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Schools Take on the Web

Posted on: Wednesday, 7 June 2006, 09:00 CDT

By Diane Mouskourie, The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.

Jun. 7--The Onslow County Board of Education adopted three new policies Tuesday to bring the school district in line with technology.

The rules deal with the Internet and creating Web pages, computer technology and advertising on electronic media.

Policy 5240 deals with advertising, marketing, promotion and sponsorship of non-school-related products, services, activities and programs during the school day. Being committed to providing an educational environment with minimal disruptions and distractions. It prohibits any advertising designed to encourage students, parents or employees to buy or participate in products or services of non-school related entities.

Exceptions include fundraising, advertisements in school publications such as yearbooks, newspapers and programs; logos or slogans on scoreboards; recognition banners; and advertising on athletic fields.

Policy 3227/7322 deals with the use of the Internet and the creation of Web pages by school personnel and students.

"The Board of Education encourages the use of the Internet as a means of providing accessible, accurate and timely information for staff, students, parents and others in the community to further the district's objectives," the policy states. "The Internet lends the school district the opportunity to better communicate with its communities by posting pertinent information on the Web."

Although the central office maintains one officeal Web site for the school district, each school is allowed to create its own Web page to highlight activities and characteristics.

Policy 6140 speaks directly to the issue of physical health and proper nutrition for students and staff.

"The board recognizes the importance of students maintaining physical health and proper nutrition in order to take advantage of educational opportunities," the policy states. "Student wellness and proper nutrition are related to a student's physical well-being, growth, development and readiness to learn."

The wellness policy establishes the need to appoint a School Health Advisory Council to help plan, implement and monitor it as well as other health and nutrition issues within the school district.

In other business:

The board viewed an updated presentation by representatives of AFL&A Architects of Fayetteville. Leslie Harris of the design firm presented proposals for additions at Blue Creek Elementary School and Swansboro Middle School.

Blue Creek Elementary is slated to receive a new classroom wing and multimedia center. The estimated cost of the 11,775-square foot building is $1.65 million.

Swansboro Middle School's renovations include a new media center and four new classrooms. The building, which would be centrally located on the existing campus, encompasses 13,000-square feet and is estimated to cost $1.9 million. Both projects are expected to go out for construction bids in the fall.

The board bid farewell to Mary Ann Sharpe, who lost her bid for re-election last month. It was the last official board meeting for Sharpe, who had served on the board since 1994.

Contact staff writer Diane Mouskourie at dmouskourie@freedomenc.com or 353-1171, Ext. 235.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Daily News, Jacksonville, N.C.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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Source: The Daily News

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