CORPUS CHRISTI SCHOOL Student Internet Acceptable Use Policy

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We would like for all parents to read Section A of this document carefully. In addition, for parents with children in grades three through eight, please read and discuss Section B thoroughly with your child. Both you and your child should sign Section B in the appropriate places. This document must be on file with the school before your child will have Internet privileges.

We are very pleased to bring Internet access to Corpus Christi and believe the Internet offers valuable, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to:

• electronic mail communications
• information and news
• discussion groups
• documents and databases

With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. The faculty at Corpus Christi has taken precautions to control access to controversial materials by being present at all times when students are on the Internet, by instructing students in the proper use of the Internet and electronic mail, and by using a filtering product that assists in blocking material that may be inappropriate for children. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. We firmly believe however, that the valuable information and interactions available on the network far outweigh the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the school.

Availability of the Internet to students at Corpus Christi rests upon the proper conduct of individual students who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities your child is about to acquire. If a student violates any of these provisions, future access to the Internet at Corpus Christi may be denied to that student. The signatures on this document indicate that you have read this document, discussed it with your child, and that you and your child understand the terms and conditions herein.

SECTION A: GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Acceptable Use - The purpose of using the Internet in our school is to support education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of school accounts must be in support of education and consistent with the educational objectives of Corpus Christi. Transmission of any material in violation of school policy or any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material and threatening or obscene material.

2. Privileges - The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The faculty member in charge will deem what is inappropriate use and his or her decision is final.

3. Network Etiquette - Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette as outlined in Section B.

4. Copyright - Students are expected to abide by all copyright laws at all times.

5. Security - If your child identifies a security problem on the Internet, he or she should notify a teacher immediately. Your child should not demonstrate the problem to other students. Students may not use another individual’s account at any time. Attempts to log on to the Internet as anyone other than his or herself will result in cancellation of his or her Internet privileges. Any student identified as a security risk will be denied access to the Internet.

6. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, network, or agency that is connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading of any computer viruses, attempts at gaining unauthorized access, or changing online materials without permission.

SECTION B: STUDENT AGREEMENT

This section is to be read by students in grades 3 through 8 and discussed with their parent or guardian. Both parents and students must sign section C, tear it off, and return it to school.

1. Personal Responsibility
As a student at Corpus Christi, I will accept personal responsibility for reporting any misuse of the network to the teacher in charge. Misuse is considered any message(s) sent or received that indicate or suggest racism, sexism, inappropriate language, etc. Misuse is also considered to be intentionally accessing any Internet site deemed inappropriate by the faculty at Corpus Christi.

2. Acceptable Use
My use of the Internet, electronic mail, chats will be in support of educational research and/or knowledge as defined by the teacher in charge.

3. Network Etiquette
I will abide by the following rules of network etiquette at all times:
a. I WILL BE POLITE - I will never send, or encourage others to send abusive messages.
b. I WILL USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE - I realize that I am a representative of our school community. While I may be alone on the computer, what I write can be viewed globally. I will never swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language.

4. Privacy
I will not reveal my home address, last name, or personal phone number or that of any member of our school to anyone on the Internet, through email, or through chats at any time.

5. Electronic Mail
I understand that electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private. I will not send anything that I do not want others to read.

6. Security
I understand that security on our network is very important. I will never attempt to guess other users’ passwords at anytime. I understand that to do so is a violation of my privileges. If I identify a security problem, I will notify the teacher in charge immediately.

7. Vandalism
I understand that vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy other people’s data within Corpus Christi and on the Internet. I will notify the teacher in charge if I encounter vandalism of any kind. Any vandalism or failure to notify the teacher in charge of attempted vandalism will result in my loss of network privileges.

8. Copyright
I understand that to copy any other person's work and call it my own is a violation of copyright law. This pertains to text, graphics, video and sound on or off the Internet. When using other people's work, I will ask permission when possible and credit the author accordingly.

The use of the Internet and electronic mail at Corpus Christi is a privilege and not a right. I understand and will abide by the above Internet Use Agreement. I further understand that any violation of the above regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation my access privileges may be revoked and school disciplinary action may be taken.

 

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SECTION C: FILL OUT FORM, DETACH, RETURN TO SCHOOL
grades 3 through 8 only

STUDENT AGREEMENT
I have read and discussed with my parent(s)/guardian(s) the Student Internet Acceptable Use Policy.

PARENT AGREEMENT
As the parent(s)/guardian(s) of ________________________ , I have read and discussed with my child the Student Internet Acceptable Use Policy. I understand that access is designed for educational purposes. However, I also recognize it is impossible for Corpus Christi to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold the faculty responsible for materials acquired on the network. I give my permission for my child to access the Internet while supervised at Corpus Christi.

This document is adapted from guidelines and documents published by Classroom Connect. Portions reprinted with permission from Classroom Connect. Copyright 1997. 1866 Colonial Village Lane, Lancaster, PA 17605. (800) 638-1639, email: connect@classroom.net.