Permission+Form+for+Mr.Escott

Dear Parent or Guardian of Pathways Student:

Next week, my classes will be doing a project on Internet Safety, or Cyber-Bullying. They will be researching the following topics in small groups:
 * Internet harassment or cyber-bullying.
 * Current statistics regarding cyber-safety
 * Ways to prevent cyber-bullying.
 * Options for responding to cyber-bullying.
 * Resources for self help.

They will be summarizing their research on a class Web site: http://misteremath.pbwiki.com/.

Students will be given access to a number of teacher-approved Web sites to do their research. I have included a list of these Web sites.
 * Security**

A wiki is a special type of site on the Internet that others can update or change. An example of a wiki is Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia. This encyclopedia was created and maintained by individuals all over the world. Anyone can make contributions or change existing information on Wikipedia.

The class “wiki” has been created on a special location, PBWiki, that has been created with privacy and security in mind. Initially, only students and invited guests will have access to this site, while students research cyber-safety.

Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate that they understand each of the objectives of this project through class discussion and an assessment worksheet. A rubric will be provided to determine the student’s grade.
 * Assessment**

Before your child may begin this project, we are asking for you and your child to discuss and sign the following form. Please return the form to Mr. Escott by Friday of this week. The project will begin on Monday. Only students with signed permission forms will be allowed to access the Internet.
 * Permission**

Sincerely,

Thomas Escott

I have read and understood these blogging terms and conditions. I agree to uphold them.

student’s signature:_ date:

parent’s signature: _ date:

The National Center for Victims of Crime, [|www.ncvc.org] This is a nonprofit organization advocating for all victims of crime. They educate child victims about their rights and the recent provisions that have been established to protect them. The National Victim Center has a toll-free number that acts as a referral service for children who have been exploited.
 * Teacher Approved Web Sites for Student Research **

Play It Cyber Safe, [|www.playitcybersafe.com] The goal of this web site is to empower children, parents, and teachers to prevent cybercrime through knowledge of the law, their rights, and how to avoid misuse of the Internet.

CyberNetiquette Comix, [|disney.go.com/cybersafety/index.html] In this series of comics, children learn about proper Internet ethics and the importance of keeping private information private. Join classic Disney characters for adventure, fun, and online awareness tips.

CyberTipline, [|www.cybertipline.com] The CyberTipline handles leads from individuals reporting the sexual exploitation of children including child pornography, online enticement of children, child prostitution, child sex tourism, misleading domain names and child sexual molestation (not in the family).

SafeTeens.com, __[|www.safeteens.com]__ This site provides tips, advice, links, and suggestions to help make your family's online experience fun and productive.

Stay Safe Online, __[|msn.staysafeonline.com/play.htm]__ This interactive cartoon by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Microsoft® teaches children online safety with a cast of interesting characters. Join Tara Lipinski, Shaquille O'Neal, and several cartoon kids in learning more about the Internet. Interactive quizzes help children practice the safety concepts.

WiredKids.org, __[|www.wiredkids.org]__ This site contains Internet safety information for children, parents, teachers, and officials. It provides links to child-friendly and other Internet safety sites as well as fun games and activities.