[Beginning 2009-2010, this policy was posted on the GWA website.]

George Washington Academy

Internet Use Guidelines and Policies

(Approved 5-26-11)

 

 

In making decisions regarding student access to the Internet, George Washington Academy considers its own stated educational mission, goals, and objectives. Electronic information research skills are now fundamental preparation of citizens and future employees. Access to the Internet enables students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, bulletin boards, and other resources while exchanging messages with people around the world. George Washington Academy expects that faculty will blend thoughtful use of the Internet throughout the curriculum and will provide guidance and instruction to students in its use. As much as possible, access from the school to Internet resources should be structured in ways which point students to those sites which have been evaluated and judged appropriate prior to use. While students may be able to move beyond those resources to others that have not been previewed by staff, they shall be provided with guidelines and lists of resources particularly suited to learning objectives.

Students utilizing G.W.A.-provided Internet access must first have the permission of and must be supervised by G.W.A. staff. Students utilizing school-provided Internet access are responsible for good behavior on-line just as they are in a classroom or other areas of the school. The same general rules for behavior and communication apply.

The purpose of G.W.A. Internet access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education. To remain eligible as users, students’ use must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of George Washington Academy. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.

Users should not expect that files stored on school-based computers are private. Administrators and faculty may review files and messages to maintain system integrity and insure that users are acting responsibly.

The following uses of school-provided Internet access are not permitted:

a.    To access, upload, download or distribute any material that may be deemed inappropriate, obscene, sexist, contain obscenities, or contain inflammatory or abusive language;

b.    To violate any local, state, or federal statute;

c.    To vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization;

d.    To access another individual’s materials, information, or files without permission;

e.    To violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission

 

Any violation of policy and rules may result in loss of access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be determined at the school level in keeping with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate language or behavior. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

George Washington Academy makes no warranties of any kind, implied or otherwise, regarding the reliability of the data connection.  G.W.A. also will not be liable for any loss or corruption of data resulting while using the internet connection.

George Washington Academy reserves the right to change these rules at any time without notice.

GWA Contract Regarding the Use of Internet

 

I, ____________________________, accept and agree to abide by the following rules:

I agree to abide by all rules which are listed in the George Washington Academy Guidelines for Internet Use.

I realize the primary purpose of the George Washington Academy Internet connection is educational, and that as such, educational purposes shall take precedence over all others.

I realize that the use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. I accept that inappropriate behavior may lead to penalties including revoking of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal action.

I agree not to participate in the transfer of inappropriate or illegal materials through the George Washington Academy Internet connection. I realize that in some cases, the transfer of such material may result in legal action against me.

I release George Washington Academy from any liability or damages that may result from my use of the Internet connection. In addition, I will accept full responsibility and liability for the results of my actions with regard to the use of the internet. I release the school and related organizations from any liability relating to consequences resulting from my use of the internet.

Signed, _____________________

Date _________________

 

Parent/Legal guardian:

I, ______________________________, the parent/guardian of the above named child, have read, understand, and agree to the stated conditions of internet use by my child and further agree to accept all financial and legal liabilities which may result from my son/daughter’s use of the George Washington Academy Internet connection.

Signed, ____________________________________

Date __________________

If you do not want your child using George Washington Academy’s Internet connection, a signed letter must be sent to the school’s office and will be put in that child’s file.