Appendix D
Winnisquam Regional School District
Elementary Schools
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Students in the Winnisquam Regional Elementary Schools have the opportunity to use computers both in classroom and in their computer lab to find and research information. Students can do this through using the Internet, which is like a giant on-line library. Using phone lines, the Internet connects each of our computers to millions of other computers around the world so that we can read information they have posted on their site.
The school district’s general policy states that all computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. Using the Internet is a privilege. The district wants students to use the Internet to help learn more skills and ideas, and to interact with the materials. The Internet contains a vast amount of information that can help students become more educated. However, the Internet also contains some information that is not educational and would not be helpful to students. Thus, the district has developed rules, which must be followed so that student use and access the Internet will be helpful, educational and safe.
Ø Students may not access the Internet until parental permission has been secured.
Ø Teachers must preview Internet, or web sites prior to allowing students to visit a site.
Ø Teachers will not allow elementary-aged students to conduct Internet searches. Teachers may research, or search for web sites and after previewing, create bookmarked sites for students to visit.
Ø The Internet will be used for educational purposes. Students may not access the Internet for personal purposes.
Ø As a general rule, students may not access E-mail, or send or receive messages. The exception to this will be when corresponding to a person involved in a legitimate educational purpose (i.e., corresponding to a scientist involved in an oceanographic project), that a teacher may allow students to send or receive messages via the teacher’s e-mail address.
Ø Only teachers, not students, may download, or copy information from the Internet.
Ø Students who use the Internet will be supervised at all times by a staff member.
Ø The Internet may only be used for educational purposes and school projects. The Internet may not be used for personal purposes (i.e., no game sites, etc.).
Ø Elementary-aged students may not “search” the Internet, or go to an Internet site until their teacher has previewed the site.
Ø Never give out your friends or your personal address or phone number.
Ø Do not download (copy) any information from the Internet.
Ø Students may only access or use the Internet with teacher permission and while supervised by a teacher.
Ø It is important to be safe while using the computer. If a student sees any material on the Internet that makes them feel uncomfortable, they must tell an adult immediately.
Ø Students must document any information they get from the Internet. To avoid plagiarism, this means that students must not copy the information without telling where the information came from. Students must include the author, title, and Internet address (URL). Some items on the Internet may not be copied without contacting the owner because these items are copyrighted. Do not copy any items that are copyrighted.
Ø Always treat the computer equipment with care and always be respectful of other people’s property such as the information they have collected and the items they are using.
Ø If students take a Virtual Field Trip (such as an Internet tour of the White House) students are to be on their best behavior, just as if it were a real school field trip.
Consequences for Violations
Any violation will result in a parent contact. Consequences for violations include:
· Suspension or revocation of computer access
· Suspension or revocation of Internet access
· School suspension or expulsion
· Legal action and/or prosecution by the authorities
Consent & Signature Form
Student’s Name:__________________________________
School Name: _____________________
I have listened to my teacher explain the Internet Acceptable Use Policy. I will follow the rules and will use the Internet appropriately.
I have read the Winnisquam Regional School District’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy, for grades K-5. I understand that the Internet is a worldwide group of hundreds of thousands of co+mputer networks. I know that the Winnisquam Regional School District does not control the content of these Internet Networks. Thus, even though students will be supervised while using the Internet, I realize that students could potentially come across material that I might consider controversial or offensive. The Winnisquam Regional School District has my permission to allow my child, _______________ to use the Internet under the conditions described on the preceding pages. I understand that my child may keep this privilege as long as the procedures described in the Internet Acceptable Use Policy are followed.
As the student’s teacher, I have reviewed the Internet Acceptable Use Policy with the student. With parent permission, this student is eligible to use the Internet.
Teacher’s Signature: _________________________ Date: ____________
Families, please retain the first two pages (which outline acceptable Internet use) and return this signature page to school.