You must download and complete this form before accessing K12 planet.
The materials below will provide further information for parents concerned with their child’s online privacy.
FCC Guide to Kids’ Privacy Online
COPPA Regulations

RUTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS INTERNET AND E-MAIL STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE CONTRACT
The Internet is the world’s largest computer network, actually a network of networks, connecting millions of computers and individuals around the world. It infinitely expands the resources available to students. Users are able to search, retrieve, collect, and exchange information, communicate and collaborate with peers and professionals, and analyze, write about and publish information on virtually any topic of interest. The goal of the Rutland Public Schools in providing this service to students and teachers is to promote education excellence in the district by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication.

Making the Internet available to students carries with it the potential that some students might access information that may not be considered of educational value in the context of a school setting. It is possible for students to gain access to information that some may consider to be controversial and/or offensive. Because information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes regularly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. Even sophisticated blocking programs require almost constant monitoring as new addresses are added and/or changed. However, the valuable information and interaction through this worldwide network far outweighs that possibility that users may access material that is not consistent with educational goals.

The smooth operation of the network system requires the proper conduct of its users, who must adhere to strict guidelines. The guidelines are clearly stated below so that you are aware of the responsibilities you will assume when you sign for an account. The use of the Rutland Public Schools Internet system is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in cancellation of these privileges. The system administrators will deem what is appropriate use and their decisions are final.

This permission form is intended to inform parents and students about Internet resources and make them available to all eligible users. Signed and returned permission forms are required before a student may use the Internet or be assigned an e-mail address.

Please read the Acceptable Use Contract below. Then sign the request sheet for an assigned e-mail address and access to Internet through the Rutland Public Schools.

Acceptable Use Contract

1. The use of your account for Internet and e-mail is a privilege, not a right, and carries with it the responsibility for using both accounts according to stated regulations.

2. The use of your account must be in support of education and research, consistent with the curricular goals of the Rutland Public Schools. Users shall only use electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications for school-related purposes. Users shall not access material that is obscene, pornographic, child pornography, “harmful to minors” or otherwise inappropriate for educational uses.

3. Users shall not engage in any illegal activities on the Internet. Transmission of any material in violation of any federal, state or local statute, or Rutland Public Schools regulations is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material; threatening, harassing, or obscene material; protected/private information, or material protected by trade secret. Students knowingly bringing such materials into the school environment will be dealt with according to the discipline policies of the respective school.

4. Only you, the authorized owner of the account, and only for authorized purposes, will use your account. You are responsible for all activity in your account.

5. Students shall not disclose personal information, such as name, school, address and telephone number outside of the school network.

6. Security on any computer system is a high priority. If you feel you can identify a security problem, you must notify a system administrator.

7. All communication and information accessible via the system should be assumed to be private property. It is important to note, however, that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private at all times. People who operate the system do have access to mail. Messages related to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

8. Students shall not use school resources to engage in “hacking” or attempts to otherwise compromise system security. The user may not vandalize the system. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm, alter or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any other networks that are connected to the Rutland system. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

9. The user may not use the network for financial gain.

10. The user may not use the Internet for playing games unless they are part of a class assignment.

11. Since the Internet is a shared system, the user should be thoughtful about sharing the terminal and about using a reasonable amount of time on line. The system administrators reserve the right to set time and/or disk usage limits on the system.

12. Failure to abide by these rules and regulations will result in the cancellation of your account.

13. The Rutland public School district uses a technology protection measure that block or filters Internet access to block access to some Internet sites that are not in accordance with the policy of the Rutland Public Schools. Effective 7/1/2002

14. The technology protection measure that a staff member for bona fide research by an adult may disable blocks or filters Internet access. Effective 7/1/2002

15. A Rutland Public School staff member may override the technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access for a student to access a site with legitimate educational value that is wrongly blocked by the technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet access. Requests to override the protection measure will be made to the Technology Director. The Technology Director in consultation with the building principal will render a decision regarding access to the site. Effective 7/1/2002

16. The Rutland Public School’s staff will monitor student’s use of the Internet, through either direct supervision, or by monitoring Internet use history, to ensure enforcement of the policy.

17. Users will not download and/or install programs on school computers without the permission of a computer system administrator.
18. The Acceptable Use Policy will be revised from time to time as necessary.

19. Any person who encounters a site they deem objectionable shall report it to the Technology Director.

When your account is established, you will be notified of your log-on name and password. Keep these in a safe location for your personal use; your account may not be used by anyone else at any time. Your application will be kept on file at school. Please file your copy of the Acceptable Use Policy for reference.