New technologies are shifting the ways that information may be accessed, communicated, and transferred. Those changes may also alter instruction and student learning. Beresford School District offers students access to many different electronic resources including the Internet. We believe that it is important for students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to utilize these technologies.  Along with access to computers and people all over the world comes the availability of materials that may not be considered appropriate in the classroom. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials. Ultimately, the school staff, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that students should follow when using media and information sources. The Beresford School District supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to allow their child to apply for access to Internet privileges.  

                                                              Network Usage--Rules and Responsibilities

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a class- room or school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply.  

The Beresford High School Network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others in relation to schoolwork. 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. Therefore, based upon the acceptable use guidelines outlined in this document, the system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decisions are final. The system administrators may close an account at any time. The administration, faculty and staff of BHS may deny revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.

Individual users of the Beresford High School Network are responsible for their use of the network. The use of their account must be in support of education and research and must be consistent with academic expectations of Beresford High School. Use of other organizations' networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of U.S. or state regulations including copyrighted, threatening, or obscene materials is prohibited. Use for commercial activities by for-profit organizations, product promotion, political lobbying, or illegal activities is strictly prohibited. The Beresford School District will not be held responsible for any financial obligations incurred by students while using the Internet. Ordering products or downloading files is strictly prohibited.

The user is expected to abide by the following network rules of etiquette:

• Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages.
• Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.  
• Chat rooms are not allowed on school computers including all instant messaging programs.
• No games will be allowed on school computers.
• Transmission of obscene materials is prohibited. Sending or receiving offensive messages or pictures from any source will result in immediate suspension of privileges.
• Do not reveal personal address or phone number of yourself or other students.
• Do not communicate any credit card number, bank account number, or any other financial information.
• Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Inappropriate messages can result in suspension of privileges.
• Do not use the network in such a way that would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
• Vandalism - any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user - will not be tolerated. Any questionable action will result in the cancellation of user privileges.  

Violation of any of the above mentioned rules and responsibilities will result in a loss of access and may result in other disciplinary or legal actions. The Beresford School District may add rules and regulations at any time deemed necessary.