Saints John and Paul School’s Acceptable Use Policy

Dear Parents,

Your child’s teacher has read this document to his/her class and explained the importance of using the Internet and other computer resources appropriately.  We want to make you familiar with these rules as well.  Please review these rules with your child, sign and date the attached form, and return it to your child’s teacher.  Please keep this set of rules at home for your reference.

Introduction

On the school network and on the Internet, you may participate in a variety of activities that support learning.  With access to other networks and people around the world, you might have access to information that may not be appropriate.  Saints John and Paul School has taken measures to prevent access to inappropriate information.  However, we cannot control all the information available on the Internet.  The school is not responsible for other people’s actions or the quality and content of information available through this service.  We trust our students know what is appropriate and inappropriate.

User Agreement

The user of the school network must be in support of education, research, and the educational goals and objectives of Saints John and Paul School.  You are personally responsible for this provision at all times when using the school network.

The use of another organization’s networks or computing resources must comply with rules appropriate to that network.

Transmission of any material in violation of any United States statures is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene materials protected as trade secrets.

Be familiar with these rules and how to use the Internet before getting on-line.  If you have any questions about these rules, please ask your teacher so you can understand.  Be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of school rules, local, state and federal laws, and that you can be prosecuted for violating these laws.

I understand that I may use the Internet under the direction of my teacher if I follow these rules:

I am responsible for using the Internet in an appropriate way.  I may use the Internet for research, to communicate with others, and to do assignments from my teachers.

If I use someone else’s networks, I must obey the rules of that network.

It’s against the law to send certain things over the school’s networks.  I will not send copyrighted, threatening or obscene material over school networks.

My teachers will set rules for using school networks, and I agree to follow them.  I know that the inappropriate use of our networks can break school rules and sometimes even break the law.

I will never harm or destroy computers, nor will I harm or destroy the work of another person, on our school’s system or on any other system.

Normal etiquette and privacy rules

When I am using school networks, I will always:

Be Polite: I will never send, or tell others to send, abusive messages.

Use appropriate language: I will never swear or use any other inappropriate language, or threaten or humiliate others.

Respect privacy: I will not tell my home address, telephone number, names or addresses of family members, or the addresses or telephone numbers of other students.

Avoid Disruptions: I will not use the network in any way that would disrupt the use of the network by others.

Be honest: I will not send anonymous messages or represent a message to have been written by someone else.  I will always sign the message I send with my name and e-mail address.

Privacy: Do not reveal your home address, phone number, passwords, account number, names or addresses of family members.  Never disclose the names, addresses, or phone numbers of other students.

Disruptions: Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt the use of the network by others.

Representations:  Do not send anonymous messages or represent a message that has been written by another.  Identify yourself by name and computer address only.

Security

If you identify a security problem in the building, notify the Computer Teacher at once.  Never demonstrate the problem to other users.  Never use another individual’s account.  Never tell anyone else your password.  Any user identified as a security risk will be denied access to the network and may be liable for disciplinary action and criminal prosecution.

Vandalism

Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to physically deface, disable or destroy, computers, peripherals, or other network hardware, or, to harm or destroy, the data or software of another user, or any other agency or network that happens to be connected to the system.  This includes, but is not limited to, the creating or transmission of computer punishment and potential legal action.