Harrisonburg City Public Schools recognizes that technology provides great opportunities for increased communication and collaboration for both students and staff members. As students and staff are connected to the global community, their use of new tools and systems brings new responsibilities as well as opportunities. Any electronic or online communications by employees with students and parents must be professional in nature, content and tone and follow the Guidelines for Electronic Communication.

Teachers are encouraged to use online resources to support instruction and enhance learning; however, they also must be aware that unacceptable content or inappropriate interactions may adversely affect the reputations and careers of students and teachers. Any online behavior results in a digital footprint that is nearly impossible to remove.

  • Interaction between teachers and students on a social networking site must be for educational purposes.
  • Pictures of students can be posted on non-division websites only with expressed written approval from parents.
  • Do not post comments or other information about students or other staff members even on sites with privacy settings.

 There should be no discussion related to other students, discussion about personal life of staff member or students, or sensitive information regarding the student’s performance. Staff members must be sensitive to the appearance of impropriety in their conduct with students. Personal contacts may be interpreted as inappropriate and result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.  "Friending" students on social networking sites (outside of school-related activity) is strongly discouraged.