Wiscasset School Department

Acceptable Use Policy 1997

The Wiscasset Telecommunication Network will bring many additional resources to our school communities. As a publicly funded system for the enhancement of facilitating this access and this communication, the network will exist as an extension of the existing school communities. As such, it will be a place in which students, parents, teachers, and community members will pursue learning with the same set of standards for behavior and intellectual effort that define the traditional school roles.

The primary purpose of the Wiscasset Telecommunication Network is educational. Users are responsible for ensuring that their activities adhere to generally accepted educational standards.

The use of the Wiscasset Telecommunication Network is a privilege and not a right. Inappropriate use will result in restriction or cancellation of access privileges. Commonly accepted guidelines for developmentally appropriate skills will be used in determining access levels. Before access is granted to the Wiscasset Telecommunication Network, all users must attend a presentation on the aspects of security and ethics involved in using the network.

The Wiscasset Telecommunication Network will be maintained and managed by the system administrator in such a way as to ensure its availability and reliability in performing its educational mission. This will require the ability and authority to inspect any and all materials transferred by, or stored within the network by any and all users. Because of this, users will have no reasonable expectation of privacy, and with respect to access by the system administrators or their designee, to any material transferred by or stored within the Wiscasset Telecommunication Network. This inspection can occur at any time and without any cause. While it is not the intention of the system administrators to use this access in an intrusive manner, it is critical that the authority for such access be reserved in an effort to prevent any abuse of the Wiscasset Telecommunication Network.

All users shall respect copyright and proprietary interest of any material accessed through the Wiscasset Telecommunication Network. This will be consistent with an established Copyright Policy.

Responsible use of the Wiscasset Telecommunication Network requires that users not:

• interfere with normal and proper operation of this network or the Internet
• adversely affect the ability of others to use the Network equipment or services
• conduct themselves in ways that are harmful or offensive to others
• pursue material that could be considered offensive

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While every effort will be made to prevent unacceptable use

of the Wiscasset Telecommunication Network, parents are advised

that students may access pornography and other inappropriate materials.

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Wiscasset Telecommunication Network

Network Use Contract

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General Rules

1. Respect Others' Electronic Privacy - People using the telecommunication system should respect the rights of others who are also using the system.

2. Respect Others' Electronic Property - People using the telecommunication system should respect the electronic property of other people. The system uses some amounts of "freeware" and "shareware." The system does not allow the exchange of copyrighted materials.

3. Respect Your Own Electronic Reputation - People using the telecommunication system should respect the Wiscasset Telecommunication Network electronic ethics. People using the system must use language which reflects the best in themselves. Electronic communication is not private, and is periodically inspected for offending language and behaviors.

Specific Rules

1. Only use your name. The Wiscasset Telecommunication Network does not allow for the creation of false identities.

2. Do not upload/download any copyrighted materials or applications. Attempts to share copyrighted materials will result in consequences.

3. Always use language which is appropriate. Inappropriate language would include: (1) Profanity or any questionable language; (2) Any discriminatory statement(s); (3) Any harassing statement(s), et al.. The mail is checked for misuse periodically by the administrators of the system. If you receive messages that are mean or make you uncomfortable in any way, do not respond to them. Print them and report them to your system administrator immediately.

4. Do not send chain/party mail. This can be annoying to users and it clogs up the system.

5. You are responsible for your password security. Electronic communications addressed with your name are your responsibly (Hint: You should change your password often.) When using the Internet, do not reveal personal information such as your address or phone number, and never send anyone your picture.

6. Always be aware that we have external conferences which are read locally, nationally, and globally. The conference folders are exported daily. Whatever you write there is read by the world.

Consequences

1. Suspension - The first step is the loss of all telecommunication privileges on the system for a period of two weeks and/or referral to the building principal.

2. Removal - If step one does not help correct inappropriate behavior, the individual will be removed from the system and referred to the building principal for further disciplinary action.


I have read and agree to abide by the Wiscasset Telecommunication Network rules. I also agree to hold the Wiscasset School Department harmless.


_______________________________________ _______________________________________

(Wiscasset Telecommunication Network User) (Wiscasset Telecommunication Network User)
(Print Name)

__________________________________

(Parent/Guardian if student)

________________________ ________________________

(Grade) (Date)

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