Acceptable Use Policy

Bringing the Internet into the schoolhouse motivates learning, while opening new educational possibilities. Connecting students to the "web" encourages them to consult online references, obtain timely news updates, and take advantage of information available for research and other assignments. Students can collaborate and share ideas, asking questions of peers, scientists, authors, and professional "experts" all over the world.

The benefits obtained from going online are many and varied. To ensure a happy, healthy, and productive Internet experience for Swift River students, while blocking access to inappropriate online information and preventing children from becoming the victims of predatory Internet users, Swift River recognizes the importance of online supervision and common sense advice.

To this end, we have set certain guidelines for Internet use.

Students at Swift River may not:
1. Go online without adult permission and supervision;
2. Give out identifying information (such as home address, school name or telephone numbers) in public message areas, chat rooms, or bulletin boards;
3. Arrange face-to-face meetings with other computer users; or
4. Respond to messages that are suggestive, threatening, and otherwise inappropriate.

Students can access the Internet from all Swift River computers. Students use sites recommended by their teachers or the technology staff and are closely supervised as they research topics specified by their classroom teachers.

Smooth operation of the network depends upon proper conduct of users. Students must adhere to the Internet Use Guidelines to maintain Internet privilege. These guidelines are clearly outlined below in order to avoid any misunderstanding of the responsibilities associated with proper Internet behavior. Any student who violates these responsibilities will lose the privilege to access the Internet. Future access to the Internet may also be denied.

Security: Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify a teacher or the Technology Coordinator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Attempting to log on to the Internet, as a system administrator will result in cancellation of Internet privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with school computers may be denied Internet access

Internet - Terms and Conditions of Use
1. Acceptable Use: The purpose of the school Internet program is to support research and education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. Your Internet use must be consistent with these educational objectives.

2. Privileges: Internet access is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in cancellation of those privileges. The system administrator may close an account at any time. The administration, faculty, and staff of Swift River may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.

3. Network Etiquette: You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
a. Be polite.
b. Use appropriate language
c. Do not reveal your personal address or phone number, or the addresses and phone numbers of friends and other students.
d. Do not use the network in such a way as to disrupt its use for others.

4. Vandalism: Any attempt to harm or destroy another user’s Internet files or computer data will result in cancellation of Internet access privileges.

Swift River makes no warranties of any kind for the Internet service it provides. The school will not be responsible for any damages realized as a result of Internet access. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. Swift River specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through Internet access.

Click here to view and print a copy of Swift River's Internet Use Agreement Form

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Principal: : Sheila Hunter
Swift River School
201 Wendell Rd.
New Salem, MA 01355
978.544.6926 (voice)
978.544.2253 (fax)

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