Computers are an integral part of the educational program at James Monroe Middle School and are utilized to support curricular objectives in a computer lab or classroom setting.  The Monroe Middle School Local Area Network (LAN) enables students to share printers, save files on a master server, and access programs.  In addition, Monroe’s Internet access allows students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other repositories of information worldwide.  Unfortunately, some material accessed through the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive.

The purpose of this contract is to ensure the proper use of computers and the Internet by students.  Students using school computers must adhere to important guidelines.  Appropriate behavior must be observed when using all media and information sources.  Use of computer hardware, software and network is a student privilege, which will be revoked if abused.  Students are personally responsible for their actions in using and accessing the school’s computer resources.  Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in any or all of the following; loss of computer use, loss of network privileges, disciplinary action/referral, school suspension, restitution, and legal action.

1.  Appropriate Computer Use:

Follow proper startup and shutdown procedures on all school computers.

                Be polite and respectful: Profane, abusive or impolite language or messages will not be tolerated.

                Use computers for their intended purposes only.

                Follow written and verbal rules set forth by computer lab coordinator and/or classroom teachers.

                Observe the proper handling of computer hardware, software, manuals and furniture.

                Refrain from having food, drinks, gum, or ice packs around any computer.

Leave computers unchanged.  Do not change or rearrange the desktops, screen savers, program configurations or security settings.

Leave data disks at home.  Installing any commercial, shareware, or freeware software onto school computers is prohibited.

2.  Internet Access:

Appropriate network etiquette must be observed.

Personal or school information such as phone numbers, addresses, credit card numbers, e-mail addresses, etc., must not be given out.

Chat rooms and sending/receiving email are prohibited.

Downloading inappropriate materials from the Internet is forbidden.

Viewing inappropriate material from the Internet is strictly prohibited.  Students are barred from visiting inappropriate web sites.  If a student should accidentally open an inappropriate site, which violates this contract, he/she must LEAVE the site immediately and notify the teacher.

Use of the Internet must support academic purposes.  Playing games that are unrelated to school assignments is not allowed unless otherwise instructed by the teacher.  Accessing sites that are unrelated to school assignments is not allowed.

Understand copyright laws and observe rules of plagiarism.

3.  School Server guidelines:

                Network administrators may review student communication to maintain system integrity.

                Students must remain within allocated disk space.

                Copying other people’s work or intruding into other people’s files is not permitted.

                Students are not allowed to reveal passwords to other people.

                Student photos and/or video may be used for school assignments and presentations and will be utilized only on the school                 campus.

STUDENT AND PARENT/GUARDIAN:  PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS ENTIRE PAGE.  THIS CONTRACT WILL BE KEPT ON FILE AT SCHOOL.  QUESTIONS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE PRINCIPAL OR TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR FOR CLARIFICATION.

As a student at James Monroe Middle School, I understand the above guidelines and agree to comply by them while using all school computers.  I also understand that violation of these rules will result in one or more of the following consequences:  loss of computer use, loss of network privileges, disciplinary action/referral, school suspension, restitution, and legal action.

_______________________________                        _______________             ________             _________________

Student Name                                                                       Date                                       Grade                     Student ID#

As a parent or guardian of this student, I have read James Monroe Middle School’s Student Computer and Internet Use Contract and understand the school policies for Appropriate Computer Use, Internet Access, and School Server Guidelines.  I realize my child will be held accountable if he/she violates any part of this contract.  I realize that it is impossible to restrict access to inappropriate or controversial materials on the Internet, and I understand that my child is responsible for appropriate use and behavior in accessing the Internet.

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