Internet Access Policy

Computer Ethics
Use of the St. Mary’s technology/communication system is a privilege that may be revoked by the administration, faculty, or staff at any time for abusive conduct. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to, the placing of unlawful information on the system; the use of obscene, abusive, or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private messages; or violation of the student Computer Code of Ethics as stated below.

All abuses of computer privileges are considered serious offenses. Offenses that are unlawful, obscene, abusive, or otherwise objectionable, may result in expulsion from St. Mary’s Catholic School.

The St. Mary’s administration, faculty and staff reserve the right to review and remove any student's files and data records used on the St. Mary’s technology/communication system, which violate the Code of Ethics below.

Diocesan policy #C-404, governing computer software use and the federal copyright law is included in the diocesan policy book located in the office or can be found on-line at: http://www.cdop.org/files/cdop_documents/C404.pdf

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Computer Code of Ethics

1. I will not use the technology/communication system at St. Mary’s to harm, slander, injure or ridicule others.
2. I will not interfere with others’ use of the technology, including opening the files of others without their permission.
3. I will not use the computer to steal.
4. I will not use the computer to misrepresent my school or myself.
5. I will not copy software for which I have not paid.
6. I will not use equipment without authorization.
7. I will not copy text or ideas from the technology resources without permission from the author or referencing source.
8. I will be responsible for any consequences that arise from or that are a result of my computing activities.
9. I will use both the equipment and the programs in ways that show consideration, care, and respect.
10. I will be financially responsible and liable for any damages to either hardware or software resources that result from inappropriate or abusive behavior.
11. I will not allow another person to use my logon (ID) and password, nor will I use anyone else's ID and password.
12. I will abide by all rules and regulations of the system as changed or added from time to time by the administration of St. Mary’s.
13. I will address all concerns regarding the use of technology first to the supervising teacher and then to the St. Mary’s administration
14. I will use the technology/computer system to further my education at St. Mary’s Catholic School and will share my growing knowledge with others at St. Mary’s.
15. I recognize that all students deserve access as conditions permit.
16. I will not violate the terms and conditions of the Authorization for Internet Access as stated below.
17. I will not tamper with or change the computer settings, for instance;
18. Changing desktops
19. Adding or changing programs
20. Vandalizing work stations (this includes, but is not limited to drives, keyboards, mice, monitors and CPU cases.

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Authorization for Internet Access
All student use of the Internet shall be consistent with the school's goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, communication, and the fostering of innovative methods for learning and research. This authorization includes rules that do not attempt to state all required or prescribed behavior by users. However, some specific rules and examples are included. The failure of any user to follow the terms and conditions of Internet access will result in the loss of those privileges and may result in further disciplinary action. Student misuse of computers, networks, or the Internet may result in legal liability for the student and/or his or her parents.

The purposes of providing Internet access to St. Mary’s Catholic School is to provide access to new means of gathering information; to provide research experiences; and to teach responsible use of computers, networks, and the Internet. To that end, St. Mary’s reserves the right to limit access by students and to prohibit student access to network resources, Internet files, information, or sites which St. Mary’s employees believe are not appropriate to the educational activity assigned or permitted.

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Terms and Conditions
These rules may be supplemented at any time at the discretion of the school. Any supplemental rules will immediately be binding upon students.

1. Acceptable Use - Access to the school's Internet must be for the purpose of education or research and be consistent with the educational objectives of the school.

2. Privileges - The use of the school's Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. St. Mary’s personnel responsible for providing networking services and school employees have the right to make all decisions regarding whether or not a student has violated applicable rules and may deny, revoke, or suspend student access at any time. Such decisions are final.

3. Unacceptable Use - A student is personally responsible for his or her actions and activities involving school computers, the St. Mary’s network, or the Internet.

4. Network Etiquette - While using the Internet, students are required to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not necessarily limited, to the following:

a. Be polite. Do not become abusive in your messages to others.

b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language or symbols.

c. Do not reveal the identification, password, personal addresses, or telephone numbers of self or others.

d. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.

e. Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property.

5. No Warranties - The school makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, regarding the use of computers, St. Mary’s network, the Internet, or the accuracy, correctness, completeness, or reliability of any information, files, or software. The school will not be responsible for any damages for any of the foregoing, including loss of data, non-deliveries, missed-deliveries, or service interruptions, whether caused by its negligence, user errors or omissions, or other defects. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user's own risk. The school specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through use of St. Mary’s network or the Internet.

6. Indemnification - The parent or guardian, by signing below, in consideration of St. Mary’s Catholic School providing his/her student with the school network and Internet access, agrees to indemnify the school for any losses, costs, or damages (including reasonable attorney fees) incurred by the school relating to, or arising out of, any breach of these or other school rules by the student in using computers, St. Mary’s network, and the Internet.

7. Security - Network security is a high priority. If a student identifies a security problem or failure on the school computers, the school network, or the Internet, the student is required to notify the supervising teacher or the building principal. The following rules apply to network security:

a. Students must not demonstrate any security problem to any other users.

b. Students must keep the account and password confidential. A student providing an account or a password to another or using or attempting to use another individual's account or a password violates this rule.

c. Attempting to log onto or use school computers, the school network, or the Internet using any other person's account, password, or identification is a violation of these rules.

8. Privacy - Electronic communications and downloaded material may be monitored or read by school officials.

Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) need only sign the Authorization for Internet Access once while enrolled in St. Mary’s Catholic School . Such signatures are required for and constitute all of the following:

1. Authorization by parent(s) or guardian(s) allowing their student(s) access to the school network and the Internet;

2. Agreement that the student is bound by the rules set forth in this authorization and any other rules adopted by the school from time to time in respect to computer, school network, or Internet Use, and

3. Agreement by the parent(s) or guardian(s) to be bound by the terms of this authorization and agreement.

I understand and will abide by all rules contained in this Authorization for Internet Access and any other rules of computer, school network, or Internet use adopted from time to time. I further understand that should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked and school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken against me.

I have read this Authorization for Internet Access. I understand that access is designed for educational purposes and that the school attempts to bar access by students to certain material, which is not in furtherance of educational purposes. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the school to restrict access to all controversial and inappropriate materials. I will hold harmless the school and its employees and agents from any cause of action related to my child obtaining access to materials or software which are inappropriate. Staff will do all they can to keep students from accessing inappropriate material. I accept full responsibility for supervision of my child if and when my child's use is not in a school setting. I have discussed the terms of this Authorization and the rules with my child. I hereby request that my child be allowed access to the school network and the Internet.

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