Policies & Procedures

Acceptable Use Policy - Series 5000

Fort Wayne Community Schools offers its staff and students access to the Internet. The Internet is an electronic network globally connecting computers and individuals. 

5163 Internet Access

Technology greatly increases our students’ educational opportunities. Technology, especially the Internet, allows students to transcend the four walls of their classroom enabling them to experience places they may never have been able to visit otherwise. The Internet provides both students and staff access to information and opportunities that were previously difficult to obtain, untimely, or, in many cases, unavailable. Students can research and access information directly from universities and libraries from the convenience of their own classroom. At the same time, Internet access involves issues of security, privileges, and questions concerning the appropriateness of certain kinds of information. Moreover, in order for such access to be utilized appropriately, students and staff must be trained and be aware of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities connected with such access. Additionally, parents must be informed of their shared responsibility for their children’s safe use of the Internet.

Fort Wayne Community Schools is committed to providing Internet access to students and staff in an equitable, meaningful, and safe manner. The mission of Fort Wayne Community Schools is to educate all students to high standards enabling them to become productive, responsible citizens. Since access to information is a vital part of learning, Internet access will be made available to all students; however, this access will be a part of educational activities that promote and foster student learning. Unfortunately, public places like the Internet can be dangerous. The Internet can put students in contact with inappropriate and potentially harmful material and people. To help protect our students, Fort Wayne Community Schools employs Internet filters and security devices on all student Internet connections. Ultimately, however, staff are responsible for ensuring appropriate access and enforcing policies that are consistent with current state and district standards.

Appropriate training will be provided to all staff that have direct contact with students related to the implementation of this policy. All training regarding this policy will be age and content-appropriate.

The superintendent is authorized to develop regulations, procedures, and guidelines governing the acceptable use of the Internet. Those regulations, procedures, and guidelines should be consistent with applicable law and appropriately balance the needs and concerns of the school corporation, its staff, students, and parents.

5163.1 Staff, Student, and Parent Notification of District-Provided Access to the Internet

Fort Wayne Community Schools offers its staff and students access to the Internet. The Internet is an electronic network globally connecting computers and individuals. The Internet is a tool for learning. This technology will help schools by allowing students and staff to:

1. immediately access research information and resources;
2. collaborate with other individuals and groups around the world;
3. visit distant places without leaving the classroom.

Staff and families should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet contains items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. In addition, it is possible to purchase certain goods and services via the Internet which could result in unwanted financial obligations for a student’s parent or guardian.

While the district’s intent is to make Internet access available in order to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. Even technical methods or systems to regulate student Internet access do not guarantee compliance with the district’s acceptable use policy. That notwithstanding, the district believes that the benefits to students of access to the Internet exceed the disadvantages. Ultimately, however, staff are responsible for ensuring appropriate access and enforcing policies that are consistent with current state and district standards. Toward that end, Fort Wayne Community Schools makes the district’s complete Internet policy and procedures available upon request to all staff, parents, guardians, and other members of the community, and provides parents and guardians the option of requesting for their children alternative activities not requiring Internet use.

5163.2 District and Staff Responsibility for FWCS-Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks

In making decisions regarding student access to the Internet, Fort Wayne Community Schools considers its own stated mission, goals, and objectives. Electronic information and research skills are now fundamental to our society, and an important component of citizenship and many vocations. Access to the Internet enables students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, bulletin boards, and other resources while communicating with people around the world. The district expects that faculty will blend thoughtful use of the Internet throughout the curriculum and will provide guidance and instruction to students in its use.

Students should use Internet resources in accordance with the guidance and direction of the staff. While students will be able to move beyond those resources to others that have not been reviewed by staff, they shall be provided with classroom instruction, guidelines and lists of resources particularly suited to learning objectives. Classroom instruction will include topics related to safe Internet practices and online behavior. This includes interacting with others on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response.

1. Students utilizing district-provided Internet access must first have the permission of and must be supervised by Fort Wayne Community Schools professional staff. Students utilizing school-provided Internet access are responsible for good behavior online just as they are in a classroom or other area of the school. The same general rules for behavior and communications apply as outlined in the FWCS Student-Parent Handbook.
2. The purpose of district-provided Internet access is to facilitate communications in support of research and learning. Student use must be in support of and be consistent with the educational objectives of Fort Wayne Community Schools. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.
3. Internet access and electronic network services provided by Fort Wayne Community Schools are for educational purposes; therefore, Fort Wayne Community Schools has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material accessed through or posted to the network.
4. Users should not expect that files, emails, and other electronic communications stored on or sent to school-based computers and network servers will be private. Electronic communications and files stored on school-based computers and network servers may be treated like school lockers. Administrators and faculty may monitor files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are acting responsibly.
5. All student use of district-provided electronic network services is governed by the School Behavior Code as documented in the FWCS Student-Parent Handbook. Additionally, the following specific uses of school-provided Internet or other electronic network access are not permitted:
   1. to access, upload, download, or distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material;
   2. to transmit obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language;
   3. to engage in personal attacks, bullying/cyber-bullying, or harassment, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks;
   4. to violate any local, state, or federal statute;
   5. to use for financial or commercial gain;
   6. to vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization;
   7. to access another individual’s materials, information, or files without permission; and,
   8. to violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission.
6. Any violation of district policy and rules may result in loss of district-provided access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be warranted in keeping with the existing Student-Parent Handbook. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

5163.3 Notice to Parents/Guardians Regarding Responsibility for Student Use of FWCS-Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks

While the intent of FWCS is to make Internet access available in order to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. Due to the open nature of the Internet, it is impossible for FWCS to institute technical methods or systems to regulate students’ Internet access which will guarantee that students cannot access undesirable material. That notwithstanding, FWCS believes that the benefits to students of access to the Internet exceed the disadvantages. The school staff has a responsibility to monitor individual use of the Internet and take appropriate disciplinary action when necessary.

Ultimately, however, parents and guardians are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources including the Internet. Parents will be provided with the complete FWCS Internet policy and procedures. Fort Wayne Community Schools also provides parents and guardians with the option of requesting for their minor children alternative activities not requiring Internet use.

Outside of school, families bear responsibility for the same guidance of Internet use as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, radio, movies, and other media.

5163.4 Disclaimer

Fort Wayne Community Schools makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, for the Internet access it is providing. The district will not be responsible for any damages users suffer, including, but not limited to:

1. the loss of data resulting from delays or interruptions in service;
2. the accuracy, nature, or quality of information stored on any electronic media, hard drives, or servers;
3. the accuracy, nature, or quality of information gathered through district-provided Internet access;
4. personal property used to access district computers or networks or for district-provided Internet access;
5. unauthorized financial obligations resulting from district-provided access to the Internet.

All site pages include a link to Let's Talk, our online feedback system. This includes an option to provide feedback related to an accessibility barrier or issue. Our goal is to respond to all feedback within three business days. Feedback related to accessibility issues will be addressed by our technology department.

Attendance and Truancy Prevention Procedures

Absenteeism and truancy are major obstacles to ensuring the education of students, and both excused and unexcused absences count against school accountability scores. These procedures implement Board Policy 5200, Attendance, and 5215, Habitual Absence, and conforms with the requirements of Indiana law and reporting obligations of the Indiana Department of Education and State Attendance Officer.  

Students Counted as Present. Per Ind. Code § 20-33-2-3.2, “attend” means to be physically present: (1) in a school; or (2) at another location where the school’s educational program in which a person is enrolled is being conducted; during regular school hours on a day in which the educational program in which the person is enrolled is being offered. FWCS will record and report all students that meet the State’s definition of attend as present.

Codes:

• PI = present/in attendance; this includes 
  • students that receive homebound instruction
  • students on field trips 
  • students participating in Work Based Learning 
  • students receiving instruction via Edgenuity at any location
  • students at the Allen County Juvenile Center (ACJC).  Detention in any other facility that provides instruction will be considered exempt (DT). Please see Section 2 below. 
• PV = present virtually; used only for remote, e-learning days, and the Virtual Academy. The instruction must be for an “all school planned or unplanned virtual day” per the IDOE.
• OFF = student is present but in the main office, nurse’s office, counselor’s office, etc. 

Absences Counted as Present (Exempt). The State recognizes the following absences as exempt from the in-person attendance requirements. FWCS shall report these as present to the State. 

Codes:

• AB = Absent but Counted Present  
  • Serving as a page or honoree of the Indiana General Assembly (IC 20-33-2-14) 
  • Serving on the precinct election board or as a helper to a political candidate or party on the day of a municipal, primary or general election (IC 20-33-2-15)  
  • Serving as an active-duty member of the armed forces, including the National Guard for at least 15 days in a school year (IC 20-33-2-17)  
  • Serving with the Civil Air Patrol for up to five (5) days (IC 20-33-2-17.2)
  • The student or a member of the student’s household exhibits or participates in the Indiana State Fair for educational purposes (IC 20-33-2-17.7) 

Bylaws and Policies of the School Board of Fort Wayne Community Schools incorporate quotations from the statutes and administrative code of the State of Indiana as well as from the federal statutes and regulations.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Notification of Rights and Directory Information Policy

FWCS does not tolerate the unjust or prejudicial treatment of any individual or group’s actual or perceived race, color or ethnic group, religion or religious practice, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. The immediate remedy for any act of discrimination shall be to end it, treat the individual equitably, and, as much as practically possible, to eradicate any effects of discrimination. Discipline should be imposed where appropriate.

FWCS Nondiscrimination Grievance Procedure

FWCS Sexual Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Procedure

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parents; or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

This Procedure implements FWCS Board Policy 5345, Child Abuse and Neglect, and is based on Indiana’s Model School Protocol for Reporting Allegations of Child Abuse, developed by the Department of Child Services (DCS), the Indiana Department of Education and law enforcement. This document explains the responsibilities of school personnel and establishes a reporting procedure and methods of cooperation among agencies involved.  

When an FWCS employee has “reason to believe” that a student is the victim of abuse or neglect:

1. Ensure student safety. Your first priority is to keep students safe. Only then should you contact DCS or local law enforcement.
2. Immediately report to law enforcement or DCS.   
   1. Inform your schools SRO or security personnel if available and the Director of Security (260467-2125); or  
   2. Call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556  
3. Inform school administration. You must report to law enforcement and may not assume that your school administration has or will do so.  
4. Complete the Child Abuse and Neglect Report Form. Send the completed form to Health and Wellness Services. Do not keep a copy in the student’s file. DCS is required by law to provide a report to the school within thirty days to explain the outcome any investigations; if you receive that form, please send it to Health and Wellness Services to file with the initial report.  

Reason to believe means “evidence that, if presented to individuals of similar background and training, would cause the individuals to believe that a child was abused or neglected." I.C. 31-9-2-101.  

Reporting

• When employees are unsure whether they have "reason to believe" that a child is the victim of abuse or neglect, they should make a report.  
• Failure to report suspected abuse or neglect is a crime. A person who, in good faith, makes a report of suspected abuse and neglect is immune from any civil or criminal liability under Indiana law.
• The identity of the reporter is confidential by statute. DCS accepts child abuse and neglect allegations from persons who wish to remain anonymous, however DCS encourages individuals to provide contact information to Intake Specialists.
• Your reporting obligation supersedes any right of privileged communication. Employees must report all suspected child abuse even if told in confidence by the child. I.C. 25-23.6-6-1  

Investigation

After an employee reports suspected child abuse or neglect, FWCS should not attempt to further investigate the situation unless instructed otherwise by DCS or law enforcement; they are responsible for the investigation, not FWCS. Their staff is trained in child forensic interviewing and may be better able to accurately assess the situation.  

When law enforcement or DCS tells you that they are opening an investigation:  

1. Do not investigate further.  
2. After 48 hours, check the status of the external investigation.
   1. For law enforcement investigations, contact the Director of Security.
   2. For DCS investigations, contact the FWCS/DCS Education Liaison, Travis Stahl (317-5157329).  Approved by Cabinet May 2, 2017; update approved October 11, 2021 FORT WAYNE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS  Procedure for Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
3. Talk through the disciplinary action or independent investigation you intend to pursue so that our organizations can work cooperatively to keep children safe.

Release of Student Records to Law Enforcement/DCS

When FWCS reports abuse and neglect, FWCS may release relevant education records to law enforcement or DCS. Where FWCS is not the report source, law enforcement or DCS may need a release, warrant, subpoena or other court order unless an exception to FERPA applies. Staff may always contact the FWCS General Counsel with any questions about the release of education records.

Interviewing Children

Interviewing students in the middle of a school day can disrupt a school’s educational environment. However, DCS may interview students at school if a DCS employee presents:

1. appropriate credentials (i.e. DCS badge); and  
2. one of the following three documents:
3. a written statement that DCS has parental consent;  
4. a court order; or  
5. a written statement that exigent circumstances exist.

The statement can be in the form of an email or handwritten document, but must be in writing.  School staff should not keep the statement in the student’s file, but should send it to the Health and Wellness Department. Staff shall take measures to keep the statement and interview confidential. FWCS must allow the DCS employee to interview the student alone if the employee requests to do so. I.C. 31-33-8-7(f)  

Parent Notification

Schools should not inform parents when they initiate a report or when DCS or law enforcement arrive to interview a student. DCS has the obligation of informing parents and will obtain the necessary consent to interview students or releases for education records. After DCS interviews a child or takes a child into custody, the school may notify the parent(s) or guardian(s)/custodian(s) to give them the names and telephone numbers of the law enforcement officer or DCS case manager for the family to contact.

When a Child Is Taken into Protective Custody

A child may be taken into protective custody by a law enforcement officer, a probation officer, or a DCS Field Case Manager acting with probable cause to believe the child is a child in need of services. The removing party must complete the FWCS Protective Custody Receipt. All questions should be directed to the removing party.  

Approved by Cabinet May 2, 2017; update approved October 11, 2021 

This Procedure implements Fort Wayne Community Schools Board Policy 3213, Responsibility for Student Supervision and Welfare, and conforms with the statutory and regulatory requirements of IC 20-20-40 et. seq., 513 IAC and the rules of the Indiana Commission on Seclusion and Restraint. FWCS mandates that any behavioral intervention by District staff must be consistent with a child’s right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be free from abuse. In FWCS schools, appropriate student behavior will be promoted and taught. The District believes that all children have the right to be free from physical or mental abuse, aversive behavioral interventions that compromise health or safety, and any physical restraint or seclusion imposed solely for purposes of discipline or convenience.

I.  Use of Restraint

1. Every effort shall be made to avoid the need for the use of restraint or seclusion of a student. 
2. Physical restraint shall only be used when a student is displaying physical behavior that presents imminent risk of injury to the student or others.
3. Restraint shall only be employed as a last resort after other less restrictive methods of de-escalating a situation have been attempted without success.
4. While transporting a student on a moving vehicle, a bus harness or other safety equipment may be required and is permissible for safety purposes. The need and use of any bus harness or safety equipment used to restrain a student during transportation must be documented. FWCS does not authorize the use of any other mechanical or chemical restraints.
5. The use of any drug, medication or other chemical to control behavior or restrict freedom of movement (except as authorized by a licensed physician or other qualified health care professional) is prohibited.
6. A school employee may never give a student any drug or medication that is not a standard treatment or dosage, or both, for the student’s medical or psychiatric condition unless otherwise prescribed by a physician.
7. Restraint shall only be utilized by staff members who have received crisis intervention training by FWCS with the exception of rare and clearly unavoidable emergency circumstances when fully trained school personnel are not immediately available.  Untrained staff will request assistance from trained staff as soon as possible.  Upon arrival of trained staff, untrained staff will allow trained staff to intervene.  
8. Physical restraint of a student may only be used for a short period of time and shall be discontinued as soon as the imminent risk of injury to self or others has dissipated, usually a matter of minutes.  
9. Every instance in which restraint is used shall be carefully, continuously and visually monitored to ensure the appropriateness of its use and safety of the child, other children, teachers, and other personnel.

II.  When Restraint Procedures Shall Not Be Employed

1. Physical restraint shall not be used unless the student’s behavior poses imminent risk of injury to self or others and other less restrictive interventions are ineffective.
2. A verbal threat or verbally aggressive behavior does not itself indicate an imminent risk of injury, and shall not result in restraint.
3. Destruction or damage to property does not constitute a risk of imminent injury unless in so doing an imminent risk of injury to the student or others is created.  
4. When a known medical or physical condition of the student would make the restraint procedures dangerous for that student (e.g. students with heart or circulatory conditions, asthma, etc.) restraints will not be used.
5. Restraint shall never be used as a punishment, or to force compliance with staff commands.
6. FWCS does not authorize or use Prone (student held down lying face down on a horizontal surface) or Supine (student held down lying face up on a horizontal surface) forms of restraint and these shall be avoided. 
7. Seclusion or restraint shall never be used in a manner that restricts a child’s breathing or blood flow or harms the child.

III.  Use of Seclusion

1. Every effort shall be made to avoid the need for the use of seclusion of a student.
2. Seclusion shall not be used except when used as a last resort and only when:
   1. The student’ behavior poses imminent risk or injury to self or others, and other less restrictive interventions are ineffective.
   2. Other less restrictive interventions are ineffective.
3. A student shall never be secluded by a school employee who has not received appropriate training by the FWCS District in the use of restraint procedures except in rare and clearly unavoidable emergency circumstances when fully trained school personnel are not immediately available.  Untrained staff shall request assistance from trained staff as soon as possible. 
4. Seclusion of a student may only be used for a short period of time and shall be discontinued as soon as the imminent risk or injury to self or others has dissipated, usually a matter of minutes.
5. Every instance in which seclusion is used shall be carefully, continuously, and visually monitored to ensure the safety of the student, other students and school employees.
6. Immediately after the imminent risk or injury to self or others has dissipated, the student should no longer be secluded and a school employee, not involved with the restraint, shall examine the student to ascertain if any injury has been sustained during the restraint of the student.

IV.  When Seclusion Procedures Shall Not Be Employed

1. Seclusion shall not be used unless the student’s behavior poses imminent risk of injury to self or others and other less restrictive interventions are ineffective.<
2. A verbal threat or verbally aggressive behavior does not itself indicate an imminent risk of injury, and shall not result in seclusion of a student.
3. Destruction or damage to property does not constitute a risk of imminent injury unless in so doing an imminent risk of injury to the student or others is created.  
4. When a known medical or physical condition of the student would make seclusion dangerous for that student, the student may not be secluded.
5. Seclusion shall never be used as a punishment, or to force compliance with staff commands.
6. Seclusion shall never be used unless a school employee can continuously monitor the student for visual or auditory signs of physiological distress and can communicate with the student.

V.  Time-Out

Time-out is a behavior-reduction procedure in which access to reinforcement is withdrawn for a certain period of time. Time-out occurs when the ability of a student to receive normal reinforcement in the school environment is restricted. Time0-out shall be both developmentally and behaviorally appropriate and shall be short in duration. See Appendix A for Best Practices.

VI.  Training

1. FWCS will provide appropriate staff members with training about the 
   1. appropriate use of effective alternatives to physical seclusion and restraint;
   2. conflict de-escalation procedures;
   3. the dangers of seclusion and restraint;
   4. positive supports and behavioral intervention techniques;
   5. procedures for contacting fully trained and CPI certified staff when behavioral crises occur;
   6. the safe use of seclusion and restraint; and debriefing practices and procedures.   
2. This training will be recurrent and will be provided to new staff as needed.
3. Nonviolent Crisis Intervention® (CPI) techniques will be used including both de-escalation and restraints with elementary and secondary intensive special education students.  
4. A team of 6 staff members will be trained in elementary buildings based on data in >Nonviolent Crisis Interventions®(CPI) which will include both de-escalation and restraint procedures. Secondary teams will be trained in de-escalation techniques only except for staff working with intensive special education students.

VII.  Reporting, Documentation and Debriefing Requirements

Immediately after the student has restored emotional and behavioral control following the use of seclusion or restraint, a staff member not involved with the incident shall examine the student to ascertain if any injury has been sustained.

1. The building administrator or designee shall verbally notify the parent/guardians by the end of the school day in which the seclusion or restraint occurred or as soon as practical.
   1. The principal or designee will update the parent/guardian on the student’s current physical and emotional state and,
   2. Will discuss strategies to assist the parent/guardian in dealing with any residual effects of the incident.
2. Incident Report
   1. Staff involved in the use of restraint or seclusion will complete the FWCS Seclusion, Restraint and CPI Incident Report from within one school day after the event.
   2. The building administrator or designee will send a copy of the written report to Johnnie Grimes at the Family and Community Engagement Center as well as  the parent or guardian.

VIII.  Annual Review, Planning Process and Oversight

1. The Family and Community Engagement Center will coordinate data, planning and oversight of the use of restraint procedures in FWCS.
2. The Code of Conduct Action Committee will conduct an annual review of all individual and program-wide data associated with this policy.  The Committee shall review the following components related to the use of restraint:

• Incident reports;
• Procedures used during restraint, including the proper administration of specific FWCS approved restraint techniques;
• Preventative measures of alternatives tried, techniques or accommodations used to avoid or eliminate the need of the future use of restraint;
• Documentation and follow up of procedural adjustments made to eliminate the need for future use of restraint
• Injuries incurred during a restraint;
• Notification procedures;
• Staff training needs;
• Specific patterns related to staff or student incidents;
• Environmental considerations, including physical space, student seating arrangements, and noise levels.

3. Upon review of the data, the Committee shall identify any issues and/or practices that require further attention and provide written recommendations to the Superintendent of Schools for changes in policies or practices.
4. The Committee can recommend review of the training program to ensure the most current knowledge and techniques are reflected in the FWCS training curriculum. Revision Date: 

• Used for students that arrive late at school or for individual periods at the secondary level

• Used for students that leave school before the end of the school day

• First offense: office call to parent/guardian
• Second offense: office letter to parent/guardian
• Third offense: parent/guardian notification and a meeting with parent/guardian
• Fourth offense: documentation in the student’s discipline record
• Ten tardies may result in a referral to the school’s Student Support Team (SST) and possible revocation of lottery placement (if applicable)

• If a student arrives to class within the first ten (10) minutes of class, the teacher must address the tardiness
• The teacher will mark the student as tardy in the attendance system
• The teacher may implement classroom-level consequences, such as a warning or a minor penalty, in accordance with the teacher’s classroom management plan

• If a student arrives more than ten minutes after class, the teacher must refer the student to the office
• The student must report to the office to obtain a tardy pass before being allowed to enter the classroom
• The office will document the tardiness and determine appropriate consequences based on the student’s tardy record

• First offense: verbal warning from teacher (nonpunitive)
• Second offense: teacher discussion with student about cause of tardiness
• Third offense: parent/guardian notification and a meeting with the student
• Fourth offense: documentation in the student’s discipline record
• Fifth offense: disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the administration
• Subsequent Offenses: Escalated disciplinary actions, which may include in-school suspension or other measures and possible revocation of lottery placement (if applicable)

Approved by Cabinet August 5, 2025