Upper School – Technology

Gerstell Academy Computer and Network Usage

Gerstell Academy encourages its students to utilize the computer network for their academic classes, as well as for independent research. Computers are also used in a variety of classrooms for review and project work. Gerstell Academy has a networked computer system in several labs and in the library for student use. With permission, students can access the computer labs in the mornings and during study hall periods to assist with homework preparation or project work. All students are responsible for obtaining their own media storage device such as a USB drive to store and transport files.

Students are required to sign an agreement of appropriate and ethical behavior related to computers, ensuring proper use of the facilities. The network may be used for educational purposes only. Students may only use school purchased or distributed software on the network. They are responsible for keeping all educationally inappropriate materials or files from entering the school network, and for reporting all issues violating acceptable computer or network usage. Failure to comply with acceptable use standards may result in a loss of computer privileges and/or suspension or expulsion. Students are prohibited from visiting inappropriate sites or for using the computer for personal or social reasons.

Inappropriate content found on the web: Students who post web pages including content that is discrediting to any member of the Gerstell Academy Community - faculty, staff, students - or discrediting to Gerstell as an institution will face serious consequences that may include suspension, separation, or dismissal. According to law enforcement authorities, students who use the web to post discrediting content about others may be prosecuted for slander or face other criminal charges.

Parents are encouraged to ask their children if they have web pages on myspace.com or similar sites. If so, parents should view the site and approve of the content. It is the school’s recommendation that students be denied access at all times to such social networking websites, as their content is often obscene in nature.

Student Laptop Policy

Students are permitted to bring their personal laptops computers from home for in school use. Any computer that is used at Gerstell Academy and connects to the Gerstell Academy network must meet the following guidelines:

• Must have signed the Gerstell Academy Computer Use Policy
• Use may be limited in classrooms at a teacher’s discretion
• The student computer must be made available to be inspected to ensure the integrity and security of the network
• Laptops must have current antivirus protection that is active and running
• The laptop must not have peer-to-peer file sharing software applications
• The computer will require a Gerstell Academy network address
• It is the student’s responsibility to protect and backup any data
• Technical support for computers by the Gerstell Information Technology Department will be related the network only
• Students being allowed access to the network with their personal computer is a privilege that may be revoked by violating the school laptop of computer use policy