Technology Acceptable Use

As a user of technology, I agree to obey the following rules in all of my communication either at school or at home while attending Notre Dame Elementary School.

I recognize that all computer users have the same right to use the equipment; therefore, I will not use the computer resources for non-academic purposes. I will not waste or take supplies such as paper, printer cartridges, and discs that are provided by the school. When I am in the computer lab, I will talk softly and work in ways that will not disturb other users. I will keep my computer work area clean and will not eat or drink in the computer lab.

I recognize that copyright laws protect software; therefore, I will not make unauthorized copies of software and I will not give, lend, or sell copies of software to others. I understand I will not be allowed to bring software from home to be used on school equipment.

I recognize that the work of all users is valuable; therefore, I will protect the privacy of others by not trying to learn their password; I will not copy, change, read, or use files from another user without prior permission from that user; I will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to system programs or computer equipment; I will not use the computer system to disturb or harass other computer users or use inappropriate language in my communications; I will not misrepresent myself to others while online or in written communication.

The use of the Internet and our school network must be in support of education and research consistent with the educational objectives of the school. As a user of a network, I will not use bulletin boards or chat lines for personal use. I am not able to access personal email AT ANY TIME while at school. I will not reveal my personal information, home address or personal phone number or those of students, teachers or other staff members. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade secret. The use of school computers and networking resources for commercial activities, product advertisement, or political lobbying is not permitted.

Parents must realize that their students may encounter material on a network/bulletin board that they do not consider appropriate (vulgar jokes, statement of belief that some might consider immoral, etc.). The student is responsible for not pursuing material that could be considered offensive.

The use of school technology is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation of these privileges. Vandalism or intentional modification of system settings will result in cancellation of these privileges and/or school disciplinary action. The school reserves the right to seek financial restitution for any damage caused by a student or other user. The system administrator will deem what is inappropriate use and this decision is final. The administration, faculty, and staff of the school may deny, revoke, or suspend specific user privileges.

Specific consequences for the misuse of computer and/or information network privileges shall be graduated according to the severity of the offense and may include, but are not limited to, the following:

suspension of information network access;
revocation of information network access;
suspension of computer access;
revocation of computer access;
school suspension;
school expulsion; and/or
legal action and prosecution by the authorities.

Technology Concerns

Blogs
Engagement in online blogs such as, but not limited to, MySpace.com®, Xanga®, Friendster®, Facebook®, etc. may result in disciplinary actions if the content of the student’s or parent’s blog includes defamatory comments regarding the school, the faculty and/or staff or other students.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices:
Notre Dame recognizes that circumstances arise, or that some students may need to carry a cell phone in order to have contact with their parents during after-school hours. In order to prevent interruptions and distractions during the school day, the following guidelines have been established:

Students may not be called on their cell phone during class. Messages for students may be left with the office.
Students may not use cell phones, pagers, or any electronic device on school property.
Students will bring the cell phone to the homeroom classroom upon arrival in the morning. The cell phone should be placed in the pouch provided in the homeroom classroom. The cell phone should be in the off position at all times for the day. The cell phone may be picked up by the student at dismissal. At no time during the day should a cell phone be in a student’s possession.
If students need to use the telephone during the school day, they may call from the school office.
Students who have not been picked up after dismissal must come to the school office to use the phone. Students who have not been picked up by 3:00 must go to after school care.
In the event that a student has/uses a cell phone during school hours, it will be taken away and returned to the parent the next school day. On a second offense, the student’s phone will be taken away, retained in the office, and returned on the last day of school.
Any electronic device brought to school Notre Dame Elementary is not responsible for loss or damage. •
Cell phones may not be used for game playing, Internet or e-mail access, gambling or making purchases of any kind.
No harassment or threatening of persons via the cell phone is permitted. • No cell phones may be used for picture taking. •
In addition, those who violate any of the rules regarding cell phones may also forfeit their privileges of bringing the phone to school and will be issued a suspension.

Sexting
Students involved in possession or transmission of inappropriate photos on their cell phones or other electronic devices face suspension and/or expulsion.

Texting
Students should at no time be involved in texting during the course of the school day. Students involved in texting at school face detention, suspension and/or expulsion.

Virtual Reality Sites
Virtual Reality Sites such as, but not limited to, www.secondlife.com® pose a developmental and moral risk to the life of a student. Parents are cautioned to be aware of the online sites visited by their children, knowing that often predators are not living in a neighborhood, but within the home via a computer. Students whose avatars depict other students or the faculty/staff in a defamatory light face detention, suspension, or expulsion.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to do their own work. A violation of Academic Integrity can consist of, but is not limited to, plagiarism, copying another’s homework and looking to another for answers on a test or quiz. Informing classmates of information found on an exam and passing off information from the Internet as one’s own work are also violations of Academic Integrity. Students who violate Academic Integrity may receive a failing grade on the relevant test/assignment, and the student’s parents will be notified. This can also result a disciplinary action and further consequences may ensue.

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