Berwick Academy Student Technology Policy

Rules for use of the network, computers and Internet at Berwick Academy for the school year

2007-2008

Berwick Academy believes that the use of network resources and the Internet by students, faculty and staff is essential to facilitate communication, innovation, resource sharing and access to information. Due to the complex nature of accessible networks and the magnitude of information available on the Internet, Berwick Academy believes guidelines and administrative procedures are warranted in order to promote responsible use. All students and their parents in Grades 5-12 will be expected to abide by this Acceptable Use Policy.

Berwick Academy’s computers, network and Internet access are provided to support the educational mission of the school and to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for students and staff. This policy and the accompanying rules apply to school computers and student laptops/tablets.

All Berwick Academy policies, school rules and expectations concerning student conduct and communications with others apply to use of computers, laptops and Internet services at any time or place, on or off school property. Students are expected to comply with all specific instructions from teachers and other school staff or volunteers when using computers at school.

Student use of computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Compliance with these policies and rules concerning computer use is mandatory. Students who violate these policies and rules may have their computer privileges limited or revoked. Violations may also result in disciplinary actions, referral to law enforcement or legal action.

Berwick Academy monitors all computer and Internet activity by all individuals. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of computers on school premises. Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers will guide students toward appropriate materials and monitor classroom Internet use.

Berwick Academy utilizes filtering technology designed to block materials that are obscene or harmful to minors, and child pornography. Berwick Academy takes precautions to supervise student use of the Internet, but parents should be aware that neither Berwick Academy nor its faculty can completely enforce compliance with user rules at all times.

Parents shall be informed of this policy and the accompanying rules yearly through the 1791 Letter and on the school website.

The student and parents are responsible for compensating Berwick Academy for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the school for violations of school policies and rules while the student is using computers at school.

Berwick Academy will not share personal or identifying information regarding any user of the school network, and will instruct students to refrain from providing any personal information about themselves or others.

Any student who identifies a security problem or breach of responsibility must notify his/her teacher immediately.

COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE RULES

Berwick Academy students are expected to demonstrate responsible use of the privileges of computer, network and Internet access according to the following rules:

Prohibited Uses
Examples of unacceptable uses of computers include, but are not limited to:

1. Accessing Inappropriate Materials – Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning or displaying defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit or suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing or illegal materials.

2. Illegal Activities – Using school computers, network and Internet services for any illegal activity or in violation of any school policy or school rules.

3. Violating Copyrights – Copying, downloading or sharing any type of copyrighted materials ( including music or films) without the owner’s permission.

4. Copying Software – Copying or downloading software without authorization.

5. Non-School-Related uses – Using computers at school, network and Internet services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain; commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes; or any other personal use not connected with the educational program or assignments.

6. Misuse of Passwords and Unauthorized Access – Sharing passwords, using other users’ passwords, and accessing or using other users’ accounts.

7. Malicious Use/ Vandalism – Any malicious use, disruption or harm at school to computers, network and Internet services.

8. Unauthorized Access to Blogs/Chat Rooms – Accessing chat rooms, instant messaging, blogs or news groups without specific authorization from a supervising teacher.

9. Misrepresentation - Students may not misrepresent Berwick Academy or any community member of Berwick Academy in any electronic communication or posting.

Netiquette and Safety Guidelines
Students are expected to abide by accepted rules of network etiquette & safety. These include but are not limited to the following:

1. Students should never give out personal identification information including last names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, or financial information in e-mail or any electronic communication.

2. Students should never agree to meet in person with anyone met online.

3. Students should notify an adult immediately if they encounter any material that violates this Technology Policy, is dangerous, inappropriate, or makes them feel uncomfortable in any way. BACK and TELL.

4. Parents should instruct their children if there is additional material that they think it would be inappropriate for them to access. Berwick Academy expects students to follow their parent’s wishes in this matter.

Additional Rules for Student Laptops or Tablet Computers

1. Students are responsible for the proper care of their laptop and tablet computers at all times, whether on or off school property. This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining updates for virus protection.

2. Violation of policies or rules, or any careless use of a laptop or tablet may result in a restriction of student use of the laptop/tablet at school.

3. Parents are responsible for supervising their child’s use of their laptop and Internet access when in use away from school.

Student Use of Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic Devices

1. Students may not use privately-owned electronic devices, including but not limited to cellular telephones, Blackberries, handheld computers, MP3 players and electronic games during classes and school activities. However, a teacher may authorize use of a personal electronic device at their discretion during the school day. Upper School students may use electronic devices between class periods and during lunch periods.

2. Students may use electronic devices between class periods and during lunch periods.

3. The use of cameras, including camera phones, is strictly prohibited in locker rooms and restrooms. In other school locations, students are required to obtain permission before photographing any individual.

4. Any use of electronic devices that violates school policy or school rules is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to violations of the student code of conduct, harassment and cheating.

Students violating these rules will be subject to revocation of privileges, potential disciplinary and/or appropriate legal action.

Berwick Academy reserves the right to modify these agreements, when necessary.