I. Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use.
A. The authority for appropriate use of electronic Internet resources is delegated to the licensed employees. For the purpose of this policy, Internet is defined as:
A collection of interconnected computer networks involving a multitude of computers and users around the world. It is a collaboration of private, public, educational, governmental and industrial sponsored networks whose operators cooperate to maintain the network infrastructure.
B. Instruction in the proper use of the Internet system will be available to licensed employees who will then provide similar instruction to their students.
C. Employees are expected to practice appropriate use of the Internet, and violations may result in discipline up to, and including, termination.
II. Internet Access.
A. Access to the Internet is available to teachers and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication.
B. Making Internet access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate for students. However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials. Because information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.
C. It is a goal to allow teachers and students access to the rich opportunities on the Internet.
D. The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines which require efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources.
E. To reduce unnecessary system traffic, users may use electronic conferencing as approved by the supervising teacher.
F. Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any board policy or regulation is prohibited.
G. To avoid spreading computer viruses, system users will not disable virus checks on downloaded files.
H. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.
III. Student Use of Internet.
A. Equal Opportunity - The Internet shall be available to all students within the school district under supervision.
B. Online Protocol.
1. The use of the network is a privilege and is considered a necessity for successful education. As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks.
2. Students should adhere to online protocol:
a. Respect all copyright and license agreements.
b. Cite all quotes, references and sources.
c. Remain on the system long enough to get needed information, then exit the system.
d. Apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.
3. Student email accounts should adhere to the following guidelines:
a. Keep in mind that e-mail is not confidential and may be read or accessed by third parties.
b. Inappropriate messages should not be sent.
c. Delete unwanted messages immediately.
d. Use of objectionable language is prohibited.
e. Always sign messages.
C. Restricted Material - Students will not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or engage in any conference that includes material which is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd; advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; or presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.
D. Unauthorized Costs - If a student gains access to any service via the Internet which has a cost involved or if a student incurs other types of costs, the student accessing such a service will be responsible for those costs.
E. If a student is engaged in network activity which causes harm to our district’s network, the district may collect payment from the student to reimburse the district for resulting costs.
IV. Student Violations--Consequences and Notifications.
Students who access restricted items on the Internet will be subject to the appropriate action described in board policy or regulations.
The district does not believe it is in the best interest of the student or our curriculum to indefinitely restrict access to the Internet for violation of policies, however access may need to be restricted for a period of time. We recognize the need to have consequences in place for violation of policy. These consequences need to be age appropriate and may need to change as the Internet evolves. As part of the consequences, students/parents will need to review the Internet policy and re-sign their understanding of the policies and regulations. Students who violate the Internet - Appropriate Use policy will be subject to the appropriate action described in the district’s discipline policy or student handbook.
