Acceptable+Use+Policy

Shepherd of the Hills Christian School Centennial, CO PREAMBLE: The use of computers during the school day at SOTHCS is a fundamental part of a student's education. However, the use of computers is also a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in the temporary or permanent cancellation of those privileges and, potentially, other disciplinary action. Students will be held responsible for their actions and activity while using technology at SOTHCS.
 * __ TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY __**

SCHOOL COMPUTER GUIDELINES: 1. Technology will be used in a way that treats other people in a God-pleasing manner. Therefore, the sending of threatening messages, or other inappropriate communication, such as using technology to bear false witness or spread rumors about someone or impersonating another person, is prohibited. 2. Students may not interfere with the work of another student or a teacher. Students may not alter the normal function of hardware or software so that the performance of these items is damaged. Neither may students use technology in such a way that it is disruptive or harmful to the teacher, students, and classroom environment. 3. The privacy of other people, whether they are fellow students or teachers, is to be respected. Students may not intentionally access the messages, files, or work of another student or teacher, nor alter any of these in any way. 4. Students using technology are expected to uphold the 7th commandment. It is illegal to violate copyright laws for software programs, text, and images. Copying of software program files is prohibited except with the approval of the homeroom teacher and their personal supervision. Students may not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the code or composition of websites. 5. Students must maintain security of the user IDs and passwords. There is to be NO sharing of IDs and passwords. Students will be responsible for any action taken in relation to any ID that is issued. 6. Students are to use computers only as instructed by their teacher. Students may not attempt to gain any unauthorized access to resources, programs, or on-line sites (for example, websites blocked by the school content filter). Similarly, students are expected to maintain individual computer settings. These settings (such as the background, icons, screen savers, fonts, etc...) may not be altered without permission of the instructor. 7. Students may not use the technology at SOTHCS for their own financial or commercial gain. Similarly, students may not use computers to purchase any item or engage in any financial transaction by using school computers. 8. Students may not use any chat program unless specifically led and directed by the teacher. 9. Students may not download computer programs to school computers without the knowledge and approval of the classroom or computer lab teacher. 10. Students may not use personal email at school without the knowledge and approval of the classroom or computer lab teacher. Should email be approved, the student is expected to take reasonable steps, such as not opening any file attachments, to ensure that a school computer is not infected with a virus. 11. Students may not create a website using a school computer unless specifically directed by the classroom or computer lab teacher. 12. Students are expected to adhere to all of the following guidelines concerning Internet use: a. Personal information of any kind about themselves or another person (students, teachers, parents, etc...) may not be transmitted. This includes home telephone numbers and addresses as well as information regarding the location of any student at any given time. b. Students may not use any Internet feature without the **direct personal supervision** of the classroom teacher, teacher's aide, or authorized parent volunteer. Direct personal supervision means that the teacher (or other qualified individual) is present in the classroom or computer lab and is actively monitoring the work of the student. c. Students are expected to maintain a Christ-like demeanor at all times. Therefore, text, images, movie, or sounds that contain words or images that are inappropriate and not God-pleasing, will not be intentionally accessed and/or viewed.

Computer technology is a gift from God to his people. Like any other gift, it is up to us to use the gift wisely to glorify God and advance His Kingdom. Shepherd of the Hills Christian School acknowledges the blessings the Lord has bestowed on his church through technology, and we are committed to empowering our students to use this gift in a way that is in keeping with our Christian faith. We pray that God will bless our efforts to enhance our students' educational experience through technology.

Please sign and return this slip as a promise to abide by this policy. You may keep the sheet that contains the policy guidelines for your information. STUDENT: __PARENT:__ DATE: ___
 * Technology Use Policy**