Student Code of Conduct

Internet access is required for all FLVS students, but access must be used in a responsible, safe, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. With expanded access to electronic information, availability of inappropriate material is not uncommon. Some sites contain illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or offensive information. Although it is impossible to control such misuses, we believe that with responsible use, the benefits of the Internet as an educational tool outweigh the negatives. We especially appreciate partnering with parents to teach responsible Internet use.

Please review the following netiquette rules and FLVS expectations carefully:

• Students are responsible for good behavior on the FLVS network, just as they are in a traditional school building. Always use a computer in a way that shows consideration and respect. It is illegal to use obscene, profane, threatening, or disrespectful language. (f.s. 847.001 Obscene Literature; Profanity).
• We take integrity and authenticity of student work very seriously at FLVS. Do not cut, copy, or plagiarize Internet content or the work of your online classmates. FLVS instructors do utilize technologies to check for authenticity. Copying, knowingly allowing others to copy from you, and/or misusing Internet content could result in removal from our courses.
• Security is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you can identify a security problem in the school's computers, network, or Internet connection, notify a system administrator.
• It is illegal to create harmful computer viruses. (f.s. 815 Computer-Related Crimes).
• Email is not private. Never say anything via email that you wouldn't mind seeing on the school bulletin board or in the local newspaper.
• Beware of emails from anyone, particularly adults you don’t know, asking for personal information, attempting to arrange meetings, or engaging in personal contact. Alert your teacher or other Florida Virtual School employee of any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Email with your online classmates should be course-related. It is prohibited to send unsolicited email to your online classmates.
• Email addresses that use profanity or may be construed as offensive, shall not be permitted for FLVS correspondence. FLVS administration reserves the right to determine if student email addresses are inappropriate. When necessary, students will be asked to use an alternative email address or be refused for participation in FLVS courses.
• Protect your password. Keep it secret from anyone except your parents.
• Florida Virtual School assumes no responsibility for any phone charges, line costs or usage fees for connectivity to the Internet.

Florida Virtual School administrators will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through Internet access. In the event there is a claim that you have violated this policy, you will be provided with notice of the suspected violation and have an opportunity to present an explanation. Any violations may result in removal from FLVS course(s), as well as other disciplinary or legal action.

Child Abuse Reporting Policy   
(for questions about this policy contact lmetcalf@flvs.net )