Student Name: (please print)  ________________________________________________ 

To the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student named above:

     We at Matewan Middle School believe that the educational benefits of telecomputing far outweigh any negative aspects of this service.  Ultimately, though, the parent(s) or guardian(s) of students are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that the students should follow.  For that reason, we believe that it is your right and responsibility to decide whether or not the above student should apply for access to the Internet.

     Matewan Middle School has no control of the information on the Internet.  Some web sites on the Internet may contain information that is pornographic, illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or offensive to some people.  Even though we will be using the Internet and other telecommunications resources to aid in the education of our students, parents should be aware that student account holders could be able to access unacceptable materials if they choose to ignore the school's policies, which are stated below.  We do not in any way guarantee that students will be denied access to unacceptable material on the Internet however most sites are blocked at the state sever level. If a student tries to access an inappropriate site the screen will turn black with an orange access denied statement.

     The student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) should understand that students are being given access in order to enhance educational responsibilities and missions.  The specific conditions and services being offered will change from time to time.  In addition, Matewan Middle School makes no warranties with respect to network service, and it specifically assumes no responsibilities for:

• The content of any advice or information received by a student from a source outside the school, or any costs or charges incurred as a result of seeing or accepting such advice;
• Any costs, liability, or damages caused by the way the student chooses to use his/her network access;
• Any consequences of service interruptions or changes, even if those disruptions arise from circumstances under the control of the school;
• The privacy of electronic mail, which is in no way guaranteed.

     By signing this Consent and Waiver Form, the student and parent(s) or guardian(s) attest that they have read, discussed, and agreed to the following rights, rules, and responsibilities for the student while using the Internet at Matewan Middle School:

• The student will limit the use of telecommunications in school to the educational purposes and objectives established by the teacher(s);
• The student will not retrieve or send unethical, illegal, immoral, or simply inappropriate or unacceptable material or information of any type;
• The student will follow the rules on network etiquette, which include the use of appropriate language and polite responses;
• The student will not use abusive language of any type, including swearing and name-calling;
• The student will not share his/her full name, home address, or phone number with another user for any purpose or reason;
• The student understands that information received on-line is private property, unless otherwise specified.  The student will not plagiarize information received in any form;
• The student will not use another person's account without permission from a teacher, and the student will not share his/her password(s) with anyone else;
• The student will not attempt to bypass the security built into any system, and the student recognizes that doing so will result in immediate cancellation of his/her privileges;
• The student will not interfere with or disrupt network users, services or equipment.  Disruptions could include, but are not limited to:  distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of computer viruses, and using a network to make unauthorized entry to any other machine accessible via a network;
• The student will print only to a local printer, and only after being given permission by a teacher;
• The student will not use telecommunications access provided by Matewan Middle School for illegal purposes of any kind;
• The student will not use telecommunications access to transmit threatening, obscene, or harassing materials.  By signing this waiver and consent, the student and parent(s) or guardian(s) understand and agree that Matewan Middle School will not be held responsible if the student participates in such activities.

     The student understands his/her responsibility as a user of telecommunications.  The student has read the above rules and realizes than any infraction WILL CANCEL HIS/HER USER PRIVILEGES and may result in further disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension from school.
 

• Web Publishing Guidelines:  Matewan Middle School’s web publishing guidelines are as follows:
• The school home page, which has been designated by the administration, will adhere to the guidelines developed by the West Virginia Department of Education as set forth in Policy 2460. 
• No student web publishing will be permitted without express written consent from a parent or guardian.
• No housing of commercial institution web sites will be permitted on the MMS site.
• Web page content will be in good taste, with language that is grammatically correct.
• Student pictures will not be displayed without consent of a parent or guardian. 
• Complete student names will not be printed or posted on the web site.  Only first names, or nicknames will be permitted.  Additionally, no personal information will be posted on any student.
• The web page will be kept up-to-date, with a contact person’s email address posted.
• All content must comply with copyright, intellectual property, state, federal, and international law.