SAN MIGUEL SCHOOLS
Back of the Yards Campus\Gary Comer Campus

Technology Safety Policy

It is the policy of San Miguel Schools Chicago and its member schools to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

We seek to offer a realistic balance between "Always On - Always Available" learning opportunities and "Always Safe - Always Appropriate" filtered electronic access to media and information.  We strive to ensure students are aware of the dangers related to inappropriate internet activity including vulnerability to predation and exploitation while remaining compliant with state and federal regulations regarding access to electronic media and communications.

Commitment to Acceptable Use Standards.
All individuals within San Miguel Schools Chicago and member schools will be informed of the Acceptable Use Policies, Appendix B  The commitment to compliance with the Acceptable Use Policies is required prior to any individual being granted access to the technology network, internet or telecommunications devices within San Miguel Schools Chicago.  In addition, parents shall be informed of the access granted to their children while at school and to the Cyber-Bullying policy within the context of daily school operations and extending beyond the school day when the impact is related to the safety of the school environment.

Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or "Internet filters," appliances and applications) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information in each school location.

Specifically, as required by the Children's Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors.  Subject to administrative and instructional staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of San Miguel Schools Chicago and member school online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.
Specifically, as required by the Children's Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,' and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of San Miguel Schools Chicago staff and volunteers to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children's Internet protection Act.  Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of school administration or designated representatives.

Adoption
The Board of San Miguel Schools Chicago adopted this Internet Safety Policy at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on June, 25, 2010.
CIPA definitions of terms:

TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE. The term "technology protection measure" means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:

1. OBSCENE, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code;

2. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or

3. Harmful to minors.

HARMFUL TO MINORS. The term "harmful to minors" means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:

1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion;

2. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and

3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.

SEXUAL ACT; SEXUAL CONTACT. The terms "sexual act" and "sexual contact" have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.

Cyber-Bullying and Electronic Social Networking
The San Miguel schools continuously seek to develop young minds with strong ethical standards and high moral character.  All administrative staff and teaching faculty are committed to preparing students to understand the potential harm in all forms of bullying activities including "cyber-bullying."

Cyberbullying is defined as being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful material, or engaging in other forms of social cruelty using the Internet, cellular telecom device, or other digital technologies.  It includes direct and targeted harassment, and indirect activities that are intended to damage the reputation or interfere with the relationships of the student targeted, such as posting harmful material, impersonating the person, disseminating personal information or images, or activities that result in exclusion.

Cyber-Bullying can occur both within the school environment and off-campus.  When the harmful online speech or interactions occur off-campus, personal interactions between the bully(ies) and target(s) may occur at school. It is this combination of online harm and on-campus interactions that presents significant concerns and risks for the safety of the students.  It is because the original harm is inflicted off-campus; the response to the harmful impact presents a complicated challenge.  San Miguel member schools will work in cooperation with parents and the local community to identify potential threats and respond in an appropriate manner to the concerns.  The ethical and social contract the schools have with students and families extend beyond the physical constraints of the school in the interest of healthy growth and development.

In situations where the off-campus speech causes, or threatens to cause, a substantial and material disruption at school or interference with the rights of students to be secure, the school administration will take the necessary and appropriate steps to remedy the situation.

San Miguel Schools Chicago will incorporate prevention and education strategies into the safe schools plan to address Cyber-Bullying and related online risks.  Planning activities will include school administrators, teaching faculty, staff and volunteers, Law Enforcement officials, community organizations, parents, and students.

For questions or comments about San Miguel's technology safety policy, please contact Tere Vega at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .