The intent of this policy is that students will use computer networks only for purposes consistent with our approved curriculum. All school computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner. The codes of conduct of the schools apply to our internal network and to Internet activities, and this acceptable use policy should therefore be considered an extension of the behavior codes.
The Internet is an electronic communications network which provides access to vast, diverse and unique resources in a global community. Our goal in providing Internet access to teachers, staff and students is to promote educational excellence in the schools by facilitating resource sharing and communications. Staff and students are encouraged to use the Internet to pursue intellectual activities, seek resources, access libraries and engage in learning activities.
Access to the district network is subject to adherence with the district’s acceptable network use policy and the exercise of good judgment and common sense. All adult users will be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of all administrative regulations and procedures governing use of the system and shall agree in writing to comply with such regulations and procedures. All student users will be required to acknowledge receipt and understanding of all administrative regulations and procedures governing use of the system to the extent appropriate for their age.
Noncompliance with applicable regulations and procedures, or inappropriate use of the district network or external networks, may result in suspension or termination of user privileges and other disciplinary actions. Examples of such inappropriate uses include unauthorized access into school accounts or private files, destruction of others’ files, harassment of students or staff, introduction of computer viruses, commercial use of the school networks, violation of copyright laws, use of inappropriate language, transmission of or searches for obscene material, installing non-approved software,physical abuse of equipment, and unauthorized reconfiguration of equipment. (See policies JICFB Bullying and JICFC Student-to-Student Harassment.) Violations of law may result in criminal prosecution as well as loss of user privileges and disciplinary action.
Individuals who log on to the network at school are responsible for all activities while using their account. Therefore, users should not share passwords and should change their passwords frequently. Users should also exercise caution when revealing personal information. To insure personal safety and the safety of others, users should not publish their home address or phone number over the Internet. If students experience any concerns over communications they have received from others over the Internet, they should seek assistance from staff or parents immediately.
In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA),passed by the US Legislature in January, 2001 (Public Law 106-554), our schools employ filtering software to block access to inappropriate content on all computers with Internet access. Users are restricted from accessing visual depictions of subject matter that is obscene,pornographic, or harmful to minors. Users should furthermore be aware that filtering software will not block ALL inappropriate web sites (e.g.new sites that have not yet been added to the filter lists). Members of the school community will report inappropriate sites not blocked by the filters to the appropriate staff. For users 18 and over, filtering software may be temporarily disabled by a technology administrator for legitimate research purposes, or the individual may be given access by a technology administrator to a different, non-filtered account. The district reserves the right to filter other areas that may contain subject matter that is obscene, disruptive, harmful to minors or otherwise deemed inappropriate for school use.
Electronic mail transmissions and other use of electronic resources by students and employees will not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by the network administrator or designated staff to ensure appropriate use for instructional and administrative purposes,and may be disclosed to others, including law enforcement officials, without notice.
The Superintendent will publish the Acceptable Network Use Policy Guidelines on the school district website each year.
LEGAL REF:
Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Public Law 106-554, 2001
Region Voted to Approve: 10/24/06
Amherst Voted to Approve: 12/12/06
Pelham Voted to Approve: 12/14/06
Effective Date: 12/14/06