Computers and Network Responsible Use Policy

District Rights & Responsibilities

The District has technical and instructional measures in place to provide for a productive, safe, and secure educational experience. This policy complies with the requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act (NCIPA). Specifically, the District:

·         Filters access to the Internet (Internet Safety Policy # _______. The filter protects against access to the three categories of visual depictions (obscene, child pornography, and harmful to minors) specified by CIPA   Procedures specify the conditions under which filtering can be disabled or made less restrictive for adults (or students over 17 years of age).

·        Requires that students and parents read and sign the Student Responsible Use Contract before students are granted an account and allowed access to the network. The primary, intermediate, junior and high school contracts reflect age appropriate modifications. Ultimately, parents and guardians are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children follow when using information resources. The District supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to use the District’s computer networks.  Specific parent requests for restricted use of the networks and the Internet must be received in writing.

·        Supervises and monitors students.

·        Provides students with the understanding and skills to use technology in a safe and responsible manner including the safe use of e-mail and other forms of electronic messaging, unauthorized disclosure of personal information, and unlawful online activities.

·        Requires that all staff members read and sign the Staff Responsible Use Contract.

District Liability Limitations

• Network service is provided on an, ‘as is’ and ‘as available’ basis only. 

•  The District specifically denies any responsibility for the effectiveness of its filtering software, the accuracy or quality of network performance, or the accuracy of information obtained through its services, and makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, with regard to any service, information, software, or data files obtained from this system or the Internet. The use of any information obtained is at the user’s own risk.

• The privacy of system users is limited.

• There are no facilities provided by this system for sending or receiving private or confidential electronic communications.

• System administrators have access to all mail and may monitor messages. The

• District will make determinations on an as-needed basis as to whether specific uses of the network are consistent with acceptable use practices.

Expectations of Responsible Use

·        Users have the responsibility of using District network and Internet resources in an ethical and responsible manner in support of education and research and consistent with the purposes of the District.

Staff Rights & Responsibilities

·        The District expects staff members to use technology as a tool for teaching, (including integrating student use of technology into the curriculum), student management, and professional development.

·        Staff should attend technology training, as needed, to be able to use appropriate electronic resources effectively.

·        Staff should teach, and practice netiquette and online safety procedures and serve as role models for students.

·        Staff should understand and enforce the Internet Safety Policy # ______.

·        Staff should monitor students’ use of the Internet.

Misuse that is specifically prohibited

·        Any conditions or activities that are not consistent with the policies, purposes, and objectives of the District are prohibited.

Discipline and Penalties & Appeals

·        Any user who does not comply with Policies and Guidelines will lose network privileges based on age, the severity of the infraction, and building disciplinary procedures. Repeated or severe infractions of the Policies and Guidelines may result in termination of access privileges permanently, as well as appropriate disciplinary action. The District may report infractions to the appropriate authorities.

·        Unauthorized use of the network, intentional deletion or damage to files and data belonging to other users, or copyright violations may be termed theft as defined under Idaho Code 18-2201 and 18-2202. Perpetrators or their parents/guardians may be billed for damages to equipment and/or labor costs related to restoring full-scale District services.

·        School and system administrators may deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts at any time because of inappropriate use. Appeals regarding cancellation will be made through the building principal to the Board.

This Networks Acceptable Use Policy was adopted by the Board of Trustees at a public meeting following normal public notice, on June 26, 2001 and revised June 23, 2009.