Hamilton Township School District

Grade 6 Acceptable Use Policy for Internet, Netbook and Network

Introduction

The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) is an Honor Code for technology. We want to be a partner in your exploration of the digital world. We are loaning you a personal netbook with the expectation that you will make good decisions with regard to your personal use of technology.

Your netbook is an academic learning tool. With a personal netbook, you have anytime, anywhere access to an array of programs and tools. These resources will broaden your horizons, provide diverse opportunities, and prepare you for the world of today. By having a personal netbook assigned to you, there are many positive opportunities available to you. The Internet has great promise for sharing ideas and knowledge; it also has the potential for misuse. The Hamilton Township School District does filter the Internet in an effort to block material that is not appropriate for students. However, as with some tools, there are cautions to be taken. The AUP is a guide to help you make ethical and practical decisions while using your netbook and the District network. We expect you to make responsible decisions and to use your netbook in a safe and respectful manner.

The netbook is on loan to you and must be used in accordance with the following policies and procedures. Any violation of these policies and procedures will result in punitive actions that may include the loss of access and/or appropriate disciplinary actions according to school guidelines. Criminal charges may be sought, if appropriate.

District Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

·         I will act responsibly and with good behavior on any computer or communications system using Hamilton Township School District’s wired or wireless network services. I agree to follow all School and District rules for behavior and communications. Access is a privilege - not a right.

·         It is my responsibility to protect my privacy; I will keep my password to myself. Sharing a password, or logging in for someone else, is strictly forbidden. If I know of a security problem with my account or someone else’s, I will inform my homeroom teacher and complete a tech assistance form.

·         I agree not to tamper with or attempt to illegally access or "hack" any District computer resources. This includes trying to login as another user or use another’s account. This behavior is considered trespassing and will be treated as such by administration. Intentional damage or misuse of netbooks or computer networks will not be tolerated. Intentional creation or spreading of a computer virus will not be tolerated.

·         I agree not to attempt to override the Internet filtering software or other network configurations. I also agree not to disrupt the District’s computer systems and network, or log in as an administrator for the purpose of bypassing or changing restrictions or settings. Attempting to override the filter, use or access proxies, access the internal portion of the netbook, or disrupt the District’s systems or networks, will result in disciplinary action, which can include the possibility of felony charges.

·         I agree to use only the software I have been given rights to by the network supervisor.

·         I agree not to download or install any software, shareware, or freeware.  All approved software installations will be performed by District technology staff.

·         I agree not to break copyright laws. (see Copyright page 5)

·         I agree not to waste District network resources including but not limited to the Internet, printers, server space, netbooks, etc. The primary purpose of the District network is to allow users to conduct school business. Use of District printers will be limited to school related activities. Do not waste school resources by printing excessively. Space for saving on the network server and the netbook are limited. Permission of the supervising staff member must be obtained before downloading large files. Remove outdated or unneeded files promptly.

·         I agree not to access, send, create, or forward any materials, communications, files, or images that are defamatory, obscene, pornographic, harassing, threatening, or illegal. If I receive any of those items, I should report it to a school administrator. This includes creating a website or webpage (including blogs or sites such as MySpace.com), or adding to an existing website or webpage in order to “bully”, intimidate, denigrate, or harass another student or staff member even if I did not use district resources to create, modify, or access the site as this will be considered an interruption of the educational process at school (as per district policy 5512.02 Cyberbullying).

·         I agree that the Hamilton Township School District assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss of data. The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the supervision and service it is providing. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at my own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through these technology resources.

·         I understand that disobeying any parts of this agreement will result in some type of punishment that may include loss of access and/or appropriate disciplinary actions according to building guidelines. Criminal charges may be sought, if appropriate.

Netbook  Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

·         I agree not to use my netbook or the District network for commercial, political, or other private purposes. I understand that my school netbook is for my schoolwork.

·         During instructional time, I understand that the use of the netbook for anything other than a teacher directed or approved activity is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to Internet or computer games and other entertainment activities, email, instant messaging, chatting, and use of the Internet for anything other than school-related research or activities.

·         I am aware that my school email can and will be monitored.  It should be used appropriately.  Any infractions may result in the loss of my email use or other consequences.

·         I agree not to make sound recordings without the consent of all persons being recorded as part of class.

·         I understand that during school the sound on the netbook must be turned off at all times except when being used as part of the class.

·         I must have the permission of the classroom teacher before I may use personal headphones to listen to multimedia during class.

·         I agree not to take pictures or video without the consent of all persons being photographed. During school cameras are to be turned off at all times except when being used as part of a class.

·         I agree not to post video, pictures, or recordings made with my school netbook to the Internet without teacher approval.

Netbook Care and Responsibilities

·         I understand that it is my responsibility to bring my netbook to school fully charged daily.

·         I agree to never “swap” or “share” my netbook with another student, friend, or sibling.  Each netbook is assigned to an individual student and names should be visible on each netbook.

·         I will not remove any serial numbers or identification placed on the netbook.

·         I will keep my login and password private. I understand that this creates a security risk to my files and the network. If I forget my password or wish to change it, I need to see my homeroom teacher and complete a tech assistance form.

·         I understand I am ultimately responsible for backing up my files.

·         I know that I should not have food or drinks near my netbook.  Food and drink do not mix with electronic devices. Liquids, even water, will cause corrosion on the electrical parts inside.

·         I am responsible for keeping my netbook safe. I understand I must keep my netbook with me or secured at all times.  It is a target for thieves. Don’t leave the netbook sitting around unattended.  Don’t leave it sitting in a car in plain view. Better yet, don’t leave it in a car at all (heat can damage the netbook).

·         It is my responsibility to take good care of my netbook and to treat it correctly. I will not do anything to the netbook that will permanently alter it in any way. Dropping it onto a desk or the floor can be damaging. Don’t fling it around. Don’t stack things on top of it. Don’t hold it by one corner. Instead use two hands.

·         I understand that I should clean the screen with a soft, dry anti-static cloth or with a screen cleaner designed specifically for LCD type screens only. The netbook should only be cleaned with a soft dry cloth. Never use regular household cleaners. The LCD screen is the most sensitive part of the netbook. Heavy objects should never be placed on or stacked on top of the netbook. This includes books, musical instruments, sports equipment, etc.

Storage and Security

·         During the school day, I must have the netbook with me or stored in my school locker or designated storage cart. Netbooks must never be left unattended.

·         Netbooks should not be left in classrooms or locker rooms. Unattended netbooks will be picked up by faculty and taken to the vice principal’s office.

·         During lunch and gym, my netbook must be kept in my locker or designated storage cart. 

·         If I am involved in after-school activities, I need to insure that my netbook is secure.

Netbook Distribution 

·         Only a school issued netbook can be used on District network. Configuration issues, ownership issues, software licenses, and many other considerations prevent us from allowing other computing equipment to be used instead of the school issued equipment.

·         The netbook assigned to me is to be used throughout my years at the William Davies School. If the same netbook cannot be used throughout my time at Davies, if possible one will be issued that most closely resembles the model and features of my original netbook.

·         I will not be able to keep the netbook over the winter and summer breaks.

·         I understand that the District is not responsible for replacing lost files or reimbursing for the time and money necessary to replace those files. Re-imaging erases a netbook therefore, only the files I have saved on District’s server can be replaced on my netbook.

·         If I receive a netbook loaner, it is considered to be an extension of the originally issued netbook. This means that should a loaner suffer damage, I am responsible for the damages to the loaner netbook. Before loaners are given to a student, they are thoroughly inspected and checked.

·         As batteries age, they tend to weaken. It will be the Tech Department’s decision when a battery will be replaced should the need arise.

Privacy Issues

·         Files stored on my netbook will not be private. The netbook belongs to the school district. I will not keep anything on it that is so private that I wouldn’t share it with a teacher, the principal, the tech department, or my parents. I am aware that my netbook cannot keep secrets, because it can’t. My netbook can be treated like a school locker and can be searched.

·         I also agree to allow authorized District personnel the ability to review any and all files, data, messages, and email at any time with or without notice.

·         I understand that from time to time the tech department may need to update my netbook and it can be remotely controlled to assist with technology problems.

Damage Lost, or Stolen Netbooks

·         I will report any problems or damage immediately to my homeroom teacher and complete a tech assistance form.

·         I understand I am the person responsible for what happens to my netbook. If I let someone else handle my netbook and they damage it, I am responsible since I had the opportunity to stop damage from occurring.

·         I must notify the school immediately if my netbook is missing. If the netbook is reported stolen, the school district will file a police report.  After the report is filed, tracking software will be activated to assist the police with their investigation.  If the netbook is lost, the school district may require a parent conference with school personnel.

·         I understand if my netbook cannot be recovered, my parent will be responsible for the reimbursement of the netbook. Reimbursement cost = $758.90.

Personal Health & Safety

• I should take frequent breaks when using the netbook for long periods of time and look away from the screen approximately every fifteen minutes.
• I understand that anything posted on the Internet is never really private this includes email, chats, IMs, blogs, web pages, etc. I should never post or write anything that I do not want shared with others. Anything on the Internet can be found and never is really deleted.  THINK BEFORE POSTING.
• I should create a username that does not identify me, my gender, or age.

·         I should not reveal identifying information about myself or others through email or the Internet. This includes my name, age, address, phone number, photographs, or parents’ names. If something requires this information, I will check with my teacher or parent. Identity theft is a growing problem.

·         I will obey the law because IP addresses and ISP's are tracked to identify law breakers.

·         I will not share my passwords with anyone. When making passwords avoid simple names or words found in a dictionary, even with numbers tacked on the end. Instead, mix upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. A password should have at least eight characters. One good technique is to insert numbers or symbols in the middle of a word, such as this variant on the word "houses": hO27usEs!

·         I will never send identifying pictures to anyone I have not met in person.

·         I will never send inappropriate pictures to anyone.  I am aware it is against the law to send or forward inappropriate pictures of people under the age of 18 – this is considered “sexting.”

·         I will never agree to meet someone I have only met online.

·         If I feel uncomfortable about a message I have received, I will tell a teacher or parent.

·         I should not open attachments from people I do not know because they can contain viruses.

·         I know that not all the information on the Internet is correct.  I need to determine the source of the information before using it and to remember that anyone can make a website.

·         I will be sure to log off when I am done, otherwise someone else can use my account.

Netiquette

Netiquette (network or Internet etiquette) is the basic rules of proper behavior while online.  I am expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

·         Be polite. Never forget that the person on the other side is a human being.  Do not be abusive to others. Don’t post flames (remarks intended to provoke another person). Do not harass, bully, insult or attack others.              IF I CAN NOT SAY IT TO THE PERSON’S FACE, I SHOULD NOT WRITE IT.

·         Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.

·         Be brief.  If my message is brief and to the point, it will have a greater impact.

·         Don’t over use capitalization and punctuation.  Using all capitals is considered “shouting” and all lower case is mumbling.

·         Be careful with humor, sarcasm, slang and local expressions – these do not translate well.  Use smileys or online expressions to help convey emotions.

·         When writing email, enter a subject. It helps the person know how important the message is.

·         Respect others' privacy. Do not quote or forward personal email without the original author's permission.  

·         Mute the volume setting or use headphones or earbuds when using the netbook in a setting that would be distracting to others.

·         Don’t spam – send mail to lots of people I do not know. This includes chain letters, advertisements, or any other message that includes many different recipients without their consent. Students must receive prior approval before any e-mail is sent to the entire school or an entire class.

·         Do not send or display offensive messages or pictures. These reflect me and people form opinions of me by what I post online.

·         Read over messages before sending them. They should be clear and brief. Use spell checker. Spell check & proof read before sending or posting because my messages reflect on me and I should be proud of them.

Copyright

·         I am aware that I and/or my parents are responsible for any copyright penalties that I commit while using my netbook.

·         I must respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement happens when I inappropriately copy someone else’s work that is protected by copyright.

·         I know only public domain files and files, in which the author has given expressed written consent for online distribution, may be uploaded to the system.

·         I may download copyrighted material only for my own use and must follow the fair use provisions in the U. S. Copyright law.

·         If I am unsure if something can be legally copied or not, I should request permission to copy it from the copyright holder.

·         I agree to abide by all patent, trademark, trade name, and copyright laws.

·         I know that plagiarism is not acceptable and is not tolerated. Plagiarism is when I take someone else’s work and present it as if it were my own.

·         I know I must cite all sources that I use.

Academic Blogging

This is a set of general guidelines for the use of weblogs (“blogs”) at William Davies School. Blogs are considered an extension of the classroom and therefore are subject to these guidelines as well as the rules and regulations of Hamilton Township Public Schools. The use of school computers is limited to assigned schoolwork; personal blogs that do not pertain to class work at Davies School should not be accessed from school computers. These guidelines are not meant to be exhaustive and do not cover every contingency. I should use common sense, but if I am ever in doubt I should ask a teacher or parent whether or not what I am thinking about posting is appropriate. When blogging, the following must be followed:

·         I will never post any information more personal than my first name nor will I post pictures of myself.

·         I will use language appropriate for school.

·         I will not insult my fellow students or their writing.

·         I will not bully others in my blog posts or in my comments.

·         I will respect the public nature of online information, and in doing so, I will respect the wishes of my fellow students for keeping their information (full name, compromising stories, etc.) private.

·         I will only post what I am comfortable with everyone reading/seeing.

·         I will not plagiarize; instead I will expand on others' ideas and give credit where it is due.

·         I will use constructive/productive/purposeful criticism, supporting any idea, comment, or critique I have with evidence.

·         I will take all online content creation seriously, posting only things that are meaningful.

·         I will not be afraid to express my ideas, while not over generalizing or making derogatory/inflammatory remarks; any posts or edits on controversial issues must either be submitted to my teacher prior to posting or be a part of a classroom project/question which addresses controversial issues.

·         I will try to spell everything correctly.

·         I will use proper English when writing a post and I will save IM/texting language for private conversations.

·         I will never access another student's account in order to pose as them or look at their personal content, but I will advise them when they haven't logged out of their computer from my own account.

·         I will be proactive in monitoring the comments that others leave on my blog, utilizing the comment blacklist if necessary.

·         I will personalize my blog and keep my writing authentic, while taking responsibility for anything blogged in my name.

·         I will not provoke other students in my blog posts or comments.

·         I will use my online content as an extension of the classroom, and in doing so, I will leave anything unsaid in the classroom, unsaid online.

·         I will only post photos which are school appropriate and either in the creative commons or correctly cited.

·         I will only post comments on posts that I have fully read, rather than just skimmed.

·         I will not spam (including, but not limited to meaningless messages, mass messages, and repetitive messages)

Academic Social Networking

Below is a set of general guidelines for the use of academic social networking at William Davies School. If a social networking site is used as part of a class, it is considered an extension of the classroom and therefore is subject to these guidelines as well as the rules and regulations of Hamilton Township Public Schools. Students who access social network sites should act responsibly and show respect for the rights and feelings of others. Gossip, insults, and libelous, demeaning, or derogatory pictures or comments about others, especially students, faculty, staff, and the School, are strictly prohibited. Threatening or harassing statements or pictures are also prohibited. I should use common sense, but if I am ever in doubt I should ask a teacher or parent whether or not what I am thinking about posting is appropriate. The use of school computers is limited to assigned schoolwork; therefore, social networking sites that do not pertain to class work at Davies School should not be accessed from school computers. These guidelines are not meant to be exhaustive and do not cover every contingency. When using social networking sites, the rules below must be followed:

·         I agree to exercise caution and good judgment when using social networks for communications with the knowledge that behavior on social networks may result in disciplinary action.

·         I must exercise care with privacy settings and profile content. Content should be placed thoughtfully and periodically reviewed. I will change my settings for my accounts to “private.” Privacy settings can be changed at any time to limit access to profiles and content, and these changes should be made accordingly. I know I need to control who views this material. If it is not set to private, people across the country can and will use this information.

·         I understand that I should never upload a photo/video with references to alcohol, drugs, immoral behavior, violence, or anything revealing or disrespectful. Profile pictures are most effective when tasteful. Colleges and future employers may interpret the information in an unfavorable way.

·         I should only create a limited profile. I will not list my complete birthdays, home address, or phone number online. Listing this information may result in identity theft or harassment.

·         I will never befriend someone I don’t know.

·         I know online information is public and what I post today might hurt me later.

Parent Section

·         The District does not provide home Internet service; this service must be purchased from an Internet service provider. The tech department will configure my/our child’s netbook so that our purchased home Internet service should operate on the netbook and use the District’s Internet filter.

·         Remember, even the best filter available will not stop someone who is intent on visiting inappropriate sites. As a parent(s), I/we accept full responsibility for supervising my/our child’s use when not in a school setting. We know that the best place for my/our child to work at home is in a “public” place in the house and not in his/her bedroom.

·         I/We are aware that there is insurance plan(s) available to insure against possible theft of the netbook.

Student-Parent Agreement for the One-to-One Mobile Computing Program

This agreement is to be signed by students and parents or guardians to acknowledge that the Hamilton Township School District  Grade 6 Acceptable Use Policy for Internet, Netbook and Network regarding mobile netbook computer use has been read, understood and accepted.

Students

I, _________________________________________ (print full name), understand that it is a privilege and a responsibility to be a part of the One-to-One Mobile Computing Program. By signing below, I acknowledge that I understand and accept all the conditions and policies outlined in the Hamilton Township School District Grade 6 Acceptable Use Policy for Internet, Netbook and Network, including those regarding computer/network security, proper care of the equipment, and procedures to be followed.

I accept responsibility for the care and control of the netbook computer assigned to me, as well as the software and data that I use.

I accept that if, at any time, the school administrator recognizes a reason why I should not participate in the program, my assigned netbook will be returned to the school.

Student Signature _______________________________________  Date __________     Homeroom _______

Parents/Guardians

I, ________________________________________ (print full name), acknowledge the importance of this agreement that my child has signed. I support my child's involvement in the One-to-One Mobile Computing Program within William Davies Middle School. I have read and understand Hamilton Township School District Grade 6 Acceptable Use Policy for Internet, Netbook and Network and have discussed these policies with my child. I will support school administration and staff members in having my child accept responsibility for his/her actions regarding the use of Hamilton Township School District’s computers and technology, and I accept responsibility for supervising my child's use of the netbook computer when away from the school.  I understand we are responsible for reimbursing the District if my child’s netbook is lost and never recovered. Reimbursement cost = $758.90.

My child has permission to bring his/her netbook home.          Yes      No

If no, my child has access to a computer at home.              Yes      No

My child has permission to have his/her work published on the Internet without his/her name.    Yes      No

My child has permission to have his/her photo posted on the Internet without his/her name.       Yes      No

My child has permission to have his/her photo printed in the newspaper with his/her name.          Yes      No

Parent/Guardian Signature _______________________________      Date__________