The Acton Public Schools has "Acceptable Use Guidelines" for computers and the Internet. It is important for students to be familiar with these guidelines to ensure their understanding of the safe and appropriate uses of technology. Parents are encouraged to discuss the contents of this policy with their children. In addition, faculty will review it with their students at the beginning of each school year to establish standards for use and to reemphasize safety guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns about the "Acceptable Use Guidelines," please contact your elementary school Principal. The "Acceptable Use Guidelines" are:

1. Acceptable Use: At school, I may use computers and the Internet to research, to learn, and to communicate with others. I agree to follow the rules of appropriate behavior while on the Internet. I will follow these rules:

• I will not copy material and say that I wrote it myself.
• I will only use web sites that are suitable for children.

2. Privileges: Being able to use the Internet is a privilege, and my teachers and Principal are the decision makers when it comes to whether I may use it. If my behavior on the computer or Internet is not appropriate, I may lose this privilege.

• Be polite when writing a message.
• Use appropriate language.
• Remember that e-mail is not private.
• What I write may be seen by others.
• Information that I get from the Internet is for me to use, but I do not own it, and I did not write it. I must identify where I found it.

4. Online Safety: I will follow these Internet safety rules:

• I will not give out personal information about myself or others (such as, home address, telephone number, parents' work address, or parents' work telephone number) to anyone on the Internet.
• If I find anything on the Internet that makes me uncomfortable or nervous, I will get an adult to help me immediately.
• If I get a message that is mean or frightening, I will tell a responsible adult.
• The Acton Public School System is not responsible for the truth or quality of the information that I find on the Internet.

5. Security: I will only use the Internet when a teacher or responsible adult is present.

6. Vandalism:

• I will not cause any damage to computers or change how they are set up.
• I will not modify or delete files that belong to others.
• Passwords given to me are for my use only. I will not give it to anyone else.
• I will not use anyone else's password.

Any of these actions will result in the loss of my privilege to use the Internet, and perhaps the computers themselves.

(Return to Acton Public Schools: Student Rights and Standards of Conduct.)