Your child will have privileged access to the school’s computers with your permission. This access will be to multimedia computer information as well as to the Internet. Access will also allow web page access to other schools, colleges and organizations around the world. Using the Internet will give your student the opportunity to expand his/her academic learning, to find information, to learn new concepts, and to complete research assignments.

With this educational opportunity also comes personal responsibility. It is important that you and your child read the enclosed Access Release form as well as the acceptable use policy and discuss them thoroughly.

When your young learner is given permission to use the computer, it is extremely important that all rules be followed. Failure to follow these rules will result in the loss of the privilege to use this educational tool.

Remember that you are legally responsible for your child’s actions. Please stress the importance of using only his or her disk and not sharing that disk with other students. The computer user should under NO circumstances let anyone else use his or her computer password if one is assigned.

Although we have established acceptable use policies and are employing access-limiting devices on the local network, please be aware that there may be unacceptable material or communications on the Internet that can be accessed by your child. The school cannot control all information available on other computer systems.

After you and the student have read and discussed the enclosed materials, and if you agree to allow your child to use the school’s Internet access computers, please sign the authorization form and return it to the school.

We hope that your child will recognize the potential benefits from use of the technology and broaden his/her learning opportunities.

What is the Internet?

The Internet is not a thing or a place -- it is an electronic link of computers all over the world. People who use the Internet have access to:

How Can Information be Controlled Through the Internet?

The Internet is not owned or operated by any one individual, government or group. It is largely unregulated. Most users may expect common principles of decency and good sense, but there are no guarantees. There are pictures and information on the Internet that may not be appropriate in an educational setting. To help insure that our students do not have access to these materials, we have taken some measures to limit access to some of the potential sites of the Internet where these undesirable materials are located. In addition, we are requiring users and their parents/guardians to read and sign a statement of personal responsibility before they are allowed to use the computers and/or the Internet at school. We will continually monitor computer use and reserve the right to revoke the privilege of anyone who is found in violation of the signed agreement or school policy.

Use of computers is intended for educational purposes. Recreational use for games or Internet chats are inappropriate uses of District computer resources and are not allowed.

What are the Benefits of Using the Internet in Educational Settings?

We are just beginning to discover the many educational uses of the Internet. The Internet is fast becoming one of the preferred research tools in school libraries and classrooms. The Internet will make it possible for schools to develop joint projects and share information. It will help teachers and students to communicate with each other as well as share ideas and data. It will make it possible for students to watch history in the making as students can go to scientific and government sites on the Internet to read and view the latest information. Use of the Internet will assist students in developing computer use skills demanded in a modern age job market. The Internet will bring geographically isolated students closer to the great centers of art, education and commerce without actually having to go there.

Network Etiquette

Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

2. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. These illegal activities are strictly forbidden. Do not reveal your personal information (i.e., phone number, address, birth date) or information of others (students, teachers). Note that nothing on a computer is guaranteed to be private, especially e-mail. People who operate the system will have access to all programs and files. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the authorities.

3. Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.

4. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, and other anti-social behaviors are prohibited on the network. Therefore, any messages that you write should not contain profanity, obscene comments, sexually explicit material, and expressions of bigotry or hate.

5. M.S.A.D. No. 64 system administrators will make determinations on whether specific uses of our computers are consistent with the District’s acceptable use practice. The school system will use programs designed to filter out inappropriate information and deny access to web sites that are known to be a source of inappropriate materials.

Security

1. When using the Internet, DO NOT reveal personal information such as your address or phone number and NEVER send anyone your picture. Be cautious.

2. Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to ALL mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the authorities.

4. Do not access or attempt to access anyone else’s Internet or electronic mail account.

5. If you receive messages that are mean or make you uncomfortable in any way, do not respond to them. Print them and report them to your teacher, librarian, or building administrator immediately.

M.S.A.D. No. 64 Acceptable Use Policy

Use of the computer is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. Based on acceptable use guidelines outlined in this document, District administrators will judge when use is inappropriate and their decision will be final. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with this or other computer systems may be denied access to the school’s computers. The following are NOT permitted:

· Providing personal information such as full name, address, telephone number, or pictures of yourself or others

· Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks (i.e., adding viruses to the system)

· To use the Internet for educational purposes including information gathering and communication

· To request educational information via news groups from the Internet in order to facilitate learning (with teacher’s/librarian’s permission)

M.S.A.D. NO. 64 COMPUTER USE AGREEMENT

STUDENT:

I have read the acceptable use policy and accompanying computer use information. I understand that network access is intended for only educational purposes. I also recognize that I have a responsibility to abide by the use rules and network etiquette.

I understand that my privilege to use the District’s computers may be revoked if I do not abide by the use policy.

Signature of Student _________________________

Grade _____________ Date ______________

________________________________________________________________________

PARENT/GUARDIAN:

I have read the acceptable use policy and accompanying computer use information. I understand that the network access is intended for only educational purposes. I also recognize that although M.S.A.D. No., 64 officials are attempting to limit access to known appropriate sites and materials, my child has a responsibility not to visit inappropriate sites and secure improper materials. I do not hold M.S.A.D. No. 64 responsible for materials that my child may view on the Internet.

I give my child permission to go online at school and I certify that I have discussed the use policy with my child.

Signature of Parent ________________________ Date ___________________