General User Policy



INTERNET/TECHNOLOGY

IFAC/GAMAE                                                                                  Adopted: 10/27/2008

 

INTERNET/TECHNOLOGY

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

 

Anson County Schools offer technology resources, electronic network and Internet access for students, teachers, and other staff within the school system.  The purpose of having the electronic network is to support the instructional and administrative programs within the district and through virtual education networks.

 

Rules and Regulations

 

I.          Acceptable Use:  Anson County Schools’ networks are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner and must be in support of the educational objectives and employee guidelines of Anson County Schools.  Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited.

 

·         The Internet should be used in teaching the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in meeting the educational goals of the Board of Education.

·         The Curriculum Department should provide suggestions for using the Internet in the curriculum guides.

·         Teachers are encouraged to incorporate the use of the technology into their lesson plans.

·         The Internet is provided for school-related purposes only.

·         Personnel will adhere to all applicable laws and board policies, including those relating to copyrights/trademarks, confidential information, and public records.

·         Teachers will make reasonable efforts to supervise a student’s use of the Internet during instructional time.

·         Views may be expressed as representing the view of the school district or part of the school district only with prior approval by the superintendent or his or her designee.

 

II.        Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

·         Downloading copyrighted materials without written permission

·         Using threatening or obscene material

·         Utilizing the network, accounts, or equipment for commercial purposes

·         Distributing political, commercial, or religious information

·         Using offensive or harassing statements or language including profanity, vulgarity, and/or disparagement of others based on their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, and religious or political beliefs

·         Sending or soliciting sexually oriented messages or images

·         Sending chain letters or soliciting money for any reason

·         Sending messages related to or in support of illegal activities

·         Disrupting the network

·         Accessing programs not appropriate for educational use including non-educational games

·         Attempting to gain unauthorized access to system programs or computer equipment

·         Distributing or copying software in such a way that the number of simultaneous users exceeds the number of licenses purchased

·          Posting web pages that are vindictive, detrimental, or vengeful towards the school system, individual schools, personnel, or students

 

III.       Privileges:  The use of Anson County Schools’ network is a privilege, not a right.  Inappropriate use may result in disciplinary action.

 

IV.       Security:  Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users.  Attempts to login to the system as any other user, to share a password, or allow a security breach may result in cancellation of user privileges.  If a security problem is identified, personnel should notify the building administrator.

 

A.        Network Security – All network users will be assigned a username and password to access Anson County Schools’ network.  After signing the Acceptable Use Policy, network/Internet privileges will be assigned.  Security software is installed on all client computers on the Anson County Schools’ network.  Software is used to help filter out inappropriate websites.  Violation of network security can include loss of Internet access and computer usage.

 

B.                 Safeguarding Information – All personnel and students are responsible for safeguarding information located on Anson County Schools’ computer systems.  All users are required to log off when leaving the computer, and abide by FERPA guidelines which limit access to personal student information.

 

C.        Software Security – All software purchased for use in Anson County Schools will be reviewed by the Technology Department or appropriate personnel to ensure network security and compatibility.   Software licenses must be purchased when required.

 

D.        Vandalism – Vandalism will result in cancellation of user privileges and disciplinary/legal action.  Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment, programs, and /or data of anyone connected to the network or stand-alone computers.  This includes, but is not limited to uploading, creating or transmitting computer viruses, hacking, theft, and unauthorized intrusion.

 

IV.       E-mail Accounts:  Employees and/or students will be assigned individual accounts.  Email accounts are to be used only by the owner unless written permission is obtained from the owner of the account.  Impersonation and anonymity is not allowed.  Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private and may be monitored when appropriate.  The account will be terminated upon leaving the school system.

 

V.        Privacy:  Files stored on district servers and hard drives of individual computers are not private, and should be accessed only by appropriate personnel.  Upon the request of the superintendent or his/her designee, the school district may monitor all communication and intercept e-mail messages as part of ensuring compliance with board policy and applicable laws and regulations.

 

VI.       Disclaimer:  Anson County Schools will not be responsible for any damages suffered, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, service interruptions, inaccurate information, or hardware failure.  Employees of Anson County Schools must understand that Anson County Schools cannot control the content of the information available on the Internet.  Some information may be controversial and/or offensive.  The system does not condone the use of such materials and takes all reasonable precautions to limit access to these materials by using filtering and blocking technology.  Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored.  School employees should be aware that access to the network and Internet will be withdrawn from users who do not respect the rights of others or who do not follow the rules and regulations established by the Anson County School System.  The user accepts personal responsibility for any information obtained or sent via the network, including the sharing of personal information such as home address, checking account and credit card information.  The Anson County School System disclaims responsibility for the loss of data or interference with files resulting from its efforts to maintain the privacy and security of the system’s computer/technology facilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IFAC-E(1)/GAME-E(1)                                                                       Adopted:

 

Anson County Schools

Internet/Technology Acceptable Use Policy for Students and Staff

 

Carefully read the Anson County Schools Acceptable Use Policy for Students and Staff.  Then sign and return this page to the designated person at your work site.

 

Employee Agreement: 

I understand and will abide by the above Rules and Regulations for Anson County Schools’ Networks.  I further understand that any violation may result in the loss of access privileges and/or in other legal or disciplinary actions.

 

Employee Name (please print):                                                                                              

 

Employee Signature:                                                                                                              

 

Date:                                                                                                                                      

 


IFAC-E(1)/GAME-E(1)                                                                       Adopted:

 

Anson County Schools

Internet/Technology Acceptable Use Policy for Students and Staff

 

Carefully read the Anson County Schools Acceptable Use Policy for Students and Staff.  Then sign and return this page to the designated person at your work site.

 

Student Agreement: 

I understand and will abide by the above Rules and Regulations for Anson County Schools’ Networks.  I further understand that any violation may result in the loss of access privileges and/or in other legal or disciplinary actions.

 

Student Name (please print):                                                                                     

 

Student Signature:                                                                                                                 

 

Date:                                                                                                                                      

 

 

School Name:                                                                                                                         

 

School Year:                                                                                                                          

 

Parent Signature:                                                                                                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policy Approved By:                                                                                                             

 

Date: