JICL-R / GBEF-R - SCHOOL DISTRICT INTERNET ACCESS FOR STUDENTS / STAFF PROCEDURE

1.  PURPOSE

The purpose of these procedures is to provide the rules, guidelines, and the code of conduct for the student use of technology and the Internet.

1. DEFINITION

The definition of "information networks" is any configuration of hardware and software, which connects users.  The network includes, but is not limited to, all of the computer hardware, operating system software, application software, stored text and data files.  This includes electronic mail, local databases, externally accessed databases, CD-ROM, recorded magnetic or optical media, clip art, digital images, digitized information, communications technologies, and new technologies as they become available. Stand-alone workstations are also governed by this acceptable use procedure.

1. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SERVICES

The School District provides resources for teaching and learning, communication services, and business data services by maintaining access to local, regional, national, and international sources of information.  The School District information resources will be used by members of the school community with respect for the public trust through which they have been provided and in accordance with policy and regulations established by the School District.  These procedures do not attempt to articulate all required for proscribed behavior by its users.

Successful operation of the network requires that all users conduct themselves in a responsible, decent, ethical and polite manner while using the network. The user is ultimately responsible for his/her actions in accessing network services.

IV.       GUIDELINES

1.  Access to the networks and to the information technology environment within the District is a privilege and must be treated as such by all users of the network and its associated systems.

2.  Information networks will be used for the purposes of research, education, and school-related business and operations.

3.  Any system which requires password access or for which the District requires an account, such as the Internet, will only be used by the authorized user.  Account owners are ultimately responsible for all activity under their accounts.

4.  The resources of the District are limited.  All users must exercise prudence in the shared use of this resource.

V.        IRRESPONSIBLE USE

The District has the right to take disciplinary action, remove computer and networking privileges and/or take legal action, for any activity characterized as unethical, or irresponsible.  Irresponsible 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 worms or viruses, distributing quantities of information that overwhelm the system, and/or using a District network to make unauthorized entry into any other resource accessible via the network.

3.  Seeks to gain or gains unauthorized access to information resources.

4.  Uses or knowingly allows another to use any computer or computer system 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.

5.  Destroys, alters, dismantles or otherwise interferes with the integrity of computer based information and/or information resources.

6.  Invades the privacy of individuals or entities.

7.  Uses the network for commercial or political activity.

8.  Installs unauthorized software for use on District computers.

9.  Uses a network to access inappropriate materials.

10.   Submits, publishes or displays any defamatory, inaccurate, racially offensive, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, or threatening materials or messages either publicly or privately.

11.   Uses a District network for illegal harassing, vandalizing, inappropriate or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities.

V.        SCHOOL DISTRICT RIGHTS

The District reserves the right to:

1.  Monitor all activity.  Notwithstanding FERPA and other related laws, students have no expectation of privacy regarding their use on the school district computer network.

2.  Make determinations on whether specific uses of a network are consistent with these acceptable use procedures.

3.  Log network use and monitor storage disk space utilization by users.

4.  Determine what is defined as “Responsible Use” and Irresponsible Use.”

5.  Remove a user's access to the network at any time it is determined that the user engaged in unauthorized activity or violated these responsible use procedures.

6.  Cooperate fully with any investigation concerning or relating to the District's network activity.

VI.       SCHOOL DISTRICT RESPONSIBLE USE DOCUMENT

Use of the Internet by students and staff of the District shall be in support of education and research that is consistent with the mission of the District.  Internet use is limited to those persons who have been issued District-approved accounts.  Use will be in accordance with the District's Responsible Use Document.  Users are expected to abide by the following terms and conditions:

Part 1:  Safety & Security:  Hardware & Networks

1.   I am responsible for the safe and secure use of the KRSD network.  

• I will use the KRSD network (accounts, Internet and networks) responsibly.  I will not search, retrieve, save, circulate or display hate-based, offensive or sexually explicit material.  I will not search, retrieve, save, circulate or display images or information about weapons using any KRSD technology resource unless authorized by school administrator/teacher as part of a school assignment.

• I will not attempt to bypass security settings or Internet filters, or interfere with the operation of the network by installing illegal and/or unauthorized software, including file sharing, shareware, or freeware, on school devices.

• I understand that I need authorization from a school administrator/teacher to use and connect my personal electronic device to the KRSD network.

• I understand that my use of the Internet can expose the KRSD Network and devices to viruses, spyware and various other malware.  I understand that I should not open email or click on links in email from unknown senders.  I will take great care with Internet searches to limit exposure to websites or links that are potentially damaging.

2.  I am responsible for protecting school property.

• I will treat all hardware with respect.  This means that I will take care when transporting and using digital devices.  I will not have food or drink near any electronics.  

• I understand that vandalism is prohibited.  This includes but is not limited to accessing, modifying, or destroying equipment, programs, files, or settings on any computer or technology resource.

• I understand that it is my responsibility to know the safe operation of any electronic device before I use it.  I will not attempt any repairs on any device and will notify an adult of any malfunctions to any device during my use of KRSD technology resources.

Part 2:  Personal Safety & Accounts Management

3.  I am responsible for my personal and private information in order to protect my identity and my accounts.

• I understand that this means that I will not provide my name, age, or other information that will identify me or my location.  I will keep personal details about my life out of any online communications used for educational purposes.  I understand that I am not to post private/personal information or images of anyone else (family, other students, any adult) in order to protect their safety.

4.  I am responsible for my computer account, Google Ed Apps account including e-mail and any Web 2.0 accounts created for educational use.  

• I understand that passwords are private and that I should not share my passwords with anyone.  I am responsible for creating strong passwords for each of my accounts and changing my passwords often.  I understand that I must manage multiple passwords and log out of every digital account I use whenever I have completed my task.  I understand that I should not auto save my password on any shared computer/device.

Part 3:  Etiquette & Respectful Behavior

5.  I am responsible for my language.

• I will use appropriate language in all of my digital communications.  I will not use profanity, vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language as deemed by school administrators/teachers.

6.  I am responsible for how I treat other people using technology tools.

• I will use all digital accounts (e.g. email, blogs, wikis, chat, instant messaging, discussion boards, texting, social media, Web 2.0 tools) responsibly.  I will not send or post hate mail or harassing messages.  I will not make discriminatory or derogatory remarks about others or engage in any bullying/harassment or antisocial behaviors using any digital accounts while in school or out of school.

7.  I am responsible for my conduct on all online sites.

• I understand that what I do on social networking websites/Web 2.0 accounts should not negatively impact the school learning environment and/or my fellow students, teachers and administrators.

8.  I am responsible for digital integrity while online.

• I understand that masquerading, spoofing or pretending to be someone else is forbidden.  This includes, but is not limited to, sending out e-mail in someone else’s name or from someone else’s account; creating accounts in someone else’s name or creating postings or online content in someone else’s name; and taking online quizzes or completing online assignments for someone else or in someone else’s name.

• I understand that I am responsible for searching the Internet in a safe way.  I will not attempt to bypass security settings or Internet filters when performing Internet searches.  If I encounter an objectionable image, I am to contact an adult immediately.

• I understand that my online activities are monitored by the KRSD as is required by CIPA and that I will not interfere with this monitoring.

• I will follow COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act) regulations and not create online accounts prior to the required minimal age of 13 and/or otherwise follow the Terms of Service for Social Media/Web 2.0 accounts as specified on their respective websites.

9.  I am responsible for respecting Intellectual property by complying with Copyright Laws.

• I will obey copyright laws.  I will not plagiarize someone else’s work.  I will obtain both permission and provide appropriate credit for all work that I use in school assignments that belong to others.

10.  I am responsible for contributing to the Internet in ways that further the educational benefits of others.

• I will be a creator of content and publish it online in order to share my knowledge with others.

 The District reserves the right to remove a user's account if it is determined that the user is engaged in unauthorized activity or is violating this Responsible Use Document.

VII.     SCHOOL DISTRICT INTERNET ACCESS RELEASE FORM

As a condition of my right to use the School District network resources, including access to the Internet, students understand and agree to the following:

1.  To abide by the District’s Responsible Use Document

2.  That District administrators and designated staff have the right to review any material stored on District computers in files and to edit or remove any material which they, in their sole discretion, believe may be unlawful, obscene, abusive, or otherwise objectionable and students hereby waive any right of privacy which I may otherwise have to such material.

3.  That the School District will not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages due to information gained and/or obtained via use of the District's network resources.

4.  That the School District does not warrant that the functions of any District network, or any network accessible through District resources, will meet any specific requirements you may have, or that the network resources will be error-free or uninterrupted.

5.  That the School District shall not be liable for any direct or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (including lost data or information) sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use District networks and resources.

6.  That the use of the District network(s), including access to public networks, is a privilege which may be revoked by network administrators at any time for violation of the Acceptable Use Procedures and Code of Conduct.  The School District will be the sole arbiter(s) of what constitutes violation of the Responsible Use Document procedures and expectations.

7.  In consideration for the privilege of using the School District network resources and in consideration for having access to the public networks, users hereby release the School District, its operators, and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my use, or inability to use, the District network resources.  This agreement will be indicated through the user’s and parental / guardian signed consent as defined in the Responsible Use Document.

FOR EMPLOYEES ONLY:

Kearsarge Regional School District (KRSD) Employee Laptop/Digital Device Use Agreement

___  1.  I understand that the use of the laptop/digital device issued by KRSD is subject to the rules and conditions of the KRSD Responsible Use Policy (RUP) and that all KRSD Network Use Policies govern the operation of my laptop/digital device on and off the KRSD network.

__  2.  I understand that the laptop/digital device is the property of KRSD and that I must return the laptop/digital device, chargers/cords, and any case or cover associated with the device upon termination of employment from KRSD or if I move to another position in the district that isn’t eligible for a district issued laptop.  

__  3. Employees on medical/maternity leave of absence of three (3) months or shorter are allowed to take the laptop/digital device home while on leave with permission on a voluntary basis without expectation of additional compensation for work voluntarily completed.

__  4.  I understand that this laptop/digital device is intended for daily in-school use to support teaching and learning; therefore, it is expected that the laptop/digital device will be in school daily.  

__  5.  I understand that I am to connect the laptop/digital device to the KRSD network on a daily  basis for software updates such as anti-virus.

__  6.  I understand that the use of the laptop/district device is to support integration of technology into teaching and learning that focuses on improving 21st century skills of students and that as a condition of this role, I will bring my laptop/digital device to professional development sessions.

__  7.  I understand that I am not to lend my laptop/digital device to anyone, including other employees, students, or members of my family, for any reason.  I also understand that I am not to transfer any of my devices to another person.  Devices are re-assigned by OIT.

__  8.  I understand that I am to assume the responsibility of the security and care of the laptop/digital device.  

__  9.  I understand that the laptop/digital device should not be left in an unsecured location.  If the laptop is lost, stolen or damaged while on or off school property, the incident must be reported within 24 hours to the school principal and the technology director.

__  10.  I understand that leaving the laptop/digital device in a car can promote theft and/or damage from temperature extremes, and that I will be responsible to pay for loss or damage as a result of leaving the laptop/digital device in a car.
 

__  11.  I understand that having food or drink near the computer could result in damage to the device and that it will be considered negligent behavior.

__  12.  I understand that I must take care with inserting/removing cords or cables and when carrying/transporting the device to avoid damage to the device.  

__  13.  I understand that maintaining the cleanliness and disinfecting the keyboard/mouse is my responsibility. I will consult with OIT before using any products on my laptop/digital device.

__  14.  I understand that I will be informed about the collection of the laptop/digital device at the end of its lifecycle.  OIT reserves the right to collect laptops/digital devices at other designated times throughout their lifecycle for service and/or maintenance.

__  15.  I understand that I am to assume the full responsibility of backing up data stored on the laptop on a regular basis. OIT is not responsible for any data loss.  I understand it is my responsibility to ask OIT for assistance if I do not know how to back up my data.

__  16.  I understand that I am not permitted to perform repair work on my laptop/digital device.  I am to use the technology support request ticket system.  I understand that acceptance of the laptop/device for repair does not guarantee it will be fixed.  Some repairs/issues may not be repairable. A loaner device will be available during hardware repair based on availability.

__  17.  I understand that laptops/digital devices have district-installed software.  Additional authorized or educational software may be installed on the laptop, assuming appropriate, legal licensing is maintained.

• District standard software may not be duplicated, transferred or downloaded to any other system or media.
• KRSD is not responsible for any service interruptions, loss of data or any other consequences thereof from the result of the employee downloading or installing software.
• Any data corruption or configuration errors caused by the installation of unauthorized software may require a complete reimaging of the laptop/digital device.  
• OIT will only assist with retrieving data related to job responsibilities.

__  18.  I understand that I am responsible for the confidentiality and security of identifiable student information on the laptop.  This means knowing the laws, district policies (FERPA, Video Media Release, etc) and building guidelines about what student information can be shared and with whom.

My signature and initials next to each item indicates that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the conditions listed above.  Failure to abide by these conditions may result in the loss of laptop privileges and/or disciplinary action.  I further understand that the Kearsarge Regional School District will seek to recover cost for repair or replacement due to negligence on my part and/or failure to follow the district’s Laptop/Digital Device Use Agreement.  The employee will be expected to settle charges for repairs or replacement with the business office by the end of each school year.  I agree to fully cooperate with laptop/digital device reporting requirements and with property loss, theft, or damage incident investigations. I understand that Appendix D will be signed and collected annually.

Employee Signature:  _____________________________________________  Date:  ________________