We continue to offer students access to the St. Margaret’s Episcopal School computer network (SMES network) for use of shared resources, file storage, e-mail, and the Internet.  Students can access the SMES network in the classroom, library, and computer labs.  All students under the age of 18 must obtain parental permission and sign the attached form in order to be granted SMES network privileges.  This permission must be granted on an annual basis.

We invite you to review the following information with your child and discuss your expectations about your child’s conduct while on the Internet and using e-mail.

The Internet
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individuals.  Access to the Internet will enable students to explore libraries, newspapers, and encyclopedias; to use the most up-to-date data from research institutions; and to communicate with people all over the world.

We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet (namely information resources and the opportunity for collaboration) exceed any disadvantages.  However, families should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. 

St. Margaret’s Episcopal School has taken available precautions through the use of filtering software to restrict access to controversial materials and chat rooms in the computer labs and library.  However, on an ever-changing global network, it is impossible to control all materials, and students may find ways to discover inappropriate information.

E-mail/Network Storage
Students in grades 8 – 12 will have access to e-mail for the following purposes:           

• Communication necessary for academic work

- between student and faculty

- between student and student

- between student and research source

• College search and admissions process

•   Communication with out-of-town family members, such as an older sibling away at college

Any other use of e-mail will be considered inappropriate. Users should not expect that e-mail and other files stored on the network to be private. Network administrators will review files and communications on a periodic basis to maintain system integrity and ensure that all users are using the system responsibly.

Each student will have a folder on the SMES network for file storage. Folders should contain only files that are academically related.  The following files should not be downloaded:  .exe, .bat, .com, .mp3 and .zip.  Users should back up extremely important files on their own media and scan any files for viruses before using them on home computers.

Rules
Students are responsible for good behavior on the SMES network.  It is expected that students will “place high value on honesty, integrity, and sound moral interaction with people” in all areas of their lives, including the use of the SMES network.

  Accordingly, the following will not be tolerated:

·        Accessing, displaying, or sending text or graphics that are sexually suggestive; pornographic; violent; or that contain inappropriate religious/ethnic references or cultic content or obscene language

·        Playing of any arcade-type game

·        Harassing, insulting, or attacking others

·        Using another person’s network or e-mail account and password

·        Opening, looking at, reading, modifying, deleting other users’ folders, files, and mail

·        Copying, modifying, deleting any system or program files

·        Installing any software (including Internet shareware) without permission from a network administrator

·        Employing the network for commercial purposes

·        Plagiarism (as with any other source, you must give credit for any information you use from the Internet)

·        Posing as another person through e-mail communication

Use of the SMES e-mail and/or network is a privilege, not a right.  Inappropriate use will result in loss of access as well as other disciplinary action.