Technology Policy

Rules and Codes of Ethics
for School Technology Users

Notification to Parents

St Matthew School
Forestville, Connecticut

November 2003

Dear Parents/Guardians:

New technologies are shifting the ways that information may be accessed, communicated, and transferred. These changes may also alter teaching and student learning. St. Matthew School offers students access to the electronic information highway and computer services networks such as electronic mail and Internet in accordance with Office Policy.

Along with access to computers and thereby, 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 material. 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. Our school and the Office of Catholic Schools supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to allow their child(ren) access to 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 Technology Users. Then sign and return the statements provided, as soon as possible.

SM Regina & System Administrators

Rules and Codes of Ethics for School Technology Users

Internet and intranet access is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others in relation to schoolwork. 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 acceptable use guidelines outlined in this document, the system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use. The system administrators may deny, revoke, or suspend specific user access at any time. Decisions are final.

Individual users are responsible for their use of the network. Office of Catholic Schools 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 technology and the school's Internet and Intranet must be in support of education and research and must be consistent with the academic expectations of St. Matthew School. Transmission of any material in violation of the U.S. or State regulations including copyrighted, threatening, or obscene materials 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 no 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 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 the data of another user will not be tolerated. Any questionable action will result in the suspension of privileges.

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

Very truly yours,

SM Regina Matulka

Following are copies of the Student & Parent Agreements that came home in the communication package on 11/11/03. They must both be signed and turned in to the school office ASAP, before any child is allowed access to the Internet. Please refer to these web page copies, any time that you have questions about the students or parents or the schools responsibilities in the matter.

RESPONSIBLE USER AGREEMENT FOR ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RESOURCES

GRADES K - 8

I, ____________________________________________as the user of St. Matthew School electronic information resources and computer networks, accept and agree to abide by the electronic information resources and computer networks, accept and agree to abide by the Electronic Information Resources Policy of the Hartford Archdiocese Office of Catholic Schools 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 Office of Catholic Schools
2. I will us 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 email 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, attempt 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 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 these laws.

Signature_______________________________________________