JOHN POOLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

17014 TOM FOX AVENUE

POOLESVILLE, MARYLAND 20837

301-972-7979

September 27, 2003

 

 

 

 

Dear Parents:

 

In American History students will be using the computer lab and have access to Internet sites at least once a month. The purpose of this letter is to give you an overview of Internet use and the rights and responsibilities that come with this. 

 

In American History students will go to pre-selected internet sites in the computer lab that have been researched by the teacher as: Jamestown Rediscovery, History of the Mayflower, American Revolution Scavenger Hunt, etc.  Students should be at no other sites besides these. In addition to this students will be using the Internet for structured searches as part of the American Revolution Research Project. Students will be supervised at all times by a staff member.  MCPS currently has filters in place in accordance with the No Child Left Behind Act.  If a student accidentally happens to go to an inappropriate site, he should immediately exit that site and notify a staff member.  Failure to do so could result in loss of computer privileges.

 

Attached is our JPMS policy that mirrors MCPS Form 271-4B – User Responsibilities for Computer Systems and Network Security.  Some highlights are:

 

ˇ        JPMS computer access is for educational purposes only

ˇ        Students should never give out their full name, home address, telephone number or school to anyone online

ˇ        Students are not allowed to access inappropriate material or material that is harmful to students.

ˇ        Noncompliance with procedures and standards is proper cause for disciplinary action.

 

Please read and sign the attached JPMS Policy on Computer Use and return it to me. If you have any questions, please call 301-972-7979. 

 

Sincerely

 

 

 

Robert M. Whalen

8th Grade American History Teacher

 

ADDENDUM TO JPMS SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY:

 COMPUTER USE

This document is added to John Poole M. S.’s discipline policy regarding

computers found in the blue section of the school’s “Agenda Book,” pages 12 – 18 as well as MCPS Form 271-4B, Rev. 9/98, “Student Request for Access to Networks.”

 

1.         John Poole M. S. provides to its students computer equipment, computer services, network access, and other technological resources for educational purposes only.

2.         Although it is impossible to document all inappropriate conduct and misuse of these resources, the following guidelines provide examples of computer and network use infractions  that are prohibited, the consequences for which are listed in the “Agenda Book” pages 12-18:

            a.         Accessing inappropriate URLs [Universal Resource Locators] or web sites such as pornography, weaponry, hate groups

            b.         Using language, pictures, or other material that is obscene, vulgar, or abusive.

            c.         System tampering such as unauthorized alteration of operating systems, individual accounts, software, networking software or hardware.

            d.         Decrypting passwords, or gaining unauthorized higher level access or privileges, or attempting to do so

            e.         Damaging or abusing any hardware components

            f.          Permitting others to use one’s account or password

            g.         Posting personally identifiable information about yourself, other students, or staff without authorization.

            h.         Interfering with other users.

            i.          Accessing email accounts unless authorized by teacher for instructional purposes

            j.          Copying or transferring copyrights materials and software without authorization.

 

3.         Although access to the Internet is unobstructed for students, accessing the internet without the permission or knowledge of the teacher is prohibited.

 

4.         An adult must monitor all use of computers by students.

 

STUDENTS:  Check off items when done and add name and signature and date where provided.

 

  I have read and understand the above addendum to the school discipline policy.

       I have reread the MCPS Regulation IGT-RA, “Appropriate Use of Computer Networks” on the back of this paper.

       I understand that I will not be given access to computers until this document is completed and returned to my designated teacher.

 

Student’s printed name_________________________________________________________

Student’s signature__________________________________________________Date______________

 

PARENTS/GUARDIAN:  If you or your child need clarification of the contents of these documents, please call the school, 301-972-7979.  Check off when done.  Print, sign name, and date.

 

       I have read this document and reread the MCPS Regulation on the back of this sheet.

       I confirm that my child has read these documents and understands the rules and consequences.

Parent/Guardian’s printed name___________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian’s signature__________________________________________Date_______________________