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Gill-Montague's Internet Use Policy
 

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Internet Use Policy


The purpose of the Gill-Montague Regional School District use of the Internet is to advance and promote education. It is intended to assist in the collaboration and exchange of information among all who are concerned with education.

The use of a district Internet account must support education and research that is consistent with the educational objectives of the Gill-Montague Regional School District. Use of another organization’s network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network.

The use of the Internet is a privilege and not a right. Users are responsible for what they say and do on the network. Because communication with others is so quick and easy, it is important for users to think before speaking and to show respect for other people and their ideas.

Network administrators will make reasonable efforts to maintain reliable service and user privacy, but they cannot absolutely guarantee that the system will always be available or that files will always be saved, or privacy guaranteed.

The unlawful or unethical use of the Internet may result in a revocation of user privileges as well as other disciplinary action. Guidelines for making these determinations and administering this policy will be developed by the Director of Technology in conjunction with the Administrative Team.

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Acceptable Use Regulations

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Please read the following carefully before signing the form at the end of this section. We are pleased to announce the availability of Internet access in the Gill-Montague Regional School District. Being connected to the Internet expands classroom teaching dramatically by making many fascinating resources, including source materials from all over the world, available to students, teachers, and media specialists. It brings information, data, images, and even computer software into the classroom from places around the globe, and it does this almost instantaneously. Access to these resources can involve students in individual and group projects, cross-cultural collaborations, and idea-sharing not found in schools that lack Internet access.

Internet access also makes possible contact with people all over the world, bringing into the classroom experts in every content area and counterparts in other schools. With an Internet connection, we can become a valuable source of information for others, as well.

The use of the Internet can be a great motivator for students, and its use encourages independence and autonomy. Because the Internet is blind to class, race, gender, age, ability, and disability, it is a valuable means for addressing the needs of all students.

While the benefits of Internet access are many, parents need to be aware that the Internet is an open system which contains information that parents might find objectionable and inappropriate for children. We will make every effort to prevent your son/daughter’s access to inappropriate materials on the Internet, but we cannot guarantee that he/she will not inadvertently encounter text, pictures, or references that are objectionable. We ask your assistance in developing responsible attitudes, reinforcing appropriate behaviors, and observing security practices.

Enclosed are the procedures and guidelines we have developed to govern and guide the use of the Internet. I hope that you read them thoroughly and discuss them with your son/daughter.

                   Sincerely,     Gill-Montague Regional School District

 

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Internet Use Responsibilities

Users must respect others’ privacy and intellectual property. Use for commercial activities by for-profit institutions, product advertisement, or political lobbying is prohibited. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or State regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted material, threatening, harassing, or obscene material, pornographic material, or material protected by trade secret. Any traffic from this connection that traversed another network is also subject to that network’s acceptable use policy. Users have the right to be informed about personal information that is being, or has been collected about them, and to review this information. Security on any computer system is a high priority. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify a staff member. The Internet will be accessed from classrooms that are equipped to provide access and from the library media center.

Terms and Conditions

Any violation of the Internet responsibilities will result in a cancellation of Internet privileges. Any action which compromises the security of any of the computers connected to the Internet, or attempts to log into the Internet with someone else’s account will result in the cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to this Internet source.
Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user or damage to the software programs or hardware. This also includes the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

Netiquette

Certain behaviors have gained acceptance on the network; some because they save misunderstanding and maintain privacy, and others because they help other users avoid a waste of time or help conserve system resources. As you join the online community you should practice these behaviors:

  • Check e-mail frequently.
  • Don’t post addresses or phone numbers of students or colleagues; use school addresses and phone numbers.
  • Be careful when you use sarcasm and humor; without face-to-face communications, your joke may be misinterpreted or viewed as criticism.
  • Don’t be vulgar or offensive or swear.
  • Don’t publicly criticize or anger others.
  • When quoting a message, attribute the quotation to its author or source.
  • Use all capitals only to highlight a word; if you use them for an entire message, people will think you are shouting.
  • Make your "subject" line as descriptive, yet as short, as possible.
  • Don’t send personal messages to conferences, discussion lists, or newsgroups.
  • Briefly restate or quote any question you are answering.
  • When posting a question to a discussion group, request that replies be sent to you personally as e-mail, not to the entire list.
  • Keep messages to a minimum because overload slows down the operation of the system.
  • Do not send large numbers of e-mail messages to one site for the purpose of annoying a person or overloading a system.

To get Internet access, you must do the following:

  • Read this entire section and ensure that you understand these terms and agree to abide by them.
  • Complete and sign the form at the end of this section.
  • Show the enclosed letter and the rest of this section to your parent or guardian.
  • Have your parent or guardian sign the form at the end of this section.
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Internet Use Policy #6136.6a
Application Form

You, the student, must complete and sign this section. Student Name:_______________________________________________________________
Current Grade: ______________________
Homeroom: ______________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________ Town:________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number: _____________________________________________________
I understand and will abide by the above terms and conditions for Internet access in the Gill-Montague Regional School District. I further understand that any 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 may be taken and/or appropriate legal action.
User Signature: ________________________________________ Date: __________________
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Acceptable Use Responsibilities for the Internet access in this document. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes and that our school has taken available precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. I hereby give permission to allow my child access to the Internet. Parent or

Guardian’s Name: (Please Print) _________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________
Date: __________________
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM to the appropriate faculty member or library media center.
Policy: #6136.6a Proposed: December 2, 1997
Adopted: December 16, 1997 School Committee
Web Author: Robin Hamlett