New social media use rules are under review in Edmond district
A written policy defining the proper use of social media by students and staff is being drafted by the Edmond school district.
The guidelines were debated, questioned and examined by members of the school board during its Monday meeting.
A first reading of the policy was presented by Randy Decker, chief human resource director. Decker said this is the first time the district has drafted a policy solely for social media use, but improper use even now can lead to disciplinary action. The new rules are under review and scheduled to be adopted after a second reading in April.
Myriad Botanical Gardens will offer Adventure Week at the Gardens next week.
From bugs and dancing, to hammering and painting, scavenger hunts and plain old playing, activities will happen under the pavilion, on the pavilion lawn and inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. Contributing to the adventures are partners from the Museum of Osteology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Moore Norman Technology Center, artist Mike Wimmer and business and services lending trucks for the occasion. Food trucks will be on site during the lunch hour.
Andy Fugitt, attorney for the district, said the policy involves first amendment rights versus legitimate use of social media. He said the district is well within its rights to implement a policy.
Board member Jamie Underwood asked whether the district has the power to ask teachers not to talk about a student on Facebook or another social media site.
Decker said the district can do that.
Underwood said the policy does not mention anything about GoFundMe, a website that helps individuals and groups raise money.
Lori Smith, chief financial officer, said a GoFundMe page, if used by a staff member to raise money for the district, would need oversight.
Cost per day for members is $13 for children and free for adults. Cost for nonmember children is $18 and $8 for adults. Parents must accompany their children during all activities. Register at www. myriadgardens.org, or call 445-7080 for more information.
Mad Science Monday
Activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. include imagination playground and garden games, the inflatable colon from Stevenson Cancer Center and the Museum of Osteology.
In the Discovery Room from 10 a.m. to noon are a fake snow sensory activity, electric dough activity and magnet station. The
Decker said GoFundMe will be addressed in the second reading.
“This policy advocates responsible use of technology,” Decker said.
The guidelines cover 13 platforms of social media, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Skype. Blatant violations by staff can result in dismissal, Decker said. The guidelines are designed to assure that employees act professionally online with students, patrons and the public.
Fugitt said the district has the power to limit communications and what can be posted, but he warned it would be difficult to monitor and enforce.
Decker said once the policy is implemented there will probably be Brittany Benson Bug Presentation is at 11 a.m., as is a snack provided by Whole Foods.
Touch-A-Truck Tuesday
Hudson between Reno and Sheridan will be closed for this event.
Children are invited to touch a truck and talk to the drivers, including shredding truck from Absolute Data Shredding, box truck from Little Guy Movers, truck and Inflatable Funfest from Great Plains Coca-Cola, Bear Cat from Oklahoma City Police Department’s tactical unit, recycling truck from Waste Connections of Oklahoma and Komatsu truck from Kirby-Smith Machinery.
Also scheduled Tuesday additional conversations about what was covered and not covered.
Board member Cynthia Benson said parents should let teachers know the best way to communicate with their children.
Underwood questioned whether school officials have the right to tell students not to have a cellphone.
“You have the right to restrict it,” Fugitt said, such as when a student is involved in unauthorized texting, tweeting or taking a photograph of a teacher.
Board member Lee Ann Kuhlman predicted any policy governing the use of social media will have to be revisited. “We need to realize technology will evolve,” she said. “We can’t assume or imagine all that can happen.” are imagination playground blocks, garden games, a scavenger hunt and a sensory construction zone.
Workshop Wednesday
Activities starting at 10 a.m. include a dance workshop, bird house making, watercolor workshops for girls and boys and seed starting.
Also scheduled are a treasure hunt, nature rubbings and rainbow jars.
Theatrical Thursday
An improvisation lesson with OKC Improv is at 1:30 p.m. Also offered are an action dice activity, brown paper bag puppets and shadow puppets.
U.S. Air Force Airman Noah S. Ynclan II graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland in Texas.
He completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.
Ynclan is the son of Noah S. Ynclan, of Oklahoma City, and Nancy C. Fulton, of Waukomis. He is a 2016
Metro students entering grades 7-12 who want to spend a summer increasing science literacy, honing job skills and having fun are invited to apply through Friday for the teen apprentice program at Science Museum Oklahoma.
“Apprentices will see what it takes to make a hands-on science museum work, plus experience the rewards of helping to guide our guests’ educational experiences,” said Clint Stone, director of education and training.
Apprentices assist the graduate of Waukomis High School.
FROM STAFF REPORTS museum in achieving its mission of revealing the wonder and relevance of science. They assist in operation of exhibits, camp activities, production of stage performances and educational programming, according to a news release.
Finalists will be interviewed during the weeks of March 20-31, and all apprentices chosen must attend training from June 5-9. The program runs from June 12-Aug. 4.
For more information, go to www. sciencemuseumok.org/ apprentices.