Windsor's AUP is clear that there is no expectation of privacy regarding
digital storage, email or otherwise, on the school's servers.
        Unless directed to do so by an administrator, I don't open staff
mailboxes. This has happened once in five years. If a student complains
about receiving inappropriate mail, I make a determination about that
inappropriateness first by examining the print out handed to me, and then
checking both the complainant's mailbox as well as the one sending the
message. Most often this results in email suspension (30 days first
offense) for one of them. And sometimes for both as the "offending" email
was provoked by a missive as equally inappropriate.
        We don't allow (and block access to all) email accounts other than our
FirstClass school accounts using a Sonic Pro firewall. Of course, this is
for access within our LAN. I always look for end runs, and find one from
time to time. School email is available from home with a client either
over the Internet or directly to our modem bank for those without an ISP.
        Sometimes, a member of the staff or administration has me check email in
a student's account as they're justifiably concerned with issues related
to student safety.

Brad Edwards
Technology Coordinator, English Department, Windsor Schools
19 Ascutney Street
Windsor, VT 05089
802-674-6344 x336
http://www.windsor.k12.vt.us/WHS/staff/edwards/index.html
"Never place a period where God has placed a comma."-Gracie Allen