Kathy+wiki+safety+letter

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 * || =** IFBH – STUDENT INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY **=
 * 1. Purpose || Telecommunications is radically changing the way the world accesses information. The Internet, an international computer network made up of many contributing networks, represents a powerful educational resource unlike anything that precedes it.

Using Internet resources both locally and world-wide, users can: ·  access research materials to meet their educational and personal information needs ·  consult with experts in various content areas and unified arts fields ·  connect with university and college libraries ·  communicate directly with other users locally or world-wide ·  engage in electronic field trips

The skills required for using the Internet are vital to the long term success of users when they enter higher education and the work force. West Chester Area School District (WCASD) is pleased to offer access to the Internet to enhance and support student learning.

The purpose of the Acceptable Use Policy is to provide information, not to exclude anyone. ||
 * 2. Authority || The Board and school district are aware that the Internet in an unregulated communication environment in which information changes constantly, and that some of this information may not be appropriate for users, based on age and/or development levels. District educators will take an active role in ensuring that students and their parents are aware of the individual user’s responsibility in using the Internet resources in an ethical and educational manner. The District’s goal is to provide individual users with the understanding and skills needed to use the Internet in ways appropriate to their individual educational needs. ||
 * 3. Guidelines || The WCASD has developed the following guidelines to guarantee the appropriate use of the Internet resources:

1. Internet will be used for curriculum support. 2. Users will be trained in the appropriate and safe use of Internet resources. 3. All computers which allow Internet access will be in supervised areas - classrooms, computer labs, and media centers. 4. Every effort will be made to guide users to appropriate areas of this global resource. This may not prevent the knowledgeable, computer-literate user from accessing inappropriate materials, but it does mean that to do so is a conscious choice on the part of the user. 5. Parents/guardians who want their children to use the Internet resources must give written consent. 6. Users will be held accountable for their own actions, and disciplinary action will be taken if resources are used inappropriately. || || The student contract was revised to include a Safety section and to update the parent consent section for students at the elementary level. ||
 * 4. Delegation of Responsibility || The Superintendent or designee shall be responsible for developing monitoring and disciplinary procedures verifying that student use of the Internet is compliant with the guidelines and for notifying the proper authorities of violations of local, state, and federal laws. ||