Acceptable Technology Use Policy for Students and Parents/Guardians

(Includes Signature Form)

PURPOSE
This policy provides the procedures, rules, guidelines and codes of conduct for the use of
the technology and information networks at the school and district. Use of such
technology is a necessary element of the school and district educational mission, but
technology is provided to staff and students as a privilege, not a right. The school and
district seek to protect, encourage and enhance the uses of technology by placing fair
limitations on such use and restrictions for those who abuse the privilege. The reduction
of computer abuse provides adequate resources for users with sincere needs.
SUMMARY
Public technology that includes but is not limited to computers, wireless and LAN
access, email, Internet access, telephone/voice mail systems, printing devices and all
other forms of instructional, networking and communication tools are provided as a
service by the school and district to students. Use of these technologies is a privilege, not
a right. Students are expected to observe the following:
All
users are required to be good technology (digital) citizens by refraining from
activities that annoy others, disrupt the educational experiences of their peers, or can be
considered as illegal, immoral and/or unprofessional conduct.
The student is ultimately responsible for his/her actions in accessing technology at the
school. Failure to comply with the guidelines of technology use (as stated either in this
document or in the student handbook) may result in the loss of access privileges and/or
appropriate disciplinary action. Severe violations may result in civil or criminal action
under state or federal law.
GUIDELINES
1. Access to computers, computer system, information networks, and to the
information technology environment within the school system is a privilege and
must be treated as such by all students.
2. The school system will be used solely for the purpose of research, education, and
school related business and operations.
3. Any system which requires password access or for which the school and district
requires an account, such as the Internet, shall only be used by the authorized
user. Account owners are ultimately responsible for all activity under their
account and shall abide by this policy.
4. The school systems technological resources are limited. All users must respect
the shared use of school resources. The school and system reserve the right to

limit use of such resources if there are insufficient funds, accounts, storage,
memory, or for other reasons deemed necessary by the system operators, or if an
individual user is determined to be acting in an irresponsible or unlawful
manner.
5. All communications and information accessible and accessed via the school
system is and shall remain the property of the school system.
6. Student use shall be supervised and monitored by system operators and
authorized staff. Student use must be related to the school curriculum.
7. Any defects or knowledge of suspected abuse in school systems, networks,
security, hardware or software shall be reported to the system operators.
UNACCEPTABLE USE
The school system has the right to take disciplinary action, remove computer and
networking privileges, or take legal action or report to proper authorities, any activity
characterized as unethical, unacceptable, or unlawful. Unacceptable use activities
constitute, but are not limited to, any activity through which any user:
1. Violates such matters as institutional or third party copyright, license agreements
or other contracts. The unauthorized use of and/or copying of software is illegal.
2. Interferes with or disrupts other network users, services, or equipment.
Disruptions include, but are not limited to, distribution of unsolicited
advertising, propagation of computer viruses or worms, distributing quantities of
information that overwhelm the system (chain letters, network games, etc.)
and/or using the network to make unauthorized entry into any other resource
accessible via the network.
3. Attempts to disable, bypass, or otherwise circumvent the content filter that has
been installed in accordance with the federal Childrens Internet Protection Act.
This includes but is not limited to the use of proxy servers.
4. Seeks to gain or gains unauthorized access to information resources, obtains
copies of, or modifies files or other data, or gains and communicates passwords
belonging to other users.
5. Uses or knowingly allows another to use any computer, computer network,
computer system, program, or software to devise or execute a scheme to defraud
or to obtain money, property, services, or other things of value by false pretenses,
promises, or representations.
6. Destroys, alters, dismantles, disfigures, prevents rightful access to, or otherwise
interferes with the integrity of computer-based information resources, whether
on stand-alone or networked computers.

7. Invades the privacy of individuals or entities.

8. Uses the network for commercial or political activity or personal or private gain.
9. Installs unauthorized software or material for use on school computers. This
includes, but is not limited to, downloading music, pictures, images, games, and
videos from either the Internet or via portable drives.
10. Uses the network to access inappropriate materials.
11. Uses the schools resources to compromise its integrity (hacking software), or
accesses, modifies, obtains copies of or alters restricted or confidential records or
files.
12. Submits, publishes, or displays any defamatory, inaccurate, racially offensive,
abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, or threatening materials or
messages either public or private.
13. Uses the schools systems for illegal, harassing, vandalizing, inappropriate, or
obscene purposes, or in support of such activities is prohibited. Illegal activities
are defined as a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws. Cyber bullying and
harassment are slurs, comments, jokes, innuendos, unwelcome comments,
cartoons, pranks, and/or other verbal conduct relating to an individual which: (a)
has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individuals work or
school performance; (b) interferes with school operations; (c) has the purpose or
effect to cause undue emotional stress or fear in an individual.
14. Vandalism is defined as any attempt to harm or destroy the operating system,
application software, or data. Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of
the purpose and goal of the network. Obscene activities shall be defined as a
violation of generally accepted social standards in the community for use of a
publicly owned and operated communication device.
15. Violates the Board Acceptable Use Policy.
SCHOOL BOARDS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Monitor all activity on the schools information systems.
2. Determine whether specific uses of the network are consistent with this
Acceptable Use Policy.
3. Remove a users access to the network at any time it is determined that the user is
engaged in unauthorized activity or violating this Acceptable Use Policy.

4. Respect the privacy of individual user electronic data. The school will secure the
consent of users before accessing their data, unless required to do so by law or
policies of the school/district.
5. Take prudent steps to develop, implement, and maintain security procedures to
ensure the integrity of individual and school/district files. However, information
any computer system cannot be guaranteed to be inaccessible by other users.
6. Attempt to provide error-free and dependable access to technology resources
associated with the school system. However, the school cannot be held liable for
any information that may be lost, damaged, or unavailable due to technical or
other difficulties.
7. Ensure that all student users complete and sign an agreement to abide by the
schools acceptable use policy and administrative regulation. All such agreements
will be maintained on file in the school office.
VIOLATIONS/CONSEQUENCES
Students who violate this policy will be subject to revocation of system access up to and
including permanent loss of privileges, and discipline up to and including expulsion.
Violations of law will be reported to law enforcement officials.
Disciplinary action may be appealed by parents and/or students in accordance with
existing school procedures for suspension or revocation of student privileges.
UNACCEPTABLE USE OF THE SCHOOLS COMPUTER SYSTEMS INCLUDE, BUT
ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:
1. Altering any computer configuration including screensavers, desktop settings,
network settings, passwords, etc.
2. Installing or downloading any executable files from the Internet or portable
drives.
3. Using chat rooms or social web sites except for teacher-directed educational
purposes.
4. Installing or using instant messenger programs.
5. Downloading MP3s or other music files.
6. Accessing online radio stations and television programs.
7. Writing, downloading, or printing files or messages that contain inappropriate
language.

8. Accessing or transmitting pornographic or other inappropriate material.

9. Violating the rights to privacy of students and employees of the school system.
10. Reposting personal communications without the authors prior consent.
11. Copying commercial software in violation of copyright law.
12. Attempting to hack, crack, or otherwise degrade or breach the security of the
schools network, other networks, or individual computers.
13. Attempting to bypass the schools content filter, including the use of proxy
servers.
14. Developing or passing on programs that damage a computer system or network,
such as viruses.
15. Plagiarism.
16. Modifying or copying files of other users without their consent.
17. Giving out personal information such as address and phone numbers over the
Internet without staff permission.
18. Accessing or transmitting material that promotes violence or advocates the
destruction of property including information concerning the manufacture of
destructive devices (explosives, bombs, fireworks, incendiary devices, etc.)
19. Accessing or transmitting material that advocates or promotes violence or hatred
against particular individuals or groups of individuals.
[Link] or transmitting material that advocates or promotes the use, purchase,
or sale of illegal drugs.
21. Conducting or participating in any illegal activity.
22. Any act that is determined as Cyber-bullying, harassment, or a violation of good
Digital Citizenship.
23. Any inappropriate use as determined by the Superintendent, Director of
Technology and/or building administrators.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY AGREEMENT FORM

Sign and return this page only. Do not return the entire policy.
I have read and will abide by the School Systems Acceptable Use Policy. I understand
that I am responsible for my actions while using the schools academic computer
systems and the Internet. I understand that my Internet activities will be monitored by
the school and school system, and any violation may result in the loss of computer
privileges, discipline as per the School Discipline Policy, and/or appropriate legal action.
Printed Name of Student:
Student Location:

STUDENTS
___________________________________________________________
(Insert School Name Here)
(For students under the age of eighteen, a parent or guardian must also sign the
agreement.)
I have read and understand that my child must abide by the School Districts Acceptable
Use Policy. I understand that some materials on the Internet may be objectionable, but I
absolve the School District and its employees from any liability resulting from my childs
activities on the Internet. I understand that my childs Internet activities will be
monitored by the school and district, and any violation may result in the loss of
computer privileges, discipline as per the District Discipline Policy, and/or appropriate
legal action.
Printed Name of Student:
_________________________________________________
Signature of Student: ___________________________________________
Date ______________
Printed Name of Parent or Guardian:
_________________________________________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian:
___________________________________Date______________