Freehold Regional High School District Student Use of Internet

The Internet is an electronic highway connecting millions of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers.  With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of a school setting.  The Freehold Regional High School District firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on this world-wide network far outweighs the possibility of unacceptable use of material not consistent with the educational goals of the District.  While it is impossible to control al that is accessible on the network, the District has taken precautions to deny access to controversial materials and has identified acceptable use guidelines for those who are permitted to use the network.

The smooth operation of the network relies upon strict adherence to these acceptable usage guidelines.  In general, these guidelines require efficient, ethical, and legal use of network resources by students.  Specifically, these guidelines are detailed in the use agreement to be signed by the student and parents/guardians so that parents/guardians as well as students are aware of these responsibilities.

If a student violates any of these provision, his or her access to the Internet will be terminated, and future access could be denied.  The student will also be subject to appropriate school discipline.  If the activity is contrary to existing statutes and regulations that are unauthorized by law, the student may be subject to criminal prosecution.

The Superintendent’s Office will be responsible for the development and promulgation of rules and regulations for student’s use of the Internet.

Internet- Terms and Conditions

1.  Acceptable Use of the Internet-  Acceptable use guidelines for the Internet includes, but is not limited to, the following:

· Student use of the Internet must be in support of education and research consistent with the educational objectives of the Freehold Regional High School District.

· Use must be in accordance with the law.

· That the teachers, media specialist, and building and central school administrators will determine what is appropriate use.

2.  Unacceptable Use of the Internet-
·  Use of the Internet for personal, private, or non-education use is prohibited including, but not limited to, electronic mail, chat/discussion groups, IRC, personal Internet use accounts such as AOL, and filing out forms and surveys.

· 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.

· Use of the network for religious or political messages is prohibited.

· Use of the network to access, processes, or transmits pornographic or text files demeaned inappropriate for school use is prohibited.

· Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, and other antisocial behaviors are unacceptable.

· Use of the Internet for commercial or for-profit business is prohibited.

· Any Internet use contrary to existing statues and regulations that are unauthorized by law is prohibited. 

3.  Security- Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users.  All users have a vested interest in protecting the security of the system and the responsibility of notifying a teacher or system administrator immediately of a potential security problem.  Do not demonstrate the problem to others.  No one should use another individuals’ account without written permission from that individual.  Attempts to log on as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges and possible disciplinary action. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the Internet.

· Internet users must close their accounts and log out before leaving the computer.

4.  Vandalism- Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the data of another user, the Internet, or any of the agencies or networks that are connected to our Internet backbone.  This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.  Vandalism will result in the cancellation of privileges and possible disciplinary/legal action. 

5.  Enforcement- The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right; and inappropriate appropriate legal action may also be taken.  Serious violations of the appropriate use

Agreement will be dealt with to the full extent of the law.  The school administrators will determine what constitutes serious inappropriate use.  The standard appeal process will be followed.

Policy # 6163.6 approved by the Superintendent of Schools on March 1, 1999

Freehold Regional High School District Internet Use Agreement

I understand and will abide by the Internet Use Agreement of the Freehold Regional High School District policies.  I also understand the following:

·        That the purpose of the school’s Internet connection is to support the educational programs of the Freehold Regional High School District.

·        That students may not use the school’s Internet access for any personal activities, but not limited to, electronic mail, chat/discussion groups, IRC, and personal accounts such as AOL.

·        That the accessing and display of pornographic and discriminatory materials and other antisocial behavior, including ethnic and racial slurs, is prohibited.

·        That Internet users must close their accounts and log out before leaving the computer.

·        That the teachers/media specialists/building and central school administrators will determine what is appropriate use.

Any violation of the above regulations is unacceptable, and I understand that it may constitute a criminal offense.  Should I commit any violation, my access privileges will be revoked, and school discipline action and/or appropriate legal action will be taken.

If a student is under 18, a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement.

The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicates that the party (parties) who signed this has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand (s) their significance.

For Parents/Guardians: In addition to the above, I accept full responsibility for my child’s proper use of the Internet in accordance with school policy and law.  I hereby give permission for my child to access the Internet at school and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

Parents who whish not to have their children participate in access to the Internet will do so by not signing and submitting the information below.

User Name (please print) _____________________________

User Name (signature) ______________________________ Date _________

Parent/Guardian (please print) ________________________

Parent/Guardian (signature) __________________________ Date ________

                                                            Year of graduation __________

Policy #6163.6 approved by the Superintendent of Schools on March 1, 1999