Information Technology Department

Policies - Network Acceptable Use Policy

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Learning is enhanced through technology's endless possibilities. Students and teachers have opportunities to gather information, communicate with people all over the world, and create their own products. The District provides students and staff with technology services. These services include the use of computers, servers, other technology equipment, and the Internet.

Some sites on the Internet may contain offensive material. Even though it is impossible to have control over all of the information on the Internet, the District has in place several ways to prevent access to inappropriate materials and to provide for a positive, productive educational experience. Communications on the Internet are public in nature and files stored on the Internet should not be assumed to be private.

The District:

• Filters out most of the inappropriate material.
• Supervises and monitors students.
• Provides students with the understanding and skills needed to use technology in an appropriate manner.

Parents/guardians may sign a form, which requests that the student not participate in the use of the Internet.

Acceptable Use of Technology

• The use of the District's technology is a privilege and not a right.
• Technology is designed to be used as a tool to assist with the instructional objectives of the District. Students and staff shall use technology efficiently to minimize interference with others.

Prohibited uses of the Technology include, but are not limited to:

• Sending, receiving, displaying, or accessing defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal materials.
• Encouraging the use of or promoting the sale of controlled substances or drugs.
• Any attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the network, any technology equipment, or any of the agencies or other computer network services that are connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
• Any attempt to sell or offer for sale any goods or services that could be construed as a commercial enterprise, unless approved by the Board or their designee.
• Redistributing a copyrighted program or copyrighted material without the express written permission of the owner or authorized person or as provided by the fair use exception. This includes uploading and downloading of materials.
• Invading the privacy of individuals, revealing personal information of others or themselves, such as home address, or phone number.
• Logging in to the system using another user's account or password.
• Leaving an account open or unattended.
• Violating any local, state, or federal regulation or statute.
• Altering computer equipment as set up by the system administrator.

District Rights And Responsibilities

• he District reserves the right to monitor all activity on the Internet.
• The District reserves the right to block any material on the Internet.
• The District reserves the right to deny access to technology to any individual.
• Security on the network is a high priority. The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures that will maximize system security.
• No warranties are made or given with respect to any service, any information, or any software contained within the Internet.
• Opinions, advice, services and all other information expressed by students, staff, information providers, service providers, or other third party personnel on the Internet provided by the District are those of the individual and do not represent the position of the District.
• Accounts which are inactive for more than 30 days may be removed by the District along with the user's files without prior notice.
• District staff is responsible for supervising student use of technology.

Discipline

Student discipline for violation of any part of these rules and procedures shall be based on the student's age and the severity of the infraction. Student discipline may involve actions up to and including suspension and/or expulsion. Discipline of staff may involve actions up to and including termination. Perpetrators or their parents/guardians may be billed for damages to equipment. Illegal activities will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Parental Right to Restrict Internet Access

In keeping with Board Policy (3239), parents have the right to restrict their child's access to the Internet from District facilities and equipment by the use of the Student Internet Access Restriction form.