Dear Parents and Guardians,
Computer technology plays a major role in the world today. Because of this, a large part of our curriculum has been integrated to include computers and students may be expected to use the Internet frequently. Now I like to compare the Internet to a large mall, in that researching on the Internet is like going shopping. It is always best to have a list, to know exactly what you are looking for, to set a time limit, and to avoid unsavory characters. In this way, students will always be given a list of pre-approved web sites to visit, on topics that have been approved by me, computer usage will be limited and monitored to reduce the temptation and risk of straying to non-educational sites, and online chatting and/or instant messaging is strictly forbidden during the school day.
In addition to my personal teaching practices, the school computer system does use a filtering software. This software is in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (http://www.ifea.net/cipa.html) enacted on April 20, 2001. This legislature provides federal funds for libraries so that they can install software filters that block harmful materials, such as pornography, from computers.
As a parent, you might want to visit the Child Safety on the Information Highway web site (http://www.safekids.com/child_safety.htm). It will explain the dangers inherent in the Internet and how to ensure your child's safety on the Web. Also, please read and review with your child the attached Internet Safety Checklist, and sign and return it to me.
If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to contact the school and speak to your student's classroom teacher or the school librarian.
Sincerely,
Ms. Owings
______ The List: I, the student, will be prepared to use the Internet responsibly. I will have my login and password, I will not share this information with any other students, and I will not attempt to log in under anyone else's identity. I will also know my specific topic and what school-approved web sites I can visit. If I cannot find the information I need on the web sites selected, I will ask a teacher or the school librarian for an alternate pre-approved site. I will not access my personal email, sign-in to AIM, or any other messaging service. I understand that using the Internet at school is a privilege not a right. If I abuse the privilege I expect to lose it.
______ Know What I Am Looking For: I, the student, understand that I am to use the school computers for research and educational purposes. I understand that during school hours I am not to "surf" the Internet unless given permission to do so. I will not play or download online games. I will not access or download materials from web sites or from people that are not school appropriate; this includes, but is not limited to web sites using obscene, vulgar, abusive or inappropriate language, pictures or sounds. I understand that using the Internet at school is a privilege not a right. If I abuse the privilege I expect to lose it.
______ Time Management: I, the student, realize that there are more students than computers and I should budget my time accordingly. I will not waste my time by harassing or bullying others, whether in the classroom, the computer lab, or online. I also will not waste time breaking copyright laws by illegally copying music files, images or software. I will not waste time printing out inaccurate, defamatory or racially offensive materials. And I will not waste time invading someone else's private computer files and/or impersonating others. I understand that using the Internet at school is a privilege not a right. If I abuse the privilege I expect to lose it.
______ Avoiding Unsavory Characters: I, the student, will keep my personal information private. I will not give anyone online my full name, address, telephone number, or school name. I will report immediately to a teacher or principal any student or online person who uses abusive or offensive language, who encourages committing crimes (like pirating software), or who has in anyway violated the rules and restrictions of the school and/or the Internet Safety Checklist. I understand that using the Internet at school is a privilege not a right. If I abuse the privilege I expect to lose it.
I, the student, have read and reviewed the following safety rules. Additionally, I know that my parents can be held financially liable for any damage I may cause to computers at school as a result of malice, recklessness, or negligence on my part, or for any harm caused to others by any violation of this Internet safety policy.
____________________________________________ Student Signature _____________ Date
____________________________________________ Parent Signature ______________ Date