COMPUTERS, THE INTERNET AND ELECTRONIC MAIL

Our Lady of Prompt Succor School is pleased to offer students access to a computer network for electronic file sharing and the Internet. To gain access to the Internet, all students must obtain parental permission as verified by the signatures on the form sent home with your child. Should a parent prefer that a student not have Internet access, use of the computers is still possible for more traditional purposes such as word processing.

What is possible?

Access to the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other repositories of information and to exchange communication with other Internet users around the world. Families should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. Even though we have installed SonicWall software to block access to these materials, no software program is 100% secure. While the purposes of the school are to use Internet resources for constructive educational goals, students may find ways to access other materials. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration exceed the disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. Therefore, we support and respect each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.

What is expected?

Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the school's computer network just as they are in a classroom or on a school playground. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with school standards and the specific rules set forth below. The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. The user is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school's computer resources. The students are advised never to create, access, keep, or send anything that they would not want their parents or teachers to see. The administration at OLPS will deem what is inappropriate and their decision is final.

What are the rules?

Ø Illegal copying -- Students should never download or install any commercial software, shareware, or freeware onto school computers. Nor should students copy other people's work or intrude into other people's files.

Ø Inappropriate materials or language -- No profane, abusive or impolite language should be used to communicate nor should materials be accessed that are not in line with the rules of school behavior. A good rule to follow is never create, view, send, or access materials that you would not want your teachers or parents to see. Should students encounter such material by accident, they should report it to their teacher immediately.

These are guidelines to follow to prevent the loss of network privileges at school.

1. Do not use a computer to harm other people or their work.

2. Do not damage the computer or the network in any way.

3. Do not install any software, shareware, or freeware.

4. Do not violate copyright laws.

5. Do not view, send, or display offensive messages or pictures.

6. Do not share your password with another person.

7. Do not waste limited resources such as disk space or printing capacity.

8. Do not trespass in another’s folders, work, or files.

9. Do notify an adult immediately if, by accident, you encounter materials that violate the rules of appropriate use.

10. BE PREPARED to be held accountable for your actions and for the loss of privileges if the rules of appropriate use are violated.