Student Email Guidelines

Purpose of Student Email

Electronic mail (e-mail) is a 21st century tool. Using this tool professionally, appropriately, effectively and responsibly requires practice and skill. At KRSD, we want our students to have the skill of using e-mail as an effective and safe communication tool. The KRSD student e-mail account is for educational purposes only. Failure to use the student e-mail account in a responsible manner will result in appropriate consequences consistent with the current disciplinary guidelines of the KRSD. Students should not use their Kearsarge email account to sign up for social media or Web 2.0 tools unless directed to do so by a teacher.

The educational purposes for use of e-mail by KRSD students grade 6-12 are to:

• Learn and practice e-mail safety

• Learn and practice e-mail etiquette

• Communicate with teachers

• Communicate with other students on group projects

• Communicate globally on educational projects as directed by the teacher

• Receive timely information from guidance, main office, sports and activities

Review of the Acceptable Use Policy (RUP)

The RUP is the document that dictates acceptable and unacceptable use of the District's computers, network, Internet and e-mail. The RUP is to be read and signed by the parent and the student. View the RUP here.

E-mail Safety

• Using Kearsarge e-mail comes with the expectation that you will keep yourself safe with your e-mail communications. This means you should not read e-mail or reply to e-mail from an unknown source and you should not give out personal or private information in your e-mail communications.

• It is also expected that you will keep District computers and the network safe. This means that you should not open or download attachments, open chain letters or click on unknown URLs in e-mail message from an unknown source.

• It is also expected that you understand that Cyberbullying (using electronic means to bully, insult or threaten someone) is unacceptable and is not tolerated by the District.

E-mail etiquette

Etiquette is defined as "the customary code of polite behavior in society." In the 21st century digital society, it is more important than ever to understand and observe e-mail etiquette. Even with the best intentions, misunderstandings may still arise with e-mail communication. It is often possible to address and clarify a misunderstanding in a verbal conversation before any lasting damage occurs. This is not always true with e-mail communication; therefore, politeness and common courtesy are essential in all e-mail communications.

• When you use the Kearsarge e-mail system, you will be representing yourself, your individual school building as well as the Kearsarge District with your e-mail communications. For this reason, proper e-mail etiquette is essential.

• Kearsarge e-mail gives you the @ Kearsarge designation. This automatically gives you a legitimacy that you don't enjoy with web based e-mail accounts. Your e-mail messages are recognized as coming from an educational institution. This comes with an expectation of proper etiquette.

• E-mail is not always delivered so don't assume that a message has been received.

• Have reasonable expectations about timeliness of replies.

• E-mail should not replace conversation.

• Don't send SPAM or forward jokes or chain letters.

• Don't forward an e-mail message without permission of the author of the e-mail.

• E-mail is not confidential. Once it is written it can be printed, forwarded and/or saved by someone. Don't write anything that you wouldn't post on a bulletin board.

• Also, the Office of Information Technology has the inherent right to read any and all e-mails messages on District issued e-mail accounts.