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DEBBIE MCPHERSON-DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY
Acceptable Use Policy
The Linden Community Schools supports the use of technology to enhance student learning and improve efficiency of district operations. We recognize the importance of expanding the curriculum to include the training of staff and students in the use of data networks, the Internet, and all kinds of multi-media technology. Therefore, the following regulations and procedures have been established to ensure the proper and ethical use of technology in order to achieve the administrative and instructional goals of the users.
General Regulations
Every student and staff member who is granted access will first read and agree to the acceptable use policy. The signed agreements will be kept on file for two years.
Access to the Internet is for administrative and instructional purposes. Use by students shall have an instructional focus with specified learner outcomes.
Only those users with training or demonstrated competence will be authorized to use any hardware or software. The district is responsible for providing such training.
Users must adhere to all Acceptable Use Policies of Linden Community Schools, GenNET, or any other networks or on-line services accessed.
Access to the Internet shall require permission from the supervisor/teacher of the Internet access point.
All technology hardware, software, and the Internet will be used in an appropriate manner and only for educational purposes.
Linden Community Schools technology will not be used to plagiarize or violate copy right laws.
Users will be polite and respectful and use acceptable language when using computers and the Internet.
Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and possible additional disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy technology equipment, data of another user, agency, Internet or any network. This includes, but is limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
Teachers and Administrators are responsible for determining what is unauthorized or inappropriate technology use.
It is the user’s responsibility to keep all food and drink out of computer rooms and away from all hardware.
Users are not allowed to connect their personal laptops to the district’s network.
Internet and Network Use
Internet users shall adhere to local, state, and federal laws governing the use of the Internet and electronic data. Use shall not be for illegal or unethical activities. These activities include, but are not limited to:
The transfer of objectionable materials, including offensive language, gambling, and pornography.
Gaining unauthorized access to information, data, files, or passwords of others.
Sharing accounts, sign-on’s, passwords, or impersonating others.
Infiltration of data network components or hacking which results in the accidental or intentional destruction, mutilation, or theft of files on a computer system.
Use of district computers for personal or private gain, personal business or commercial advantage is prohibited.
Use of the district computers for political purposes is in violation of federal, state, or local laws and is prohibited. This prohibition includes using district computers to assist or advocate, directly or indirectly, for or against a ballot proposition and/or the election of any person to any office. The use of district computers for the expression of personal political opinions to elected officials is prohibited.
It is the user’s responsibility to obtain the prior consent from the Director of Technology before installing, removing, relocating, or modifying any hardware or software.
Before students or staff are issued e-mail accounts, all individuals must have agreed to and signed the LCS Acceptable Use Policy. The following rules apply:
Use of appropriate language and etiquette is expected.
Users will not share passwords or use others’ accounts.
Student users cannot change the password the district has provided for e-mail.
Use of e-mail accounts for students are for class purposes only.
Student e-mail accounts are temporary and will be terminated at the end of the class requesting e-mail accounts.
Users will not reveal personal information on-line, including for example, full name, address, e-mail address, telephone number, pictures or other distinctly identifiable information, etc.
Use of the network or e-mail to harm or harass others is not acceptable.
Subscriptions to news groups and lists must be work related.
Teachers and administrators have the right to review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure students are using the system responsibly. E-mail and Internet files stored on District computers are not considered private.
Web Pages
Any web pages constructed by students or staff of Linden Community Schools and published on a server belonging to the District must meet the following guidelines:
A web page cannot contain:
Abusive, obscene, or inappropriate language, messages, or pictures.
Personal information about students including full name, address, e-mail address, phone number, pictures, or other distinctly identifiable information, etc.
Any material that is in violation of copyright laws.
Links to sites that are social (for example, chat rooms), controversial, or inappropriate for schools.
A web page must serve an educational purpose.
Each web page must meet high standards of clarity, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.
All information included must be completely accurate and up-to-date.
Each web page must be approved by the building administrator and the Director of Technology prior to placement on the server.
Each web page must be maintained on a regular basis to be sure that information is current and all links are functional. This is the responsibility of the author(s) or the web class. If it is not done, the page will be removed from the server.
Students may not publish personal web pages on the District servers.
A web page may not be used for commercial purposes.
Internet Safety Policy
The Children’s Internet Safety Act (CIPA) was signed into law on December 21, 2000. CIPA requires a "technology protection measure" that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, harmful to minors, or other material deemed locally to be "inappropriate for minors."
Linden Community Schools in conjunction with the Genesee Intermediate School District has a filter installed to protect our students. The filter blocks inappropriate web sites relating to pornography, hot mail, free mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, web sites that are obscene or sexually explicit, "hacking" and other unlawful online activities.
Students and staff are not allowed to disclose personal identification information of minors over the Internet without the permission of the Superintendent.
Linden Community Schools monitors the online activity of its students. This is accomplished by visual inspection at the time of use by teachers. Online history use is spot checked by the Director of Technology.
Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior
Any user who does not comply with this Acceptable Use Policy will lose access privileges. Repeated or severe infractions may result in permanent termination of privileges.
Users violating these rules may face additional disciplinary action deemed appropriate in keeping with disciplinary policies and guidelines of the school, including state and federal laws.
Type of account ( circle one of the following ):
Student Staff Other (specify: ______)
Full Name (First, Middle, Last): ________________________________________
Street Address: ______________________________________________________
City: _____________________ State:________________ Zip:_______________
School Building: ___________________________ Home Phone: _____________
Students only:
Date of Birth:___________________ Current Grade of Student: ____________
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User Responsibility Declaration
I have read, understand, and will abide by the Acceptable Use Policy of Linden Community Schools. I agree to be responsible for and abide by all rules and regulations of this agreement. I understand that should I commit any violation, my privileges may be revoked and school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
I give permission for my child to use and access the Internet at school and for the Board to issue an Internet/e-mail account to my child.
I give permission for my child’s image (photograph) to be published online, provided only his/her first name is used.
I give permission for the Board to transmit "live" images of my child (as part of a group over the Internet via a web cam).
I authorize and license the Board to post my child’s class work on the Internet without infringing upon any copyright my child may own with respect to such class work. I understand only my child’s first name will accompany such class work.
Student/User Signature: __________________________________ Date:_____________
**Students must have the signature of a parent or guardian:
Parent/Guardian: _________________________________ Date: ___________________