East Haven Public Schools • Internet Acceptable Usage Policy

Please read this document carefully before signing as part of the intake process

Introduction

Internet access is now available to students and teachers in the East Haven School district. We are very pleased to bring this access to East Haven and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in our schools 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 communication with people all over the world.

• Information and news from research institutions world wide.

• Public domain software and shareware of all types.

• Discussion groups on a variety of topics.

Access to University Library Catalogs, the Library of Congress and ERIC (Educational Resource Information Center.)

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. On a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. East Haven School District firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on this world wide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the District.  We will instruct the student user(s) on acceptable use of the Internet and proper network etiquette before offering online access to them. Students using the Internet will be supervised.

The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. If an East Haven user violates any of these provisions, his/her access to the Internet account will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied. The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicates the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully understand(s) their significance.

These documents will available for signatures only upon completion of Internet training and 'Netiquette instruction. They will be kept on file by the classroom teacher and/or in the Library Media Center.

Acceptable Use

The purpose of the Internet is to facilitate communications in support of research and education by providing access to unique resources and an opportunity for collaborative work. To remain eligible as a user, the use of the account(s) must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the District.  Access to the Internet is made possible through an appropriate provider to be designated by the school district at its sole discretion. The school district and all users of the Internet must comply with existing rules and Acceptable Use Policies which are incorporated into this document and are available from the District.  Transmission of any material in violation of any United States or State regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighting material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.  Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.

Privilege

The use of Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use, including any violation of these conditions and rules, may result in cancellation of the privilege. The East Haven School District, under this agreement, is delegated the authority to determine appropriate use and may deny, revoke, suspend, or close any user account at any time based upon a determination of inappropriate use by account holder or user.

Monitoring

The East Haven School District reserves the right to review any material on user accounts and to monitor file server space in order to make determinations on whether specific uses of the network are inappropriate.

Network Etiquette ("Netiquette")

All users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette:

• Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to other.

• Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Do not

  engage in activities which are prohibited under state or federal law.

• Do not reveal your password, personal address or phone numbers or personal information about other

  students or colleagues.

• Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail.

  Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the authorities and will result in

  the loss of user privileges.

• Do not use the Internet in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.

• All communications and information accessible via the Internet should be assumed to be the private

  property of those who put it on the network.

No Warranties

The East Haven School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages a user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by negligence, error or omission.

Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user's own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its online services. All users need to consider the source of any information they obtain and consider how valid that information may be.

Security

Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. Do not attempt to learn the system administrator password or the password of any account unless authorized to do so.  If so authorized, protect that password and do not give it to those who do not have authorization.  Notify a system administrator or school authority of any security problem on the Internet.  Attempts to log on to the Internet as a system administrator or fraudulently use another's Internet account may result in cancellation of user privileges and disciplinary action.  Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access.

Vandalism and Harassment

Proven acts of vandalism or harassment will result in cancellation of user privileges.  Vandalism is any malicious attempt to harm, modify, or destroy property (e.g. data) belonging to another. It includes the act of knowingly transmitting computer viruses.  Harassment is the act of deliberately and persistently annoying another user, or intentionally interfering with another's work. Harassment includes the sending of objectionable or offensive mail to targeted users.

Procedures for Use

Student users must always get permission before using the Internet and must follow instructions.

Student users must sign-in each time they use the network.

Student users must be supervised when accessing the Internet.

Student users will use computer resources for educational purposes and in compliance with instructional

activities.

Encountering Controversial Material

Users may encounter material which is controversial, inappropriate, intrusive or offensive. The areas of greatest concern include:

• graphic sexual materials

• illegal material

• obscene and offensive language

• harassment and stalking over "chat lines" or "use nets

• solicitation and charge card fraud

It is virtually impossible to prevent abuses on this complex world wide information system. Therefore, student users should always exercise caution, good judgment and reasonable care when exploring online. Student users should only access the Internet under adult supervision. Users should take reasonable steps to avoid getting into trouble when online and report problems immediately to a teacher, parent or system administrator.

It is the user's responsibility not to initiate or encourage the transmission of objectionable or illegal material.

The District shall exercise reasonable means to protect students from accessing inappropriate, offensive and illegal material during school hours and under school supervision. Parents are expected to exercise the same responsible stewardship over their children when they access the Internet and other online systems at home.  The District will not be held liable for any decision to restrict or regulate access to Internet materials nor for student users' occasional, inadvertent encounters with objectionable material.

Penalties for Improper Use

Any user violating these rules, applicable state and federal laws, or posted classroom and district rules is subject to loss of Internet privileges and disciplinary sanctions.  Any unauthorized Internet access, attempted access, or abuse of any publicly supported computer information system is a violation of federal law and is subject to criminal prosecution.

Misconduct involving messages sent or received which deal with pornography, unethical or illegal solicitation,  racism, sexism, obscenities, inappropriate language, stalking, etc. will result in swift disciplinary and/or legal action.

Required Signatures - Student

In applying for an online information account, which will also grant me access to the Internet, I agree to abide by the provisions and conditions of this contract and to uphold all future policies for Internet users.

I agree to the following terms and conditions:

• I will comply with all instructions, rules, policies and procedures governing my use of the online

  information system.

• I understand that any violations of the above provisions may result in disciplinary action, the revoking

  of my user account, and appropriate legal action.

• I will exercise this privilege in a responsible manner for the purposes intended and with consideration for

  other users.

• I will promptly report any misuse or abuse of the online information system to the school district

  system administrator and proper school authorities.

Student/User Name ID:

please print

Student/User Signature

Date Year of Graduation:

NOTE: Persons under the age of eighteen (18) must also have the signature of a parent or guardian who has read this agreement.

Parent/Guardian Signature

Required Signatures - Parent or Guardians the parent or guardian of this applicant, I have read this contract and understand that the intended use of the online information system is for educational purposes. I accept the following terms and conditions:

• I understand that my child will be supervised when he/she accesses the Internet and that school authorities will exercise reasonable care to avoid     my child's exposure to online objectionable material.

• I will not hold the school or its personnel responsible for objectionable materials which my child may inadvertently encounter on the Internet.

• I agree to promptly report any misuse or problems with the online information system to the school.

• I will cooperate with the school and my child's teacher to make certain that my child understands and complies with the terms and conditions of     this contract and the policies governing use of online information systems.

• I accept full responsibility for supervising my child's use of the Internet outside the school setting.

• I hereby give my permission to issue an online account for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

Parent/Guardian Name

please print

Parent/Guardian Signature

Date