BIS School Council will review this policy each year.

Plagiarism Policy

To plagiarize is to use and pass off another’s work as one’s own. Plagiarism is often discovered at school when the work does not sound like the student’s. Each writer has his or her own unique voice and when that voice (including the sentence structure, grammar, and vocabulary usage) shifts, someone else has contributed directly to the writing. Sometimes this is plagiarism from a book or the internet, and sometimes it is because parents have helped too much in the revision process. Depending on the situation, the grade may be lowered, or the student may be asked to redo the assignment for late credit. For more information, please contact Mr. Michael Wojkowski, our English Curriculum Coordinator at (508) 790-6460, Ext. 608.

Barnstable Public Schools Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Computers and the Internet are available to students and staff to enhance the curriculum and promote educational excellence. Use of school computers and the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and access will be provided to those who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Information sent or received by e-mail, the Internet, or other means over the computers available to students and staff is the property of the Barnstable Public Schools and may be accessed at any time by the Barnstable Public Schools for its review. In the event that a review reveals that this policy has been violated in any way or that the privilege of using the computer and the Internet is being abused in any way, appropriate action will be taken against the individual or individuals involved. Violations will be referred to a school administrator for disciplinary or legal action. Building administrators will determine the consequence for inappropriate use that includes, but is not limited to loss of computer/Internet use. Some consequences may be based on policies established in the Student Handbook. Federal and State law may cover other violations. The Internet user log shall be archived for a period of six months.

Users may not

• Change in any way the configuration of a computer or network without permission of instructional staff.

• Damage or vandalize computers, computer systems or networks.

• Trespass in other’s folders, work or files or use another’s password.

• Intentionally waste resources, such as paper, ink cartridges, ribbons, storage space, diskettes, etc.

• Use computers / Internet for any purpose that is inconsistent with the educational purpose intended.

• Use computers / Internet to play non-educational games or other non-academic activities.

• Use computers / Internet for commercial purposes.

• Use computers / Internet for political lobbying.

• Participate in any type of teleconferencing or chat without permission of instructional staff.

• Use e-mail without instructional staff permission / supervision.

• Send, display, or receive offensive messages, pictures, or other media that is defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive or intended to harass.

• Use computers / Internet for the transmission of material in violation of U.S. or Massachusetts regulation. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or materials protected by trade secret.

• Download files, programs or join newsgroups without express permission of instructional staff.

• Install personal software or shareware on any district computer.

Network Etiquette

Users are expected to follow the rules of network etiquette. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Be polite and appropriate in your messages.

• Use appropriate language. Swearing and obscene language are strictly prohibited.

• Students may not reveal personal name, address or phone number or those of other people over the Internet.

• Faculty/staff may not reveal student personal information over the Internet.

• Be considerate of others using the network.

Web Publishing Guidelines

The Barnstable Public School District web site is designed to provide an electronic environment. to improve communication among teachers, students, staff, administration and the community. Student web authorizing will be encouraged and supported throughout the schools. The sharing of ideas between students and the global community will enhance the learning process. Student material posted on the World Wide Web must reflect the high educational standards of the Barnstable Public School District. To insure the safety of our students and the accuracy and security of district information the guidelines and procedures listed below must be followed:

• No student’s personal information, such as last name, home address, and telephone number may be posted on the website.

• Students must submit a signed permission form from their parent/guardian granting permission to post the student’s work.

• Requests to post material on the Barnstable Public School Web site must have prior approval of the Principal or Assistant Superintendent. After approval, the material must be submitted in HTML on disk to the District Technology Coordinator or the designated school Web Master.

• Photographs and images used must have the written parent permission of not only the person or organization that owns the image, but of person or persons included within the image.

• All copyrighted material used must have the express written permission of the person or organization that owns the copyright.

• Logos or Trademarks used must have written permission from the person or organization that owns the trademark.

• All official home pages must have at least one link back to the District home page.

• Student directory information may not be published.

• Students will not have access to the District server to either upload or edit information. The creator of the home page is responsible for insuring that the information contained therein is of the highest editorial standards (spelling, punctuation, grammar, style, etc.). The information should be factually accurate and current. If errors are observed, the District Technology Coordinator or designated school Web Master should be contacted to make the necessary corrections.*It should be noted that the Barnstable Public School District name or logo may not be used on a personal web page without permission of the Superintendent.