OES COMPUTER USE POLICY

OES offers each student and staff member access to the school’s computer network. The following sections describe our philosophy and define what we consider acceptable and unacceptable uses of the network. This policy is subject to change as the network and computer services evolve.

PHILOSOPHY

In order for OES to provide the best educational experience possible, we offer access to, and instruction in, the use of the electronic tools which make it possible to process and store information on OES computers and servers, and communicate locally, nationally, and internationally through the Internet. In addition to teaching the mechanics of these tools, we feel it is important that students discuss and understand their responsible and ethical use.

NETWORK SERVICES POLICY

OES considers student behavior in the “virtual” world of computers as directly equivalent to actions in the real world.  Students who abuse network privileges by knowingly accessing other’s files, for example, will be subject to the same disciplinary procedures as if they had gone through another person’s papers, locker or desk.  Taking or using other people’s computer files without permission will be treated the same as theft or plagiarism.  It is important to note that simply finding an opportunity to take such actions does not absolve responsibility for those actions, in the same way that finding an unlocked door does not mean that responsibility for unauthorized entry is removed.  We ask that all students respect the privacy of others’ files and materials, and everyone must follow stated limits for file storage and occasionally wait for access to limited resources or peripherals.   

Internet ACCESS POLICY

As with any other media (books, magazines, and other information), access to computers and the Internet can provide access to material that is inappropriate.  OES has taken the following precautions to restrict access to objectionable materials:

• OES informs all students about acceptable and unacceptable uses of the school network and the Internet, as defined in these sections.  This is done directly in Lower and Middle School classes, and in computer labs and via email in the Upper School.

• OES has installed software to exclude content that is unacceptable on our local area network. This software is installed between the Internet and our internal network.

• OES faculty and staff observe and supervise student Internet use as often as possible.   

Internet Access Limitations

OES uses software that denies access to a list of Internet addresses known to contain material that is unacceptable.  This software is normally effective in blocking access to pornographic and other inappropriate sites.  This system isn’t perfect, however, and students and staff members are encouraged to let us know about blocked sites that should be accessible.   We can quickly grant access to such sites.

OES Internet access also limits or prevents the use of many file sharing and on-line gaming software programs.  While these programs may be considered acceptable and used at home, in school and corporate environments they can cause havoc with network reliability and stability.  Although not always the case, Internet file sharing programs can lead to the exchange of copyrighted music and software, severe viruses, and inappropriate materials or actions that can lead to serious consequences. 

It is important to understand that technology and the global network is changing on a daily basis and it is impossible to limit access to all objectionable materials or prevent all possible misuses.  Industrious users may discover ways to access inappropriate sites or exchange copyrighted files. We firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on the Internet far outweigh the possibility that users may procure material or use online services that are not consistent with our educational goals.  Additionally, these common issues strongly motivate us to address and discuss ethical and appropriate uses of technology, despite the ease or prevalence of misuse. 

ACCEPTABLE & UNACCEPTABLE NETWORK USE

The use of the OES network is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges and may lead to further disciplinary actions.  OES network administrators reserve the right to close an account at any time if inappropriate use is suspected or in evidence.  The administration, faculty, and staff of OES may also request that system administrators deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts. Decisions in these matters will be guided, but not limited, to the following lists.

The following is expected of all OES computer users:

• Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages to others.

• Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language.

• Honor and protect the privacy of yourself and others (do not reveal passwords, home addresses, or phone numbers).

• Report any defects in system accounting or security to the network administrators.

 Examples of unacceptable use include:

• Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts.

• Using the network for financial or commercial purposes.

• Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance.

• Vandalizing the data of others.

• Wastefully using finite computer resources.

• Attempting to gain unauthorized access to information, resources, or entities.

• Invading the privacy of individuals.

• Using an account owned by another user.

• Forwarding personal communications without the author’s consent.

• Posting anonymous messages.

• Using the network to access or distribute objectionable or unacceptable materials.

Objectionable and/or unacceptable material includes, but is not restricted to, the following:

• pornography             

• violence

• hate                          

• racism

• harassment               

• sexism

• exploitation

• alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs

ONLINE PRIVACY POLICY

Protecting the privacy of students and respecting parental choices in this area are very important to OES.  The ease of finding names through Internet search engines can make a student’s name easier to locate than the publication of student information in other media forms. 

On the public OES websites, Lower School students will be identified by first name only.  Full names will not be published.  Parents with questions or concerns about this policy should contact the Director of Communications.

In the Middle School, the same policy applies, unless an Internet Publication Permission Form is sent home to parents by a teacher.  This enables teachers to ask permission to use a full name (and possible image) as part of a class project that may be published on the Internet.  All affected parents will have the option to decline the use of the full name and/or accompanying image before any names or images are published online.

In the Upper School, an Internet Publication Permission Form is sent to all parents in the summer mailings each year, allowing parents to choose from three options.  The first option is to continue the same policy as above (no full names).  The second option is to allow full names to be used, without accompanying student images.  The third option is to allow full names and accompanying images of the student to be used.  For Upper School students, student work published on the OES website may enhance college applications, and some colleges expect full names to accompany the published student work.  The response on this form each year will be respected by all Upper School teachers unless a parent specifically contacts the Director of Communications to change their choice.   

Computer Software Code of Ethics

All students, teachers, and staff shall use software only in accordance with its license agreement. Unless otherwise provided in the license, any duplication of copyrighted software, except for backup and archival purposes, is a violation of the law. Any unauthorized duplication of copyrighted computer software violates the law and is contrary to OES standards of conduct. The following points are to be followed to comply with software license agreements:

1. All software is to be used in accordance with its license agreements.

2. No student, faculty, or staff member will make any unauthorized copies of any software under any circumstances.

3. The School will not tolerate the use of any unauthorized copies of software at OES. Any person illegally reproducing software can be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. OES does not condone illegal copying of software under any circumstances, and anyone who makes, uses or otherwise acquires unauthorized software shall be subject to disciplinary action.

4. All software used on OES computers will be properly purchased through appropriate procedures.

CONSEQUENCES

Consequences for inappropriate use or abuse of computing resources or the Internet will be handled as disciplinary actions in each division. Please read the relevant sections in this handbook.

DISCLAIMERS

• Electronic mail (e-mail) and other files are not guaranteed to be private. OES reserves the right to monitor network usage, review information and files received or viewed by users, and review and disclose any information downloaded or messages sent or received on the school network. In summary, network administrators and school administration do have access to all mail and files stored on the school network and servers, and may review the same to ensure compliance with this policy.
   

• OES makes no warranties with respect to the school network, and we specifically disclaim responsibility for files or student work that is lost due to disk failure, viruses, Internet access interruption, and all other system failures.  OES also disclaims responsibility for any consequences of service interruptions or changes, even if these disruptions arise from circumstances under the control of OES. 
   

• OES believes that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, far exceed any disadvantages of access. But be warned that OES does not have control of the information on the Internet. While our intent is to make the Internet accessible to further the School’s educational goals and objectives, it is impossible to completely restrict access to objectionable materials. Other sites accessible via the Internet may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or offensive to some people.
   

• OES makes no warranties with respect to the Internet, and we specifically disclaim responsibility for the content of any advice or information received by an OES network user from a source outside of OES, or any costs or charges incurred as a result of seeing or accepting such advice.  OES also disclaims responsibility for any costs, injuries, liability or damages caused by the way the Internet is used by an OES computer user or the manner in which other users may communicate or interact with the OES computer user.