​RCSD Enforces New Social Media Policy

By Amina Hassan
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Rochester City School District (RCSD) has set new guidelines for teachers and students to follow involving social media. Students and teachers are not allowed to be friends on social websites such as Facebook. If a student or parent was to request to friend a teacher, teachers are to ignore the request. Teachers are not allowed to have communication with students on personal social media sites anymore. If a teacher is to disobey this policy they will have consequences. 
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This policy comes with many benefits. It ensures that there are no inappropriate interactions between students and teachers. Teachers are prohibited from using social media sites to communicate about a student that has nothing to do with school. Dr. Bak says she agrees with this policy because it is not okay for a teacher and student to be friends; it's unprofessional. East High student Aroma Dual disagrees with the policy. She says, “It is sometimes very difficult to contact a teacher and social media is a way to stay in touch.” East High teacher Gavin Jenkins agrees with the policy, but believes that professional learning accounts can be a great way to keep scholars and families up to date with what is happening in class.