WRSD Information Network

Acceptable Use Policy

 

The intent of this document is to serve as a statement on the proper and acceptable use of computer technology and the WRSD Information Network (WRSD IN) for all students and staff users in the school district.

 

Definition:

 

The definition of "Information Network" is any configuration of hardware and software that connects users.  The network includes all of the computer hardware, operating system software, application software, stored text and data files.  This includes the Internet, electronic mail, web pages, 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.

Educational Purpose:

The purpose of the WRSD IN is educational. Users are responsible for ensuring that their activities adhere to generally accepted educational standards. Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored.  We believe the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed the disadvantages.

It is the purpose of the WRSD IN to enhance established school curriculum. While there will be some need to instruct learners in the skills needed to make use of the network, its purpose will be to serve as a resource for improving, extending, and enriching teaching and learning in the Winnisquam Regional School District.

 

Internet:

One component of the Information Network is a connection to the Internet. The Internet is a vast, global information network, linking computers at universities, high schools, science labs and other sites. Through the Internet one can communicate with people all over the world and obtain files and programs of educational value.  The WRSD does not provide or typically allow Email accounts for students.  For educational purpose an exception may be made with an instructor’s request, full monitoring and responsibility.  Students should not access any other Email accounts through the use of the WRSD IN.  Chat rooms, gaming sites and personal blogs/journal sites are not allowed.  Educational classroom related blogs/journal sites may be allowed with instructor’s request, full monitoring and responsibility.

 

Due to the Internet’s limitless access to computer systems located all over the world, the potential for abuse exists. Users and parents/guardians of users who are minors must understand that neither the WRSD nor any district staff member controls the vast content of the information available on these other systems. Families should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people.  The Winnisquam Regional School District does not condone the use of such materials.   While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to or accidentally access other material.  For this purpose and in compliance with the CHILDREN’S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT, Pub. L. 106-554, we do maintain current filtering and logging technology that can and does reduce this occurrence.  The filtering system is updated continually to block sites that are harmful or inappropriate for students.  As with any filtering system websites emerge constantly that may not be immediately identified by the software.  If a student comes across a site that is suspicious they should immediately report it to a teacher or supervisor.  Students who attempt to circumvent the filter will be disciplined under the terms of this policy.  Log files are maintained and monitored for a two (2) week period after which time they are purged from the system and no longer available.

 

 

Responsibilities:

All users shall assume full liability - legal, financial or otherwise - for their actions when using the WRSD IN.  Users are expected to report policy violations that they observe to the appropriate authority, teacher/supervisor or administrator.

 

Behaviors that can result in disciplinary action or limitation of access include, but are not limited to:

 

Responsible use of the network requires that users NOT:

 

The WRSD reserves the right to change and/or include additional activities that can result in disciplinary actions or limit access privileges.

All users of the network will be held fully responsible for the use of their account to transfer or store materials. Any inappropriate activities carried out will be considered to be the actions of the account holder. Therefore, passwords must not be shared or transferred.

Students are not to reveal their name, personal home address, home phone number, or other personal information about themselves or any other individual on the Internet.  Students must notify a parent/guardian and teacher or the system administrator immediately if anyone is trying to contact them for illicit or suspicious activities.

Copyrighted and other proprietary materials:

All users shall respect copyright and ownership rights of any materials accessed through the WRSD IN.  Users may not duplicate copyrighted software, including school owned software, without permission from the copyright holder, whether for personal use or the use of others.  Duplicating copyrighted materials or the use of such materials are offenses subject to criminal prosecution.

 

 

Disciplinary actions:

The use of the WRSD IN is a privilege and not a right.  Inappropriate use will result in disciplinary actions.  These actions will be determined by factors such as the actual incident of inappropriate use, the particular user (grade level / staff position).  Violation of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in one or more of the following disciplinary actions:

Students:

·         Referral to the appropriate legal authorities for possible criminal prosecution

Staff:

·         Incident(s) referred to appropriate district administrator(s) for further action which may lead up to and include dismissal

·         Referral to the appropriate legal authorities for possible criminal prosecution

Privacy:

The WRSD IN is maintained and managed by the system administrator in such a way as to insure its availability and reliability in performing its educational mission. Users have no reasonable expectation of privacy concerning any materials transferred over or stored within the network.  These total materials remain the property of the WRSD.  The WRSD will cooperate fully with legal services that may require this information.

Liability:

The responsibility of the user is to familiarize himself/herself with, understand and abide by the rules of the Acceptable Use Policy and make appropriate use of the available resources.  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.

Internet Access and Parent/Guardian permission

This policy is in place to insure an understanding of the correct use of technology in the school district by all users and to assure its respected and educational purpose.  It is standard that the WRSD allows all students full privilege of the WRSD IN including access to the Internet unless he/she is under a previous restriction or limitation.  However, parents/guardians have the right to prohibit their student’s access to the Internet.  If you want your student’s Internet access denied, you must indicate this on the return signed form of the student handbook.   

References and acknowledgments: This Acceptable Use document is a product of the WRSD, edited policies from the Bow School District, NH “Acceptable Use Policy” and the New Hampshire School Board Association.