Introduction:

The information super highway is a reality. From your school, you can travel all over the world to gather information. As more people travel this electronic highway, maps to find information and rules to keep traveling safe become vital to successfully completing the journey.

Your school has rules for acceptable behavior. Likewise, there are correct procedures and rules that govern the use of the information networks. If you don't follow these guidelines, you may lose your privileges to access the information highway.

You and your parents will be asked to sign a statement acknowledging that you are aware of the proper procedures for using our information networks. This signed statement becomes your permission slip to take trips on the information highway.

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Information Technology:

You are expected to use the network to pursue intellectual activities, seek resources, access libraries and other types of learning activities. We want you to explore this new "space," and discover what is available there. We want you to learn new things and share your newfound knowledge with your friends, your parents and your teachers.

While the District wants you to use this valuable educational tool, we do not condone the use of inappropriate information on the Internet and Email. We acknowledge that some materials exist that are inappropriate to the instructional setting and do everything we reasonably can to prevent them from being accessed. You must clearly understand that access to such material in any form is strictly forbidden. The network is designed to achieve and support instructional goals. You should avoid any information that does not support classroom learning.

Email is not private and may be randomly searched at any time by the file administrator.

All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be public property.

If you have a question or concern regarding any materials you find, contact your teacher or system administrator immediately.

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Network Etiquette:

You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to the following:

o Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others.

o Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.

o Do not reveal your full name, personal address or phone numbers of students or colleagues.

o Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.

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District Limitations of Liability:

The District makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, that the functions or the services provided by or through the District system will be error-free or without defect. The District will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system.

In order to ensure that you and your parent(s) or guardian(s) understand our District policy, you will be asked to submit an access application which contains our Consent and Waiver form.

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Consequences of Network Violations:

Depending upon the type and severity of the offense, the District may enact the following consequences, but the District reserves the right to alter these consequences on an as needed basis and without prior notification.

First Offense - Students must complete a refresher course on acceptable use of the Internet and Email.

Additional Offenses - Consequences of violations include suspension or revocation of:

o Network access

o Network privileges

o Computer access

o Also; school suspension, school expulsion, and legal action may ensue.

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In order to complete the application process, the following form must be read and signed by you and your parent or legal guardian. By signing this Consent and Waiver form, I, ____________________________________, and my parent(s) or guardian(s) agree to abide by the following restrictions. I have discussed these rights and responsibilities with my parent(s) or guardian(s). Further, my parent(s) or guardian(s) and I have been advised that the District does not have control of the information on the Internet or Email, although it attempts to provide prudent and available barriers. Other sites accessible via the Internet or Email may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. While the District's intent is to make Internet and Email access available to further its educational goals and objectives, account holders will have the ability to access other materials as well. The District believes that the benefits to educators and students from access to the Internet and Email, in the form of Information Literacy resources and opportunities for collaboration far exceed any disadvantages of access.

Ultimately, the parent(s) and guardian(s) of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their student should follow. To that end, the District supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for District network access. Any questions should be directed to the Information Technology specialist for the school.

The student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) must understand that student access to the District network exists to support the educational responsibilities and mission. The specific conditions and services that are offered will change from time to time. In addition, the District makes no warranties with respect to the District network service, and it specifically assumes no responsibilities for:

A. The content of any advice or information received by a student from a source outside of the District, or any costs or charges incurred as a result of seeing or accepting such advice;

B. Any costs, liability or damages caused by the way the student chooses to use his/her network access;

C. Any consequences of service interruptions or changes even if these disruptions arise from circumstances under the control of the District.

D. While the District supports the role of electronic mail, students must assume that privacy cannot be guaranteed. By signing this form, I agree to the following terms:

o My use of the District's network must be consistent with the District's primary goals.

o I will not use the District network for illegal purposes of any kind.

o I will not use the District network to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials. The District will not be held responsible if I participate in such activities.

o I will not use the District network to interfere with or disrupt network users, services or equipment. Disruptions include, but are not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer worms and viruses, and using the network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via the network. I will print only to my local printer or to the printer designated by my instructor.

o It is assumed that information and resources accessible via the District network and private to the individuals and organizations which own or hold rights to those resources and information unless specifically stated otherwise by the owners or holders of rights. Therefore, I will not use the District network to access information or resources unless permission to do so has been granted by the owners or holders of rights to those resources or information.

Depending upon the type and severity of the offense, the District may enact the following consequences, but the District reserves the right to alter these consequences on an as needed basis and without prior notification.

First Offense - Students must complete a refresher course on acceptable use of the Internet and Email.

Additional Offenses - Consequences of violations include suspension or revocation of:

o Network access

o Network privileges

o Computer access

o Also; school suspension, school expulsion, and legal action may ensue.

Student Name (please print): _________________________________________ Grade: ______________

Student Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________

Parent/Guardian Name (please print): _________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________

Application approved by: ________________________________________ Date: ___________________

Application denied by: __________________________________________ Date: __________________

Reasons for denial: ______________________________________________________________________