Acceptable Use Policy

School computers and Internet access through the SAINT GERTRUDE NETWORK are provided for use by students, faculty, and staff for academic or school related purposes only. A school e-mail account will be provided for each student, faculty and staff member for school-related communications. In order to maintain network security, this will be the only e-mail access allowed in the school.

The school computer network and the Internet offer vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Saint Gertrude has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials and Internet content harmful to the Saint Gertrude High School network. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. We at Saint Gertrude High School firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweigh the possibility that users may procure material that is inconsistent with the educational goals of the school.

Access to school computers and network services is provided to users who agree to act in a considerate, ethical, and responsible manner. School computer access is a privilege, not a right. This access also entails responsibility. School computers are set up in a manner appropriate for academic use. Making changes to any settings may jeopardize the equipment and/or network security and is strictly prohibited. While the school network administrative staff will monitor computer use and access using automated reporting, individual users of school computers are responsible for their own behavior and communication over the network.

Saint Gertrude High School reserves the right to control all aspects of the SAINT GERTRUDE NETWORK, including the right to access, review, disclose and/or delete user's e-mail communications and to monitor any user's usage of the NETWORK, the Internet and other school-provided computer systems. Users should not assume that their e-mail messages, Internet access or usage, or other computer files are private or confidential. Students are urged to follow Internet safety guidelines including not revealing their own personal information or the personal information of others, without their permission, through e-mail or online postings.

The following are not permitted:

. Accessing e-mail accounts (i.e. AOL, Yahoo, Hotmail) other than those provided by the school
· Registering for social network accounts (such as myspace or facebook) using school email account
· Using obscene, harassing, insulting or harmful language
· Damaging computers, computer systems, or the computer network
· Violating copyright laws
· Invading the privacy of individuals: using another person's login, password or data space: sharing these items with others; opening or tampering with files not your own
· Intentionally accessing obscene or inappropriate materials
· Inappropriate or excessive printing
· Playing games and/or using “chat” rooms and instant messenger
· Using the network for inappropriate or commercial purposes
· Use of web site translators by Foreign Language students
· Installing unapproved software or making unapproved changes to software settings
· Downloading of executable files, scripts, or installable files

Saint Gertrude High School reserves the right to restrict access to other areas that may not be specifically covered in the above list but may be deemed to be contrary to the best interests of the students and school. It is understood that anyone using Saint Gertrude High School computers has agreed to abide by this Acceptable Use Policy. Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy can result in restriction or loss of school computer privileges.