Introduction

The World-Wide-Web provides Internet users around the world with opportunities to collect and share information.  In this global information network, Rockbridge County schools are provided access to the Internet and the ability to develop school web pages to be "published" . Recognizing that web pages are potentially accessible by millions of users around the world, a set of guidelines for developing school web pages has been established.  The purpose for these guidelines is to help ensure that school web pages are appropriate and do not violate the rights of individuals, yet allow each school to showcase features and information unique to the school community.

Guidelines

The school webperson is responsible for the development and maintenance of all school web pages.  The webperson is expected to verify the accuracy of all information and links included in school web pages.

Web pages should be easy to navigate and quick to load.  Paths to information should be clearly defined, while permitting non-sequential browsing.  Web pages should follow a consistent format within a "group" structure.  Each web page should identify the school and location, and provide a date of development.

Web pages should not be overcrowded.  Full screen images and multiple images per page should be avoided whenever possible.  Pages should not "dead-end" -- links should exist that return the viewer to a previous level or common starting point. All school web pages will be stored on the county school's web server, and subject to any regulations and restrictions as established by the Department of Technology.

All school web pages must adhere to the requirements of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy for Rockbridge County Schools. Web pages are also subject to approval by the building principal, the division technology director, and the Central Office administrative staff.

Web pages may be used to highlight features and information for each school.  Suggestions for web pages include:  1) greeting message, 2) school history, 3) classroom news and events, 4) clubs and organizations, and 5) school calendar.

Web pages may be used to highlight student achievement.  However, individual students should not be identified by full name, or by classroom association.   Identification for samples of student work should be done using first names and ages.

Web pages may contain photographs of groups of students and/or teachers.   The group may be identified, but individual students should be identified by first names only.  Web pages should not contain photographs of individual students.  

Web pages may contain links to other web sites appropriate for an educational environment.  Links should not be made to sites which are potentially offensive or to sites that exist primarily for the purpose of advertisement.  Before linking to any site other than Rockbridge County School pages, please obtain email permission from the webmaster of the site to which you wish to link.  A copy of this email should be sent to the Division Technology Services office.  Please be judicious in your use of links -- keep the number of links small and verify the validity of all links incorporated into your pages on a regular basis.

Web pages may contain materials subject to copyright restrictions provided written permission is first obtained from the copyright holder.  A copy of this consent letter should be sent to the Division Technology Services office.