Mrs. Mayfields Acceptable Use Policy for Peninsula School District Internet Access

Internet access is available to students and teachers in the Peninsula School District.  Our district is pleased to be able to offer this access, believing that the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers.  Our goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence in our schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication.  The Internet is truly an electronic highway connecting our students to a global network of valuable information.

·        The Educational Purpose of Internet access in my class is to provide electronic information resources to students.  As a way of  preparing students to succeed in an increasingly complex information society, the Internet can support research and education by providing access to unique resources, as well as by providing opportunities for collaborative work.  Through the Internet, students will have access to hundreds of database computer services from all over the world.  This network certainly offers the opportunity to enhance our students educational experiences.

·        The Internet contains an unregulated collection of resources. Because the district cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information or the appropriateness of any material that a student may encounter, each student and their parent shall sign an Acceptable Use Agreement.  The district provides the connection that allows access to the Internet.  In return for this access, every user has the responsibility to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner. In  the Acceptable Use Agreement, access to network service is given to those students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Students are responsible for good behavior on the computer networks just as they are in the classroom or school hallways.  General school rules for behavior and communications apply. Rules in my classroom Acceptable Use contract are the following:

o       I will follow district, school and classroom rules for appropriate use of electronic communication

o       I will be trained  in appropriate use of equipment and will use it with adult supervision and permission

o       I will be responsible and tell the teacher equipment is misused.

o       I will not use chat rooms or e-mail.

I will follow the rules of network etiquette: Be Polite; Use Appropriate Language; Keep Personal Information Private; Follow Plagiarism and Copyright Laws; Do Not Disrupt Others

• I encourage my students to use the computers and technology available at Discovery Elementary School.  Along with this privilege comes the responsibility to be knowledgeable in what  constitutes unacceptable use.  It is unacceptable to:
• Use another persons password
• Use Obscene language
• Harass, insult or attack others
• Search, send, publish or display offensive/objectionable material
• Send threats of violence toward persons or property
• Damage computers, computer hardware, computer systems, or computer networks
• Trespass in anothers folder, work or files
• Violate copyright laws
• Plagiarize
• Use computer system or network for illegal purposes
• Upload or create computer viruses
• Use illegal software
• Modify server, network or computer
•  Gain unauthorized access
• Waste computer time and limited resources/supplies
•  Play unauthorized games
• Search inappropriate web sites

• As a student in Mrs. Mayfields class, it is my responsibility to understand and agree to comply with the terms and conditions as stated above.  I will accept personal responsibility for these terms and conditions and understand that should I commit any violation of this contract, my privileges may be revoked, and other disciplinary action may be taken.

Student Name (Please Print) ______________________________________

Student Signature _________________________________Date__________

• Parent Responsibility:    The Internet is a powerful learning tool, but it should not be used indiscriminately or without supervision.  While your child is at school, I will make every effort to assure that the Internet is used appropriately. The Peninsula School District has taken responsible steps to block inappropriate web sites through the district proxy server. The District is also constantly upgrading the filtering and monitoring systems.  Parent responsibility dictates that you, too,  will need to monitor Internet use in your  home, just as you monitor TV, movies, video games, etc.  Talk with your kids about online activities; Monitor the amount of time your child spends on the Internet; Establish online rules and consequences; Watch for changes in your childs behavior after completing an online session; and place your computer where you can easily look over a shoulder to see what they are involved in. As a parent involved in this classroom, it will be your responsibility to read the Acceptable Use Policy and agree that your child will abide by it.  Should your child commit any violation of the contract, you understand his/her privileges  may be revoked and other disciplinary action may be taken. 

Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print) _________________________________

Parent/Guardian of (Students name) _________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________ Date_________

• Teachers Responsibility.  I understand that it is my responsibility to:
• Instruct students on the proper use of the computers, computer equipment, networks and Internet
• Instruct students on proper Network Etiquette (Netiquette)
• Instruct students on safety tips for kids:  Dont give out your name, age, address, school, phone number or picture to anyone online without your parents permission. (This includes enter contests or registering for games); If you receive or see something online that seems bad, you should turn off the monitor and tell your parents right away; Do not open e-mails, enclosures, links, etc. from people you do not know; Do not give out your password to anyone except your parents; Follow family and school rules for online safety where ever you are.
• Discuss the Acceptable Use Policy with parents at Back To School Open House Night
• Create a handout for parents listing safety tips for kids on the Internet
• Instruct students on the meaning of the Acceptable Use Policy Agreement
• Send home copies of the Agreement for signatures
• Manage the collection and organization of the student, parent and teacher signatures on the Acceptable Use Policy Agreement
• Enforce the AUP Agreement