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ONLINE SERVICES
The Office of Library Media Services subscribes to online reference databases
suitable for elementary students. These resources are accessible from every
computer in the school connected to the Internet. They are SIRS DISCOVERER ON
THE WEB and WORLD BOOK ONLINE. The resources may also be accessed from home.
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR THE USE OF COMPUTERS, THE INTERNET AND ELECTRONIC
MAIL
Students are expected to follow the Acceptable Use Policy as posted on the
Prince George’s County Public Schools website. www.pgcps.org
Pointer Ridge Elementary School is pleased to offer students access to the
computer network for electronic mail and the Internet. To gain access to e-
mail and the Internet, all students and their parents or guardians must read
and understand the acceptable use policies that have been established by
Prince George’s County Public Schools. The policies are outlined below.
Students must also obtain parental permission as verified by the signatures
on the form below before gaining Internet access. Should a parent prefer that
a student not have email and Internet access, use of the computers is still
possible for more traditional purposes such as word processing and the use of
educational software.
One of the educational objectives for Prince George’s County Public Schools
is to guarantee that every student can use technology and the Internet to
prepare for responsible citizenship and productive employment both today and
into the 21st Century. To successfully prepare for the future and affect
great change, certain key tools are essential. The Internet is one of the key
tools that will provide students the opportunity to monitor their own
learning, plan effectively, demonstrate open-mindedness, and push the limits
of their own abilities. It is an absolute necessity for students to acquire
and use sophisticated technological skills and to develop key intellectual
habits.
Prince George's County Public Schools views technology including computers
scanners, digital cameras, video projectors, video cameras, and the Internet
as instructional tools for learning. As such, policies and procedures
outlined in the Student Code of Conduct apply to the use of all technology
tools. Technology in our schools includes using a single computer, a computer
on a classroom network, or a computer accessing the Internet. This set of
guidelines is intended to assist users in following established practices and
procedures to use technology in a responsible and productive manner.
Use of the PGCPS Network
The Prince George’s County Public School Wide Area Network has been created
to link school buildings, administrative sites, and support facilities
together for the purposes of accessing and sharing information in accordance
with the goals and objectives set forth by Prince George’s County Public
Schools. All users are expected to use this network, including the Internet,
in conjunction with these goals and objectives.
Who is covered by the Acceptable Use Policy
The Wide Area Network is designed to bring information and resources to all
students, staff members and employees of Prince George’s County Schools
through electronic telecommunications. All users are expected to follow the
accepted and established guidelines listed in this document.
Expectations
Any student who is a user of the Wide Area Network is expected to use this
resource for educational purposes only. Employees and volunteers of Prince
George’s County Public Schools are expected to use this resource for
educational and/or professional purposes only. Any use of the PGCPS Wide Area
Network and the Internet should always reflect academic honesty, high ethical
standards and moral responsibility.
Do’s (Acceptable Uses)
Acceptable use of technology and all related resources requires users to:
Protect private information such as addresses, phone numbers, or passwords.
Use appropriate language. This applies to public messages, private messages,
and material posted on Web pages.
Respect all copyright laws.
Respect network limitations when sending or receiving information.
Use the computers for their intended educational purposes only.
Understand that use of the computer or the network for illegal activities is
strictly prohibited.
Don’t (Unacceptable Use)
Examples of Unacceptable Use of technology and all related resources include,
but are not limited to:
Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks.
Trespassing in another’s files, folders, or work.
Using the network for commercial purposes.
Accessing inappropriate Internet Web sites.
Annoyance or harassment of others.
Intentionally wasting limited resources.
Purporting to represent in any way whatsoever, PGCPS.
Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright
or other licenses or contracts
Accessing "chat lines" which are not a part of a class activity directly
under the supervision of a teacher or educationally inappropriate.
Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance
Gaining intentional access to obscene or inappropriate files
Using abusive or otherwise objectionable language in either public or private
messages
Harassing, insulting or attacking others
Posting anonymous messages
Causing undue congestion of the network through lengthy downloads of files,
or by engaging in idle activities
Vandalizing the data of another user
Gaining unauthorized access to resources or files
Identifying one’s self with another person’s name
Using an account or password of another user without authorization
Theft of data, equipment, or intellectual property
Process for Reporting Inappropriate Use
If a user believes that there has been a violation of these guidelines, the
user is to contact a teacher, school administrator or supervisor immediately.
A good rule of thumb would be - "When in doubt, ask."
Consequences
If it has been determined that a user has improperly used the equipment or
its resources in any manner, the user can expect disciplinary actions which
may include but are not limited to:
Access to such equipment may be immediately suspended.
Disciplinary action by school administration.
Additional disciplinary action may take place as outlined in the Student Code
of Conduct.
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