Policy for Challenges to Library Materials
Challenges to Library, Media, and Other Supplemental Materials [ISBA Code: 5051]
The Board supports teachers, librarians, media specialists, media aides, and administrators in selecting books and other materials making them available in schools.
The final decision on controversial reading material rests with the Board after careful examination and discussion of the instructional materials with school officials and/or other individuals the Board may wish to consult. No parent or group of parents has the right to determine the reading matter for students other than their own children. The Board recognizes the right of an individual parent to request that his or her child not have to read given instructional materials, provided a written request is made to the appropriate building principal.
Procedures For Removal of Library, Media, and/or Other Supplemental Materials
Parents or guardians, having custody of any student enrolled in the school corporation or a community member who lives within the school corporation boundaries may request that the removal of library, media, and other supplemental instructional materials on the basis the materials are obscene or harmful to minors as defined in Indiana law according to the following procedures:
1. A person having a concern about the use of library, media, and/or other instructional materials should first discuss the concern with the school librarian, media specialist, or media clerk.
2. If the individual is not satisfied after the discussion with the school librarian/media specialist/media aide, the individual should contact the building principal to discuss the matter.
3. If the individual is not satisfied after talking with the building principal, the individual may further the inquiry for a removal of the material in question by completing a Challenge to Library, Media, and/or Other Supplemental Materials form available in any school office and submitting it to the building principal.
4. Upon receipt of the completed form, the building principal shall request a review of the challenged material by a review committee within fifteen working days. The challenged material shall remain in use during the review process.
5. The building principal shall appoint the review committee and shall include but is not limited to a media professional, a classroom teacher, and a parent. For materials at the middle or high school level, a student representative may also be appointed.
6. The review committee shall take the following steps after receiving the challenged materials:
a. Read, view, or listen to the material in its entirety.
b. Review the definition of obscene and harmful to minors as defined in the Indiana criminal code.
c. Judge the material as a whole and not in part in determining whether the material meets the definition of obscene and/or harmful to minors.
8. The review committee shall make a written determination as to whether the material is obscene and/or harmful to minors and should be removed from the school library. The review committee’s written determination shall be given to the building principal, the superintendent, and the person who made the request to remove the materials.
9. The person requesting the removal of the materials has the right to appeal the review committee’s decision to the school board. The appeal must be in writing to the superintendent within ten days of the receipt of the review committee’s determination.
10. The Board shall determine based upon the findings of the review committee whether to retain or remove the challenged material at its next public business meeting after receiving the appeal. The board may also consider other resources in making its determination.
No new complaint may be filed involving materials already reviewed for two years after the date of the recommendation. Legal Reference: IC 20-26-5.5-1(a) IC 35-49-2-1 IC 35-49-2-2 Board Adopted: July 13, 1987 Board Revised: March 8, 1993; March 11, 2002; October 9, 2023
Technology Integration
JHS Technology Mission
Jefferson High School supports the learning process by providing access to tools and resources that help all students to:
- Nurture knowledge and understanding
- Strengthen their skills in communication and collaboration
- Cultivate their ability to imagine and innovate in all disciplines
Guiding Principles
Instructional technology, including student devices, at Jefferson High School:
- Supports student achievement
- Supports and extends current and future curricula
- Engages, enhances, and extends learning opportunities for students in and out of the classroom
- Provides reliable access during state-mandated testing
- Is viable to all stakeholders
Web Filtering
LSC devices are filtered, both at school and at home. All online content accessed on a school device is subject to the same filters and restrictions that are in place in school. This filter will override any filters in place on home networks. Parents are encouraged to set up internet filtering for personal devices on their home networks.
Low Cost Internet Access at Home
Internet Essentials from Comcast offers low-cost Internet service, discounted computer equipment and free digital literacy training to families with at least one child eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program.
Internet Essentials is available in all areas where Comcast offers Internet service. For additional information about Internet Essentials, including program eligibility criteria, or to apply, please visit www.internetessentials.com or es.internetessentials.com.
Canvas (Learning Management System-LMS)
Canvas is a learning management system that provides an online location for teachers to provide resources, assignments and tools to their students.
Students
JHS students will use their LSC logins and passwords to access their classes' Canvas pages. Teachers will post class materials in Canvas, so students will always have access to what they need.
Parents
Parents can request observer access to their students' Canvas courses that will allow them to see what is going on in a course without interrupting the flow of daily course communication. Observers cannot submit work on behalf of children, but they can see their grades, upcoming assignments and interaction in the course.
