriculum.

In addition, the District shall sponsor a Student Assistance Program (SAP) at all middle and high schools within the District. The SAP shall offer drug and alcohol use support groups to students within the school and shall provide referral information to any parent requesting guidance about additional services in the community.

References:

NH Minimum Standards Ed 306.32 (Health Education)

NHSBA Code IHAMA
Curriculum and Instruction: 01/22/01, 02/20/01, 04/16/01
First Reading Coordination: 05/09/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 05/14/01

MEETING THE INSTRUCTIONAL NEEDS OF STUDENTS WITH DIFFERENT TALENTS

Because education is a lifelong process, the educational program shall provide formal studies to meet the general academic needs of all students, opportunities for individual students to develop specific talents and interests, and opportunities to develop the skills necessary to become independent learners. As part of their professional responsibility, teachers shall endeavor to provide support to enhance student opportunities. At all levels, individual differences in student performance, learning rate, and style shall be identified and appropriately addressed.

Statutory/Regulatory References:

NH Minimum Standards: Ed 306.10(a)(6)

NHSBA Code
Curriculum and Instruction: 04/16/01
First Reading Coordination: 05/09/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 05/14/01

Also Students 120 

PROGRAMS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The District shall provide a free, appropriate public education and necessary related services, required under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the American with Disabilities Act, to all students with disabilities residing within the district

It is the intent of the district to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are identified, evaluated, and provided with appropriate educational services. Students may be disabled within the meaning of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act even though they do not require services pursuant to the IDEA.

For students eligible for services under IDEA, the district shall follow procedures for identification, evaluation, placement, and delivery of services to students with disabilities provided in state statutes which govern special education. For those students who are not eligible for services under IDEA, but, because of a disability as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, need or are believed to need special instruction or related services, the district shall establish and implement a system of procedural safeguards. The safeguards shall cover students' identification, evaluation, and educational placement. This system shall include notice and opportunity for the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) to examine relevant records, review procedure, and an impartial hearing with opportunity for participation by the students' parent(s)/guardian(s), and representation by counsel.

References:

20 USCA { 1401 et seq. } (IDEA Statute)
RSA 186-C (Special Education)
Appendix JICD-R , page 12

NHSBA Code IHBA
Curriculum and Instruction: 04/16/01
First Reading Coordination: 05/09/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 05/14/01

See also Students 130

PARENTING/MARRIED/PREGNANT STUDENTS

Neither parental nor marital status shall prohibit a student from receiving a public education.

Pregnant students shall be permitted to continue in school in all instances when continued attendance has the sanction of the pregnant student's physician. The Principal and/or school nurse may require a physician's activity limitations statement.

NHSBA Code IHBCA
08/94 Revised as follows:
Curriculum and Instruction 01/22/01 and 02/20/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 07/09/01

EQUITY IN DETERMINING GRADE PLACEMENT AND CREDIT

New Hampshire law dictates that any student between the ages of six (6) and sixteen (16) by virtue of his/her parent(s) living in a district is entitled to attend the public school supported by that district. The state also requires all public schools to have a policy determining grade placement.

Under normal circumstances, a student matriculates from the eighth grade to the freshman year of high school or from one high school year to the next. The transition procedures become more challenging when a student is transferring into a given high school under different circumstances. Students may transfer from alternative schools, non-public schools, non-recognized schools or schools in other countries. They may also come from home schooling or be homeless or migrants.

When assessing a request for placement other than an initial entry for freshmen, students must provide suitable documentation. Documentation may be in the form of:

• A transcript from an approved school (including an out-of-state correspondence school)
• Test scores indicating competence
• Student portfolios
• A combination of the above mentioned information sources

For most transfer students, documentation of credit earned in institutions of equal status (other high schools, approved non-public schools and accredited correspondence schools) represents sufficient documentation.

Absent any documentation, the receiving school must determine a proper placement through an evaluation and decision-making process that applies equally to students. All transfer students, including students from other countries and home schooled students should be placed and a plan for graduation developed that uses equal or equivalent practice. The receiving district does not grant or manufacture credits for prior work/accomplishment done by the transfer student. The receiving school recognizes these credits and equivalent accomplishments. To ensure equal treatment of all transferring students, the guidelines below must be followed:

• Prior study and credit is to be reviewed for placement purposes and to plan for graduation.
• When placement has been determined, the number and distribution of credits needed to graduate from the receiving school can be established in accordance with state and local requirements.
• State and local graduation requirements for a diploma shall be met as a result of an initial proper placement and a plan toward graduation as described above.
• The graduation plan for any remaining credit and the fulfillment of state and local credit and distribution requirements should be planned with participation from the district, student and parent.
• Prior work/accomplishment/credit is not to be evaluated with regard to a possible one-to-one transfer of specific credits as though they were earned at the receiving school.

For the purposes of determining class rank, all students (including home schooled students) must have a minimum of three (3) semesters at the receiving high school to be eligible and included in the Manchester School District's senior and final class ranking system. Students who have attended more than one high school within the Manchester School District are not subject to the class rank/three semester provision.

References:

RSA 189:1-a (Duty to Provide Education)
Ed 306.18(a) (Basic Instructional Standards)

Curriculum and Instruction: 02/20/01
First Reading Coordination: 05/09/01
Second Reading and Adoption: 05/14/01

SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Summer school is affiliated with the Manchester School District and is available to all Manchester area students from grades 6-12. Various courses are offered for make-up, review, or enrichment. Detailed information can be obtained by contacting the summer school director.

Students who select courses for make-up may only attend summer school based on the number of absences during the school year. Students who have been absent fewer than 24 days of the previous school year automatically qualify for summer school and restoration of credits. Students who are absent for more that 30 days of the previous school year may attend summer school for review only and not for credit restoration. Students who have been absent between 24 and 30 days may attend summer school for restoration of credits at the discretion of the principal.

Students who enroll in summer school courses for credit restoration must be aware of the fact that summer school credits are earned based on the number of credits that were previously failed.

Summer school courses taken for review and/or enrichment will be listed on the high school transcript, however, no credit or grade point average adjustments will be given.

References:

ED 306.23(p) (High School Curriculum)

NHSBA Code IFKA
8/94 Revised as follows:
Curriculum and Instruction: 01/22/01 and 02/20/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 07/09/01

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETENTION POLICY

Promotion during the middle school years shall be based on a student's academic performance that indicates he/she is achieving at or near grade level. Exceptions to a student's academic performance include but are not limited to the following items:

- Background of student (Family situation, etc.)

- Disability

- ESOL issues

- Slow learners that are not identified under IDEA

If it is determined that a student must be retained, only three (3) retentions should occur within grades 1 - 8. After each retention, if the student continues to be unable to perform at or near grade level, alternative forms of education should be considered.

See Appendix Instruction 117
First Reading Coordination: 01/16/02
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 02/11/02

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The Board is legally responsible to approve and to provide the necessary instructional materials used in the District. Textbooks and instructional materials should provide quality learning experiences for students and:

Enrich and support the curriculum;

Stimulate growth in knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic value, and ethical standards;

Provide background information to enable students to make intelligent judgements;

Present opposing sides of controversial issues;

Be representative of the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contributions to our American heritage;

Depict in an accurate and unbiased way the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of the American society.

Be matched to the appropriate skill levels of students.

Basic instructional course material in the fundamental skill areas of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies should be reviewed at intervals not exceeding five (5) years. All instructional materials must be sequential, and must be compatible with previous and future offerings.

References:

ED 306.18 (a) (5) (Basic Instructional Standards)

NHSBA Code IJ
First Reading Coordination: 12/12/00
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 01/08/01

Also Instruction 124

FIELD TRIPS AND APPROVED EXCURSIONS

Field trips and excursions should be of an educational nature and should correlate with the curriculum of the school.

The Board of School Committee also recognizes that educational value can be derived from other travel such as music festivals, exchange programs, foreign language living experiences, and invitations to participate in distinctive events. The Board of School Committee looks favorably upon travel that is closely related to existing programs offered at the school. Current or previous successful experience in the field of study related to the trip is considered a minimum requirement of eligibility. Plans for any such activity should be discussed with the School Committee, superintendent, and principal at least one (1) month prior to the departure date. Parents will be urged to participate in all planning discussions. Any interruption of the school calendar must have the approval of the Board of School Committee.

Before proposing any field trip or excursion, the teacher and/or administrator organizing the trip shall verify the physical accessibility and feasibility for individuals with disabilities. Any questions regarding concerns about accessibility shall be directed to the Director of Student Services.

All field trips must be approved by the principal who in turn must inform the Assistant Superintendent of Schools. The Board of School Committee must approve any travel out of the country.

Permission slips, describing specific details of the trip, must be sent home and returned signed by the parent or guardian. The principal of each school must inform the Assistant Superintendent of any plans for a field trip prior to the time the permission slips are sent home.

The final list of all those who are planning to participate must ordinarily be approved by the principal at least three weeks in advance of the departure date. Students must be responsible and considered worthy representatives of their school.

Approved chaperones will accompany all trips, the ratio for which will be one (1) chaperone for every ten (10) students. It is strongly suggested that a school administrator be designated as one of the chaperones.

An approved transportation company, as designated by the Superintendent, must be used on all field trips.

References:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

VACATION TOURS/TRIPS

The Manchester Board of School Committee will not sponsor summer or vacation tours and trips. Any such trips or tours, organized under private auspices are not within the purview of the School Committee. No trip should be organized in such a way as to interrupt the school calendar without prior School Committee approval.

The use of school media and school facilities, during regular school hours, for the planning, organization, orientation and recruitment for such tours is not permitted by the School Committee. Copies of all notices and bulletins connected with the trip which will be distributed to participants, parents, chaperones, etc., must be filed in advance with the principal and may not be posted on school property.

Classroom teachers, principals, or department heads should in no way be involved in the collection of monies during school hours.

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL GRADING SYSTEM

The Superintendent and/or his/her designee and the building principals will develop a grading system appropriate for the grade levels of the respective schools. The grading system will be approved by the Board and published in the Student/Parent Handbook. All grading decisions shall be made at the building level and the decision shall be final.

High school grades are uniformly reported on a letter basis. Letter grades are to be converted to an index point system to arrive at honor roll averages. A computerized report card is to be used on a citywide basis. As of September 1, 1993, the grading system, points values and definitions used for middle and high schools in the Manchester School District are as follows:

Grade Points Definition

A 4.0 90-100

B+ 3.5 85-89

B 3.0 80-84

C+ 2.5 75-79

C 2.0 70-74

D 1.0 65-69

E 0.0 Failure due to absences

F 0.0 Failure

INC Incomplete

W 0.0 Withdrawal

Principal's List is an average between 4.0 and 3.85; High Honors is an average between 3.5 and 3.84; Honor Roll is an average between 3.0 and 3.49. Students who fail classes are not eligible for principal's list, honors or high honors.

References:

ED 306.23(p) (High School Curriculum)

HOMEWORK

The Manchester Board of School Committee recognizes that homework is an important part of the educational process and must be an integrated effort among teachers, parents, and students.

Homework should:

1. ordinarily be used as a reinforcement of previously presented material. However, it is understood that certain curricular areas may require work prior to classroom instruction
2. be used from kindergarten to grade twelve, with allowances for the teacher to use discretion relative to the length of the assignment as determined by age and performance level of the student.
3. be "credited" but not necessarily "graded."
4. be meaningful and not "busy" work.

In the assignment of homework teachers are expected to:

1. encourage parental involvement in the guidance of students' homework efforts;
2. assign intermittent long-range projects and assess them through the use of the grading process;
3. use "contracts" between some students, parents, and teachers as an effective approach to homework assignment.

1/93, Revised 11/00

References:

ED 306.18 (a) (2)

HIGH SCHOOL PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

The minimum requirements for promotion to the next class are:

• Two semesters and 3 credits to be a sophomore
• Four semesters and 8 credits to be a junior
• Six semesters and 14 credits to be a senior

If a student is behind on his/her credits, he/she will be promoted to his/her original class under the following circumstances:

1. If s/he elects and completes extra subjects during the academic year to make up the deficiency.
2. If s/he elects and completes the necessary in summer school. (Summer school attendance is contingent upon satisfactory attendance and effort during the academic year.)
3. Only in the student's senior year will a promotion (junior to senior) occur during the school year. All other promotions (freshman to sophomore or sophomore to junior) will occur after the school year has been completed.

References:

ED 306.23(p) (High School Curriculum)

NHSBA Code IFKA

TWENTY CREDITS FOR GRADUATION

Eligibility for graduation from a Manchester high school requires that a student earn a minimum of twenty (20) credits after having attended eight (8) semesters of high school.

4 Credits ENGLISH

2 1 /2 Credits - SOCIAL STUDIES

1 Credit - United States History

1/2 Credit - Economics

1/2 Credit - American Constitution/Government

1 /2 Credit - Elective

2 Credits - MATHEMATICS

1 Credit - Freshman Year

1 Credit - Sophomore Year

2 Credits - SCIENCE

1 Credit - Physical Science

1 Credit - Biological Science

1 Credit - PHYSICAL EDUCATION

1/2 Credit - HEALTH EDUCATION

1/2 Credit - ARTS EDUCATION

1/2 Credit - COMPUTER EDUCATION*

(This requirement may be met at the middle school)

7 Credits - ELECTIVES

Exceptions to this policy can be found in Instruction 129(Early Graduation) and Instruction 130 (Graduation Procedures for Students Lacking Not More Than Two Credits).

References:

ED 306.23(p) (High School Curriculum)

NHSBA Code IFKA

DETERMINATION OF CLASS RANK

Beginning with the Class of 2004, the weighted (adjusted) class rank will be the official class rank to determine valedictorian at the high schools in the Manchester School District. All courses at the high school level will be included in the weighted grade system except for the following:

In order to ensure that all students have equal access in the course selection process, the guidelines listed below must be followed:

Reference:

Ed 306.23(p) (High School Curriculum)

EARLY GRADUATION

A program leading toward a three and one-half year graduation may be explored by student and counselors upon written request by parent or guardian. This program must be applied for in advance. The high school principal shall approve such requests if he/she determines that all state and local graduation requirements will be met and that early graduation will be related to career and/or educational plans of the student.

References:

ED 306.23(p) (High School Curriculum)

NHSBA Code IFKA 

02/96 Revised as follows:
Curriculum and Instruction: 02/20/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Adoption BOSC: 07/09/01

GRADUATION PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS

LACKING NOT MORE THAN TWO CREDITS

Students lacking not more than two credits for completion of the graduation requirements (20 credits) may be allowed to participate in graduation exercises providing:

If the required courses are not offered during the summer school session following the student's graduation, the student will be allowed to complete these courses during the following school year via the Adult Education program.

A student may only participate in a single graduation ceremony. Failure at summer school and/or a subsequent school year will not result in a second opportunity to participate in graduation exercises.

References:

ED 306.23(p) (High School Curriculum)

NHSBA Code IFKA

Also Agency 103

ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR COMPLETING HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS AWARDING COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY CREDITS

Under regular circumstances, those courses required for high school graduation in the Manchester School District must be taken at Central, Memorial or West high schools or through the Adult Education Program. However, with pre-approval from the building principal, college and/or university course work shall be accepted and shall be applied to requirements necessary for a high school diploma.

Credit will be accepted under the following parameters:

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Adult Education Program is affiliated with the Manchester School District and the State Department of Education. It is available to any person sixteen (16) years of age or older who wishes to complete the requirements for a Manchester high school diploma.

Students of the Manchester School District are allowed to transfer three (3) credits earned from an accredited high school (such as Manchester Adult High School) to his/her home high school for the purpose of graduation. This privilege shall expire upon the third anniversary of the student's original expected year of graduation. Expected year of graduation is defined as and based on the student's date of entrance to the ninth grade.

Students who earn a sufficient number of credits for a high school diploma, but are beyond the third anniversary of their original expected year of graduation, shall earn a Manchester Adult Education high school diploma.

References:

ED 306.23(p) (High School Curriculum)

NHSBA Code IFKA

OUTSIDE SPEAKERS AT HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

Before any commitment with regard to a guest speaker at the high school commencement exercise, approval by the Board of School Committee for the respective speaker must be obtained at least 60 days prior to the date of the graduation ceremony.

See also Instruction 136 Controversial Speakers and Programs

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The Board may offer a variety of awards and scholarships sponsored by groups or individuals. The Board maintains a policy of non-discrimination. Therefore, it reserves the right to reject, on a case by case basis, any award, bequest or scholarship, which in the opinion of the Board is contrary to this policy.

NHSBA Code IKG

EVALUATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall require the evaluation of the instructional programs in accordance with local and state guidelines. S/he shall be responsible for reporting to the Board periodically with regard to the effectiveness of programs on student achievement.

TEACHERS TEACHING THEIR OWN CHILDREN

In the event that a teacher is assigned to the school of his or her child's attendance, the Principal shall adjust teaching assignments in order to minimize the amount of time during any school day that the teacher spends instructing his/her own child. Ideally, such time will be eliminated completely. However, recognizing that this may not always be possible, a goal of not more than one instructional period per day will be acceptable. Exceptions, based on extenuating circumstances, shall require the approval of the Board.

NHSBA Code IMAB

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The school day shall begin with the flag salute. Each room shall be provided with a flag.

References:

RSA 194:15-a (Lord's Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance in Public Elementary Schools)

NHSBA Code IMDA

PATRIOTIC EXERCISES

State law provides that "In all public schools of the state, one session or a portion thereof during the weeks in which Memorial Day and Veterans Day fall, shall be devoted to exercises of a patriotic nature."

References:

RSA 189:18 (Patriotic Exercises) 

PRIOR PROGRAM APPROVAL

The School Committee shall approve all programs that constitute a major variation or might be considered "experimental" in nature. Examples of such programs might be, although not limited to, variation of traditional scheduling, student grouping, varied staffing patterns, shortened or flexible hourly instructional offerings, modular scheduling, work-study programs, year-round school, full-day kindergarten, and elementary multiage and looping classrooms.

Also Safety 121

INTRANET/INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Intranet/Internet access is available to students and school personnel in the Manchester School District. To gain access to the Manchester School District Intranet/Internet computer network, all users must sign the appropriate Acceptable Use Policy form. Students in grades 6-12 under the age of 18 must obtain parental permission to gain access to the Manchester School District Intranet/Internet computer network. Students in grades K-5 will use the Internet under close teacher supervision unless otherwise requested by a parent. The District recommends that parents read this policy carefully with their son/daughter and discuss it before giving their parental signature on any applicable form. Users 18 years of age and over may sign their own forms.

The internal Manchester School District Intranet/Internet computer network will provide the gateway to connecting students and school personnel to the Internet. School personnel will have access to universities, colleges, other schools, businesses, government agencies and to e-mail communication with people all over the world. Students will have similar access except for e-mail usage, which may be granted for teacher initiated projects only.

The Manchester School District is committed to using the Internet as a global source of information within its educational programs. Our goal is to provide Internet service to promote educational excellence through communication, resource sharing, innovation, and research. It is our intention to provide an Internet environment that is safe and appropriate for the maturity level and needs of student users. Internet access by students will be supervised by District personnel.

The Internet is a fluid environment where content is continually changing, and where the authenticity and validity of information sometimes can be questionable. Some material on the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. The Manchester School District has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials by using an Internet filtering program. The District servers also create logs of activity on the network. These logs are stored for thirty (30) days. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, it is impossible to filter all Internet access, and students may find ways to access controversial materials. It is the responsibility of the individual to use the Intranet/Internet in a legal, ethical, responsible, and considerate manner.

For these reasons, it is necessary to establish guidelines that are reflective of the District's educational objectives for all Intranet/Internet users. Therefore, all acceptable use of the Intranet/Internet must be in support of communication, research and education consistent with the purposes of the Manchester School District and must not violate school policies and standards of behavior.

User Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the user to familiarize him/herself with and abide by the rules of this Acceptable Use Policy and make appropriate use of the available resources. While it is not the intention of District personnel to be intrusive, users are advised that authorized District personnel will be monitoring system activity and content of e-mail messages and files.

User responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Users are not to reveal their last name, personal home address, home phone number or phone numbers and addresses of any other individuals except when using the CX Bridges Portfolio feature.

Students must notify a parent/guardian and teacher or system administrator immediately if any individual is trying to make contact for illicit or suspicious activities.

Users must not interfere with the normal and proper operation of the Intranet/Internet.

Student-produced material may be posted only after administrative review and parental permission. At that point, it will be considered fair use and available to the public.

Users agree to report any misuses of the District's computer network or Intranet/Internet services to the District's network administrator.

Unacceptable Uses

The use of the Intranet/Internet is a privilege, not a right, and unacceptable uses may result in restriction/revocation of those access privileges. Unacceptable uses may include, but are not limited to:

• sending, receiving or displaying offensive messages or pictures
• using obscene language
• harassing, insulting or attacking others
• violating copyright law or Manchester School District's copyright policy
• using another user's password or account
• damaging or altering computers, computer systems, or computer networks
• gaining access or attempting to modify others' folders, work or files
• using the network for personal, financial or commercial purposes
• misrepresenting oneself
• using the school's Intranet/Internet connection for any illegal or restricted activity
• developing intentionally or using invasive software, such as viruses, worms and other detrimental activities
• gaining unauthorized access to restricted resources or organizations
• using the school's external Internet connection for non-educational purposes
• posting any items produced by the students to the Internet without proper administrative review and parental permission
• using e-mail to reveal personal information
• accessing non-district issued e-mail accounts 
• students' using e-mail for non-educational purposes
• using unauthorized services or mail lists, i.e. LISTSERVS, newsgroups, chat rooms, and instant messaging
• encrypting communications or files to avoid system security review 

Disciplinary Actions

Depending on the severity of the offense, violation of this Acceptable Use Policy will result in one or more of the following disciplinary actions:

The Manchester School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The Manchester School District will not be responsible for any damages a user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, mid-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or the user's errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user's own risk. The Manchester School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy and quality of information obtained through its services.

This Policy is adopted in accord with NH RSA 194:3-d and is intended to outline the appropriate and acceptable use of the School District's computer systems and networks, including, but not limited to, the internet. In accord with NH RSA 194:3-d any user of the School District's computer systems or networks who intentionally violates this Policy and who intentionally damages the computer system or network shall assume legal and financial liability for such damage.

References:

This Acceptable Use Policy has been written with the assistance of the following:

Exeter School District, Exeter, NH, Presentations at Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference and NHSTE Technology Coordinators' Meeting, 2000-2001

Classroom Connect Online Privacy - Parents' and Teachers' Guide

The Concerned Educator's Guide to Safety and Cyber-Ethics

Safeguarding the Wired Schoolhouse - checklist for decision-making (http://www.safewiredschools.org)

NHEMA/NHSTE (New Hampshire Educational Media Association/New Hampshire Society for Technology in Education) Internet Policy Toolkit

Portsmouth, NH School Department Acceptable Use Policy

Auburn, ME School Department Acceptable Use Policy/Regulations

Windham, NH School District Acceptable Use Policy

With permission from Classroom Connect. Copyright 1996. Wentworth Worldwide Media, 1866 Colonial Village Lane, Lancaster, PA 17605.

Revised 05/01
First Reading Coordination: 06/13/01
Second Reading and Approval BOSC: 07/09/01