Acceptable use policy for technology

[Refer to Policies and Procedures 2000 text, Policy Number T703.1]

Purpose and Goals

Computers are a valuable tool for education and one of this school’s purposes is to encourage the proper use of computer related technology, including the Internet.  Students and all users of computer technology have a responsibility to use these tools properly and in accordance with the policy set forth below:

…to provide a variety of electronic tools to help students and teachers develop the ability to evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources and enable them to work effectively with various computer/communications technology

…to encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills, which will be needed in this increasing elect

ronic and global society.

Responsibilities of User

With the right of access comes the responsibility to use the source both correctly and wisely.  Access to the Internet may mean that some material found will not meet guidelines set in our Acceptable Use Policy.  Monitoring and controlling all such materials is impossible.  The School will make every effort to discourage the appearance of such material; however, the opportunities and information made available by the Internet make it necessary to provide access in order that our students can take advantage of the many resources on the information superhighway.

General Requirements for Use of the Internet

All users are required to take simple Internet training from the computer coordinator or his/her designee.

All users and their parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign a student access contract governing use of computer resources, which is provided by the School and set forth below.

Only students issued passes or permission and have completed training may use the School’s computers to access the Internet.           

Use of stations is limited to those who have a clear need for research, with a teacher assignment to back it up.  Use will be limited, if necessary.

Transferring copyrighted material to or from the School without express permission of the owner may be a violation of federal law.  The user must insure that this does not incur.

Use of electronic mail and other Internet facilities to harass, offend, or annoy other users is forbidden.

E-mail accounts through the School may be restricted and/or monitored.

Any attempt to circumvent system security, guess passwords, or in any way gain access to secured resources is forbidden.

Use of the Internet for commercial gain or profit is not allowed from an educational site.

Users will not move, repair, reconfigure, modify or attach external devices, or load software on the system without the express, prior written consent of the School.

The system operator has the right to monitor all computer activity without prior notice to the user.

The School may impose additional rules and restrictions at any time.

Discipline

Violations of these rules will be handled by the computer education coordinator and the School administration.  Damage to the school system or use of media to harass student, teacher or community will result in suspension and limitation of or non-access to the network and equipment. Harassment or publication of minor children’s names or pictures on the Internet may result in civil action by the school or family of the victim.

Student Rules

For reasons of personal safety, students must never post or transmit personal information about themselves or other people.  This includes name, address, telephone/fax number, school address, social security number, etc.

Students must not access material that is profane or obscene (e.g., pornography) or that advocates illegal acts, violence, harassment or discrimination toward other people.

Students must not plagiarize works they find on the Internet.  Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of another and presenting them as if they were one’s own.

Students must not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude or threatening language.  Nor will they, through means of the Internet, harass or annoy other users.

Students must not knowingly or recklessly post or transmit information about persons or organizations that is false or private.

Students must not make deliberate attempts to disrupt computer systems or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by other means.  These actions are illegal.

The illegal downloading of copyrighted software or other written works for use on home or School computers is prohibited.

Violations of any of these rules may result in any or all of the following, the discretion of the School:

Loss of Internet access and or computer use privileges

Disciplinary and/or legal action by the School, law enforcement or other involved parties

Student Access Contract

Use of the School’s computer resources requires that the student and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) sign the following Student Access Contract:

I understand that when I am using the Internet or any other computer/telecommunication device, I must adhere to all rules of courtesy, etiquette and laws regarding the copying or use of information as prescribed by either Federal, State or local laws, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia or the School.  I have read the School’s Acceptable Use Policy and discussed it with my parent/guardian.  I understand and agree that the School may monitor my use of computer resources; including without limitation e-mail and Internet activity and that my violation of School policy is grounds for punishment.

My signature below and that of my parent(s)/guardian(s) means that I agree to follow the guidelines of this Acceptable Use Policy for Internet access and computer use.

Student name (print):____________________________________

Student signature:________________________          Date:_______

Parents and Guardians:  You must review the School Acceptable Use Policy with your child(ren) and sign this Student Access Contract.

I hereby release ______________ School, __________ parish and Archdiocese of Philadelphia, its personnel and all other institutions with which they may be affiliated, from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my child’s use of or inability to use the computer resources of the School, including without limitation Internet access, including but not limited to claims that may arise from the unauthorized use of such resources to purchase products or services.

I have reviewed the Acceptable Use Policy with my Child. I will instruct my child regarding compliance with the Policy as well as any additional restrictions that I may impose.

As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy.  I hereby give permission for my child to use the School’s computer resources and Internet access.  I understand that my child has agreed not to access inappropriate material on the Internet.  I also understand and agree that the School may monitor my child’s use of computer resources, including without limitation e-mail and Internet activity and that violation of School policy is grounds for punishment.

Parent/Guardian name (print):_____________________________

Parent/Guardian signature: ________________________________

Date:_______


 
Our Lady of Charity School 249 Upland Rd. Brookhaven, PA 19015 610-874-0410
Last Modified: Friday, Aug. 13, 2010