Safe and Appropriate Computer Use Checklist

Using a computer at school is a privilege. The following checklist is designed to keep your time on the computers safe and productive. Failure to adhere to this checklist could result in removal of access to our school network and additional consequences.

· Respecting the hardware. Computers should never be handled in a manner other than how they were designed to be used.

· Respecting the network. Attempting to access the school’s computer network in any manner other than legitimate use of your own account is prohibited.

· Respecting others’ use of a computer. Altering or managing another user’s computer / files is prohibited and considered a very serious offense.

· Knowingly downloading any inappropriate or copyrighted material is prohibited.

· Using any form of communication such as e-mail, chat, forums, and newsgroups without permission and teacher supervision is prohibited.

· Printing material without teacher permission.

· Attempts to install or run unauthorized software are prohibited.

· Removing or relocating computer hardware and equipment from its current location without permission from a teacher is prohibited.

· Falsely representing yourself, another individual, or the school in any manner while online is prohibited.

· Buying, selling, or trading of any material or merchandise online is prohibited.

· Disabling “Safe Surf” features or preferences for online search engines is prohibited.

Parent Letter

Dear Parent(s),

I am your son or daughter’s computer applications teacher at Redland Middle School. Access to technology, computers, and the Internet is a privilege that comes with responsibility. Our school has established many rules and safeguards to protect your child from exposure to inappropriate or unsafe material while on the Internet or accessing the school’s network. Some of these safeguards are outlined below:

· Students are given a unique login password and data storage folder.

· Student access and Internet travels can be monitored and tracked by our user support specialist.

· Students may not access computers without supervision present.

· Internet based e-mail services have access blocked to student users.

· An Internet filter service which scans webpage content and blocks pages with inappropriate materials.

In addition to the school and county’s safeguards, I incorporate many strategies and practices in my classroom to maintain a safe and productive environment for your child. These are:

· Students must review the Safe and Appropriate Computer Use Checklist.

· Any infraction of the checklist results in immediate suspension of access and a parent phone call.

· Students are given a list of “Safe Sites” they may visit during free time.

· Students research the dangers of Internet chat rooms and E-mail contact with strangers.

· Students are instructed on how to handle unexpected search or surfing results.

· I preview Internet sites used for instruction prior to student access.

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact me so that I may discuss the matter with you. I firmly believe your child will have a safe and positive Internet experience here at Redland Middle School. For additional information on how to keep your child safe, visit Parent Guide to Internet Safety = http://www.raindrop.org/rugrat/wwwsafe.shtml

Sincerely,

Anthony Rettig