As part of our remote learning approach, the Shrewsbury Public Schools is further expanding our use of online learning and communication, which may include video conferencing, voice conferencing, real-time online comments and link sharing through a “chat” function, or other online communication in real-time, which may include interactions through various online platforms that educators, using their professional judgment, may choose to use to connect with students such as Schoology, Zoom, Seesaw, Google, etc.
The following notifications and expectations apply to students when using these online platforms, with some additional specific information regarding Zoom, which is becoming an important tool used by many of our educators to connect with our students. Please note the following, which will apply to the use of online communication and learning platforms:
1) The Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education has determined that the use of video conferencing platforms for remote learning and communication with students does not require parental permission, but it does require notification of students and families regarding the use of these online learning tools. This document serves as that notification. By accessing online learning services, the school district recognizes that you and your child consent to access online instruction and agree to fully comply with the requirements of this notification.
2) In order to conform with law that prohibits the unauthorized recording of others without their permission, and to protect the privacy of students and educators using this platform, the recording of Zoom or similar online sessions by students, parents/caretakers, or others in the student’s location is strictly prohibited, including the recording of online sessions using a separate device, such as a smartphone. If it is determined that a student, parent/caretaker, or other individual is recording or has recorded an online session, the school district will take action, which may include prohibiting that student from participating further in that session and/or future sessions, student disciplinary consequences, and/or pursuing other remedies to address this illegal practice. Further, all students who participate in online, remote learning experiences, and any parents or caretakers who witness online learning sessions due to being present in the same space as the student, are prohibited from sharing or disseminating any information they may learn about other students with any and all third parties.
3) Students are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and in accordance with educator expectations when participating in an online learning session. Failure to abide by these expectations may result in loss of privileges to utilize the learning platform and/or disciplinary consequences. All rules and expectations set forth in student handbooks with regard to student conduct in general, including those related to student online conduct, bullying, or cyberbullying, remain in force during remote learning.
4) We ask that everyone in our school community be mindful that online services, including video conferencing, will be taking place in the homes of educators and students who participate. It is important that students are dressed appropriately and use an appropriate location in their home from which to participate in remote learning opportunities, especially those with a video component. Parents and caretakers are reminded to take any necessary precautions to safeguard personal or private information that could inadvertently be revealed through students’ participation in remote learning.
5) Interactive online platforms, such as Zoom, may be utilized to deliver instruction or to meet with groups of students or individual students, and may be used to deliver specialized instruction and IEP services. When services are being delivered to students using an online platform, the district will provide notification to parents. Educators (such as IEP liaisons) will determine interventions and levels of instructional engagement using a virtual platform based on student need. For students with IEPs, communication and notification will be provided separately, including for student services that require additional measures of confidentiality, such as counseling.
The school district has purchased licenses for the educational organization version of Zoom, which will include additional protections for students and staff from unauthorized or inappropriate use of this online platform.
6) Students in grades 5 through 12 will soon receive the Zoom app on their school-issued iPads through the self-service app delivery system and may join Zoom meetings this way. Students in preschool and elementary grades may use Zoom through whatever device they are using at home.
7) Online conferencing will be initiated using platforms authorized by the Shrewsbury Public Schools. Sign-in to the student’s district-provided Google account may be required to join meetings as an extra layer of protection. Any use of Zoom by students is presumed to be authorized by a parent or caretaker, including sessions with staff and collaboration sessions with other students.
8) The Zoom platform used by the school district conforms to all federal and state regulations with regard to online education and student records and privacy.
9) If you have questions about this document, please send an email to parenttechsupport@shrewsbury.k12.ma.us or leave a voicemail at (508) 841-8599.