Rock It Learning Acceptable Use Policy Please read the following policy carefully. All students and parents must be in agreement with the guidelines this policy sets forth in order to participate in the Rock It Learning activities. Rock It Learning offers curriculum based instruction presented through an innovative technology driven system, called Synergy, and Internet access for student use. Access to the instructional material enables students an independent learning experience where content is introduced through various modes of learning.  The Internet enables students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards to further enrich their knowledge of the given curriculum. Families are warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. Rock It Learning will supervise students during all Internet research to ensure that students are focused on and using appropriate sites that will be beneficial to their learning experiences. Rock It Learning will block accessibility to inappropriate material, as necessary. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages; but ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. That being said, Rock It Learning supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to deny their child's access. Each child will automatically be given access to the Synergy system and Internet unless the parent or guardian completes the Parental Request to Deny Access form. Please note that completing this form may make research more difficult for students to complete. Individual users of the Internet are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. The following are specifically not permitted. *Accessing, producing, posting, sending, or displaying material that is offensive in nature. This includes obscene, discriminating, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, disrespectful, or sexually suggestive language or images, including images of exposed private body parts. *Harassing, insulting or attacking others. *Attempting to damage computers, computer systems, software, or computer networks. *Plagiarizing or infringing copyrights of works you find on the Internet. *Using another's id or password. *Illegal use of data in folders or work files. *Intentionally wasting limited resources. This includes distributing mass e-mail messages, participating in chain letters, creating and participating in unauthorized newsgroups, and storing files on file servers without proper authorization. *Employing the network for commercial purposes. *Using the system for political lobbying. *Posting personal or private information about you or other people on the Internet. *Arranging or agreeing to meet with someone you have met online. *Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the Rock It Learning network. *Engaging in any illegal activities or accessing material advocating illegal acts or violence. This includes pornography and hate literature. STUDENT INTERNET ACCESS AND ELECTRONIC MAIL *Posting information that could be disruptive, cause damage, or endanger students or staff. *Posting false or defamatory information about a person, organization, or Rock It Learning. *Downloading files without prior approval from supervising staff. *Accessing chat-rooms unless assigned by a teacher for a valid educational purpose In the event a student engages in any of the above referenced activities, his or her access privileges will be revoked and other disciplinary measures may result. Rock It Learning acknowledges that the Internet can play a vital part in bringing information and ideas to students. However, the use of the Internet is a privilege. Students will be given the privilege to use the Internet along with the responsibility of using it properly. The staff members of Rock It Learning may revoke or suspend specific user privileges according to established discipline procedures if students do not use it appropriately. Rock It Learning makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. Rock It Learning will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of service interruptions, or any other cause. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user's risk. Rock It Learning specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its service. Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel that you can identify a security problem, you must notify a staff member of Rock It Learning. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual's name or account number without written permission from the individual. Attempts to log onto the system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges and immediate dismissal from Rock It Learning. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access. Policy created from the WCPSS Acceptable Use Policy. Created December 2007