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The Hanover Public Schools believe the Internet offers valuable, diverse and unique resources to both teachers and students. The goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world. It provides access to:
Electronic mail communication (email)
Public domain software and shareware of all types
Discussion groups on thousands of diverse topics
University library catalogs, the Library of Congress, government documents, and thousands of databases and websites
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of network relies upon the proper conduct of end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general, these require efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of the network recourses. If a student user or faculty member violates any of the provisions, his or her access will be suspended.
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. Hanover Public Schools has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial information. Every network available for student access within the school system will be filtered. Hanover Public Schools currently employs the CyberNot List for filtering. The CyberNOT™ Block List is a listing of researched Internet sites containing inappropriate online material. There are twelve categories in the CyberNOT List, from which families and organizations select according to the level of Internet filtering necessary.
As you select any or all of the CyberLIST categories, you can tailor filtering levels to meet the needs of each Internet user. The use of Internet filtering in no way modifies every users personal responsibility to use the Internet in a responsible manner as outlined in this document.
Internet-Terms and Conditions
Acceptable Use- the purpose of using the Internet to support research and education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. Transmission of any material in violation of school policy or any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Do not use a computer to harm, malign, or insult other students or teachers.
- Do not damage or alter the computer or network in any way.
- Do not interfere with the operation of the network by installing illegal software, shareware, or freeware.
- Do not enter or use “CHAT ROOMS”.
- Do not establish or use a personal Web Site.
- Do not violate civil, criminal, or copyright laws.
- Do not view, send or display pornographic, threatening or offensive messages or pictures.
- Do not view or download recipes for organic, chemical, or mechanical or explosive devices.
- Do not share your password with another person.
- Do not waste limited resources such as disk space or printing capacity.
- Do not trespass in another’s folder, work, or files.
- Do notify an adult immediately if, by accident, you encounter materials that violate the rules of appropriate use.
- Be prepared to be held accountable for your actions. Violations will be handled through loss of privileges, detention, and/or suspension depending on the offense.
- Privilege- The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of privileges. The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use. Also, the system administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and staff of Hanover Public Schools may request the system administrators to deny, revoke, or suspend student access.
- Network Etiquette-You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. They include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others.
- Use appropriate language.
- Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of student colleagues.
- Electronic mail (email) is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
- Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
- Hanover Public Schools- Has no responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the Internet. Use of any information obtained through the Internet is at your own risk.
- Security- Security on any computer system is a high priority. If you feel you can identify a security problem, notify a system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission. Any user identified as a security risk will be denied access.
- Vandalism- Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses, attempts at gaining unauthorized access, or changing on-line materials without permission. In addition, individuals will be held responsible for damage to hardware or software caused by irresponsible actions.
- School Disciplinary Action- Any violation of this Internet policy will result in access privileges being revoked and school disciplinary and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
- Plagiarism- Using another persons works, research or ideas. Whether found in print or through technology, without the credits deserved. Consequences of plagiarism include, but not limited to:
- The student will receive a “0” for the work. Repeated offences could result in failure for the course that term.
- The administration will be notified
- The parent will be notified by the teacher
- Detention and/or suspension will be issued-depending on the offense
Hanover Public Schools firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the system. |
