Roberts 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 must obtain parental permission as verified by the signatures on the form sent in the Tuesday folder attached to this letter. Should a parent prefer that a student not have e-mail and Internet access, using the computers is still possible for more traditional purposes such as word processing and/or drill and practice.

What is possible?
Access to e-mail and the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other repositories of information and to exchange personal communication with other Internet users around the world. Families should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. While the purpose of the school is to use Internet resources for constructive educational goals, students may find ways to access other materials. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration exceed the disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and/or guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. Therefore, we support and respect each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.

What is expected?
Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the school's computer network, just as they are in a classroom or on a school playground. Communications on the network are often public in natures. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with district standards and the specific rules set forth below. The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. The user is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing Roberts computer resources. The students are advised never to access, keep, or send anything that they would not want their parents or teachers to see.

What are the rules?
Privacy- Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review communications to maintain system integrity and to insure that students are using the system responsibly.

Storage capacity- Users are expected to remain within allocated disk space and delete e-mail or other material which takes up excessive storage space.

Illegal copying- Students should never download or install any commercial software, shareware, or freeware onto network drives or disks, unless they have written permission from the Teacher Technologist. Nor should students copy other people's work or intrude into other people's files.

Inappropriate materials or language- No profane, abusive or impolilte language should be used to communicate nor should materials be accessed which are not in line with the rules of school behavior. A good rule to follow is never view, send, or access materials which you would not want your teacher and parents to see. Should students encounter such materials by accident, they should report it to their teacher immediately.

SUCCINT ADVICE
These are guidelines to follow to prevent the loss of network privileges at Roberts Elementary School.

Do not use a computer to harm other people or their work.
Do not damage the computer or the network in any way.
Do not interfere with the operation of the network by installing unauthorized software, shareware, or freeware.
Do not violate copyright laws.
Do not view, send or display offensive messages or pictures.
Do not share your password with another person.
Do not waste limited resources such as disk space or printing capacity.
Do not trespass in another's folders, work, or files.
Notify an adult immediately, if by accident, you encounter materials which violate the rules of appropriate use.
BE PREPARED to be held accountable for your actions and for the loss of privileges if the Rules of Appropriate Computer Use are violated.


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			© 2003, Roberts Elementary School, Houston Independent School District