I. Authorization for Internet Access

• Teachers, administrators, students and other employees of the School District are authorized to use the Internet, which includes all information accessed by Internet sites, E-Mail, on-line services, and bulletin board systems.
  
  
• Teachers and Other Non-Students -- Each teacher and non-student must sign the District's "Teacher and Non-Student Authorization for Internet Access" (see attached) prior to using the District's Internet connection. After the authorization is signed, an account number and password will be issued.
  
  
• Students parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the "Parental Authorization for Student's Network and Information Services Access" (Attachment A) prior to using the District's Internet connection. In addition, students in grades 4 to 8 must sign the "Student Authorization for Internet Access" (Attachment B). After the authorizations are signed, an account number and password will be issued to the student.
  
  

II. Privacy

All users should not expect that files stored on school- based computers will be private. Electronic messages and files stored on school-based computers or stored outside of school using the District's Internet account are deemed to be property of the District. Consequently, users should not have any expectation of privacy with respect to their messages and files. The System Administrator and his/her designees may review files and messages to maintain system integrity and insure that users are acting responsibly.

III. Acceptable and Unacceptable Use

A. Acceptable Uses

1. Internet access shall be solely to improve learning and teaching consistent with educational mission of this School District.
2. The use of the Internet by teachers and students is a privilege extended by the School District. Access to the Internet is subject to appropriate monitoring by the System Administrator who, along with any building administrator, is authorized to withdraw any person's Internet access privileges.

 

B. Unacceptable Uses

Uses are unacceptable under the Policy which cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school, which violate the rights of others, which are socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to the maturity level of the students, or which are primarily intended as an immediate solicitation of funds. Such uses include, but are not limited to:

1. Using the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any United States or State regulation;
2. Unauthorized downloading of software, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or devirused;
3. Using copyrighted material in violation of the copyright;
4. Using the Internet for private, financial, or commercial gain;
5. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities, including, but not limited to, other student files, teacher files, confidential information, student record data, and unauthorized Internet accounts;
6. Invading the privacy of individuals, including revealing the personal addresses or telephone numbers of students or teachers;
7. Using another user's account or password;
8. Posting materials authorized or created by another without his/ her consent;
9. Posting anonymous messages;
10. Using the Internet for commercial or private advertising;
11. Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying pornographic, pervasively lewd and vulgar, or indecent or vulgar language;
12. Submitting, posting, publishing or displaying libelous material;
13. Using the Internet while access privileges are denied, suspended, or revoked; and
14. Using the Internet in any way that would disrupt its use by other users, including "chain letters," uploading or creating computer viruses, and any other attempt to harm or destroy data of another user;
15. Attempting to exceed, evade or change resource quotas or intentionally cause network congestion through mass consumption of system resources.
16. Attempting to evade or circumvent system data security.
    
    

Security

Security is a high priority. If a user can identify a security problem on the Internet, the user must notify the System Administrator or Building Principal. The user may not demonstrate the problem to other users and must keep their account and password confidential. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the Internet.

No Warranties

The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service of providing Internet to its users. The District will not be responsible for any damages any user suffers, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruptions caused by user's errors, omissions, or negligence. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user's own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the Internet.

The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.

Indemnification

The user agrees to indemnify the District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any violation of these Rules and Regulations and any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.

Enforcement

The failure of any user to abide by these Rules and Regulations will result in the denial, revocation, or suspension of the Internet privilege, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. Denial, revocation, or suspension of the Internet privilege and/or disciplinary action will be determined by the System Administrator or his/her designees.

Notification

Employees. All School District employees shall receive a copy of the Board Policy governing Internet access and these Rules and Regulations upon the Policy's adoption by the Board of Education. New employees shall receive copies upon their commencing employment with the District.

Students/Parents. The Policy and its implementing Rules and Regulations shall be distributed to all students and their parents/ guardians annually through such means as is approved by the Superintendent.