Inspiring. Exceeding. Leading.

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.

All users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:

Be polite. Do not be abusive in your messages to others.
Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
Do not reveal your personal address or phone number, or those of students or colleagues.
Assume that e-mail is not secure or confidential. Never send anything that you would hesitate to have viewed by others.
Use upper and lower case letters (all caps are considered the equivalent of shouting), and be mindful of spelling.
Keep paragraphs and messages short and to the point.
Check e-mail regularly and delete unwanted messages as quickly as possible.
Respect other people's privacy regarding mail and files.
Avoid use of sarcasm in electronic communications.

Individual users of the school computer network are responsible for their behavior and communications over that network. It is presumed that users will comply with school standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, the school 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. While users' files will not be examined without good cause, users should not expect that files stored on school computers will always be private.

Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers of younger students will guide them 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.

Inappropriate use of school computer facilities may result in cancellation of access privileges and such disciplinary and/or legal action as school authorities may feel is required. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures.
Using obscene language.
Harassing, insulting, or attacking others.
Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks (hardware or software).
Creation, uploading, or transmission of computer viruses.
Any attempt to defeat computer security.
Downloading or installing unauthorized software on school computers.
Any attempt to run programs not accessible through public menus or icons.
Any action, whether deliberate or careless, that damages the computer's configuration or limits the computer's usefulness to others.
Violating copyright laws.
Using another's password or account.
Trespassing in another's folders, work, or files.
Intentionally wasting limited resources.
Employing the network for commercial purposes or political lobbying.
Any activity harmful to or reflecting negatively on the Brownell-Talbot School Community.

Simply put, any action or communication that would be considered inappropriate in any other setting is equally inappropriate on the computer, the computer network, and the Internet.

School authorities will deem what is inappropriate use. The network administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and staff of Brownell-Talbot School may request the network administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.