Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement

Beverly Public Schools is making available to our students electronic technology including, but not limited to, access to the internet and the world wide web, and use of a file server located in each school for storage of student files.

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply.

The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required. Access is a privilege - not a right. Access entails responsibility. The full text of the district guidelines and requirements are available on the district web site or from the office of the superintendent.

Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, the district is not responsible for restricting, monitoring or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network.

Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should understand that files stored on district servers are not private.

Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers will guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media.

Students are prohibited from:

Using another's password or allowing someone else to use their password.

Trespassing in another's folders, work or files

Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures

Using obscene language

Agreeing to meet with someone you have met online without the approval of your parents. You will report any contact of this nature, or any message you feel is inappropriate to the school authorities immediately.

Responding to unsolicited on-line contacts

Purchasing goods or services on-line through the Beverly Public School networks

Re-posting messages sent to them without the permission of the person who sent the message.

Posting private information about themselves or another person

Downloading any files unless it is required for school related work

Posting chain letters or ‘spamming’, that is, sending an annoying or unnecessary message to other people

Copying ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were your own as it is plagiarism and will be treated as such

Harassing, insulting or attacking others

Intentionally wasting system resources

Attempting to bypass system security measures

Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks

Employing the network for commercial purposes

Violating any federal, state, local or common law, criminal statue or laws including but not limited to copyright, libel and slander laws

Students will:

Immediately report to a teacher or system administrator any possible security problems they have identified. However, students will not look for security problems as this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.

Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.

User Agreement and Parent Permission Form (pdf)