ST. MARGARET SCHOOL
Acceptable Use Policy for the Use of Computers and Telecommunications
Computing, data storage, and information retrieval systems are
designed to serve the students, faculty, staff, and volunteers of the
school/parish community. Network and Internet access is provided to further
the legitimate educational goals of this institution. The school/parish
provides computing and network resources for the use of students, employees,
and others affiliated with the school/parish. However, the equipment,
software, and network capacities provided through the school/parish computer
services are and remain the property of the school/parish. All users are
expected to conduct their on-line activities in an ethical and legal
fashion. The use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Misuse of
these resources will result in the suspension or loss of these privileges,
as well as disciplinary, legal and/or monetary consequences. Appropriate or
acceptable educational uses of these resources include:
• Accessing the Internet to retrieve information from libraries,
databases, and World Wide Web sites to enrich and to expand curriculum is
encouraged.
• E-mail capabilities may be used to facilitate distance-learning
projects.
• Newsgroups may be used to gain access to current information on
local, state, national, and world events.
Examples of inappropriate or unacceptable use(s) of these resources include,
but are not limited to, those uses that violate the law, the rules of
network etiquette, or hamper the integrity or security of any network
connected to the Internet. Some unacceptable practices include:
• Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state law,
including but not limited to: copyrighted material; threatening, harassing,
pornographic, or obscene material or material protected by trade secret is
prohibited. The transmission of copyrighted materials without the written
permission of the author or creator through school/parish email or other
network resources in violation of U.S copyright law is prohibited.
• As with all forms of communications, e-mail or other network
resources may not be used in a manner that is disruptive to the work or
educational environment. The display or transmission of messages, images,
cartoons or the transmission or use of e-mail or other computer messages
that are sexually explicit constitute harassment which is prohibited by this
school/parish. It is also illegal for any one to knowingly allow any
telecommunications facility under his/her control to be used for the
transmission of illegal material.
• The use for personal, financial, or commercial gain; product
advertisement; political lobbying; or the distribution of unsolicited junk
mail or chain letters is prohibited.
• Vandalism is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, any
attempt to harm or destroy the data of another user, the network/Internet,
or any networks or sites connected to the network/Internet. Attempts to
breach security codes and/or passwords will also be considered a form of
vandalism.
• The stealing, reading, deleting, copying, or modifying of electronic
mail messages of other users is prohibited.
• Deleting, examining, copying, or modifying files and/or data
belonging to other users are prohibited.
• Willful destruction of computer hardware of software or attempts to
exceed or to modify the parameters of the system is prohibited.
Access to the school/parish e-mail and a similar electronic
communication system is a privilege and certain responsibilities accompany
that privilege. School/parish users are expected to demonstrate the same
level of ethical and professional manner, as is required in face-to-face or
written communications. Anonymous or forged messages will be treated as a
violation of this policy.
• Unauthorized attempts to access another person’s e-mail or similar
electronic communications or to use another’s name, e-mail or computer
address or workstation to send E-mail or similar electronic communications
is prohibited and may subject the individual to disciplinary action.
• All users must understand that the school/parish cannot guarantee
the privacy or confidentiality or electronic documents and any messages that
are confidential, as a matter of law, should not be communicated over the e-
mail.
• The school/parish reserves the right to retrieve school/parish
information and records; to engage in routine computer maintenance and
housekeeping; to carry out internal investigations; or to disclose messages,
data, or files to law enforcement authorities.
• Any information contained on a school/parish computer’s hard drive
of computer disk that was purchased by the school/parish is considered the
property of the school/parish.
This agreement applies to stand alone units as well as units connected
to the network. Any attempt to violate the provisions of this agreement
will result in revocation of the user’s privileges, regardless of the
success or failure of the attempt. In addition, school disciplinary
actions, and/or appropriate legal action may be taken. The decision of St.
Margaret School regarding inappropriate use of the technology or
telecommunication resources is final. Monetary remuneration will be sought
for damage necessitating repair or replacement of equipment, as well as
reimbursement for all cost incurred in obtaining or seeking reimbursement,
including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees, court cost, and all
other expenses, costs, or damage related thereto.
In the event the violation of these policies subjects St. Margaret
School/Parish to liability, damages, or penalties sought by any person,
firm, or government agency, the responsible person(s), or his/her guardian
(s) if a minor, shall indemnify and hold St. Margaret School completely
harmless from damages, cost expenses, or losses of any kind.
