D-6.3 PERSONAL COMMUNICATION

Chapter D - Communication

Part 6.0 Staff to Outside Communication

Section 6.3 Personal Communication

Policy Statement:

Personal Communication

Staff members should generally refrain from the use of cell phones during class times.  Text messaging or talking on the phone during class is considered unprofessional conduct.  It is understood that at times it will be less distracting for a teacher to communicate on the phone or via text message quickly rather than leaving the classroom to take care of personal business that is pressing.  However, this should be rare and reserved for times when students will be least impacted, such as during independent work time.  Generally, however, cell phone usage should not occur during class hours.

Personal, non-business use of the company's communication systems is prohibited. You cannot use company communication systems to transmit, retrieve or store any information, material or communication that is obscene, illegal, discriminatory, rude, intended to harass or defame others or otherwise offensive or inappropriate. Also, strictly prohibited are any transmissions with racial, sexual, religious or other harassing content or that are contrary to American Preparatory Academy's policies or business.

Any messages that might act as the "voice" or position of American Preparatory Academy must be approved by the company. Any identification of the author, including usernames, pictures/logos, or "profile" web pages, should not use logos, trademarks, or other intellectual property of American Preparatory Academy unless approved in advance by American Preparatory Academy. If you are not providing an official message from American Preparatory Academy, an employee who comments on any aspect of the company's business must include a disclaimer in your own "profile" or "bio" that the views are your own and not those of American Preparatory Academy.

A message should not disclose any confidential or proprietary information of American Preparatory Academy. If you are "friends" with customers, clients, or vendors on social networking sites, you should exercise additional discretion before posting personal information or photographs that could potentially be embarrassing to you or American Preparatory Academy. Written messages are, or can become, public: use common sense.

American Preparatory Academy reserves the right to review any employee's electronic files and messages to ensure electronic media and services are being used in compliance with federal and state laws, this policy, and other company policies. Accordingly, employees should not assume that their electronic communications are private.