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MSD of Lawrence Township

2017-2018

Communications

& Style Guide

Office of Communications, PR and Marketing

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2

Introduction/Purpose of Style Guide ………………………………………………………………….. 3

Print/Digital Communications ..…………………………………………………………………………… 4-7

MSD of Lawrence Township Media Guidelines ……………………………………………………. 8-9

FERPA/Using Student Information & Photos ……………………………………………………….. 10-12

Open Door/Public Information Request Policy ....………………………………………………… 13

Photographs …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14

Information Distribution ……………………………………………………...................................... 15-16

District Administration/School Board ……………………………………………………………………… 17

Social Media Guidelines ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 18-19

Social Media Terms of Use ………………………………………………………………………………………. 20-24

Best Practices for use of Social Networking Sites ……………………………………………………. 25-26

District Twitter Handles …………………………………………………….......................................... 27-28

Google Calendars …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29

Skylert/Sunday Messages ….……………………………………………………………………………………… 30

MSD of Lawrence Township Educational Acronyms ………………………………………………….. 31-34

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Communications/Style Guide

Purpose of Communications/Style Guide

Clear, consistent communication establishes and enhances a positive image of the district. This

handbook offers guidance when creating communication and supporting materials for our

students, families, residents and community partners. Using this handbook will ensure effective

delivery of message and reinforce efforts to build confidence in Lawrence Township Schools.

Because a great deal of time writing stories to be published by the media, we try to write using

the same style used by the media. Therefore, much of this guide is based on the Associated

Press Stylebook.

Resources

Use the following resources for questions about communications style:

MSDLT Communications/Style Guide

Associated Press Stylebook (Please see also the Lawrence Township Logo & Branding

Standards Manual)

Social Media Guidelines and Best Practices

A current dictionary of “EduSpeak”

Contact

Dana Altemeyer

Coordinator of Communications, Public Relations & Marketing (317) 423-8375

Kathi Rogers

Website Project Manager (317) 423-8346

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Print/Digital/Phone Communication

Print Materials:

Fonts, Point Size

Use a single space after punctuation for all print material – letters, newsletters, brochures, etc.

Recommended font is Calibri 11/14 using regular (bold & italics as needed). If Calibri is

unavailable, Arial, Helvetica or Myriad Pro are acceptable substitutes.

For media releases/media alerts, brochures, newsletters and other publications, please use

the following:

Font: Myriad font family

Size: 12 point (primarily for main content of releases)

*Use a minimum point size of 11 for newsletters with multiple column/sections for maximum

use of available space.

Email and Web Communications

Font: Simple fonts, such as Arial, Calibri Poor Richard, etc.

Size: 12 point

Color should be black or dark blue

All emails email should be acknowledged within 24 business hours of receipt.

Email Signatures should use a simple font in black or blue with a size no greater than 14 and

may include a logo that aligns to the brand/logo guidelines. No clip art permitted.

Logos

All Division publications must include the district logo and if formal communication should use

the district provided template for each building and division. Please refer to the Lawrence

Township Logo & Branding Standard Manual for acceptable logo use.

Newsletters/List Serves:

In order to keep a person’s attention, be brief and to the point. Use bullet points when

appropriate and highlight the message in the title.

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Be familiar with issues facing education and be prepared to respond to stakeholders with

information sheets. Do not use education lingo when preparing messages to families and the

community at-large.

The district’s website should be utilized as the key marketing tool. It should be kept up-to-date

and include pertinent information for both internal and external publics

Check all spelling and grammar prior to distribution

Avoid technical jargon by keeping it simple and using quotable “sound bites,” when

appropriate.

Publications Posted Online

The MSD of Lawrence Township can save money and time by continuing to provide the majority

of our printed materials on the district and school websites, thus moving away from paper

communications.

Phone Communication

All buildings and individuals with voicemail should have voicemail capability set up. Individuals

should ensure they have a professional greeting, stating their name and position within the

organization.

All phone calls/messages should be returned within 24 business hours.

Blogs

A blog (a contraction of the term "Web log") is a web site, usually maintained by an individual,

with regular entries of commentary and descriptions of events. Many blog web sites provide

commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online

conversations. The word blog has taken on a simple meaning — that of any bit of media

wherein the subject expresses an opinion or simply writes about something. The ability for

readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. In this

guide, the word “blog” refers to any interactive communication such as blogs, discussion

boards, and forums.

Blogging is permitted, but only under these specific guidelines:

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- Students and staff should treat all blogs as educational learning experiences. This is to create

responsibility and to allow students/staff to participate in creating joint classroom

communication.

- Please keep in mind that when a blog is created and posted on a website, that information is

public to the entire world. Use appropriate language and never share personal information such

as your name, address, phone number, financial information, etc.

- Be respectful! If the option to post comments is enabled on a blog, use proper network

etiquette when responding to a blog post. Cyber bullying and harassment will not be tolerated.

- Please follow all copyright rules. When using any content from the Internet, please obtain

permission from the original author. This includes blogging about another person. Always ask

permission before publishing one’s information.

- Proofread or use built in spell check tools on the blog website to correct grammatical errors.

- All student to student blogs must be monitored by a teacher.

- Consider who reads the blog when posted. Are you saying anything that would offend

someone? Are you communicating your ideas effectively?

Classroom Blogging Etiquette

- Decide on classroom blogging guidelines and rules before blogging.

- Post the rules on the web site.

- Stay on topic when blogging. Never use offensive language.

- Avoid using all CAPS - this is considered yelling.

- Keep messages short.

- Check spelling

- Respect that the blog is a closed discussion - do not forward comments from fellow bloggers

without permission.

- While constructive debate is welcome - be tactful in responding to others.

- Remember the person when blogging - the reader and responder is a real person with

feelings.

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- Use the Golden Rule - Treat others as you wish to be treated. Resist the urge to “flame” others

on the list. Remember that posts are public and meant for constructive exchanges. What might

be perceived as funny in quick face-to-face conversation might be offensive in written form.

- Turn off blogs during times in which they cannot be monitored (ex. summer, vacations, etc.)

Please Note: The above blog guidelines are a work in progress and may be amended at any time.

Please be aware that any approved blog site may be checked periodically. If not in compliance with district

guidelines it may be blocked.

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Media Guidelines

Media Guidelines

The MSD of Lawrence Township recognizes the important role the media plays in reporting

news and information about its policies, programs, services, events, students and employees.

The Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing is committed to providing timely and

accurate information to the media and making every effort to work within media deadlines.

Division and school news must be submitted to the Coordinator of Communications, PR and

Marketing for approval and proper dissemination to the media. Such protocol ensures accuracy

and consistently proper and professional relationships with the media.

All media requests to interview, videotape or photograph district employees, students or board

members must be made through the Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing. When

requests for student interviews are granted, the interview will be conducted at a designated

site to minimize the loss of instructional time and disruption to the learning environment.

Media Visits

The MSD of Lawrence Township understands that members of the media will need to visit our

schools in order to follow through on stories. Members of the media are expected to notify the

Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing prior to gaining access to school property.

As a safety and security precaution, the media will be asked to sign-in in the main office.

When videotaping, taking a still photograph or conducting interviews while in the school, the

Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing will accompany the media at all times to

minimize disruption at the school and to assist with any additional requests.

If the issue is sensitive or controversial, the Coordinator for Communications, PR and Marketing

will consult with the superintendent or designee. Sensitive or controversial issues include, but

are not limited to, the following topics: drugs, alcohol, sex, gangs, weapons, violence and race.

If the topic of interview or photography is sensitive or controversial in nature, parental consent

is required.

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At all times, the Coordinator for Communications, PR and Marketing /designee and/or an adult

representative of the school should be present when students are interviewed or

photographed in conjunction with a school or district function. The presiding adult may

intercede in the interview or photography any time he/she judges the questions or images to

conflict with the best interests of the students or District.

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) & Using Student Information/Photographs

The MSD of Lawrence Township abides by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

(FERPA), which allows students and parents to opt out of the release of certain information

about students, including photographs. The Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing

will work with each school to determine who cannot be photographed and interviewed

according to FERPA guidelines.

School Board Meetings

Members of the media are invited to attend all open MSD of Lawrence Township School Board

Meetings. Media may videotape and/or record these meetings. To avoid disruption of the

meeting, members of the media are asked to not approach board members, guest speakers or

members of the audience inside the board room during the meeting. Interviews must be

conducted outside the board room in the foyer or pre-arranged conference area. Copies of the

board agenda, informational items and other meeting materials are available online at

http://www.boarddocs.com/in/ltschools/Board.nsf/Public

Emergencies

It is the district’s practice to work as cooperatively as possible to provide timely information to

the media on the emergency and its impact on students and staff members, provided the

release of information does not jeopardize the emergency response activities, or conflict with

FERPA, the well-being of our students and employees, or the concerns of their families.

Members of the media may be assigned to a designated site to ensure full access to the

emergency by emergency response teams.

The District and Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing will work as quickly as

possible to provide accurate information to the media through a spokesperson, written release

or statement, or news briefings.

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Using Student Photos

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law, requires that The MSD of

Lawrence Township, with certain exceptions, obtain written consent prior to the disclosure of

personally identifiable information from a student’s education records. However, the MSD of

Lawrence Township may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without

written consent, unless parent/guardian has advised the District to the contrary in accordance

with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the MSD of

Lawrence Township to include this type of information from a student’s education records in

certain school publications.

Examples include:

1. A playbill, showing student’s role in a drama production;

2. The annual yearbook;

3. Honor roll or other recognition lists;

4. Graduation programs; and

5. Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an

invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s

prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that

manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local

educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary

Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory

information categories--names, addresses and telephone listings--unless parents have advised

the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written

consent.

Parents/guardians who do not want the MSD of Lawrence Township to disclose directory

information from their child’s education records without prior written consent, must notify the

Director of Students Services, 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, IN, 46236, within thirty (30)

days of the beginning of the school year or within thirty (30) days of enrolling in school. The

MSD of Lawrence Township has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student’s name

• Address

• Telephone listing

• Photograph

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• Date and place of birth

• Major field of study

• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

• Weight and height of members of athletic teams

• Degrees, honors, and awards received

• The most recent educational agency or institution attended

• Grade level

• Dates of attendance

By law, military recruiters may request a student’s address and telephone number (for high

school students only) if the opt-out form is not completed and returned.

The primary use of directory information in the MSD of Lawrence Township is to include this

type of information from a student’s education records in certain school publications, such as: a

playbill showing a student’s role in a drama production; honor roll or other recognition lists;

graduation programs; sports activity sheets, such as for football, showing weight and height of

team members; yearbook; school newspapers and school district publicity.

Parents may opt-out of providing information to the military or opt-out for everything.

For students whose parents have opted out for everything:

• A student’s contact information cannot be included in a buzz book, on class lists, in

birthday announcements, PFO lists, etc.

• Awards received by the student are excluded from District publications and awards

ceremonies.

Photographs will not appear in ANY District publications, including the yearbook or team

photos.

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Open Door/Public Records Request Policy

Media or individuals wanting access to public records or other public information from the MSD of Lawrence Township must do so in writing, specifically stating the desired records. MSD of Lawrence Township follows the provisions of the Indiana Open Door Law. All requests should be made to Dana Altemeyer, Coordinator of Communications, Public Relations & Marketing or mailed to 6501 Sunnyside Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Photographs

When sending photographs to District Coordinator of Communications, PR & Marketing or

Website Project Manager:

· Send pictures as a JPG attachment, not as part of a Word document, PowerPoint or a link

· Photos should be no larger than 4” x 6,” unless requested

· Photos should be at least 250 dpi or taken with the “best” setting

· Include a caption for the photo

· For group photos, such as homecoming court, award winners, small groups, etc., include

the first and last name of students from left to right. If the picture includes more than 15

students, use your best judgment.

· Please include first and last names of all staff members.

When posting pictures on the website or on the Division slide show:

- Limit the use of “grip-and-grin” pictures.

- Use photos that show action, are expressive and tell a story.

- Photos that are blurry, out of focus or don’t appear to have a significance are not

recommended.

- Limit the use of photos that include too many “backs of heads,” unless specifically

requested.

- Photos should be horizontal and ideally 940 (w) x 380 (h) to be considered for the rolling

photos on the homepage.

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Information Distribution

As per Board Policy 1.323, "Pupils and employees must be protected from possible exploitation

in considering requests that they be used in advertising or promoting the interest of any non-

school agency or organization."

http://www.ltschools.org/MediaLibraries/ltschools.org/Documents/District/Board/PoliciesSerie

s1/1-323-Advertising-and-Promotion.pdf

Requests to distribute any information that is not sponsored by the district must be approved

by the MSD of Lawrence Township Coordinator of Communications, PR, and Marketing or

designee. This includes:

- Information to staff/teachers

- Handouts for parents

- Advertisement of services

- Items to send home in book bags with students

- Requests to post information on website &/or in school newsletters

- Free products &/or services (including coupons)

- Requests to plant yard signs

Schools do not have the authority to distribute information not sponsored by the district

without approval from the Communications Office.

Generally, requests will not be granted for the following that are not district sponsored:

- For profit organizations

- Selling items

- Fundraising information

- Donation requests

- Advertisement of services/businesses

Flyers are rarely approved to be sent home in backpacks, however, if you are requesting that

fliers/handouts be sent home in backpacks you must provide copies of your handout/flyer in

both English and Spanish for review/approval. It is important that you seek approval prior to

making copies, in the event that your request is not approved. The online form to submit

information for distribution can be found at https://ltschools.wufoo.com/forms/guideline-for-

request-to-distribute-information/.

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We cannot consider your request unless all of the information is included at the time of

submittal. We must have all of your information a minimum of 3-4 weeks prior to your desired

distribution date.

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Administration & School Board

Administrators, School Board

When referring to MSD of Lawrence Township administrators and members of the Board of

Education in print or electronic publications, use the following guidelines:

Administrator titles - Capitalize only when used as a formal title before a name: Superintendent

Dr. Shawn Smith; Assistant Superintendent Dr. Steven Goeglein. Lowercase when used following

a name: Dr. Shawn Smith, superintendent; Dr. Steven Goeglein, deputy superintendent.

District Administrators 2017-2017

Superintendent, Dr. Shawn Smith

Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education, Dr. Steven Goeglein

Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education, Dr. Kathleen Rieke

Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Michael Shreves

Executive Director for Human Resources, Mr. Tim Harshbarger

Executive Director of the Office of Exceptional Learners, Mr. William Dreibelbis

Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Rodger Smith

Director of Curriculum, Instructional Programs, & Professional Dev., Mr. Troy Knoderer

Director of Early Childhood Education Programs, Ms. Stephanie LaPlante

Director of Grants and Programs, Ms. Patricia Gerber

Director of Student Services, Mrs. Shawn Bush

Director of Technology, Mr. John McFarland

MSD of Lawrence Township School Board 2015-2016

President, Mr. Reginald McGregor

Vice President, Mr. Richard Freije, Jr.

Secretary, Ms. Wendy Muston

Member, Ms. Carol Helmus

Member, Mr. Shawn Denney

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Social Media Guidelines

Social Media Guidelines, Expectations & Best Practices

Social media outlets are designed to disseminate information through social interaction using

highly accessible publishing techniques. Examples include Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter,

Instagram, YouTube, Tumblr, blogs, and wikis.

Social media have become powerful communication tools that may have a major impact upon

organizations and individuals. Use of those tools, however, often blurs the lines between one’s

personal voice and views and the voice and views of the MSD of Lawrence Township. In

addition, the tools permit widespread instantaneous transfer of information, substantially

expanding the risk of the spread of inappropriate or private information. The purpose of this

bulletin is to inform employees of those risks and establish clear rules to minimize them.

In general, when using social media outlets, consider whether what you post is something you

would want the entire community to see. You should not expect anything you post on the

Internet to truly be private, even with privacy settings.

The MSD of Lawrence Township recognizes the educational value in the use of various social

media (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) communication tools to engage students, parents and the

community. The District also recognizes that the line between public/private and

personal/professional is blurred and ever-changing in the digital world. The District encourages

open, honest, professional dialogue with our students and parents.

Employees are required to notify the building administrator or Coordinator of Communications,

PR and Marketing of all websites, social media platforms, and/or communication tools they

utilize to communicate with parents, students or the classroom community.

The MDS of Lawrence Township recognizes that many of its employees use social

media. The absence of, or lack of explicit reference to, a specific site does not limit the extent of

the application social media code of conduct. The guidelines for functioning in an electronic

world are the same as the standards listed in policy District Standards of Employee Conduct.

The District recognizes that employees retain the right to keep their personal interests and

business separate from their duties and responsibilities as District employees. Because School

Board employees have the unique responsibility within the community to serve as role models,

leaders, and caretakers for the district’s students, certain conduct is inconsistent with

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employment with the District. For that reason, employees are expected to exercise proper care

when using social media.

All postings on social media must comply with MSD of Lawrence Township policy 6.116 on

confidentiality and disclosure of confidential information. Employees unsure about the

confidential nature of information they are considering posting, should consult their

principal or department head.

Employees shall not link to the MSD of Lawrence Township website or post any school district

material on a social media site without written permission. Employees shall not post any

comment or picture involving any School Board member, employee, volunteer, student,

professional/contractor of the MSD of Lawrence Township without his/her express consent

(unless performed as part of official duties within the public relations area).

The above policies apply whether using a personal service/site or an MSD of Lawrence

Township-provided service/site.

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Social Media Terms of Use

Social Media Sites Created for Organizational Purposes

The MSD of Lawrence Township recognizes that social media might be used for administrative

or instructional purposes. Services or sites created by school or district personnel for these

purposes shall abide by the following:

Any created services/sites (blogs, Facebook pages, Twitter accounts and the like) must be

registered with the Communications Department, whether they are interactive in nature or

not; sites that allow interactive postings will require the creator to also list the moderator for

the site. The Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing must have administrative

rights upon request, to post, modify, or change officially sanctioned social media.

All interactive sites must include a posting policy which covers:

- The process for posting including any review process;

- A statement that inappropriate posts will not be posted or will be removed for inappropriate

content;

- A statement of what constitutes inappropriate content, to include rude, offensive,

defamatory, off-topic, or content inappropriate to minors.

Sites that allow the public, students or others to interact or otherwise post content to social

media sites created by MSD of Lawrence personnel must be moderated and include a copy of

the posting policy in a conspicuous place on the site. Currently, district/school sites are set to

prohibit the public from posting, other than comments.

We reserve the right to remove or ban any user for comments that violate our Terms of Use.

Personal attacks, vulgarity, profanity, sexism, or racism will not be tolerated. By accessing,

affiliating with, or commenting on this page, your identity may be visible to third parties not

affiliated with the MSD of Lawrence Township. In addition, third parties may be able to access

your profile and personal information. The MSD of Lawrence Township is not responsible for

access to your identity, profile or personal information by third parties. It is the express

responsibility of the user, or his/her parent or guardian, to protect the user’s identity, profile,

and personal information.

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ACCEPTABLE USE:

It is considered generally acceptable to use social media created specifically for administrative

or instructional purposes for the following:

- To serve as a notification and engagement tool with the public, students, teachers or

parents.

- Posting class assignments or encouraging online discussion of educational topics.

- Sharing educational content such as relevant videos, pictures or text. Employees shall

observe all copyright laws.

- To serve as a teaching tool for a class project.

PROHIBITED USE:

The following conduct is prohibited, and violation of one or more of these prohibitions may

result in discipline, up to and including termination of employment:

- Disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, particularly information contained

in or derived from student records, which is confidential and protected from disclosure

under federal law;

- Use of the MSD of Lawrence Township logos or marks without permission from the

Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing;

- Use of copyright or intellectual property of the MSD of Lawrence Township or others

beyond fair use without the consent of the owner of the copyright or mark;

- Use of MSD of Lawrence Township computers or other equipment not in conformance

with the district’s computer use guidelines; any personal use of social media must not

interfere with the business purposes of the equipment or with work time, and is subject

to inspection by the District without expectation of privacy;

- The posting of any photograph of any student or students taken in or in connection with

a school without a signed media release by the parent or guardian.

- Identification of any employment relationship with the MSD of Lawrence Township in a

manner that infers or implies, or that could be read to infer or imply, that the employee

is expressing the position or opinion of this district without a disclaimer substantially

conforming to the following: “Any expression of opinion is my own and does not

represent the position or opinion of the MSD of Lawrence Township or any of its schools

or employees.”

- Socializing with students or minors using any electronic media that violates the

principles of the School District Human Dignity Policy (1.220).

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General Rules for Communication through Social Media

First, does the communication pass the TAP test?

Electronic communication with students and parents should always be Transparent, Accessible,

and Professional as defined below.

The communication is transparent. ALL electronic communication between staff and

students/parents should be transparent. As a public school district, we are expected to

maintain openness, visibility and accountability in regards to all communication.

The communication is accessible. ALL electronic communication between staff and

students/parents should be considered a matter of public record, part of the District archives,

and/or may be accessible by others.

The communication is professional. ALL electronic communication from staff to

students/parents should be written as a professional representing the MSD of Lawrence

Township. This includes word choice, tone, grammar, and subject matter that model the

standards and integrity of a district professional. Always choose words that are courteous,

conscientious, and generally businesslike in manner. Each time your post a photograph or

information through social media, make sure you would gladly show it to the following people:

Your mother

Your students

Your superintendent

Using photos in electronic/social networking sites

Please use caution when posting photos for all social media. Please make sure that you do not

post a personally-identifiable photo of a student whose parents have completed a FERPA opt-

out form. The school secretary should maintain a list of students on the opt-out list.

Photographs can easily be copied and appropriated for unintended use. Carefully consider if the

photographs posted are those you would want to general public to see or use and how they

reflect on the MSD of Lawrence Township.

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Facebook (District level)

The MSD of Lawrence Township has a district-wide business Facebook account maintained by

the Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing. This system-wide presence highlights

the activities and accomplishments of all schools and departments. It is actively monitored

throughout the day and updated daily. Links to sites other than those within the MSD of

Lawrence Township should be considered carefully, and monitored to ensure that the linked

site conforms to the requirements stated herein. All posts should reflect the professionalism of

the MSD of Lawrence Township and its employees. If a building/program wishes to have

something posted to the District Facebook, please contact the Coordinator of Communications,

PR and Marketing with the information.

Facebook (Building Level)

All MSD of Lawrence Township schools have an established fan Facebook page. The building

principal/supervisor is responsible for monitoring information and keeping it current. Because

of the time required in keeping the page current, the District encourages the use of more than

one page administrator.

The page is a reflection of the District and should be maintained in a professional manner. It

should be registered with the Communications Department. The principal/supervisor

should contact the Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing for guidance. All

Facebook pages must have user guidelines, which will be provided by the Coordinator of

Communications, PR and Marketing for guidance.

Twitter

Twitter is a social media tool that allows for timely updates and announcements to be sent to

“Followers”. The District hosts a site at https://twitter.com/ltgoodnews that is updated daily.

Subscribers receive periodic posts of 140 characters or less. Announcements are brief. If

building/program wants an announcement or activity shared through the district Twitter

account, please contact the Coordinator of Communications, PR and Marketing.

All MSD of Lawrence Township schools have an established Twitter handle (see pages 19-20).

The building principal/supervisor is responsible for monitoring information and keeping it

current. Because of the time required in keeping the account current, the District encourages

the use of more than one page administrator Direct messaging or personal messaging is

discouraged.

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Links to sites other than those within the MSD of Lawrence Township should be considered

carefully, and monitored to ensure that the linked site conforms to the requirements stated

herein. All posts should reflect the professionalism of the MSD of Lawrence Township and its

employees.

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Best Practices for Use of Social Networking Sites

Best Practices for Use of Social Networking Sites

The following are suggestions to assist you in creating, maintaining or participating in the

various forms of communication and social networking sites available. This is not a

comprehensive list and will continue to be updated. Your social networking pages are a

reflection of you as a professional and as a member of the MSD of Lawrence Township team. As

such, inappropriate material can be used in disciplinary action.

- Be accountable for the content on your profile and assume that everyone has access to

your profile. You are personally responsible for what is on your site. Remember-online

postings remain public for a long time. YOUR STUDENTS WILL GOOGLE YOU!

- Remind all other members of your network of your position as an educator whose

profile may be accessed by current or former students, and to monitor their posts to

your network accordingly. Conversely, be judicious in your postings to all friends, sites

and act immediately to remove any material that may be inappropriate from your site

whether you posted or someone else did.

- Avoid defamatory comments, obscene material, or proprietary information.

- Avoid posting or stating anything that you would not state at the front of the classroom.

- Do not discuss students or other employees.

- Do not post images of students.

- Consider whether postings will adversely impact your ability to be a role model for

students.

- Set privacy settings to carefully control individuals who will have access. Limit the types

of information that your friends can view.

- Consider creating friend lists and set different permissions for different lists.

- Check your Facebook wall or notifications regularly.

- Consider creating a profile strictly for professional use.

- Use strong passwords that are different than others used.

- Do not post confidential student information (everything is confidential!).

- Recognize that many former students have online connections with current students,

and that information shared between school adults and former students is likely to be

seen by current students as well.

- Report inappropriate colleague and/or student online behavior immediately to your

administrator.

- When communicating/blogging with students, get parent permission and/or signed

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student agreements.

PFO. Parent Faculty Associations and other related groups must, as a condition of official status,

conform to the requirements of these guidelines. Violation may result in removal of official

status.

Basic good rules of thumb:

- If you wouldn’t say or write it in front of your classroom, it is not appropriate to share in

the electronic/social-networking arena.

- If you would not want your grandmother to read this on the front page of the local

paper, do not post or share through any electronic or social networking programs.

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MSD of Lawrence Township

District Twitter Handles for 2017-2018

District Twitter Handles 2017-2018:

District:

@ltgoodnews MSD of Lawrence Township

Superintendent:

@LawrenceSupt Dr. Shawn A. Smith

Early Learning Centers:

@MSDLawrenceELC All four Early Learning Centers

Elementary Schools:

@AmyBeverlandCom Amy Beverland

@CrestviewEL Crestview

@OaklandonElem Oaklandon

@BrookParkElem Brook Park

@SunnysideSIS Sunnyside

@MaryCastleElem Mary Castle

@WRSIPA Winding Ridge

@HarrHillSIPA Harrison Hill

@IC_Explorers Indian Creek

@SkilesTest Skiles Test

@ForestGlenSSI Forest Glen

Middle Schools:

@bmsbruins Belzer

@belzerathletics Belzer Athletics

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@FCVBearcats Fall Creek Valley

@FCVAthletics Fall Creek Valley Athletics

High Schools:

@LCHSbears Lawrence Central

@LCHSAthletics Lawrence Central Athletics

@LNHSwildcats Lawrence North

@lnwildcats Lawrence North Athletics

@LawrenceAdvance Lawrence Advance

@MCiTech McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Google Calendars

Google Calendar

The Google account provided by the MSD of Lawrence Township includes a calendar feature. District administration has created the following color-coded calendars that are accessible/modifiable by the appropriate staff and personnel: - Board/Administrative - District/Community Events - Early Learning Centers - Elementary Schools - High School Athletics - High School Events - High School Performing Arts - Middle School Athletics - Middle School Events - Middle School Performing Arts - Professional Development

Google calendar allows others see these living calendars. With Google Calendar sharing, calling and/or emailing participants numerous times to schedule an event is unnecessary. Google Calendar allows multiple calendars to be created and shown in the same view. Each can be shared, either read-only or with full edit control, and either with specified people or with everyone (public calendars). Buildings should be mindful of any conflicts with other calendars prior to scheduling events.

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Skylert/Sunday Phone Call

Skylert/Sunday Phone Call

Skylert is the district’s automated notification system that provides emergency alerts,

attendance notifications and other informational alerts via phone call, e-mail and/or SMS (text

message). Parents will have the option to customize how they receive emergency notifications

and also have the ability to receive other general communication.

Attendance notifications are sent when your child has been marked absent and the school has

not received confirmation from the parent. Attendance calls are typically made between

9:30AM and 10:00AM. General notifications are those relating to school events, practices,

issues, etc. For example, if your child is on the basketball team, you may receive a notification

that practice was cancelled or a game was postponed due to weather. These may also include

targeted announcements such as a notification about a fund-raiser that will benefit the music

program if your child is in show choir. General notifications will typically be made during late

afternoon or early evening (4:00-8:00PM).

Every Sunday during the school calendar year, building principals make a Sunday Phone Call to

the family of all students enrolled in the building. Sunday Message are part of our internal

marketing and communications campaign. These messages communicate expectations,

celebrate achievement, and provide reassurance to families. It is important that these

messages not exceed ninety seconds. Beyond that point, there is a tendency to lose listeners

and engagement.

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MSD of Lawrence Township

Educational Acronyms

MSD of Lawrence Township Educational Acronyms

ABE Amy Beverland

ACT American College Test

ACTFL American Council on Teaching of Foreign Language

AD Athletic Director

ADA Americans with Disabilities Act

ADD Attention Deficit Disorder

ADHD Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders

AMO Annual Measurable Objectives

AOY Administrator of the Year

AP Advanced Placement

ATP Assistant to the Principal

AUT Autism

AYP Adequate Yearly Progress

BMS Belzer Middle School

BP Brook Park

BYOD Bring Your Own Device

CAP Corrective Action Plan

CBM Curriculum Based Measures

CIS Communities In Schools

CLT Collaborative Learning Team

CogAT Cognitive Abilities Test

COM Citizen of the Month

COY Classified Staff Member of the Year

CPF Capital Projects Fund

CRR College and Career Readiness

CV Crestview

DB Deaf/Blind

DD Developmental Delay

DOE Department of Education

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DRA Developmental Reading Assessment

ECS Early Childhood Special Education

ED Emotional Disability

ED.D. Doctor of Education

EIRA Early Intervention Reading Assessment

ELC Early Learning Center

ELC AB Early Learning Center at Amy Beverland

ELC BP Early Learning Center at Brook Park

ELC MC Early Learning Center at Mary Castle

ELC WR Early Learning Center at Winding Ridge

ELL English Language Learner

ELP English Language Proficiency

ENL English as a New Language

ECA End of Course Assessment

EQ Emotional Quotient

ESL English as Second Language

ESSA Every Student Succeeds Act

FCV Fall Creek Valley Middle School

FERPA Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

FG Forest Glen

FOIA Freedom of Information Act

GF General Fund

HH Harrison Hill

HR Human Resources

IAC Indiana Academic Standards

IB International Baccalaureate

IC Indian Creek

ID Intellectual Disability

IDEA Individuals with Disability Education Act

IDOE Indiana Department of Education

IEP Individualized Education Plan

IL Instructional Leaders

IQ Intelligence Quotient

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L&A Learning and Achievement

LAA Lawrence Advance Academy

LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker

LC(HS) Lawrence Central High School

LD Learning Disabled

LEA Local Education Agency

LECC Lawrence Education and Community Center

LEP Limited English Proficient

LI Language Impaired

LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor

LN(HS) Lawrence North High School

LRE Least Restrictive Environment

LT Lawrence Township

MCIT McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology

MEP Migrant Education Program

MD Multiple Disability

MIC Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

NAEP National Association of Educational Progress

NBCC National Board Certified Counselor

NBCT National Board Certified Teacher

NCLB No Child Left Behind

NEA National Education Association

NMQE National Merit Qualifying Exam

OE Oaklandon

OHI Other Health Impairment

OI Orthopedic Impairment

OSS Out-of-School Suspension

PBIS Positive Behavior Interventions and Support

PD Professional Development

PFO Parent-Faculty Organization

PH.D. Doctor of Philosophy

PLC Professional Learning Communities

PO Probation Officer

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POA Preschool of the Arts

RN Registered Nurse

RTI Response to Instruction

SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test

SEA State Education Agency

SEAC Special Education Advisory Committee

SIG School Improvement Grant

SLD Specific Learning Disability

SLI Speech Language Impairment

SLT School Leadership Team

SMART Goals Specific, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic, Time bound

SOA Standards of Accreditation

SP Speech Impaired

SPED Special Education

SRI Scholastic Reading Intervention

SRO School Resource Officer

SS Sunnyside

ST Skiles Test

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

TBI Traumatic Brain Injury

TOY Teacher of the Year

TR Transportation

USDOE United States Department of Education

WIDA Indiana English Language Development Standards

WR Winding Ridge