Mill Valley School District offers Internet access to all students through the Marin County Office of Education. This involves in-school access through which students can use Netscape as a web browser. For this level of access, schools use the following In-School Internet Access agreement.

Internet Acceptable Use

Students use the Internet to participate in distance learning activities, to consult with experts, to communicate with others, and to locate resource material. MVSD strongly believes in the educational value of the internet and recognizes its potential to support curriculum and student learning. MVSD will make every effort to protect students from misuse or abuse as a result of their experiences with the Internet. Your child will reach this world-wide network through an account provided by the Marin County Office of Education Information Services.

This educational opportunity also demands personal responsibility on the part of the student. The Marin County Office of Education has provided the schools with a proxy server which limits access to inappropriate sites for students. Because the Internet is a fluid environment, the information available to students is constantly changing; therefore, it is impossible to predict with certainty what information students might locate. Personal responsibility on the part of the student is expected.

Every user of the Internet in MVSD accepts the responsibility of respecting the rights of all other network users, and of acting in a responsible, ethical, and legal manner at all times. Because in-school access to the Internet is a privilege, and because each student is personally responsible for his/her actions on the Internet, unacceptable behavior will result in the suspension or revocation of a student's personal Internet access. Some behaviors may even cause the school to lose its access privileges. When a student is given internet access, it is extremely important that rules be followed. Listed below are the provisions of this contract and when signed by the guardian/parent, this document becomes a legally binding contract.

1.) Acceptable Use and Personal Responsibility: The use of the Internet must be in support of education and the goals and objectives of MVSD. The student is personally responsible for this provision at all times. Unacceptable uses include:

a. Transmission of any material in violation of any United States or other state organizations is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening, harassing, or trade secret material.

 

b. Use of commercial activities by for-profit organizations is not acceptable.

 

c. Use of product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.

 

d. Any transmission or reception of material involving pornography, sexism, racism, or inappropriate language is prohibited and will result in cancellation of the account.

2.) Security: Security on any computer system is a high priority because there are so many users. If the student identifies a security problem, notify the technology specialist at once. Never demonstrate the problem to other users. Never use another individual's account without permission from them. Any user identified as a security risk will be denied access to the information services of the school.

3.) Vandalism: Vandalism is defined as any malicious intent to harm or destroy data, hardware, software or the network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Any vandalism will result in the loss of computer services, disciplinary action, and legal referral.

4.) Services: MVSD and its network provider, the Marin County Office of Education, makes no warranties of any kind, for the service it is providing. We will not be responsible for any damages suffered while on this system, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the system or individual errors of omissions. Use of any information obtained via the information system is at your own risk. The MVSD specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy of information obtained through its services.

5.) Etiquette and Privacy: All Internet users will be expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. BE POLITE: Never send, or encourage others to send, threatening or abusive messages.

 

b. USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE: You may be alone with your computer, but what you say and do can be viewed globally! Never swear, use profanity, vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language.

 

c. PRIVACY: Do not reveal any personal information, your home address or phone numbers, or those of others. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.

 

d. DISRUPTIONS: Respect the rights of others. Do not do anything that degrades or disrupts the use of the network, either to the hardware, software, or others. Do not vandalize or destroy the data of another user. Do not use the school's network to gain unauthorized access to any kinds of chat groups, games, or purchasing.

 

e. COPYRIGHT: All communications and information accessible via the network are subject to copyright law.

 

f. CONFIDENTIALITY: Never consider electronic mail to be guaranteed completely private. Every possible precaution is taken to safeguard the privacy of e-mail, but instances of misdirected mail, mail inadvertently forwarded to others, computers left unattended while logged into e-mail, printed copies of e-mail left on printers and desks, and e-mail printed on the wrong printer can occur from time to time.

Student/Parent Internet Contract:

I have read the Internet Acceptable Use Contract and will abide by the stated Terms and Conditions. I understand that violation of the regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should the student commit any violation of the regulations, access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action may be pursued.

Student Name (print):__________________________ Homeroom Teacher:______________ Grade:_____

As the parent/guardian of this student, I understand this access is designated for educational purposes and Marin County Office of education has taken reasonable precautions to eliminate access to controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the Marin County Office of Education and the Mill Valley School District to restrict access to all controversial materials. I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired by my child on the network. I accept full responsibility for supervision when my child's use is NOT in a school setting.

_______YES, I hereby give my permission for my child to have access to the school's Internet account and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

_______NO, I do not give my permission for my child to have access to the school's Internet account.

Parent's Name (Signature): ______________________________________ Date:________________