Digital Citizenship at Valley Creek School

A wireless network for internet access using student owned personal electronic devices is provided at Valley Creek School. At our school, we have CBE owned devices (laptops, desktops, etc.) that access our CBE network (both fixed and Wi-Fi).

Students have access to a variety of media tests and technology tools throughout their classrooms in the school. It is expected that all students adhere to expectations for responsible and ethical use of technology and the Internet while in our school. Misuse of digital tools, including computers, the network, digital cameras and cell phones, will result in loss of privileges for a period of time.

Students also have the opportunity to access the LAWN (Learner Accessible Wireless Network) using their own digital devices in the school. Students and their parents/guardians are required to read and sign the Network User Agreement before accessing this service in the school. Students may use their own devices at their teacher’s discretion to personalize their learning in the classroom. Privileges to use cell phones and other digital devices during the health and lunch hour are also at the discretion of school staff.

Students are reminded that they are responsible for the safety and security of any digital device they bring to school. All students are expected to follow school and classroom guidelines for acceptable use. The school does not assume responsibility for any devices brought to school by students.

Students are also reminded that all digital recordings, audio or visual, may not be shared or distributed via the Internet or through social networking sites, without the written permission of those people recorded. These restrictions are in place for all students, staff and visitors to the school. 

Away for the Day

We recognize that cell phones are important to students and that parents often make use of them to communicate with their child. However, irresponsible use of cell phones can cause disruptions during instructional time and, due to camera and video phones, have the potential to invade the privacy of students and staff. Research has shown cellphones result in students being distracted 20% of the school day. This is equivalent to a student missing 36 days of school a year. We successfully implemented an Away for the Day policy prior to COVID and will be reinstating it this 2022-2023 school year.

Away for the Day

• Digital devices are not to be used or visible any time during the school day inside of the building.
• At the end of the school day (2:30 M-R, 12:00 F) students are free to use their devices within the school.
• Grade 7-9 students who choose to leave the school grounds (grades 7-9 only) may use their devices while off of the school property. Devices must be put away in the student locker upon entering the building.
• Personal digital devices are not to be used for personal communication or entertainment (phone, text, internet, photos, videos, gaming) during the school day - regardless of the location (library, classroom, computer lab, washrooms, locker rooms, etc.)
• Students can use devices outside of the school building prior to classes in the morning, at nutrition break and at lunch break.

Consequences for Inappropriate Use

First Offence

• The student will be sent to the main office where the phone will be locked in a lock box and the student will be given the only key. The phone will be held until the end of the day. The student is allowed to pick up the device at the end of the school day (not at lunch).

Second Offence

• The digital device will be brought to the office by the student where it will be locked in a lock box and held until the end of the school day. The student and/or administration will call a parent before releasing the device to the student at the end of the school day.

Third Offence

• The student will bring the digital device to the office and it will be locked in a lock box until the end of the day. A parent will be required to pick up the device from administration.

Fourth Offence

• Any further offence will result in increasing disciplinary action due to the defiance with regard to the CBE and school policies, rules and obligations.