PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to set forth policies and guidelines for access to the school district computer system and acceptable and safe use of the Internet, including electronic communications.
I. GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY
In making decisions regarding student and employee access to the school district computer system and the internet, including electronic communications, the school district considers its own stated educational mission, goals, and objectives. Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation of citizens and future employees. Access to the school district computer system and to the Internet enables students and employees to explore thousands of libraries, databases, bulletin boards, and other resources while exchanging messages with people around the world. The school district expects that faculty will blend thoughtful use of the school district computer system and the Internet throughout the curriculum and will provide guidance and instruction to students in their use.
II. LIMITED EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE
The school district is providing students and employees with access to the school district computer system, which includes Internet access. The purpose of the system is more specific than providing students and employees with general access to the Internet. The school district system has a limited educational purpose, which includes use of the system for classroom activities, educational research, and professional or career development activities. Users are expected to use Internet access through the district system to further educational and personal goals consistent with the mission of the school district and school policies. Uses which might be acceptable on a user’s private personal account on another system may not be acceptable on this limited- purpose network.
III. USE OF SYSTEM IS A PRIVILEGE
The use of the school district system and access to use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Depending on the nature and degree of the violation and the number of previous violations, un-acceptable use of the school district system or the Internet may result in one or more of the following consequences: suspension or cancellation of use or access privileges; payments for damages and repairs; discipline under other appropriate school district policies, including suspension, expulsion or termination of employment; or civil or criminal liability under other applicable laws.
IV. UNACCEPTABLE USES
A. The following uses of the school district system and Internet resources or accounts are considered unacceptable:
Users will not use the school district system and the internet resources or accounts and are considered unacceptable: pornographic, obscene or sexually explicit material or other visual depictions that are harmful to minors; obscene, abusive, profane lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, disrespectful, or sexually explicit language; materials that use language or images that are inappropriate in the education setting or disruptive to the
educational process; information or materials that could cause damage or danger or disruption to the educational process; materials that use language or images that advocate violence or discrimination toward other people (hate
literature) or that may constitute harassment or discrimination. Users will not use the school district system to engage in any illegal act or violate any local, state or federal
statue or law. Users will not use the school district system to vandalize, damage or disable the property of another person or
organization, will not make deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt equipment, software or system performance by spreading computer viruses or by any other means, will not tamper with, modify or change the school district system software, hardware or wiring or take any action to violate the school district’s security system, and will not use the school district system in such a way as to disrupt the use of the system by other users. Users will not use the school district system to gain unauthorized access to information resources or to accessanother person’s materials, information or files without the implied or direct permission of that person. Users will not use the school district system to post private information about another person, personal contact information about themselves or other persons, or other personally identifiable information, including, but not limited to, addresses, telephone numbers, school addresses, work addresses, identification numbers, account numbers, access codes or passwords, labeled photographs or other information that would make the individual’sidentity easily traceable, and will not repost a message that was sent to the user privately without permission of the person who sent the message. Users must keep all account information and passwords on file with the designated school district official. Users will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the school district system or any other system through the school district system, attempt to log in through another person’s account, or use computer accounts, access codes or network identification other than those assigned to the user. Messages and records on the school district system may not be encrypted without the permission of appropriate school authorities.
Users will not use the school district system to violate copyright laws or usage licensing agreements, or otherwise to use another person’s property without the person’s prior approval or proper citation, including the downloading or exchanging of pirated software or copying software to or from any school computer, and will not plagiarize works they find on the Internet. Users will not use the school district system for conducting business, for unauthorized commercial purposes or for financial gain unrelated to the mission of the school district. Users will not use the school district system to offer or provide goods or services or for product advertisement. Users will not use the school district system to purchase goods or services for personal use without authorization from the appropriate school district official.
B. If a user inadvertently accesses unacceptable materials or an unacceptable Internet site, the user shall immediately disclose the inadvertent access to an appropriate school district official. In the case of a school district employee, the immediate disclosure shall be to the employee’s immediate supervisor and/or the building administrator. This disclosure may serve as a defense against an allegation that the user has intentionally violated this policy. In certain rare instances, a user also may access otherwise unacceptable materials if necessary to complete an assignment and if done with the prior approval of and with appropriate guidance from the appropriate teacher or, in the case of a school district employee, the building administrator.
FILTER
With respect to any of its computers with Internet access, the School District will monitor the online activities of minors and employ technology protection measures during any use of such computers by minors and adults. The technology protection measures utilized will block or filter Internet access to any visual depictions that are:
Obscene; Child pornography; or Harmful to minors.
The term “harmful to minors” means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; or depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an
actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific
value as to minors.
An administrator, supervisor or other person authorized by the Superintendent may disable the technology protection measure, during use by an adult, to enable access or bona fide research or other lawful purposes.
CONSISTENCY WITH OTHER SCHOOL POLICIES
Use of the school district computer system and use of the Internet shall be consistent with school district policies and the mission
the school district.
LIMITED EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY
By authorizing use of the school district system, the school district does not relinquish control over materials on the system or contained in files on the system. Users should expect only limited privacy in the contents of personal files on the school district system.
Routine maintenance and monitoring of the school district system may lead to a discovery that a user has violated this policy, another school district policy, or the law.
An individual investigation or search will be conducted if school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of law or school district policy.
Parents have the right at any time to investigate or review the contents of their child’s files and e-mail files. Parents have the right to request the termination of their child’s individual account at any time.
School district employees should be aware that the school district retains the right at any time to investigate or review the contents of their files and e-mail files. In addition, school district employees should be aware that data and other materials in files maintained on the school district system may be subject to review, disclosure or discovery under Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act).
The school district will cooperate fully with local, state and federal authorities in any investigation concerning or related to any illegal activities or activities not in compliance with school district policies conducted through the school district system.
INTERNET USE AGREEMENT
The proper use of the Internet, and the educational value to be gained from proper Internet use, is the joint responsibility of students, parents and employees of the school district. This policy requires the permission of and supervision by the school’s designated professional staff before a student may use a school account or resource to access the Internet. The Internet Use Agreement form for students must be read and signed by the user, the parent or guardian, and the supervising teacher. The Internet Use Agreement form for employees must be signed by the employee. The form ust then be filed at the school office. As supervising teachers change, the agreement signed by the new teacher shall be attached to the original agreement.
LIMITATION ON SCHOOL DISTRICT LIABILITY
Use of the school district system is at the user’s own risk. The system is provided on an “as is, as available” basis. The school district will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including, but not limited to, loss, damage or unavailability of data stored on school district diskettes, tapes, hard drives or servers, or for delays or changes in or interruptions of service or misdeliveries or nondeliveries of information or materials, regardless of the cause. The school district is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of any advice or information obtained through or stored on the school district system. The school district will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through unauthorized use of the school district system or the Internet.
USER NOTIFICATION
All users shall be notified of the school district policies relating to Internet use. This notification shall include the following:
Notification that Internet use is subject to compliance with school district policies. Disclaimers limiting the school district’s liability relative to:
a. Information stored on school district diskettes, hard drives or servers.
b. Information retrieved through school district computers, networks or online resources.
c. Personal property used to access school district computers, networks or online resources.
d. Unauthorized financial obligations resulting from use of school district resources/accounts to access the
Internet. A description of the privacy rights and limitations of school sponsored/managed Internet accounts. Notification that, even through the school district may use technical means to limit student Internet access, these
limits do not provide a foolproof means for enforcing the provisions of this acceptable use policy. Notification that goods and services can be purchased over the Internet that could potentially result in unwanted financial obligations and that any financial obligation incurred by a student through the Internet is the sole
responsibility of the student and/or the student’s parents. Notification that the collection, creation, reception, maintenance and dissemination of data via the Internet,
including electronic communications, is governed by Policy 406, Public and Private Personnel Data, and Policy
515, Protection and Privacy of Pupil Records. Notification that should the user violate the school district’s acceptable use policy, the user’s access privileges
may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action may be taken. Notification that all provisions of the acceptable use policy are subordinate to local, state and federal laws.
PARENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY; NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT INTERNET USE
Outside of school, parents bear responsibility for the same guidance of Internet use as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, radio, movies and other possibly offensive media. Parents are responsible formonitoring their student’s use of the school district system and of the Internet if the student is accessing the school district system from home or a remote location. Parents will be notified that their students will be using school district resources/accounts to access the Internet and that the school district will provide parents the option to request alternative activities not requiring Internet access. This notification should include:
A copy of the user notification form provided to the student user. A description of parent/guardian responsibilities. A notification that the parents have the option to request alternative educational activities not requiring
Internet access and the material to exercise this option. A statement that the Internet Use Agreement must be signed by the user, the parent or guardian, and the
supervising teacher prior to use by the student. A statement that the school district’s acceptable use policy is available for parental review.
IMPLEMENTATION; POLICY REVIEW
The school district administration may develop appropriate user notification forms, guidelines and procedures necessary to implement this policy for submission to the school board for approval. Upon approval by the school board, such guidelines, forms, and procedures shall be an addendum to this policy. The administration shall revise the user notifications, including student and parent notifications, if necessary, to reflect the adoption of these guidelines and procedures. The school district Internet policies and procedures are available for review by all parents, guardians, staff and members of the community. Because of the rapid changes in the development of the Internet, the school board shall conduct an annual review of this policy
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Student Laptop Usage Guidelines and Agreement
Spring Grove School District Student Laptop Guidelines
Introduction
The Apple MacBook Air issued to you is the property of the Spring Grove School District. This computer is on loan to the student, and must be used in accordance with the following Policies and Procedures, the District’s Acceptable Use Policy and any applicable laws. Use of this computer, as well as access to the computer network, the Internet and email are a privilege and not a right. These items are provided for educational purposes only, and are intended to support the learning objectives of the Spring Grove School District.
Using the Computer at School
Only Spring Grove School District laptop computers and wireless peripherals are allowed in the building during the instructional day unless approved by school officials. Students should not deface the MacBook Air in any way. This includes but is not limited to marking, painting, drawing, or marring any surface of the MacBook Airs. Students must use the provided sticker for identification of their laptop. Each computer is assigned to an individual student. Students should never “swap” or “share” their computer with another student. Laptops should be in a student’s possession, locked in their locker during school hours, or secured in their designated charging area at all times. If a student is participating in an activity that is not conducive to using their laptop (i.e., field trip, assembly, etc.), they are required to leave their laptop in their locker or charging area. Always keep the laptop secure as you are walking in the building or at your home. The technology coordinator will assign your Internet password to you at the beginning of the year. Students may never share their password with another student. Passwords should always be kept confidential. District staff will keep a confidential record of student passwords. This is done so that the technology staff can perform service and maintenance when necessary. Students who have permission to take their laptop home are responsible for bringing their laptop, fully charged, to school each day. If a student fails to bring their fully charged laptop to school each day, they will no longer be allowed to take it home. Students who do not take their laptop home may pick up their laptop from the charging station each morning, and are required to return their laptop to the charging station at the end of each day. Students are responsible for making sure their laptop is plugged in for recharging each night. If a student forgets a computer at home, and it is needed for classroom activities, a parent/guardian will be called to bring the laptop to school. Students are responsible for saving or backing up their documents to the server. Computers are to be used only in the classroom for school related activities. Classroom teachers will establish standards for laptop use in their respective classrooms. File sharing must be approved and directed by the teacher. Students are not allowed to download or install any software or other materials without the permission of the technology staff. No music or video files including MP3, AVI, MPEG, MP4 (or similar types) may be downloaded via the Spring Grove School District network and none can be stored on the hard drive of the school owned laptop due to issues of copyright ownership and access provided by online sources. No online chatting at school, or downloading of chat software unless required by a specific assignment and under a teacher’s supervision. Laptops may not be used to play music (audio CDs, online music sources, etc.) during the school day unless approved by a teacher and under a teacher’s supervision. Interactive online games and iTunes radio reduce network bandwidth, and are not allowed unless approved by a teacher and under a teacher’s supervision. Only Spring Grove email addresses are allowed. No web-based email accounts are allowed (hotmail, yahoomail etc.). Any malfunctions of the hardware or software should be reported to the technology staff. When a system has to be rebuilt, the computer will be returned to the student with the operating system and the original software only.
Using the Computer at Home.
Students must have the written permission of their parent or guardian before they will be allowed to take their computer home. Parents/guardians will be given the child’s login name and password, so that they can supervise the student’s use of the computer at home. When at home, the computer should always be used under adult supervision in a common family location (i.e., kitchen, living room, dining room). Do not leave computer unattended in vehicles. Avoid leaving computer in extreme hot or cold temperatures, such as in a car. Students will be able to use the computer as a recreational device outside of the school day. However, the primary use of the computer is as a tool to improve student achievement. Students are responsible for recharging the laptop at home on a daily basis. General Laptop Policies and Procedures
Protect the laptop screen from damage (i.e., pointing, poking, or other abrasions). Do not touch the screen. Do not place any foreign objects on the keyboard (such as a pencil, pen, etc.) that could be smashed into the monitor screen when the top is closed. Screens can be cleaned with a static-free soft cloth. Do not spray window cleaner on the screen. If the computer is lost or stolen, parents/guardians should immediately report the loss or theft to the local police, and Spring Grove School. If the computer is damaged or not working properly, it must be turned in to the technology staff for repair or replacement. Parents/guardians are not authorized to attempt repairs themselves, or contract with any other individual or business for the repair of the laptop.
Using the Computer for Internet and Email
Students and parents/guardians understand that the Spring Grove School District does not have control over information found on the Internet. While every attempt is made to block access from inappropriate material while the student is at school, the district is not able to monitor student usage of the computer while at home. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to supervise the information that a student is accessing from the Internet while at home. Students should never share personal information about themselves or others while using the Internet or email. This includes a student’s name, age, address, phone number or school name. Parents/guardians and students are required to read and agree to the Spring Grove School District Student Laptop Usage Agreement prior to receiving Internet and email access. Students should be aware that Internet access and email, and other media that are accessed, created or stored on their computers are the sole property of the District. The District has the right to review these items for appropriateness, and to limit or revoke a student’s access to them at any time, for any reason.
General Use and Care of the Computer
When transporting their laptop to and from school, students should always be sure it is placed in a carrying case, and the case is fully closed. Laptop bags can then be placed inside the student’s book bag or backpack. Students are expected to treat their laptop with care and respect. The computer and case are the property of the Spring Grove School District, and should be kept clean and free of marks at all times. Placing stickers, writing or drawing on, engraving or otherwise defacing the laptop or carrying case are not allowed and will result in loss of privileges. Students are encouraged to help each other in learning to operate their computer. However, such help should be provided with voices and not hands. Students should operate their own computer at all times. Any inappropriate or careless use of a computer should be reported to a teacher or other staff member immediately.
Students should not use their laptop while walking, on the bus, or otherwise being transported. Laptops should only be used while they are on a flat, stable surface such as a table. Laptops can be fragile, and if they are dropped they may break. Students should protect their laptop from extreme heat or cold. Laptops should never be left in a car, even if the car is locked. Computers should be protected from the weather, water or other liquid, food, and pets. Students should never eat or drink while using their laptop, or use their laptop near others who are eating and drinking. Heavy objects should never be placed or stacked on top of your laptop. This includes books, musical instruments, sports equipment, etc. Computers should never be placed in their carrying case while they are turned on. The computer should either be turned off or in “sleep” mode. In addition, computers should not be placed on or under soft items such as pillows, chairs or sofa cushions, or blankets. This will cause the computer to overheat, and will result in damage to the computer.
Consequences of Inappropriate Use
The use of any district technology is a privilege and not a right. Students are expected to use their computer in accordance with these Policies and Procedures, the Spring Grove School District Student Laptop Usage Agreement and any applicable laws. Failure to use this computer in an appropriate manner will result in the following consequences, as determined by the staff and administration of the Spring Grove School District:
Limitation or cancellation of student use or access privileges, including the privilege of taking the computer home. $50 fine to be paid by the student for damage to the computer if they have not purchased insurance. The district reserves the right to charge computer replacement cost if damaged accrued is repetitive and/or purposeful. Suspension from school. Expulsion from school. Civil or criminal liability under applicable laws.
Problem Reporting
If you need technical assistance with software or hardware, problems should be reported immediately to the technology staff.
Never attempt to repair a computer yourself, unless you have been instructed by one of the technology staff members! Students will gradually be expected to learn repair procedures, but you must have training before attempting to repair on your own.
The technology staff can only help you with software that is part of the default configuration of the laptop. If a program hangs or freezes, you can probably fix the problem by restarting the laptop (save your work first). The staff will help to the best of their ability.
Loss or Theft
The student must report theft (or suspected theft) of the computer, loss of the computer, or damage to the computer to school personnel immediately. A Parent/Guardian will be notified. Parents may be directed to contact the Houston County Sheriff’s Department and provide a copy
of police report to the Spring Grove School office.
Spring Grove School District Student Laptop Usage Agreement
Providing laptop computers for instructional use by students is an exciting venture. Certain guidelines are necessary to protect the laptop and the school network and ensure that this technology serves as an effective instructional tool. Students and their parents/guardians must agree to the following:
The student agrees to follow all Spring Grove School District regulations and policies governing the use of the computer as well as all applicable State and Federal laws including copyright and intellectual property law pertaining to software and information. The computer is the property of Spring Grove School District. If a student withdraws from the school prior to the end of the loan period, the laptop computer is to be returned to school officials by the student prior to withdrawal. The student shall not remove or alter any Spring Grove School District identification labels attached to or displayed on the computer, nor shall the student change identification within the computer, such as the computer name. The student agrees to handle the computer carefully and protect it from potential sources of damage. Students who rent their computer will be charged a $50 insurance payment. This payment covers situations such as cracked screens and damaged keyboards. Circumstances involving theft or student neglect will be handled on a case by case basis. The student must report theft (or suspected theft) of the computer, loss of the computer, damage to the computer, or malfunctioning of the computer to school personnel immediately. Upon request, the student agrees to deliver the computer to Spring Grove School District staff for technical inspection or to verify inventory or other information; this may include random screening. Laptops will be checked out for the school year. Laptops will be collected from students at the end of the school year. After a laptop has been initially assigned to a student, it will remaindesignated to that student for the remainder of the student’s education for a period not exceeding four years. Laptops must be checked out at the beginning of each school year; the student, at the end of the school year, will return the laptop. Spring Grove School District is not liable for lost data or time spent on data. Damage of a computer for students who do not rent are as follows:
Limitation or cancellation of student use or access privileges, including the privilege of taking the computer home.
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rove Public Schools