D. Technology Acceptable Use Policy (AUP

depending on the nature of the issue. We are eager to partner with families in these instances in order to best support our students.

A voluntary leave may be requested by a student or the family and must be approved by the Leave Committee, which includes the Head of School, Director of Studies, School Counselor, and Dean of Student Life.

A required leave of absence may also be necessary, per the determination of the school. In such cases, the Leave Committee will determine all parameters of the leave.

Return to School

Whether voluntary or required, return to school is not automatic and the date and manner of a student’s return will be determined by the school. As circumstances vary, the timing and nature of a student’s return to school will also be subject to review and adjustment. Families should expect that the school will require consultation with the health providers involved in the situation and the school may, at its discretion, create a series of ‘readiness to return’ protocol for the student. Students are not allowed to return to school until the school grants permission to do so.

Extended leaves that persist for long periods become more difficult to accommodate and, in some instances, the school may require a student to repeat all or part of the year or recommend a change of school environment. Branson will assist students in making up missed work and will make adjustments to requirements where appropriate, as determined by the Leave Committee.

The Branson Technology Philosophy Statement

Technology encompasses a vast and ever-changing collection of tools that should always be evaluated through the lens of Branson’s educational goals and objectives. When adopted, technology should be used mindfully in support of learning, communication, digital citizenship, and technological competence. All members of the Branson community are expected to use technology responsibly in accordance with the tenets outlined in this handbook.

Social Media and Digital Communication

Branson requires appropriate use of digital media (e.g. email, website, video conferencing) at all times. Student behavior through digital media must comply with the Branson Family/Student Handbook rules and expectations, and all applicable local, state and federal laws regardless of whether the student in question is using Branson-owned or personal hardware, networks or domains. This applies whether a student is on-campus or off. Students who engage in online

behavior that does comply with the rules and expectations set out in this Handbook may be subject to disciplinary action.

Technology Should Be Supportive, Not Disruptive

The use of any technology that is disruptive to the community or to an individual is not permitted. Examples of disruption include:

● Cell phones out during class without express permission from an instructor. ● Cell phones out during assembly, advisory, and other community time without express permission from a Branson adult. ● Inappropriate use of technology during classes such as playing games, social media, email, and any other activities not expressly permitted by the teacher. ● Viewing videos, playing games, or listening to music at inappropriate volume levels. The use of headphones is encouraged. ● Viewing or distributing inappropriate content (e.g. pornographic or explicit images, racist, misogynist or otherwise discriminatory language or images).

Technology Should Be Used Legally

The use of Branson technology resources must comply with local, state and federal laws as well as the codes of conduct outlined in the Branson handbooks. Examples of illegal activities include:

● The use of Branson systems – Branson hardware, network and Branson-owned internal and external domains – to engage in political or commercial activities or attempting to impersonate another individual either through the use of another person’s device or through the network. ● Creating proxies or other methods of circumventing Branson web filters. ● The use of Branson equipment, systems and accounts to send offensive material including, but not limited to, sexually explicit images, ethnic or racial slurs, comments that offend or discriminate on the basis of age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ability or anything that may be construed as harassment or disparagement of others is prohibited. ● The use of personal equipment, systems, and accounts, whether on campus or off, to send offensive material, as described above, is a violation of the Branson AUP. ● Impersonating another individual through the use of hardware or account credentials. ● Creation or intentional distribution of viruses, malware or other harmful computer code.