The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh are committed to teaching the Gospel values, which help our students live their lives as a reflection of Christ. The philosophy of our schools calls us to recognize and respect the dignity of each individual and to offer a Christ-centered, safe learning environment based on the social teachings of the Catholic Church.

Discipline is a necessary element of the learning process. The purpose of discipline is to foster the growth of self-discipline enabling students to eventually assume responsibility for their own actions.

All members of the faculty and staff share the responsibility to model appropriate behaviors and to enforce the structure necessary for learning self-discipline, the ultimate goal of the discipline program.

SSPP believes in preparing our students for the challenges of the 21st Century. We believe that one of the tools needed for our students is experience and understanding of technology. SSPP is pleased to have a Computer Lab that is available to our students and staff. Besides our Computer Lab, each classroom will be equipped with two student laptops. These computers are used for many resources that will always be supervised by a faculty member.

SSPP is connected to a high speed Internet access (DSL). The DSL connection is a direct connection to our Internet server. The Internet is an on-line computer network that connects millions of computer users and information resources throughout the world. Using the Internet will allow students and employees to do research, develop a working knowledge of the latest “online” trends and communicate with people around the world via email and videoconferencing. To meet both students and employee needs, we feel that access to the Internet global information network is essential. The Internet represents a unique opportunity to begin to explore the incredible wealth of online information that will enhance the educational experience.

There are concerns that could arise during the school year. Although student’s use of the Internet will be supervised by teachers and we have taken measures to limit access to inappropriate material through a filter, problems could arise due to poor choices, experimentation or curiosity.

Use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right at SSPP. We expect all students and employees to act according to the by-laws stated on the Internet policy. All users should understand that the SSPP Internet service shall be used for legitimate educational and research uses only. Those users who fail to adhere to proper and correct online behavior risk losing access to the Internet service. Inappropriate behavior includes but is not limited to the following:

• Receiving copyrighted software from the Internet.

• Receiving or sending communications (e-mail or chat) not directly related to justifiable educational uses.

• Absolutely no instant messaging.

• Absolutely no access to personal web spaces.

• Sending an e-mail or harassing or discriminatory remarks.

• Using the Internet to bully any person.

• Accessing any pornographic or inappropriate materials, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network.

• Altering or installing programs on any computer without authorization.

• Hacking into any computer or network including using another users password to access accounts other than your own.

• Material that is fraudulent, harassing, embarrassing, sexually explicit, profane, obscene, intimidating, defamatory, offensive, or otherwise unlawful or inappropriate may not be accessed, displayed, stored, created, or disseminated on any computer.

Please know that we have done everything in our power to make this a positive experience. It is impossible for teachers to always have direct supervision of all students. Talk to your child about the above. School administrators reserve the right to define inappropriate behavior and materials as needed.