1.  The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers.  Internet access is available to students and teachers.  The purpose of the Internet at GMA is to support research and education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work.  It is also used to promote educational excellence, innovation and facilitate resource sharing.  All use of the Internet must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of our school.

2.  With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting.  Our school is taking precautions to restrict access to controversial materials.  It is, however, impossible to control all materials an industrious user may discover on a global network. Students are responsible for their behavior while on-line.  Messages relayed or received should not contain profanity, obscene comments, sexually explicit materials, expressions of bigotry, racism or hate.  Also they should not contain personal information such as name, address, password, or phone number.  The guidelines stated in this policy have been established to allow for smooth operation of the network.  If the student chooses to violate these provisions, her access to the Internet will be terminated and future access privileges may be revoked.  The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right.

3.  Network etiquette (also known as netiquette) is important while users are on-line.
    These include (but are not limited to) the following:
        Be polite.  Do not write or send abusive messages to others.
        Use appropriate language.  Do not swear, use vulgarity or any other inappropriate language.
        Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of students or colleagues.  Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private.  People who operate the system do have access to all mail.  Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
        Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users (ex., downloading huge files during prime time; sending mass e-mail messages; annoying other users using the talk or write functions).
        Respect appropriate laws and copyrights governing the information on the Internet.  Often copyright messages appear on the screen informing the user that they are forbidden to copy the information given.
        No vandalism.  Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the data of another user, the data of the Internet, or the data of other networks that are connected to the Internet backbone.  This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

4.  Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School makes no guarantees of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing.  Our school will not be responsible for any damages you suffer.  Use of information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk.  Our school specially denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.