OSCEOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LETTER
TO PARENTS
The
Osceola Public School has made a commitment to giving students access to the
technology they need to be successful to today’s world.
Part
of our responsibility in preparing students for the 21st Century is to provide
them access to the tools they will be using as adults. This includes the
necessary computer hardware, software and the use of the Internet. The Internet
represents a unique opportunity for our students to begin to explore the
incredible wealth of information that will enhance their learning. Among other
advantages, your child will be able to communicate with other schools,
colleges, organizations, databases, and individuals around the world.
With
this educational opportunity also comes responsibility. It is important that
you and your child read the enclosed Internet/Computer Use Agreement and other
materials, and discuss them together. When your child is given an account and
password to use on the computer, it is extremely important that the rules are
followed. Inappropriate use will result in the loss of computer privileges, and
other disciplinary action if necessary.
Please
stress to your child the importance of using only his or her account password,
and keeping it confidential from other students. Your child should never let
anyone else use his/her password to access the network. Your child is
responsible for any activity that happens in his/her account.
Your
student's use of our network and the Internet will be supervised at all times
by our staff. Students will not be allowed to use the Internet without staff
supervision. Per federal regulation passed, the schools of Nebraska have to
install filtering software or be part of a filtering network. An Internet
filter allows Network administrators, staff and school administrators to place
restrictions on inappropriate sites, material, and actions that take place on
the Internet. Please be aware, however, that not all filters are foolproof.
There is unacceptable and controversial material and communications on the
Internet that your child could access despite all our precautions. It is not possible for us to always provide
direct supervision of all students, nor can we filter material posted on
network-connected computers all over the world. We encourage you to consider
the potential of your child being exposed to inappropriate material in your
decision of whether or not to sign the enclosed form.
There
may also be additional kinds of material on the Internet that are not in accord
with your family values. We would like to encourage you to use this as an
opportunity to have a discussion with your child about your family values and
your expectation about how these values should guide your child's activities
while they are on the Internet.
The
levels of access to the Internet provided to your child will vary according to
the educational purpose and your child's age. The various levels of access are
described in the attached document.
Ø
Please note,
that if the accompanying permission form is not signed nor returned to our
office by the date specified, your child will not be allowed to access or use
our computers, network or the Internet. This includes usage of the computers
for a specified class or classroom assignment. The students will be
required to use traditional
means or an off campus computer to complete the work required.
Please
contact us if you have any questions or concerns at 747-3121. If you want your
child to have the opportunity to receive an Internet/Network account, please
return the signed consent forms to us as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Mr.
Fred Holmes, LAN manager
Dr.
Ken Heinz, Superintendent
Mr.
Russ Gade, Principal
OSCEOLA
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
LETTER
TO STUDENTS
The
Osceola Public Schools offers to all our students, access to the Internet,
including access to the World Wide Web via the computers and network installed
in our school.
Please
remember that that Network and Internet access is a privilege, not a
right. We expect students to behave when using our computers the same as
they would in an ordinary classroom.
Before
using the Internet, students need to sign the accompanying Internet/Network Use
Agreement and get their parent's signature as well. Please note, that if the
accompanying permission form is not signed nor returned to our office by the
date specified, your network account will be disabled and you will not be
allowed to access or use our computers, network or the Internet. This includes
usage of the computers for a specified class or classroom assignment.
You will be required to use
traditional means or an off campus computer to complete the work required. Please be sure to take the time to read the
accompanying agreement along with your parents before either of you sign it.
Any violations may result in a loss of computer access, as well as other
disciplinary or legal action. Remember that users are considered subject to all
local, state, and federal laws.
If
you have any questions or concerns, feel free to stop by during office hours,
or call at 747-3121.
Sincerely,
Mr.
Fred Holmes, LAN Manager
Dr.
Ken Heinz, Superintendent
Mr.
Russ Gade, Principal
OSCEOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
NETWORK\INTERNET
USE AGREEMENT
Please read this document carefully before
signing.
Network/Internet
access is available to students and teachers in Osceola Public Schools. We
believe that an Internet/Network access offers valuable, diverse, and unique
resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service is
to promote educational excellence in the district by facilitating resource
sharing, innovation, and communication.
For
those not familiar with the term, the Internet is an "electronic
highway" connecting millions of computers all over the world, and millions
of individual users. Access to the Internet will enable students to explore
thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging
messages with users throughout the globe. In addition, the system will be used
to increase school and District communication, enhance productivity, and assist
teachers in upgrading their skills through greater exchange of information with
their peers. The system will also assist us in sharing information with the
local community, including parents, social service agencies, government agencies,
and businesses.
With
access to computers and people from around 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. Families should be warned that some
material obtained via the Net might contain items that are illegal, defamatory,
inaccurate, or potentially offensive.
We have taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials.
However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an
industrious user may discover controversial information, either by accident or
deliberately. We firmly believe, however, that the benefits to students from
online access far outweigh the possibility that users may procure material that
is not consistent with our educational goals.
The
purpose of this agreement is to ensure that use of Internet/Network resources
is consistent with our stated mission, goals, and objectives. The smooth
operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the students and
faculty who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided
here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. If
a user violates any of these provisions, his or her account will be terminated
and future access could be denied in accord with the rules and regulations
discussed with each user during Internet training sessions.
To
use our computers, network and Internet connection, all students must obtain
parental permission. If the accompanying permission form is not signed nor
returned to our office by the date specified, your network account will be
disabled and you will not be allowed to access or use our computers, network or
the Internet. This includes usage of the computers for a specified class or classroom
assignment. You will be required to use traditional means or an off campus computer to complete the work required.
Internet/Network - Terms and Conditions
1) Students are responsible for good behavior
on the school computer networks, just as they are in a classroom, or a school
hallway. General school rules for behavior and communications apply.
2) The network/computers system is provided
for students to conduct research and to perform assigned class work. Access to
network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and
responsible manner. Access is a privilege - not a right. That
access entails responsibility.
Inappropriate use will result in a suspension or cancellation of
Internet/Network/Computer privileges. The system administrators will deem what
is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the administrators may
close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and
staff may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific
user accounts.
3) Users are
expected to abide by their generally accepted rules of network etiquette and
conduct themselves in a responsible, ethical, and polite manner while online.
Ø Students will not access web chats, Internet chat lines. This includes any program that allows the user to “chat” in real time with another individual on a computer.
Ø
Students
will not access their email accounts at the school.
Ø
Students
will not access their own or others’ “blogs” sites at school.
First Offense: Removal from access to
computers for One week. Second Offense: Removal from access to computers for
One Month. Third Offense: Removal from access to Computers for One Semester.
Fourth Offense: Removal from the Computers for the rest of the school year. A letter will be sent to home to the
parents explaining why the student was removed from the computers after each
offense.
4) Users are
not permitted to use the computing resources for commercial purposes, product
advertising, political lobbying, or political campaigning.
5) Users are
not permitted to transmit, receive, submit, or publish any defamatory,
inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening,
offensive, or illegal material.
6) Physical
or electronic tampering with computer resources is not permitted. This also
includes the downloading or installation of unauthorized software/hardware
without the approval of the network administrators. Damaging computers,
computer systems, “hacking” computers, networks, or other users’ files
intentionally will result in cancellation of privileges, possible suspension
from school, and possible criminal prosecution. Any hardware/software
confiscated will become the property of Osceola Public Schools.
7) Users must
respect all copyright laws that protect software owners, artists and writers.
Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated.
8) Security
on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves
many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem in the school's
computers, network, or Internet connection, you must notify a system
administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to others. Using someone else's
password or trespassing in another's folders, work, or files without written
permission is prohibited. Attempts to logon to the Network/Internet as anyone
but you may result in cancellation of user privileges.
9). The
downloading of music, video, etc. onto the computers or network without the
permission of the teacher or system administrator is not allowed.
10). Usage of
the network and the Internet will be monitored and could result in the
cancellation of computer/network/internet privileges.
11) Osceola
Public Schools makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied,
for the service it is providing. We assume no responsibility or liability for
any phone charges, line costs or usage fees, nor for any damages a user may
suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries,
mis-deliveries, viruses or service interruptions caused by its own negligence
or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet
is at your own risk. We specifically deny any responsibility for the accuracy
or quality of information obtained through its services.
12) All communication
and information accessible via the computer resources shall be regarded as
private property and will be treated as confidential information. However,
school and system administrators may review files and messages to maintain
system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. The
school networks and computers are school property, just as student lockers, and
will be susceptible to administrator examination at any time. Messages or other
data relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the
authorities.
Any violations may result in a loss of
computer access, as well as other disciplinary or legal action. Users are
considered subject to all local, state, and federal laws.
Please return this form to the Osceola
Middle/High School office
OSCEOLA
PUBLIC SCHOOLS INTERNET/NETWORK USE AGREEMENT
Note - This form needs to returned to either
the office or Mr. Holmes by Tuesday, August 29th
By not returning this form, it is assumed
that you do not want your child to use the Internet/Computer Network.
STUDENT SECTION
I have read the District Internet/Network Use
Agreement. I agree to follow the rules contained in this Policy. I understand
that if I violate the rules my account can be terminated and I may face other
disciplinary measures.
Student Name (please print)
__________________________ Grade ___________
School ________________________________
User's signature: ___________________________
Date: _____________________
PARENT OR GUARDIAN SECTION
As the parent or legal guardian of the
student signing above, I have read this Internet/Network Use Agreement and
grant permission for my son or daughter to access the Internet/Network. I
understand that the district's computing resources are designed for educational
purposes. I also understand that it is impossible for Osceola Public Schools to
restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them
responsible for materials acquired on the network. I understand that
individuals and families may be held liable for violations. Furthermore, I
accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in
a school setting.
Please sign below if you wish your child to
access the Internet/Network.
Parent Signature _________________________
Date ___________
Parent Name ___________________________
Home Address __________________________ Phone
____________________
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