Network and Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Welcome to the Internet:

We are happy to announce that Lunenburg High School has installed a high speed link to the Internet that can be accessed from any PC connected to the LHS computer network.

The Internet represents a powerful educational resource which students can use to augment their studies. Through the Internet, students can connect to businesses, major universities, national libraries, other schools and other students around the world.

The Internet is a powerful tool that must be used wisely. Just as students learn social codes and behaviors that are acceptable in school, they need to learn the correct procedures and rules for using the LHS network and the Internet. Use of the LHS network and access to the Internet is a privilege. Anyone who uses the LHS network and/or Internet connection in an inappropriate manner may lose this privilege.

Acceptable Use:

• The LHS network and Internet connection have been established solely for educational purposes.
• The Internet is to be used to pursue intellectual activities, seek resources, and access libraries in order to enhance the learning process.
• Be polite and use appropriate language. Do not use profanity, obscenities, sexually explicit material, or expressions of bigotry, racism and/or hate.
• Maintain individual anonymity and privacy. Do not reveal names, personal addresses or phone numbers.
• Adhere to copyright laws and restrictions. Do not transmit material in violation of federal or state law or regulation. (Such material includes, but is not limited to, commercial software, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.)

• Any use of the LHS network and Internet connection for commercial purposes or political lobbying is prohibited.
• Any use of the LHS network and Internet connection for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities, is prohibited. Illegal activities shall be defined as a violation of local, state or federal laws. Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of the intended use of the network, including the intentional introduction of viruses, corruption of systems, files and resources. Obscene activities shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted social standards for use of a publicly-owned and operated communications vehicle.
• Students are prohibited from illegally copying documents, software, and other materials.
• Students are not allowed to enter or participate in any Internet "Chat Rooms".
• Students will not tie up the LHS network resources with idle activities. Students are not allowed to play games on the network or across the Internet.
• Students are not allowed to download files to the hard disk of any computer on the LHS network. Any files that are downloaded must be able to fit on a 3.5" floppy disk.
• Students will not intentionally disrupt network traffic or crash the network and related systems
• Students shall not waste or take supplies, such as paper, printer accessories and diskettes that they are provided

Procedures for Use:

• Students must always get permission from their instructors before using the LHS network or the Internet.
• Students must sign in legibly on the appropriate log or register in the classroom each time they use the network.

With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of a school setting. Lunenburg High School has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control effectively the content of the data and an industrious user may discover controversial material. It is the student’s responsibility not to initiate access to such material.

Lunenburg High School makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. Lunenburg High School will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the users own risk. Lunenburg High School denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. Lunenburg High School has the right to monitor LHS network and/or Internet access activity in any form that it sees fit to maintain the integrity of the network.

I understand and will abide by the above Network and Internet Use Policy. 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.

Student Name ______________________________________________________________________

Student Signature _________________________________________ Date ___________________

(If you are under the age of 18 a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement.)

As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Network and Internet Use Policy. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. Lunenburg High School has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I recognize it is impossible for Lunenburg High School to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting. I hereby give permission to give my child access to the Lunenburg High School network, including access to the Internet and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

Parent or Guardian’s Name _________________________________________________________

Signature _________________________________________________ Date ____________________