ONLINE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
To maintain a safe and productive virtual learning environment, students must follow all online behavior expectations (“netiquette”), communication rules, and virtual participation requirements during live instruction and within School digital platforms.
Virtual Etiquette (“Netiquette”) Standards
Students must:
- Join synchronous sessions on time and remain for the full class duration
- Keep distractions minimal and be prepared to learn (seated, attentive, and ready to participate)
- Mute and unmute only when instructed or as directed by the teacher
- Use respectful language and appropriate tone in all interactions
- Follow teacher instructions promptly
- Use chat tools appropriately and only as permitted by the teacher
Video Use Expectations (Cameras On/Off)
Students are encouraged to keep cameras on to increase engagement and accountability. Camera expectations may be required for assessments, breakout rooms, or instructional activities.
Families may request exceptions based on:
- Privacy concerns
- Limited bandwidth
- Documented accommodations
Approved exemptions will be honored in accordance with School procedures.
Chat and Messaging Rules
School chat and messaging tools must be used strictly for instructional purposes. Prohibited behaviors include:
- Off-topic messaging
- Bullying, harassment, or intimidation
- Sharing inappropriate content
- Private messaging without teacher permission (when restricted)
- Spamming, flooding, or disruption of instruction
Teachers may limit or disable chat privileges at any time to maintain an appropriate learning environment.
Digital Communication (Email) Expectations
Students must use School-approved communication channels and follow professional standards, including:
- Appropriate and respectful tone
- Clear subject lines
- Timely, respectful responses
- Avoiding all-caps, excessive punctuation, or hostile messaging
School communications may be monitored for safety and compliance.
Online Dress Code
Students appearing on video must dress in clothing appropriate for a school environment. Prohibited attire includes:
- Clothing displaying drugs, violence, profanity, hate speech, or offensive symbols
- Inappropriate or revealing clothing
- Sleepwear
The School may require a student to remain camera-off until attire is corrected.
On-Camera Background Standards
Student camera backgrounds must be appropriate, safe, and non-distracting. Students may use:
- School-approved virtual backgrounds, or
- A plain wall/clean home area
Prohibited backgrounds include:
- Inappropriate decorations or imagery
- Visible individuals not enrolled in the class
- Cluttered or distracting environments
Teachers may require camera-off use if a background disrupts instruction.
Examples of Virtual Misbehavior
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Disrupting class with noises, comments, or intentional distractions
- Inappropriate chat messages
- Turning off camera without permission (when required)
- Logging in without participating (“present but absent”)
- Posting or sharing inappropriate images/content
- Using another student’s login or accessing accounts without authorization
- Recording class without permission
- Screen-sharing inappropriate content
- Using gaming sites during instruction
- Cheating or copying during online activities
Serious Online Misconduct
Serious misconduct includes:
- Threats, harassment, or intimidation
- Cyberbullying
- Sharing explicit content
- Hate speech or discriminatory conduct
- Racist or discriminatory comments
- Attempts to hack or compromise systems
- Inappropriate sharing of personal information
- Repeated refusal to comply with online safety expectations
Serious misconduct results in immediate administrative involvement.
Attendance Requirements for Virtual Sessions
Students are expected to attend required synchronous sessions and complete asynchronous coursework. Attendance may be measured through:
- Login records
- Participation in live classes
- Assignment submissions
- Direct interaction with teachers
Failure to meet attendance expectations may impact course progress and, where applicable, voucher eligibility.