The East Ramapo Central School District will continue to provide remote instruction, instituting the use of live video-conferencing platforms in order to connect with students, host meetings, provide special education programs and services, and deliver virtual lessons.

While we work to provide an effective remote learning experience, the East Ramapo Central School District understands the need for a safe and secure audio and virtual-meeting solution to protect our community.  This information and consent document serves to provide clear general guidelines for District parents and students to engage in video-conferencing for the purposes of connecting remotely for academic, instructional, and social emotional purposes.

The video-conferencing tools (Schoology and Google Meet) used by our teachers and service providers are in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). In addition, the District complies with Education Law Section 2-d, Part 121 of the Commissioner’s Regulations, and FERPA to ensure that your child’s personally identifiable information (PII) is properly protected.

The following are guidelines for audio/video conferencing.  Teachers will communicate with parents when they plan to use this mode of communication. Parents/guardians will confirm consent for participation in live online video/audio conferencing through the completion of this form after review and consideration of the following guidelines.

Parent Guidelines:

1. Remember that any video communication may involve a two-way camera and audio usage (meaning that the teacher will likely see and hear what is occurring in your home). 

2. Do not video record lessons or provide access to these lessons or content to anyone other than your child. 

3. Maintain the confidentiality of other students if your child is participating in a group lesson. Remember all individuals participating will likely see and hear what is occurring in your home, including what everyone is wearing, just as you may see and hear what is occurring in their home.

4. Please email your child’s teacher after the session is complete if you have any questions or concerns. Do not interrupt the activity with questions, either through the audio or through emails. Allow the professional to focus on the activity. 

5. Please note that children should be in common areas in their houses- kitchens, office, living room, and not bedrooms. 

6. Students who do not adhere to student guidelines may be prohibited from future live video interactions. 

7. I understand that no one in my home can take video, record audio, or take pictures of live video interaction.

8. Parents should be in the vicinity of the student during the session/lesson.

Student Guidelines:

 

1. Students are expected to continue to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times. Their behavior should be aligned with school policies, procedures, and the code of conduct.

2. If a student‘s actions do not meet these expectations, he/she will be subject to intervention by school administrators. 

3. All students are to adhere to the same standards of behavior online as they would face-to-face. They must be respectful and polite to teachers and peers. Teasing, harassment, and bullying will not be tolerated. All students are expected to support one another. 

4. Students are not permitted to take or post images, videos, or screenshots of classmates, teachers, or class content to the web or to social media. This will not be tolerated and subject to disciplinary consequences. 

5. Students are not permitted to share the Schoology or Google Meet invites with any other individuals. Students who do not adhere to guidelines will be in danger of losing their live video interaction privileges. 

6. Classroom teachers will have the discretion to make the final determination of a student‘s live video interaction status in their course.