Acceptable Use Of Computers And Networks Policy
For Cimarron Public Schools
Cimarron Public Schools computer network provides access to the Internet, a student and parent must first read and sign an agreement called the “Acceptable Use of Computers and Networks Agreement”. This most be done at the school in which the student is using the equipment and technology. The Internet is an electronic information and communication “highway” connecting millions of computers all over the world and millions of individual people. Students, parents, community members and staff with accounts have access to any or all of the following:
1. Electronic mail (e-mail) communication with people all over the world.
2. Information and news from a wide variety of sources and research institutions.
3. Public domain and shareware software of all types.
4. Discussion groups on a wide variety of topics.
5. Access to many university libraries, the Library of Congress, etc.
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of some materials that may not be considered to be of educational value within the context of the school setting. The administration, Board of Education, and Technology committee of USD 102 firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweigh the possibility of a user procuring material that is not consistent with the educational goals with each school. Because there is no absolute way to prevent access to information that is clearly inappropriate for students, it has been necessary to develop policies which establish the responsibilities that come with this new technology.
Guidelines:
1. The suer shall not erase, change, rename, or make unusable anyone else’s computer files, system, programs, or disks.
2. The user shall not use a computer for unlawful purpose, such as the illegal copying or installation of software, pornography, or “how-to” documents encouraging violence.
3. The user shall use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities, any inappropriate language, harass or threaten others.
4. The user shall not reveal their personal address or phone numbers or that of other students or colleagues over the internet.
5. The user will include their signature at the bottom of e-mail messages. Your signature footer should include your name, position, affiliation, and Internet address.
6. The user shall not tamper with computers, networks, printers or other associated equipment except as directed by certified staff.
7. The user shall not access another person’s e-mail or files.
8. Users may encounter material which is controversial and which users, parents, teachers or administrators may consider inappropriate or offensive. However, on the Internet it is impossible to control the content of data and a user may discover controversial materials. It is the user’s responsibility not to initiate access to such material and the district shall not be held liable for any decision to restrict or regulate access to these materials.
Parent’s Agreement and Student’s Agreement
Parent’s Agreement
I agree not to hold Cimarron Public Schools nor any of its employees nor any of the institutions or networks providing access to networks responsible for the performance of the system or the content of any material accessed through it.
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the terms and conditions for Cimarron Public Schools’ facilities use the Internet access. I recognize that it is impossible to restrict access to all controversial material and I will not hold Cimarron Public Schools responsible for materials acquired or content via the Internet.
Student’s Agreement
I understand an will abide by the District guidelines and conditions for the use of the computers of Cimarron Public Schools and access to the Internet. I further understand that any violation of the District guidelines is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be partially or completely revoked. School disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
I agree not to hold Cimarron Public Schools nor any of its employees nor any of the institutions for networks providing access to Cimarron Public Schools responsible for the performance of the system or the content of any material accessed through it or damage to personal equipment caused by computer networking through the district.
Student Signature (s) ___________________________Date______
Parent/Guardian Signature _______________________Date______
CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATION OF TECHNOLOGY POLICIES
Use of the computers for programs, software, e-mail, and to access telecommunications resources is a privilege and not a right. Violation of the policies and procedures of the Cimarron School District concerning the use of computers and networks will result in disciplinary actions.
Three levels of discipline will be enforced by the Administration. Any level of discipline may be selected, depending on the severity of the violation. In addition, all Student Handbook Rules and Policies will be enforced and followed Administrators hold the right, depending on the severity of the abuse or misuse of technology, to take, add, or increase any penalties they and the Board of Education deem necessary.
Level I: Warning: User would lose computer privileges/Internet access until a parent conference is held. Any additional loss of privileges as determined by the administration will be discussed at this conference. This can be enforced by semester.
Date of first infraction:________________________
Level II: PATTERN OF ABUSE, REPEATED ABUSE OR FLAGRANT VIOLATIONS: Any user who, after a Level I warning, continues to engage in serious or persistent misbehavior by violating the District’s previously communicated written standard of conduct my be removed from any computer/Internet privileges for the entire school year.
Date of second infraction:_______________________
Level III: CONTINUED OFFENSE: School disciplinary action and/or appropriated legal action will be taken. Access privileges will be revoked.
Date of third infraction:________________________
