7540.03 - Network / Internet Acceptable Use Agreement

  • 7540.03 - NETWORK/INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT Prior to a student being allowed access to the Internet, the students and the student's parent or guardian are required to sign a Network/Internet Acceptable Use Agreement as provided below.

    Network/Internet Acceptable Use Agreement

    The District uses computers to support learning and to enhance instruction. Computer networks in the schools allow students and staff to interact with many computers. The Internet, a network of networks, allows people to interact with hundreds of thousands of networks and computers. Internet access is now available to designated students in the District. This resource offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to students that will allow them to communicate with people from around the world, visit electronic libraries, perform research on a variety of subjects, and participate in special projects with students from all points on the globe. The goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. This technology will benefit all students as they prepare for work in a global marketplace.

    The student is expected to follow all guidelines stated below, as well as those given orally by the appropriate staff, and to demonstrate ethical behavior that is of the highest order in using the network facilities at the school.

    1. Acceptable Use

      The purpose of the Internet is to facilitate communications in support of research and education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of the student's account must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the District. Use of other organizations' networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or State regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use for product advertisement is also prohibited.

    2. Privileges

      The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The District-wide network system administrator will be the supervisor of distributive and user support systems. In addition, the principal will appoint a staff member to act as the school's network system administrator. Students may not allow others to use their account name or their password. Violation of this rule could jeopardize access to the Internet and students who violate this rule will immediately lose all network and computer access. The school's network system administrator will deem what is inappropriate use and the decision will be final. Also, the school's network system administrator may close or restrict an account at any time as required. The administration and staff of the District or the school may also request the District-wide network system administrator or the school's network system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user access.

    3. Network Etiquette

      Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to the following:

      1. Do not reveal personal address, phone numbers, or other personal information of yourself or classmates.

      2. Be polite. Do not get abusive in messages to others.

      3. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language.

      4. Do not access inappropriate material or engage in activities that are prohibited under local, State, or Federal law or School Board policy.

      5. Users should have no expectation of privacy in any communication sent or received by e-mail, or in regard to the Internet or network access. This also applies to e-mail or other documents that are archived or otherwise recoverable.

      6. Do not use the network in such a way that would disrupt the use of the network by other users.

      7. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.

    4. Services

      1. The District will not be responsible for any charges related to fee for service access to on-line resources or services incurred by account holders without prior written approval being received from the District.

      2. The District makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or errors or omissions including any and all viruses. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the student's own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

    5. Security

      Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If the student can identify a security problem, the student must notify the school's network system administrator or the District-wide network system administrator and should not demonstrate the problem to other users. Attempts to logon to the Internet as a network system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the Internet.

    6. Vandalism

      Vandalism will result in cancellation of Internet privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to the District. This includes, but is not limited to the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

    The student shall be required to sign a statement indicating that: "I understand and will abide by the Network and Internet Use Agreement. I further understand that any violation of the regulations stated is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked and school disciplinary and appropriate legal action may be taken."

    The parent or guardian shall be required to sign a statement indicating that: "As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Network and Internet Use Agreement. I understand that my child's access is designed for educational purposes. I recognize it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all controversial or offensive materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for the supervision, if any, when my child's use is not in a school setting. I have read and understand the information in this agreement and hereby give my permission for my child to use the Internet for classroom curriculum projects."

    Additional Internet Safety Measures

    In order to provide additional safety measures for students in their use of District computers, and to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), 66 Fed. Reg. 19394 (April 16, 2001), the following steps shall be undertaken:

    1. The District shall utilize technology protection measures, (including Internet filtering or blocking software), to prevent access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or otherwise harmful to minors.

    2. Teachers, media specialists, and other school personnel shall monitor the on-line and other computer use of students to:

      1. prevent students from gaining access to inappropriate or harmful material, as determined by school administration considering school curriculum, the Code of Student Conduct, other Board policies, and local, State, and Federal laws and regulations;

      2. oversee issues of safety in students' use of e-mail, chat rooms, and other types of electronic communication;

      3. prevent students from engaging in unauthorized or unlawful on-line activities, including hacking;

      4. prevent students from making unauthorized disclosure, use or dissemination of personal information; and

      5. otherwise monitor and enforce compliance with the Acceptable Use Agreement.



    F.S. 1001.32(2), 1001.41, 1001.42, 1001.43, 1001.51
    H.R. 4577, P.L. 106-554, Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000
    47 U.S.C. 254(h),(1), Communications Act of 1934, as amended
    20 U.S.C. 6801 et seq., Part F, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended
    18 U.S.C. 2256
    18 U.S.C. 1460
    18 U.S.C. 2246