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General User Policy



ST

ST. MARY AND ALL ANGELS

ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT FOR NETWORK AND INTERNET

 

 

A fully executed Acceptable Use Agreement for Network and Internet must be on file for all students and staff prior to accessing the Internet.  St. Mary and All Angels supports and respects each family’s right to authorize or decline Internet access for their student.

 

 

St. Mary and All Angeles (“St Mary’s”) offers state of the art technology and access to the Internet to students and staff.  We strongly believe in the educational value of these services and utilize them to support our curriculum and student learning.  Access to this vast resource of information is an opportunity requiring responsible use by each individual.  As such, every St. Mary’s user should act in an ethical and legal manner consistent with our school philosophies, goals and objectives and should conform to educationally appropriate use and network etiquette that includes being polite, using appropriate language and respecting the privacy of others.

 

Users of St. Mary’s network services should remember that the level of confidentiality on St. Mary’s computers might not be the same as that expected when using their own equipment or Internet services.  Electronic communications, files and other Internet records may be examined for educational and administrative purposes and to verify that acceptable-use guidelines are being followed.

 

St. Mary’s has taken reasonable steps to ensure that network use is primarily for activities that support school goals and objectives.  The school has installed software that filters access to many objectionable sites.  However, it is possible for all users of the Internet to access information that is intended for adults.  Computer security cannot be made perfect, and it is likely that a determined user can make use of computer resources for inappropriate purposes.  St. Mary’s believes that the benefits of Internet access in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration far exceed any disadvantages.  Use of the school network or the Internet is a privilege that may be revoked at any time for inappropriate conduct.

 

USER RESPONSIBILITY:

As a user of St. Mary’s network and Internet connection, I agree to:

·         Use my network access in an acceptable manner, and follow all school rules and regulations regarding network use, including being polite, using appropriate language and respecting others’ privacy.

·         Use electronic resources and communications for educational purposes only.

·         Use on-line time and other network resources efficiently.

·         Report any known or suspected misuse of the network to a person in authority.

·         Assist in keeping the St. Mary’s network free from virus attack by refraining from opening attachments from unknown sources and being alert to virus warnings.

 

INAPPROPRIATE ON-LINE CONDUCT includes, but is not limited to:

·         Using the network for illegal activities, including unauthorized installation, use, storage, or distribution of copyrighted software or materials in violation of copyright laws.

·         Accessing, posting, submitting, publishing or displaying harmful or inappropriate matter that is threatening, obscene, disruptive or sexually explicit, or that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based on their race/ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or political beliefs.  [California Penal Code Section 313(a)]

·         Using the network for private business or commercial enterprise.

·         Using the network for political activities, with the exception of school-sanctioned activities.

·         Unauthorized use of another individual’s name and/or password.

·         Allowing another user access to your account.

·         Distribution of chain letters.

·         Sharing electronic account passwords, leaving passwords available in obvious locations, or leaving “signed on” computers unattended.

·         Disclosing, using or disseminating personal identification information about oneself or others when using electronic communication.  Students are cautioned not to disclose such information by any means to individuals located through the Internet without the permission of their parents/guardians.  Examples of personal information include student’s name, address, telephone number, and social security number.

·         Reading other users’ electronic mail or files.

·         Attempting to interfere with other users’ ability to send or receive electronic mail, or deleting, copying, modifying or forging other users’ mail.

·         Sending or exchanging messages that are inconsistent with St. Mary’s philosophies or policies.

·         Distributing electronic media in a manner that is likely to cause network congestion or significantly hamper the ability of other people to access and use the system (e.g. downloading huge files during peak use time, sending mass electronic messages, downloading audio or video files not directly related to educational purposes, excessive chat or instant messaging.)

·         Intentionally uploading, downloading or creating computer viruses.

·         Attempting to vandalize, harm, tamper with or destroy school equipment, data or materials.

 

Students who violate the Acceptable Use Agreement for Network and Internet or in any way misuse electronic resources, or violate state or federal laws may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion, loss or access privileges and/or legal action in accordance with state and federal laws. 

 

Similarly, staff who violate the Acceptable Use Agreement for Network and Internet or in any way misuse electronic resources, or violate state or federal laws may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination, loss or access privileges and/or legal action in accordance with state and federal laws.

 

 

STUDENT AND STAFF USERS:

I have read the entire agreement and understand and agree to abide by the provisions and conditions of this contract as well as with any and all St. Mary’s rules and regulations, which may relate to usage of St. Mary’s computers and equipment, including use of the Internet.  I also understand that my use of the Internet and electronic communications through school computers and equipment is strictly limited to educational purposes, that I am not guaranteed any rights to privacy with respect to electronic communications or Internet records, and that from time to time school administration may review such electronic communications or Internet records for general security purposes and in order to ensure my compliance with this agreement.

 

 

 

_____________________________                 __________________________________                     ___________

Student Name (Printed)                                  Student Signature                                                                                  Date

 

 

 

PARENT/GUARDIAN OF STUDENT USER:

I have read the entire agreement and I hereby give my child permission to use the St. Mary’s network and Internet gateway, and I agree on my own behalf and on behalf of my child to all terms and conditions set forth in this document.

 

St. Mary’s makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, that the functions or the services provided by or through the school Internet connection will be error-free or without defect.  The school will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data, interruptions of service, or exposure to inappropriate material or people.  The school is not responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system.  Users or parents of users will indemnify and hold St. Mary’s harmless from any losses sustained as a result of misuse of the system by the user.

 

 

 

_____________________________                 __________________________________                     ___________

Parent/Guardian Name (Printed)                        Parent/Guardian Signature                                                                      Date