You need to be familiar with it because it effects how you and your students will access the Internet. If your district or building doesn't have an AUP you should write one. Pitsco has an excellent site with resources about AUPs . You certainly need to follow your district guidelines, but you may want to add specific rules and consequences that will apply to the use of your classroom computer. Teach Internet Safety and Responsibility - Plan a lesson to talk about Internet Safety and use in your class.
Some districts require parents to sign a permission slip for Internet use.
You might want to as well. Stress with the students how important it is to use the Internet responsibly in your class. Lay out your rules and what consequences you plan to follow if they stray from the straight and narrow. Most students will understand and respect your rules if you explain the rationale behind them. Email - Get an email account for your class.