ST. FRANCIS
TECHNOLOGY/INTERNET
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR STUDENTS
2008 - 2009 SCHOOL YEAR
PURPOSE:
The internet is a vast global computer network that provides access to major
universities around the world, government agencies, other school systems, and
commercial providers of data banks. The purpose of this document is to set
guidelines for exploring and using technology resources to enhance learning and
teaching activities while maintaining the safety of our students and preserving
the school’s integrity. Acceptable use of these resources shall be consistent
with the philosophy, goals, and objectives of St. Francis School.
INTERNET SAFETY:
All Internet access
is filtered as in accordance with the Children's Internet Protection Act. This
blocks access to sites that are obscene, pornographic, engage in live chatting
or are in any way deemed inappropriate.
PRIVACY IS NOT GUARANTEED:
St. Francis School
may, at anytime, monitor, inspect, copy, and review all student computer
activity to ensure that users are acting responsibly. All such information files
shall be, and remain, the property of St. Francis School. Privacy is not
guaranteed.
ACCEPTABLE/UNACCEPTABLE USE:
The educational value
of technology in the classroom is the joint responsibility of the students,
parents, and faculty of St. Francis School. The students are representatives of
the St. Francis School community and therefore must conduct themselves in a
manner that does not negatively impact the school or surrounding community. To
ensure the safe use of technology, the students must comply with the following
terms and conditions.
ACCEPTABLE USE:
Students shall:
1. use their assigned computer only, unless otherwise determined by supervising teacher and documentation must be made.
2. be responsible for individual files.
3. respect the privacy of files of other students and faculty members.
4. practice appropriate copyright procedures.
5. have all materials approved by supervising teacher before printing.
6. access only materials appropriate for fulfilling school assignments
7. be cautioned that there are materials on the Internet that may be deemed inappropriate for young people, and access to this type of material for any reason is unacceptable.
8. use proper Internet etiquette. Be polite and appreciate that other users might have different views than your own.
9. use language that is appropriate for school situations.
10. immediately report any incident which breaches the Acceptable Use Policy to the supervising teacher.
UNACCEPTABLE USE:
Students shall not:
1. use computers or access the Internet without a faculty/staff member in the classroom or computer lab.
2. visit or attempt to visit Internet sites that contain obscene, hateful, or other inappropriate materials.
3. use the school name or the name of any schoolmate or faculty/staff at anytime, in any way (pictures included), during school or at home when visiting any website or chat room.
4. give personal contact information about self or any adult or student at the school. Personal contact information includes home, school, or work address, telephone or fax numbers.
5. attempt to gain access to restricted areas or go beyond authorized access. This includes personal email, chat rooms, instant messaging, Myspace, Facebook, U-tube, etc. This also includes attempting to log in through another person’s account or access another person’s files.
6. agree to meet with someone you have met online.
7. install or download any software or files, unless otherwise directed by supervising teacher or technology coordinator.
8. use the Internet for personal profit or any illegal activities such as arranging the sale or purchase of drugs and alcohol, engaging in criminal gang activity, or bullying or threatening the safety of any persons.
9. perform any action to disrupt Internet services or computer systems by spreading computer viruses, vandalism, unauthorized entry, or destruction of computer files.
10. infringe upon copyrights (no making illegal copies of text, pictures, music, games, or movies).
11. plagiarize.
***Plagiarism is a form of cheating; it is using another’s words, ideas, or thoughts as one’s own. Plagiarizing another’s work will be considered cheating and will result in a grade of “0.”
CONSEQUENCES
The following is a guideline for administering consequences for violations to the St. Francis School Acceptable Use Policy. The teacher, with assistance from the principal or technology coordinator, will analyze the severity of each violation in accordance with the current discipline policy and will issue the student a suitable consequence.
Minor Offense:
For minor incidents, the student can be issued written assignments, loss of privileges, detention or service assignments.
Major Offense:
Major offenses include but are not limited to knowingly accessing inappropriate materials, accessing another person’s files, breeching copyright laws, and plagiarizing.
For major violations, a referral will be issued and the parents/guardian will be notified as soon as possible. Consequences include but are not limited to a written or service assignments, 1-3 days of recess detention, loss of privileges, possible loss of assignment grade, a 1-day in-school suspension, or suspension of all computer related privileges for an appropriate amount of time determined by the principal.
Severe Violations:
Severe violations include but are not limited to any activity which causes the destruction or loss of files, software, or hardware, and any activity which breeches the integrity of school mates, the school, or school personnel.
For severe violations, a referral will be issued and the parents/guardian will be called in for a meeting. Consequences include but are not limited to a 1-day in-school suspension, 1-3 days out of school suspension, suspension of all privileges, loss of grades and any additional consequences deemed appropriate by the principal including expulsion.
Parents,
Please be sure you and your child/children read and discuss the above policy and consequences for appropriate/inappropriate use of the school’s Internet and computer systems. Please sign and return this page within 3 days of receipt.
I have read and agree with the terms of the St. Francis School Acceptable Use
Policy. I understand that I must act responsibly when using the Internet and the
school’s computer system. I also understand that if I violate any part of the
Acceptable Use Policy, St. Francis may suspend or terminate any privilege to use
the Internet at any time solely at the school’s discretion. I further understand
that disciplinary actions will be enforced and, depending on the seriousness of
the offense, can include suspension or expulsion.
Student Signature _________________________________
Parent Signature __________________________________
Date ______________