6141.321

Instruction

Computers:  Responsible Computer, Network and Internet Use

Overview

The __________Board of Education (Board) provides its students and staff access to a multitude of technology resources.  Access to information and communication technologies (ICT) is considered a privilege and not a right. ICT resources consist of any technology and/or devices that access or convey information, software applications, Internet resources and Internet environments.

These resources provide opportunities to enhance learning and improve communication within our community and with the global community beyond the local campus. The advantages of having access to these resources are viewed by the Board as far greater than any potential downside.  However, with the privilege of access is the responsibility of students, teachers, staff and the public to exercise appropriate personal responsibility in their use of these resources. The policies of the Board are intended to promote the most effective, safe, productive, and instructionally sound uses of networked information and communication tools. The District also makes a good faith effort to protect its students from exposure to Internet materials that are harmful or explicit. The District maintains a system of Internet content filtering devices and software controls that meet federal standards established in the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Digital Citizen

The District uses information and technology in safe, legal, and responsible ways. It is incumbent upon all members of the school community to use technology ethically, constructively, and with respect for the work of others. Independent and appropriate use of information and communication technologies is predicated upon responsible and ethical conduct. Therefore, a responsible digital citizen, whether staff, student or volunteer, is one who:

•  Respects One's Self. Users will select online names that are appropriate and honest about one's identity, and will consider the information and images that are posted online. Users will communicate and interact with others in respectful ways.

•  Respects Others. Users will refrain from using technologies to bully, tease or harass other people.  Users will not access or use hate-based or sexually explicit materials nor will they disparage others.

•  Protects One's Self and Others. Users will protect themselves and others by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications. Users will adhere to age requirements and guidelines of all websites. Users will protect personal information and respect the privacy of others' information.

•  Respects Intellectual Property. Users will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, media, etc.

•  Protects Intellectual Property. Users will request to use the software and media others produce.  Respect will be shown for intellect and creativity by asking permission, giving credit and observing the law.

•  Respects Classroom Guidelines. Users will follow all guidelines set by teachers regarding the use of electronic devices. Users will respect teachers by keeping all communication school related.

Expectations

Responsible use of the technology resources provided by the Board is expected to be ethical, respectful, academically honest, and supportive of the school's mission.  Each computer user has the responsibility to respect every other person in our community and on the Internet. Digital storage and electronic devices used for school purposes will be treated as extensions of the physical school space.  Administrators, or their designees, may review files and communications (including electronic mail) to insure that users are using the system in accordance with Board policy. Users should not expect that files stored on servers or disks will be private.

Some activities are expressly prohibited by law. Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. The following guidelines are intended to clarify expectations for conduct, but they should not be construed as all-inclusive. Given the nature of emerging technologies, it is impossible to anticipate or prevent all problems that may occur.

•  Use of electronic devices should be consistent with the Board's educational objectives, mission and curriculum.

•  Transmission of any material in violation of any local, federal and state laws is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted material, licensed material and threatening or obscene material.

•  Intentional or unintentional use of computing resources to access or process, proxy sites, pornographic material, explicit text or files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network is strictly prohibited.

•  Software and/or services may not be installed or downloaded on school devices without prior approval of the Superintendent or designee.

•  Use of computing resources for commercial activities, product advertisement or religious or political lobbying is prohibited.

•  Users may be held personally and financially responsible for malicious or intentional damage done to network software, data, user accounts, hardware and/or unauthorized costs incurred.

•  Files stored on district-managed networks are the property of the school district and, as such, may be inspected at any time and should not be considered private.

•  Materials published for electronic publication must be for educational purposes. School administrators, teachers and staff may monitor these materials to ensure compliance with content standards.

Communications via ICT resources are often public in nature and general school rules and communication apply.  It is expected that users will at all times comply with District standards and will act in a responsible and legal manner in accordance with District standards as well as with federal and state laws.

It is important that all users and parents understand that the District, as owner of the ICT resources, reserves the right to monitor and review the use of ICT resources.  Such monitoring or review will be limited and done, as needed to ensure that the systems are being used for District-related educational purposes. Therefore, all users must be aware that they should not have any expectation of personal privacy in the use of these ICT resources.

Optional Language:  Monitoring access is for, but not limited to, the following reasons:

•  Ensuring the safety and security of people and resources;

•  Ensuring positive learning and work environments;

•  Keeping schools safe from harassment, intimidation or threats;

•  Ensuring ICT resources use relates to educational mission and goals;

•  Preventing breaches of confidentiality;

•  Prevention of copyright infringements;

•  Ensuring appropriate Internet access;

•  Ensuring appropriate communication messages, such as email, blogs, chats and discussion forums; and

•  Ensuring appropriate file downloads and print requests.

Policy Violations

The District reserves the right to refuse access to the Internet to anyone. Violating any portion of this policy may result in disciplinary action, including temporary or permanent ban on computer or Internet use, suspension or dismissal from school, and/or legal action. The District may cooperate with law enforcement officers in investigations related to illegal activities conducted through its network.

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes

53a-182b Harassment in the first degree: Class D felony. (as amended by PA 95-143)

20 U.S.C. Section 6777, No Child Left Behind Act

20 U.S.C. 254 Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000

47 U.S.C. Children's Online Protection Act of 1998

Public Law 110-385 Broadband Data Improvement Act/Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act

Policy adopted: 

6141.321

Appendix A

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR INTERNET AND OTHER COMPUTER NETWORK ACCESS

The purpose of providing Internet and other computer network access in this district is to promote the exchange of information and ideas with the global community. The following represents a guide to the responsible use of the technology provided by this district. All network use must be consistent with the policies and goals of this school district. Inappropriate use of district technology will result in the loss of technology use, disciplinary action, and/or referral to legal authorities.

All Internet and other computer network users will be expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.  Be polite. Messages should not be abusive to others.

2.  Take pride in communications. Check spelling and grammar.

3.  Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language, symbols, or pictures.

4.  Protect password confidentiality. Passwords are not to be shared with others. Using another user's account or password or allowing such access by another may be permitted only with the approval of the supervising teacher or system administrator.

5.  Do not reveal your personal address or telephone number or those of other persons. No student information protected by FERPA should be electronically transmitted or otherwise disseminated through the network.

6.  Do not disguise the point of origin or transmission of electronic mail.

7.  Do not send messages that contain false, malicious, or misleading information which may be injurious to a person or a person's property.

8.  Illegal activities are strictly prohibited.

9.  The district technology is not to be used for playing multi user or other network intensive games, commercial ventures, Internet relay chat lines, or downloading excessively large files.

10.  No charges for services, products, or information are to be incurred without appropriate permission.

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

12.  Users shall respect the privacy of others and not read the mail or files of others without their permission. Copyright and licensing laws will not be intentionally violated.

13.  Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware, data of another user, Internet, or any other agencies or other networks which may be accessed. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

14.  Report security problems to the supervising teacher or system administrator.

15.  Violators of this policy shall hold the district, including its employees and agents, harmless against any and all causes of action, damages, or other liability resulting from the willful or negligent violation of this policy.

6141.321

Appendix B

INTERNET ACCESS CONDUCT AGREEMENT

Every student, regardless of age, must read and sign below:

I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the terms of the foregoing Responsible Use and Internet Safety Policy. Should I commit any violation or in any way misuse my access to the school district's computer network and the Internet, I understand and agree that my access privilege may be revoked and school disciplinary action may be taken against me.

User's Name (print clearly)________________________     Home Phone:__________________

User's Signature:_________________________________     Date:______________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

Status: Student _____ Staff  _____Patron _____  I am 18 or older _____ I am under 18 _____

If I am signing this policy when I am under 18, I understand that when I turn 18, this policy will continue to be in full force and effect and agree to abide by this policy.

Parent or Guardian: (If applicant is under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement.) As the parent or legal guardian of the above student, I have read, understand and agree that my child or ward shall comply with the terms of the school district's Responsible Use and Internet Safety Policy for the student's access to the school district's computer network and the Internet. I understand that access is being provided to the students for educational purposes only. However, I also understand that it is impossible for the school to restrict access to all offensive and controversial materials and understand my child's or ward's responsibility for abiding by the policy. I am, therefore, signing this policy and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the school, the school district, and the Data Acquisition Site that provides the opportunity to the school district for computer network and Internet access against all claims, damages, losses, and costs, of whatever kind that may result from my child's or ward's use of his or her access to such networks or his or her violation of the foregoing policy. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision of my child's or ward's use of his or her access account if and when such access is not in the school setting. I hereby give permission for my child or ward to use the building approved account to access the school district's computer network and the Internet.

Parent or Guardian (please print): _____________________     Home Phone: ____________

Signature: ____________________________________________     Date: __________________

Address:  _____________________________________________________________________

This agreement is valid for the _____________ school year only.

6141.321

Form # 1

________________________, PUBLIC SCHOOLS

________________________, Connecticut

________________________,

month/day/year

Dear Parents/Guardians:

New technologies are shifting the ways that information may be accessed, communicated, and transferred. These changes may also alter instruction and student learning. The ________________________ Public School System offers students access to the electronic information highway and computer service networks such as electronic mail and the Internet in accordance with Board Policy 6141.321 (attached).

Along with access to computers and people all over the world comes the availability of materials that may not be considered appropriate in the classroom. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials. Ultimately, the school staff, parents, and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying standards that students should follow when using media and information sources.

The Board of Education supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to allow their child(ren) to access the Internet. Please take the time to sit down with your child(ren) to read and discuss the Rules and Codes of Ethics for School Computer Users. Then, sign and return the statement(s) provided as soon as possible.

Rules and Codes of Ethics for School Computer Users

Internet access is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others in relation to school work. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required. Access is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, based upon the responsible use guidelines outlined in this document, the system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use. Decisions are final. The system administrators may deny, revoke, or suspend specific user access at any time.

Individual users are responsible for their use of the network. District guidelines are as follows:

•  Student users, before accessing the Internet, must always get permission and 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.

The use of the computer and the Internet must be in support of education and research and must be consistent with the academic expectations of the ________________________ Public School System. Transmission of any material in violation of U.S. or State regulations including copyrighted, threatening, or obscene material is prohibited. Use for commercial activities by for profit organizations, product promotion, political lobbying, or illegal activities is strictly prohibited.

The user is also expected to abide by the following rules of etiquette:

•  Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages.

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

•  Transmission of obscene material is prohibited. Sending or receiving offensive messages or pictures from any source will result in immediate suspension of privileges.

•  Do not reveal your or other students' personal addresses or telephone numbers.

•  Do not communicate any credit card numbers, bank account numbers, or any other financial information.

•  Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Inappropriate messages can result in suspension of privileges.

•  Do not use the network in such a way that would disrupt the use of the network by others.

•  Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user will not be tolerated. Any questionable action will result in the suspension of privileges.

Very truly yours,

_________________________________

Superintendent of Schools

NOTE:  Violation of any of the above mentioned rules and regulations will result in a loss of access and may result in other disciplinary or legal actions.

6141.321

Form # 2

PUBLIC SCHOOL COMPUTER AND INTERNET USER AGREEMENT AND PARENT PERMISSION FORM

After reading the Rules and Codes of Ethics for School Computer Users, please complete this form to indicate that you agree with the terms and conditions outlined. The signatures of both student and parent/guardian are mandatory before access may be granted to the Internet. This document, which incorporates the rules and codes, reflect the entire agreement and understanding of all parties.

As a user of the _________________________ Public School District computer network, I have read and hereby agree to comply with the outlined rules and codes of ethics.

Student Signature: __________________________________ Date: ________________________

Student Name: __________________________________________________________________

                                                                           (Please print)

Student's School: ___________________________________________________________ Grade: _________________________

As parent/legal guardian of the student signing above, I grant permission for my child to access computer service networks such as electronic mail and the Internet. I have read and agree to the rules and code of ethics. I understand that some materials found on the Internet may be objectionable; therefore, I agree to accept responsibility for guiding my child and conveying to him/her appropriate standards for selecting, sharing, and/or exploring information and media. I agree to hold harmless the _________________________ Public Schools and employees of the school district for any misuse of access to the computer services networks that my child commits. I understand that once signed this agreement is legally binding on me.

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________________     Date: __________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: __________________________________________________________________

                                                                                       (Please print)

Street Address: __________________________________________________________________

Home Telephone: __________________________________     Work Telephone: __________________________________

Complete and return to your child's school.

6141.321

Form #3

_____________________, PUBLIC SCHOOLS

_____________________, Connecticut

STUDENT USE OF THE INTERNET

(Responsible Use Agreement)

In order to provide for the appropriate use of the Internet in keeping with Board of Education policy, the following "Responsible Use Agreement" has been developed.  (A copy of this agreement will be distributed to students and parents for signature before a student is issued an Internet account.)

Terms and Conditions

All computers having Internet access must be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner.  Failure to adhere to this Agreement will result in revocation of access privileges.

1.  Responsible use:  The use of your Internet account must be consistent with the educational objectives of the _________________________ School District.  Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to:

a.  copyrighted material

b.  threatening or obscene material

c.  material protected by trade secret

2.  Privilege:  The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges.  The system administrator(s) will deem what is inappropriate use and that decision is final.  The system administrator(s) may close an account at any time, as required.  The administration, faculty and staff may request the system administrator to deny, revoke or suspend specific user accounts.

3.  No Warranty:  The _________________________ School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing.  The _________________________ School District will not be responsible for any damages you suffer in using the Internet.  This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries or service interruptions.  Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk.  The _________________________ School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through this service.

4.  Vandalism:  Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges.  Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet.  This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

I understand and will abide by the above Agreement.  I further understand that a violation of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense.  Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

Your signature on the Responsible Use Agreement is legally binding and indicates that the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.

_____________________________________________________________________

Student's Signature                                                                  Date

PARENT/GUARDIAN

If the user is under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian also must sign this Agreement.

As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Responsible Use Agreement.  I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes and that the _________________________ School District has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material.  I also recognize, however, that it is impossible for the _________________________ School District to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold the District responsible for materials acquired on the network.  Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting.

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

Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________

                                                     (Please print)

Parent/Guardian:  ______________________________________               ______________

                             Signature of Parent/Guardian                                             Date

6141.321

APPENDIX A

SAMPLE LETTER TO PARENTS

Dear Parent:

Your student has qualified to receive a telecommunications account in order to communicate with other schools, organizations, and students around the world.  Your permission is required to activate this account.

The _________________________ District strongly believes in the educational value of electronic services and recognizes their potential to support curriculum and student learning by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.  Our district will make every effort to protect students and teachers from any misuses or abuses as a result of their experiences with an information service.

This educational opportunity also demands personal responsibility.  It is important that you and your child read the enclosed Responsible Use Policy and discuss it together.  When you child is given an account and password to use on the computer, it is extremely important that the rules be followed.  Failure to follow the rules will result in the loss of the privilege to use this educational tool.

Please stress to your child the importance of using only his or her own account and password, and the importance of keeping it a secret from other students.

Although we have established responsible use policies, please be aware that there may be unresponsible material or communications that your child can access.  We cannot control material available on other computer systems.

After you have read and discussed the rules and responsibilities with your child and if you agree to allow your child to have an account, please sign the Responsible Users Contract and return it to school.

For your information, I have included Guidelines for Telecommunications Use At Home that I hope you will find helpful if your child has access to a telecommunications service in your home.

Sincerely:

District

6141.321

APPENDIX B

Internet Network Access Agreement

Name: _________________________________________     School: _________________________________________

Home Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Sponsoring Teacher: ________________________________________________________________________________

I accept responsibility to abide by the Internet Network Access policies of The Nutmeg Public Schools as stated in this agreement.  I agree:

*  to use the Internet Network in support of education and research, consistent with the educational objectives of the Nutmeg Public Schools.

*  to use the Internet Network only with the permission of the responsible teacher.

*  to be considerate of other users on the network and use appropriate language for school situations as indicated by the school codes of conduct.

*  to not knowingly degrade or disrupt Internet network services or equipment, as such activity is considered a crime under state and federal law; this includes, but is not limited to, tampering with computer hardware or software, vandalizing data, invoking computer viruses, attempting to gain access to restricted or unauthorized network services, or violating copyright laws.

*  to immediately report any problems or breeches of these responsibilities to the responsible teacher.

*  to not divulge personal information over the Internet

I understand that any conduct that is in conflict with these responsibilities is unethical and will result in termination of network access and possible disciplinary action.

Student Signature: ___________________________________________     Date: ___________________________________

As a parent/guardian of this student, I have read the responsibilities for Internet Network Access.

•  I understand that Internet access is designed for educational purposes and that the Nutmeg Public Schools have taken all available precautions to eliminate access to controversial material.

•  I understand that any conduct, by the above named student, that is in conflict with these responsibilities is unethical and such behavior will result in the termination of access and possible disciplinary action as indicated by the school codes of conduct.

•  I have reviewed these responsibilities with my child and I hereby give permission to the Nutmeg School District to provide Internet network access.

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________     Date: ___________________________________

6141.321

APPENDIX C

Guidelines for Telecommunications Use at Home

Exploring the rich resources available through the telecommunications of the Internet can be a wonderful educational experience for your child.  However, there are a few risks for children who use online services.  Teenagers are particularly at risk because they often use the computer unsupervised and because they are more likely than younger children to participate in online chats and discussions.  The Internet is not governed by any entity, therefore there are no limits or checks on the kind of information that is accessible to Internet users.

The best way to assure that your children are having positive online experiences is to stay in touch with what they are doing.

Open communication with your children and getting online yourself will help you to understand the benefits of these systems and alert you to potential problem areas.  Consider the following guidelines:

*  The computer used for online services should be in a public place.  If the computer is in the child's bedroom, the door should be open when he/she is online.

*  Develop a set of rules and consequences.  Write them in terms of what you want to have happen, rather than the negative behavior you don't want to occur.

*  Respect privacy.  Do not open another user's mail.

*  Discuss screen names.  May your child use his/her real name or something else?

*  Set reasonable time limits for use.  Most services charge by the time used.  Set a monthly budget for use.

*  Use the parental control features if available.

*  Determine if your child may purchase online services or goods.

*  If your child receives a message that is suggestive, obscene, threatening or makes him/her feel uncomfortable, forward a copy of the message to the service provider and ask for assistance.

The following rules are suggested by the National Center for Missing and Exploited children.

"My Rules for Online Safety"

1.  I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents' work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents' permission.

2.  I will tell my parent right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.

3.  I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents.  If my parents agree to the meeting, I will make sure that it is in a public place and bring my mother or father along.

4.  I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.

5.  I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable.  It is not my fault if I get a message like that.  If I do I will tell my parents right away so that they can contact the online service.

6.  I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online.  We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate areas for me to visit.  I will not access other areas or break theses rules without their permission.

6141.321

Appendix A

Responsible Use Agreement for Electronic Information Resources

Grades 1-5

I, ____________________________, as a user of the Cheshire School District's electronic information resources and computer networks, accept and agree to abide by the Electronic Information Resources Policy of the Cheshire Board of Education and with the following pre conditions of my use:

1.  I will use electronic information resources only for educational and research purposes -- and only as those purposes are consistent with the educational objectives of the Cheshire Board of Education;

2.  I will use electronic information resources in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner at all times;

3.  I will use electronic information resources only with the permission of a staff member;

4.  I will be considerate of other electronic information users and their privacy, and I will use polite and appropriate language at all times while accessing and using these resources;

5.  I will not give out any personal information about myself or anyone else while using these resources, other than my first name and school e mail address;

6.  I will make responsible decisions while accessing and using these resources;

7.  I will not knowingly degrade or disrupt electronic information resources, services, or equipment, and I understand that such activity may be considered to be a crime and includes, for example, tampering with computer hardware and software, vandalizing or modifying data without permission, invoking computer viruses, attempting to gain access to restricted or unauthorized networks or network services, or violating copyright laws;

8.  I will immediately report any problems or breaches of these responsibilities, or any inappropriate messages received, to my teacher or to the school personnel who are supervising my use of these resources;

9.  I will act responsibly at all times and will avoid all other activities that are considered to be inappropriate in the non electronic school environment;

10.  If I do not follow these rules, I know that I may lose my privilege to use the computers at school, that I may be disciplined for not following the rules, and that I may have to pay for any damage I cause by my misuse of these resources;

11.  I am aware that the inappropriate use of these resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and that I may be prosecuted for violating those laws.

My parents and my teacher told me about the rules I should follow when I am using the computer at my school.  I understand them and I will follow them.

Parental Consent

I give the Cheshire School District my permission to allow my child to access and use electronic information resources for educational and research purposes.

I have read this Responsible Use Agreement and the Board's Electronic Information Resources Policy and have explained and discussed its importance with my child. I understand that prior to my child's use of these resources, he/she will be instructed by school staff in the use of these resources and will also be instructed to follow the Board's Electronic Information Resources Policy.

I understand, and I explained to my child, that he/she may lose his/her privilege to use these resources at school and may face disciplinary action if he/she does not follow this Agreement and the Board's Policy. I understand that I may be held liable for costs incurred by my child's deliberate misuse of electronic information resources or of the District's electronic equipment or software programs.

I understand that the District will employ filtering programs, access controls, and active supervision by staff to protect students from any misuses and abuses as a result of their use of the District's electronic information services. I also understand that these controls, filters, and monitors are not foolproof and that my child may access material which I might consider controversial and offensive. I understand that the Cheshire School District has no control over the content of the information available on the Internet. I will not hold the Board liable for materials my child obtains from these electronic information resources.

Signed: _____________________________________________________________

                                                     (parent or guardian)

Date: ______________________________________

6141.321

Appendix B

Responsible Use Agreement for Electronic Information Resources

Grades 6-12

I, ____________________________ as a user of the Cheshire School District's electronic information resources and computer networks, have read and will abide by the Electronic Information Resources Policy of the Cheshire Board of Education and with the following pre conditions of my use:

1.  I will use electronic information resources only for educational and research purposes    and only as those purposes are consistent with the educational objectives of the Cheshire Board of Education;

2.  I will use electronic information resources in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner at all times;

3.  I will use electronic information resources only with the permission of a staff member;

4.  I will be considerate of other electronic information users and their privacy, and I will use polite and appropriate language at all times while accessing and using these resources;

5.  I will not give out any personal information about myself or anyone else while using these resources, other than my first name and school e mail address;

6.  I will make responsible decisions while accessing and using these resources;

7.  I will not knowingly degrade or disrupt electronic information resources, services, or equipment, and I understand that such activity may be considered to be a crime and includes, for example, tampering with computer hardware and software, vandalizing or modifying data without permission, invoking computer viruses, attempting to gain access to restricted or unauthorized networks or network services, or violating copyright laws;

8.  I will immediately report any problems or breaches of these responsibilities, or any inappropriate messages received, to my teacher or to the school personnel who are supervising my use of these resources;

9.  I will act responsibly at all times and will avoid all other activities that are considered to be inappropriate in the non electronic school environment;

10.  If I do not follow these rules, I know that I may lose my privilege to use the computers at school, that I may be disciplined for not following the rules, and that I may have to pay for any damage I cause by my misuse of these resources;

11.  I am aware that the inappropriate use of these resources can be a violation of local, state, and federal laws and that I may be prosecuted for violating those laws;

Signed: ___________________________________________________________________________

                                                                           (student)

Date: ________________________________________

Parental Consent

I give the Cheshire School District my permission to allow my child to access and use electronic information resources for educational and research purposes.

I have read this Responsible Use Agreement and the Board's Electronic Information Resources Policy and have explained and discussed its importance with my child. I understand that prior to my child's use of these resources, he/she will be instructed by school staff in the use of these resources and will also be instructed to follow the Board's Electronic Information Resources Policy.

I understand, and I explained to my child, that he/she may lose his/her privilege to use these resources at school and may face disciplinary action if he/she does not follow this Agreement and the Board's Policy. I understand that I may be held liable for costs incurred by my child's deliberate misuse of electronic information resources or of the District's electronic equipment or software programs.

I understand that the District will employ filtering programs, access controls, and active supervision by staff to protect students from any misuses and abuses as a result of their use of the District's electronic information services. I also understand that these controls, filters, and monitors are not foolproof and that my child may access material which I might consider controversial and offensive. I understand that the Cheshire School District has no control over the content of the information available on the Internet. I will not hold the Board liable for materials my child obtains from these electronic information resources.

Signed: ___________________________________________________________________________

                                                                  (parent or guardian)

Date:  ________________________________________