THE INTERNET

The primary purpose of the Internet connection is educational.  It is essential that everyone who uses this connection understand that purpose.  Should a user happen to find materials which may be deemed inappropriate while using is or her Greater Lowell Technical School Internet Account, he or she shall refrain from downloading this material and shall not identify or share the location of this material.  Be aware that the transfer of certain kinds of materials is illegal and punishable by fine or jail sentence.  The school committee has passed a district wide policy regarding Internet Use.  In order to use the Internet, students must have a signed Internet Policy on file in the IMC.  In addition to signing the policy, any student under 18 years of age must have the policy signed by their parent(s)/guardian(s).

COMPUTER USE

Students using computers at Greater Lowell Technical High School should not improperly access, misappropriate, or misuse files or data.

Software:  Software will not be installed on any terminals without the express permission of the Information System Director.

Students should not be using a computer without permission/supervision.

E-Mail:  Internal and external e-mail facilities are provided for instructional purposes only.  Students use of-email is restricted to use within an instructional setting under supervision.

Any abuse or violation of the computer will be dealt with through the Discipline Office and may result in possible suspension.

INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET

Internet is a vast, global network, linking computers at universities, high schools, science labs, and other sites.  Through Internet, one can communicate with people all over the world through a number of discussion forums, as well as through electronic mail,  In addition, many files are available for downloading on Internet, many of which are of educational value.  Because of its enormous size, Internet’s potential is boundless.  It is possible to speak with everyone from prominent scientists to world leaders to a friend at another school.  However, with such great potential for education also comes some potential for abuse.  It is the purpose of this policy to make sure that all who use Internet, both students and faculty, use this valuable resource in an appropriate manner.

The most important prerequisite for someone to receive an Internet account is that he or she takes full responsibility for his or her own actions.  The Greater Lowell Technical School system, along with the other organizations sponsoring this Internet link-up, will not be liable for the actions of anyone connecting to Internet through this hook-up.  All users shall assume full liability, legal, financial, or otherwise, for their actions.

In addition, the Greater Lowell Technical School system takes no responsibility for any information or materials that are transferred through Internet.

Because of the size of Internet, many kinds of materials eventually find their way onto the system.  Should a user happen to find materials which may be deemed inappropriate while using his or her Greater Lowell Public Schools Internet account, he or she shall refrain from downloading this material, and shall not identify or share the location of this material.  Be aware that the transfer of certain kinds of materials is illegal, and punishable by fine or jail sentence.

The primary of the Internet connection is educational.  It is essential that everyone who uses this connection understand that purpose.  Therefore, anyone using the Internet connection for non-educational purposes shall immediately log off should any significant system slow-down occur.  In addition, should people connecting through their home modems be using Internet for non-educational purposes and observe that all phone lines are in use, then they shall immediately log off.  Failure to abide by these regulations shall result in suspension of the Internet account, pending administrative review.

The Greater Lowell Technical Schools system makes no guarantees, implied or otherwise, regarding the reliability of the data connection.  Neither Greater Lowell Technical School, nor the sponsor organizations, shall be liable for any loss or corruption of data resulting while using the Internet connection.

The Greater Lowell Technical Schools system reserves the right to examine all data stored in the machines involved in the Internet link to make sure that all users are in compliance with these regulations.

No user shall use this Internet link to perform any act that may be construed as illegal or unethical, including the use of the link to gain unauthorized access to other systems on the network.

The Greater Lowell Technical School administration reserves the right to change these rules at any time without notice.

The Greater Lowell Technical School system strongly condemns the illegal distribution of software, otherwise know as pirating.  Any students caught transferring such files through Internet, and any whose accounts are found to contain such illegal files, shall immediately have their accounts permanently revoked.

NETWORK

 1.        The purpose of Greater Lowell Technical School District’s Internet Connection is to promote the exchange of information to further education and research consistent with the mission of the Greater Lowell Technical School District.  The use of other organization’s network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network.  Transmission of any material in violation of any US or state regulation is prohibited.  This includes but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, and/or material protected by trade secret.

 2.        TechNet is not for private or commercial business use, political or religious purposes.

 3.        Any use of TechNet for illegal activity is prohibited.  All communications and

information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.

 4.        Use of TechNet to access obscene or pornographic material is

prohibited.

 5.        Network Etiquette- You are expected to abide by the generally

accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include (but are not

limited to) the following:

a)         Be polite.  Do not get abusive in your messages to others.

b)         Use appropriate language.  Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.

c)         Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers to students or colleagues.

d)         Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.

 6.        Using programs that harass TechNet users or infiltrate the computing system and/or damage the software components is prohibited.

 7.        Subscriptions to List servers, bulletin boards and on-line services must be

pre-approved by the district.

SECURITY

             8.        You will respect the rights and property of others and will not improperly

                        access, misappropriate or misuse the files, data, or information of others.

             9.        You may not share your account with anyone or leave the account open or

                        unattended.

            10.       You will keep all accounts and passwords confidential and not accessible

                        to others.

            11.       You are responsible for making back-up copies of the documents critical

                        to you.

            12.       Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with

                        other computer systems may be denied access to TechNet.

            13.       You must take precautions to prevent viruses on your own equipment and

                        Greater Lowell Technical School’s equipment.

            14.       The downloading of copyrighted material is       prohibited.

E-MAIL

            15.       E-mail is provided for the purpose to exchange information consistent

                        with the mission of the Greater Lowell Technical School District.

                        a)         TechNet’s E-mail cannot be used for private or commercial offering of

                                    products or services for private or commercial offering of products or

                                    services for sale or to solicit products or services.

                        b)         E-mail cannot be used for political or religious purposes.

                        c)         E-mail messages are not to be considered private or privileged. E-mail

messages are subject to District review at any time.

            16.       Mail will be deleted regularly from our E-mail directory to conserve the

file space.

Interpretation, application, and modification of this Acceptable Use Policy is within the sole discretion of Greater Lowell Technical School District.  Any questions of issues regarding this policy should be directed to Greater Lowell Technical School District

The use of TechNet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of this privilege.  In addition, violation of any conditions of use described here may be cause for disciplinary action.  The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final.  Also, system administrators may close an account at any time as required.  The administration, faculty, and staff of Greater Lowell Technical School District may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.

Agreement for an Electronic Communications System Account

Staff agreement must be renewed each academic year.

Name __________________________________________

I have read the Greater Lowell Technical School Network “Acceptable Use Policy “ and agree to abide by its provisions.  I understand that violation of these provisions may constitute or revocation of system access and related privileges.

 Staff Signature_______________________________Date____________________

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Greater Lowell Technical School

CONTRACT REGARDING THE USE OF THE INTERNET

(Please print the top section Clearly)

I _____________________________accept and agree to abide by the following rules.

              (Print your full name)

I agree to abide by all rules which are listed in the Greater Lowell Technical School Guidelines for Internet Use.

I realize that the primary purpose of the Greater Lowell Technical School Internet Connection is educational and, as such, educational purposes shall take precedence over all others.

I realize that the use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. I accept that inappropriate behavior may lead to penalties including revoking of account, disciplinary action, and/or legal action.

I agree not to participate in the transfer of inappropriate or illegal materials through the Greater Lowell Technical School Internet Connection. I realize that in some cases the transfer of such material may result in legal action against me.

I agree not to participate in the transfer of material which may be considered treasonous or subversive via the Greater Lowell Technical School Internet Connection.

I agree not to allow other individuals to use my account for Internet activities, nor will I give anyone my password.

I release the Greater Lowell Technical School District and all other organizations related to the Greater Lowell Technical Internet Connection from any liability or damages that may result from the use of the Internet Connection. In addition, I will accept full responsibility and liability for the results of my actions with regards to the use of the Internet. I release the school and related organizations from any liability relating to consequences resulting from my use of the Internet.

Signed ________________________________________________                          

Date __________________________                                                                                       

The following section need only be signed if the applicant is under eighteen years of age.

I, _____________________________________________, the parent/guardian of the above, agree to accept all financial and legal liabilities which may result from my son/daughter’s use of the Greater Lowell Technical School Internet Connection.

Signed ________________________________________________                          

Date _________________________

Internet Use Procedure

1.  Rationale: Internet Use (Curriculum-based)

Because of the high use of the CRC for many different types of projects, Internet availability may be limited.   Students and faculty may use the Internet for only curriculum specific activities.  All Internet projects must be submitted for approval to the respective Cluster Chairpersons/Directors using the proper request form. When creating activities, teachers should remember that students have to be discouraged from doing cold search-jumping into a search engine or directory, e.g., AltaVista, Yahoo, armed with only a term or two.  This can be very time consuming and unprofitable.  In certain situations, the IMC has better resource material in the library proper than the Internet can provide. On-line searching involves a complex skill set that includes vocabulary, subject knowledge, etc.  This should all be addressed in the project.  Teachers should prepare detailed activities.

2. CRC & SMC Scheduling

Depending upon the demand for Internet usage, the Computer Resource Center Technician or SMC Aide may initiate a usage schedule and/or time limits for student and teacher use.

3. Access to the Internet

A.  All students and teachers must agree to the school district’s Internet Use Policy.  Before any student or teacher may have access to the Internet a policy agreement form must be signed by the student and their guardian, if they are under eighteen years of age, and returned to the IMC.  Teachers must sign their Internet Use Form and return it to the IMC.  Transfer students will receive their forms during their parent intake meeting.  The Home Room Instructors will return the forms to Information Systems, who will in turn send the forms to the IMC.  Students who do not return their form in a timely fashion to the Home Room Instructor will be responsible for turning in this form to the IMC.

B.  Teachers and students will need to sign the Internet Use Policy only once.

C.  Students who do not have a signed Internet Policy form may not participate in Internet use with a student who does have a signed form.  That is, students who do not have a signed form may not sit with students who are accessing the Internet.  Students whose parents will not sign the form must be given alternative activities that have the same objectives as the Internet activity.

D. The student will be asked to show their ID for Internet/computer use.  If the student does not have the ID when asked for it, they will not be allowed access to it.  Further, temporary ID’s will not be accepted past the date for which they were issued.

4. Teacher/Class Use of the Internet

A.  Teachers wishing to use the Internet must request to do so from their Cluster Chairperson by submitting a completed Internet Activation Form (IAF, Copy Attached).  On approval of the project the Cluster Chairperson will sign it and forward copies to the following Directors: Information Systems, Technical Studies, Curriculum and Instruction and Media.

B.  Teachers wishing to use the Internet in areas other than the CRC should fill in the appropriate spaces on the IAF.  If a lab is available, the Internet will be connected for the dates specified.  Teachers must provide adequate lead time (at least 48 hours) so arrangements can be made by the Information Systems Staff.

5. Individual Student Use of Internet

A.  A teacher may send an individual student to use the Internet.  The primary area for this is in the CRC in the Media Center or in the SMC’s.  Students must have an Internet Activity Worksheet that clearly defines the project on which they are working. 

B.  The CRC is open to students for Internet use before school. During this time students may “surf the net.”  If interest is established, an area will be opened after school for students to “surf the net.”

 Internet Activity Form

Teacher:

Date:

Course Title:

Performance Objective:

Internet Activity:

Assessment:

Please Activate the Internet in Room_____________For the Dates_______to_________ for class periods_____to _____.

Cluster Chairperson__________________________

Greater Lowell Technical High School

Web Site

Policy and Procedure

The creation of a web site at Greater Lowell Technical High School marks the beginning of an exciting new phase as we approach the start of a new millennium.  The potential and versatility of the Internet has provided us with new opportunities to serve the communities of Greater Lowell and, at the same time, present the challenge to our students and staff to continue to grow with this new technology in order to meet the demands of the future.  The purpose of Greater Lowell Technical High School’s web site, then, is manifold and will continue to evolve with each new generation of students.

The goals of the Greater Lowell Technical High Schools web site are as follows:

To provide students and staff with opportunities to develop artistic, technical and communication skills in a setting that exceeds the boundaries of the classroom.

To reach out to our alumni and provide them with a means to remain an active part of the GLTHS community.

To disseminate information to the general public regarding student accomplishment in technical, academic, athletic and community related areas.

To provide the communities of Greater Lowell with ready access to information concerning the facility and services available at the school.

In order to achieve these goals in a manner which reflects the highest standards set forth by Greater Lowell Technical High School the following editorial procedure has been developed.

1.        No changes will be made to the web site without prior consent to the Editorial Committee, which shall be made up of students, teachers, administrators, and the site’s Webmaster.

 2.       The web site will be maintained and updated on a regular basis by a student web site club under the direction of the Webmaster.

 3.       Ideas and suggestions are encouraged and should be submitted to the Webmaster who, in turn, will present them to the Editorial Committee for approval.