Acceptable Use Policy for Electronic Information Sources This policy (#4.202) is provided by the Archdiocese of Hartford Office of Catholic Schools (updated as of 8/15/13)
What are electronic information resources? Desktop computers, laptops, interactive whiteboards, Ipads/tablets, e-readers, printers, scanners, digital imaging/video equipment, etc. Teachers will instruct students in proper use. Not sure? Ask. Students should not use equipment until instructed to do so by a teacher. Students and parents must agree to this policy or student cannot use any of the school’s equipment (or their own equipment at school.) Must be used for education, research, collaborative learning, etc. Even when we “play,” we play educational games. Everyone – students and teachers – follow these same rules!
Academic Purpose and Care I will not use the electronic resources for non-academic purposes; they are not toys, they are here to enhance my education. I will not waste or take supplies such as paper, printer cartridges, and other materials that are provided by the school. I will ask before I print! I will keep my computer work area clean and I will keep food and drinks away from all electronic equipment.
Protecting the System Equipment – I will show care for our equipment, treat it gently at all times, and I won’t touch any equipment until I am invited to do so. Online – I will never download files without permission or use suspicious websites that might contain viruses. I understand that the school may block certain website for security reasons.
Appropriate Behavior and Language in the Media Center/Classroom I will always be polite. I will only use only appropriate words, even when talking to my computer. I will be kind and helpful to other users. I will help others with my words but I will keep my hands off their keyboard/mouse/etc. at all times. I will always be respectful to teachers and volunteers.
Appropriate Behavior and Language in my Online Community My online behavior reflects on my St. Bernard School community. I will use good online behavior (netiquette) … always! I will not engage in any type of cyberbullying - at school or at home. I will not use bad language online or in any work/communications as it reflects badly on my school and my personal character. I will always act in a moral and ethical way in my online community. I will be a good digital citizen at all times!
Use of Software I will only use the software/program my teacher has instructed me to use. I will not use illegal copies of software; that is not fair to the person who created the software. It cheats them and violates their rights. I will not copy software; this violates copyright laws and is stealing. I will not bring in games/software from home or use a website that a teacher has not approved. I understand that the teachers and administration of the school must approve everything I use, whether it is during class time, recess, or in the before/after school care program!
Appropriate Use of Resources I will not change anything on the computers unless the teacher asks me to. I will not play with the desktop or rearrange the desktop icons because that makes it harder for the younger students to use the computers. I understand that social networking sites (such as but not limited to Facebook or Instagram) are not accessed for personal use at school; by students or teachers. I will not check my personal or phone messages/texts at school. My cell phone will stay in my backpack, turned OFF while I am at school. I will not use school computers to listen to music in class. I will not do any unauthorized web surfing at school, whether on school computers, my personal e-reader/tablet, or my iPod or phone.
Privacy of Other Users I will not use any equipment or programs without asking first. I will not open (or use) anyone else’s files! I will respect other users’ passwords at all times. I will keep my eyes on my own computer to give others’ privacy while they work. I will never attempt to access the server or other prohibited areas.
My Expectations of Privacy I can expect other students to respect my privacy. However, I also understand that anything I do on the school’s equipment belongs to the school and they can check it or delete it at any time. The teachers and administration do not have to tell me they are looking at my files/work because it is the school’s right to do so.
Storage of Information I will honor my school’s procedures for the storage of information. I will save things where and how my teacher tells me to. I will back up my files to a USB storage device (flash/jump drive) as needed. I understand that I am responsible for keeping the files on my USB storage device safe and properly backed up so I don’t lose my long-term projects. I understand that my old files will be deleted from the system periodically to make room for new files because there is limited space on the system.
Private Information I will keep my personal information safe online (such as my age, name, address, phone number and/or school.) I will keep the personal information of other people safe too. I will not or forward anything unless a teacher says it’s okay. I will not do my private business (like online shopping) here at school.
Personal Safety I understand that not everyone is who they appear to be online so I need to protect myself in order to stay safe. I will NOT agree to meet anyone that I have met online without my parents’ permission. Online-only friends are strangers. I will always practice safe online behavior!
Inappropriate Content I will promptly tell my teacher about anything I see which I feel is inappropriate or which makes me feel uncomfortable. I will immediately turn off my monitor so others do not see it. Any time I come upon inappropriate material, I need to tell a teacher immediately. If the inappropriate content popped up on a website, it’s obviously not my fault as long as I respond appropriately. BUT if I choose to share that inappropriate material with others, then I understand that I am responsible for those actions.
Illegal and Unethical Acts I will never use the school’s computer system or electronic resources to engage in any illegal act. Some examples include copying software or stealing copyrighted material (text, photos, music, etc.) online. I will remember that even when an act does not cross the line to being illegal, it can still be unethical and against school policy. Acts such as not properly citing sources, incorrectly “borrowing” graphics or music from the Internet, copying other students’ work, and plagiarism of any kind are examples of these acts. They are against school policy, are considered cheating and stealing, and not only reflect badly on a student’s character but will result in disciplinary action as well. I will not engage in unethical behavior.
E-Reader/Tablet Policy I will only use my e-reader/tablet in school with the permission of my teacher. This includes my time in the before or after school care program. I will not play games, listen to music, access the Internet, or use any communications programs on the e-reader/tablet in school unless directed to do so by the teacher for educational purposes. I understand that I am responsible for my e-reader at all times. The school cannot be held not responsible if it is lost or damaged. I must charge my device at home. The school does not provide charging stations for students’ personal devices.
Personal Responsibility As a student I am learning to be a good digital citizen! I understand that I am always responsible for what I do in My digital world even if I do something “by mistake.” I will always accept the consequences of my actions. My parents also understand my responsibilities and agree to abide by the decisions of the school in regard to my actions.
Consequences Using the school’s electronic resources is a privilege, not a right! If students do not follow these rules there will be consequences such as (but not limited to): Loss of computer privileges Conduct slip/disciplinary action Removal from (or not being accepted to) National Junior Honor Society Detention Suspension Possible legal action