Computer Policies From Student Handbook
Student Computer and Internet Use Policy
The Dr. Lewis S. Libby School provides computers, networks, and internet access to support the educational mission of the school and to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and school staff. We believe that the resources available through the internet are of significant value in the learning process and preparing students for future success. At the same time, the unregulated availability of information and communication on the internet requires that schools establish reasonable controls for lawful, efficient, and appropriate use of the technology.
Student use of school computers, networks, and internet services is a privilege, not a right. Students are required to comply with this policy and the accompanying rules. Students who violate the policy and/or rules may have their computer privileges revoked and may be subject to further disciplinary and/or legal action.
All school computers remain under the control, custody, and supervision of the Dr. Lewis S. Libby School. The school administration reserves the right to monitor all computer and internet activity by students. Students will have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers.
While reasonable precautions will be taken to supervise student use of the internet, the Dr. Lewis S. Libby School cannot reasonably prevent all inappropriate uses, including access to objectionable materials and communications with persons outside of the school in violation of school policies/procedures and rules. The school is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information that is obtained through the internet.
Before a student is allowed to use school computers and internet services, the student and the student’s parent/guardian must sign and return the Computer/Internet Access Acknowledgement form. The school will retain the signed acknowledgement. This document needs to be signed annually.
Before students can take Technology Initiative laptops home, they and their parent/guardian will need to participate in one of the orientation classes offered at the beginning of the school year.
Student and Computer Use Rules
These rules are intended to provide general guidelines and examples of prohibited uses, but do not attempt to state all required and prohibited activities by users. Failure to 13 comply with these rules may result in loss of computer and internet privileges, disciplinary, and/or legal action.
Student use of the school’s computers, networks, and internet services is a privilege, not a right. Unacceptable use/activity may result in suspension or cancellation of privileges as well as additional disciplinary and/or legal action. The building principal shall have the final authority to decide whether a student’s privileges will be denied or revoked.
Acceptable Use Policy
Student access to the school’s computers, networks, and internet services is provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school’s educational mission, curriculum, and instructional goals.
Students are further expected to comply with these rules and all specific instructions from their teacher or other supervising staff member/volunteer when accessing the school’s computers, networks, and Internet services.
Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) laptops are considered school computers.
Prohibited Use
Users are responsible for their actions and activities involving school computers, networks, and internet services, and for their computer files, passwords, and accounts. Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Accessing Inappropriate Materials-Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning, or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, and/or illegal.
- Illegal Activities-Using the school’s computers, networks, and internet services for any illegal activity or that violates other school policies, procedures and/or rules.
- Violating Copyrights-Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the owner’s permission.
- Plagiarism-Representing as one’s own work any materials obtained on the internet (such as term papers, articles, etc.). Internet sources used in a student’s work must be cited by the author, publisher, and website address.
- Copying Software-Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the system administrator;
- Non-School Related Uses-Using the school’s computers, networks, and internet services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain; commercial, advertising, or solicitation purposes, and for any other personal use.
- Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access-Sharing passwords- Using other users’ passwords without permission and/or accessing other users’ accounts.
- Malicious Use/Vandalism-Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the school’s computers, networks, and internet services, including, but not limited to, hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses.
- Unauthorized Access to Chat Rooms/News Groups/E-Mail-Accessing chat rooms, news groups, or email without specific authorization from the supervising teacher.
No Expectation of Privacy
The school retains control, custody, and supervision of all computers, networks, and internet services owned and leased by the school. The school reserves the right to monitor all computer and internet activity by students. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers, including e-mail and stored files.
Compensation for Losses, Costs, and/or Damages
The student and/or student’s parent/guardian shall be responsible for compensating the school unit for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the school related to violations of this policy and/or these rules, including investigations of violations.
The school assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by students including, but not limited to, credit card charges, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.
Student Security
A student shall not reveal his/her full name, address, or telephone number on the internet without prior permission from a supervising teacher. Students should never meet people they have contacted through the internet without parental permission. Students should inform their supervising teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate or make them uncomfortable in any way.
System Security
The security of the school’s computers, networks and internet services is a high priority. Any user who identifies a security problem must notify the principal immediately.
Student/Parental Acknowledgement Required
Students and their parent/guardian must sign and return the Computer/Internet Access Acknowledgement Form before students can use any school computers.
