SCS

Information Technology and Internet Terms and Conditions

Grade Levels 6- 8

General Behavior - The use of the Shelburne Community School's networks is a privilege, not a right. Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature with general school rules for behavior and communications applying.

The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Individual users of the school computer network are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with school standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, the school is not responsible for restricting, monitoring or controlling the communication of individuals utilizing the network.

General Access - Network storage areas may be treated like other school areas. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to insure that students, faculty, and staff are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on the school network will always be private.

If a user identifies a security problem with the network, they must notify a system administrator at once (or contact a teacher). Users shall never demonstrate the problem to others. Any user identified as a security risk will be denied access to the network and may be liable for disciplinary action or prosecution.

Responsibility - Teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear responsibility for such guidance as they must also exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, video, radio, and other potentially offensive media. The school bears no responsibility for student access outside of school activities.

Vandalism - Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to physically deface, disable, or destroy computers, related technical equipment, the network, or data of another user. This applies to other networks connected to the school's networks. Forms of vandalism include, though not limited to, the creation of transmission of computer viruses. Any vandalism will result in loss of network privileges, disciplinary action, or possible legal referral.

Based on these terms and conditions, students shall:

• USE THE NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES.
• BE POLITE. Never send, or encourage others to send, abusive messages.
• USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE. Students are a representative of the Shelburne Community School, the Chittenden South Supervisory District, and our community. Users will not swear, use vulgarities, use abusive, sexual, racial, or harassing words.
• RESPECT PRIVACY. When using information technology or the Internet, students will not reveal their home address, phone number, or last name to anyone and only with their teacher's permission. Student's will not reveal anyone else's (family members or other students) name, home address, or phone number.

Students shall not:

• Send or display offensive messages (including chain mail or unsolicited mass e-mail) or pictures
• Use obscene language
• Harass, insult, or attack others
• Communicate using a false name (including tampering with e-mail header information)
• Damage or tamper with equipment including computers, computer systems, and computer networks
• Intentionally disable computer security systems
• Violate copyright laws
• Use another's password
• Trespass in another's folders, work, or files
• Intentionally waste limited resources
• Employ the network for commercial purposes
• Access and use Internet "CHAT" (or other interactive discussions) without adult supervision
• Access inappropriate Internet sites (inappropriateness will be based on guidelines for non-electronic material) and dwell (not immediately leave) at these sites.

CONSEQUENCES (see Appendix A for detailed list as found in the SCS Behavioral Code)

1. Violations may result in a loss of access.

2. Additional disciplinary action may be determined in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior.

3. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

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Home Page maintained by Greg Thweatt
gthweatt@cssu.org
Last updated: July 23, 1997