LETTER TO PARENTS

 

The Adams Cheshire Regional School District is pleased and excited to announce the establishment of Internet services for its students.  As you may already know, the Internet consists of millions of computer users in nearly every country on the globe, connecting to thousands of computers located at organizations throughout the world, creating a large and diverse electronic network.

 

Part of our responsibility in preparing students for the 21st Century is to provide them access to the tools they will be using as adults.  We believe that use of this global information network is one of these tools.  The Internet represents a unique opportunity for our students to begin to explore the incredible wealth of information that will enhance their learning.  Among other advantages, your child will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations, databases, and individuals around the world.

 

With this educational opportunity also comes responsibility.  It is important that you and your child read the enclosed Internet Use Agreement and other materials, and discuss them together.  When your child is given an account and password to use on the computer, it is extremely important that the rules are followed.  Inappropriate use will result in the loss of computer privileges, and other disciplinary action if necessary.

 

Please stress to your child the importance of using only his or her account password, and of keeping it a secret from other students.  Your child should never let anyone else use his/her password to access the network.  Your child is responsible for any activity that happens in his/her account.

 

Your student's use of the Internet will be supervised by staff in order to limit access to inappropriate material.  Please be aware, however, that there is unacceptable and controversial material and communications on the Internet that your child could access despite all our precautions.  It is not possible for us to always provide direct supervision of all students, nor can we filer material posted on network-connected computers all over the world.  We encourage you to consider the potential of your child being exposed to inappropriate material in your decision of whether or not to sign the enclosed form.

 

There may also be additional kinds of material on the Internet that are not in accord with your family values.  We would like to encourage you to use this as an opportunity to have a discussion with your child about your family values and your expectation about how these values should guide your child's activities while they are on the Internet.

The levels of access to the Internet provided to your child will vary according to the educational purpose and your child's age.  The various levels of access are described in the attached document.

 

Please contact us at your child’s school if you have any questions or concerns.  If you want your child to have the opportunity to receive an Internet account or access, please return the signed consent forms to us as soon as possible.