Internet Policy

The Internet is a public forum with unrestricted access. For this reason, Saint Joseph School restricts permission to post information related to Saint Joseph School, its staff, and students on the Internet. No person is permitted to use the school logo, the school seal, or images of the school, the staff, or the students on the Internet in any form of electronic communication without specific permission of the school administration. The unauthorized posting or transmission of any such images will subject any person involved in such acts to appropriate discipline or legal action at the discretion of the school administration.

Saint Joseph School expects students to conduct themselves with a proper respect for the rights and well being of other students and staff and is particularly concerned about inappropriate statements posted or transmitted on the Internet that may disrupt or interfere with the orderly operation of the school. The following conduct or acts are prohibited:

1. Posting of any school-related information on any Web site, bulletin board, chat room, email or other messaging system without permission of the school administration;
2. Posting or transmitting images or information related to the school, staff, or student that is defamatory, scurrilous, pornographic, fraudulent, or which could be construed as threatening or impugning the character of another person, or which has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or staff member is prohibited and will make any person involved in the posting or transmission of such material subject to disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the school administration.

Computer and Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Use of school computers and use of the Internet provide great educational benefits to students. However, use of computers and access to the Internet as Saint Joseph School are given as privileges to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Students and parents/guardians are required to read and accept the following rules for appropriate computer/Internet behavior. The signing of the school's handbook acceptance form by parent/guardian and student indicates a willingness to abide by the following:

1. General school rules for behavior and communications apply in the use of school computers/Internet.
2. Network storage areas are regarded as comparable to school lockers. Network administrators may review any files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that students are using the system responsibly. Students should expect that files will be subject to review by appropriate school officials.
3. The following are prohibited:
   • Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures;
   • Harassing, insulting, or attacking others;
   • Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks;
   • Changing computer configurations in any way;
   • Violating copyright laws;
   • Using another's password'
   • Trespassing in another's folders, work files, or e-mail;
   • Playing games unless assigned by a teacher for educational purposes;
   • Wasting limited resources (paper, ink);
   • Sending "chain letters" and messages broadcast to mailing lists or individuals;
   • Revealing any personal information (name, address, telephone number, location) about self, others, or school without permission from the teachers;
   • Using "chat" rooms.
4. The student accepts the following responsibilities for security and safety:
   • The student will notify a teacher immediately if he/she accesses any information that is inappropriate (pictures, graphics, or text);
   • The student will never to agree to meet an individual whom he/she "met" on-line and will report any offer of such meeting to parent/guardian or teacher;
   • The student will never send a communication or picture without permission from a teacher.
5. Violations may result in a loss of computer access and/or Internet access at school as well as other school disciplinary and/or legal action if appropriate.

It is understood that parents/legal guardians grant permission for their children to access computers and networked computer services, such as electronic mail and the Internet, as they support the school curriculum. If parents/gurardians object to their children using school computers and/or the Internet, they must notify the school office in writing.