With the influx of PED’s (Personal Electronic Devices such as: smartphones, DSi systems, laptop computers) that have been coming in with students in the Junior Intermediate division, we have also noticed a significant increase in the number of students using the wireless internet available at Sommerville. Therefore we feel it is necessary to create a “Student PED Usage Policy” in the Junior Intermediate division, which will be added to our Student and Parent Handbooks as well as the school’s Policies and Procedures information. Primary students will not be allowed to access the wireless internet provided at the school.

Unless specifically directed by their teacher, Junior/Intermediate students are not to use their PEDs during instructional time in class. There may be instances where a teacher will invite students to bring in their laptops to work on a specific topic during class time (usually research for long term projects), but in general there is no need for students to have access other types of PEDs during class time. The majority of the usage of these devices by students is occurring during recess and lunch times.

The basic premise behind  Sommerville’s policy is that our children our currently growing up in a world where access to and use of the Internet will be a constant feature in their lives, and they must learn to do this responsibly and safely. We feel that the school setting is an excellent place to instill this sense of accountability, in conjunction with the more formal discussions and activities done in Computer classes revolving around safe Internet use. The wireless Internet provided at Sommerville has a ‘content filter’ that will not allow any inappropriate sites to be visited, however there are numerous sites (Facebook, MSN, You-Tube) that can be used both inappropriately and appropriately. The children must learn to use these sites in a responsible, safe and positive manner. As much as possible, teachers will attempt to supervise their internet activity during these times, but as parents are well aware, this is impossible to do all the time.

Therefore, it will be the policy here at Sommerville that if a parent chooses to allow their child to bring a PED with Internet access to the school they must be aware that school policy states : “Any improper student usage of PEDs and the wireless Internet provided at Sommerville Manor School through visiting or downloading unsuitable material from websites,  inappropriate use of social networking sites, or the playing of violent or otherwise inappropriate games,  will be dealt with at school as a disciplinary matter and appropriate steps will be taken by school administration. These steps may include, but are not limited to: loss of the privilege of bringing and using their PED at school, loss of other school privileges/activities, parent contact detailing the improper use of the PED.”

Of course, the ultimate decision must be made by parents as to whether or not children will have access to PEDs and if so, will they be permitted to access the Internet either at home or at school. Parents who do not want their children to be able to access the internet at school through their PEDs, but do allow them to bring their PEDs to school, will need to sign a form (available from the office) that details their request.  However, if these devices are brought to school and are used to access the Internet, Sommerville Manor students will be expected to use them in an appropriate, responsible and positive manner.

Please contact a member of the school's administration directly if you have any questions or concerns regarding Sommerville’s policy on the student’s use of PEDs.