SAMPLE ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

McComb Local School District
Computer Technology Acceptable Use Policy
Revised 4/04

The McComb Board of Education is committed to the effective use of technology to both enhance the quality of student learning and the efficiency of District operations.  It is also recognized that safeguards have to be established to ensure that the District’s investment in both hardware and software is achieving the benefits of technology and inhibiting negative side effects.

Appropriate use should always reflect academic honesty, high ethical and moral responsibility and show restraint in the consumption of shared resources.

All McComb rules, but particularly those pertaining to dishonesty and language, are applicable to all users of computers and related technologies.  This document is intended to clarify those rules as they apply specifically to the local network and Internet usage.  Rules and regulations are subject to change by the administration.

In addition to the loss of network use for inappropriate conduct, the District reserves the right to apply disciplinary action and/or civil or criminal action as deemed necessary against those engaging in inappropriate activities.

Staff, students, or community members (herein referred to as USERS) who are specifically authorized to use the District’s computers or on-line services shall comply with the following guidelines and procedures.

PART ONE – Procedures for Use

·        Use appropriate language.  Do not use the system to write or send profane, obscene, sexist, racist, inflammatory or offensive files or messages.

·        USERS should have no expectation of privacy or confidentiality in the content of electronic communications or other computer files sent or received on the school computer network and stored in his/her directory.  The administration reserves the right to monitor any computer activity and communication for improper use, to remove any inappropriate files, and to discipline USERS for improper or inappropriate use.

·        Use of the computer and/or network for personal financial gain is prohibited.  USERS shall not use the school district’s computer network to solicit personal sales or conduct personal business (i.e. by posting an advertisement to a user group).  USERS shall not set up web pages to advertise or sell a product or service.

PART TWO – Misuse of the Network

·        USERS shall not disrupt the computer system or interfere with another’s ability to use the computer system or our local network. (i.e. extensive downloading of files that slow down the network)  In addition, USERS will not attempt to gain access to other users passwords or files.

·        Users shall not use the system to promote unethical practices or any activity prohibited by law or Board policy.

·        McComb has levels of security in place and USERS will be monitored to minimize inappropriate use.  However it is not possible to block all inappropriate sites from the school networks.  USERS shall not view, download or transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, sexually explicit or that could be construed as harassment or disparagement to others based on their race, national origin, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or political beliefs.

·        Copyrighted material may not be placed on the system without the author’s permission.

·        Vandalism is prohibited.  Vandalism includes creating or introducing computer viruses, worms, etc., and/or any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment, materials or data of any other user.  In addition, USERS shall not infiltrate or “hack” outside computer systems or networks.

·        Users shall report any security problems or misuse of the network to the teacher, Technology Coordinator, and/or the Principal.

·        The person whose name is on the account is responsible for its proper use at all times.  When sending electronic messages, STUDENTS shall not include information that could identify themselves or other students and staff.  Examples of identifying information include last name, address and phone number.  USERS shall identify themselves by first names.  

·        Your ID and password are provided only for your personal use.  Do not share your password with anyone, and do not use anyone else’s password, regardless of how the password was obtained.  If you suspect someone has discovered your password change it immediately.  USERS shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data or passwords belonging to other users.

PART THREE – Penalty for Misuse

A violation of these regulations will result in the following disciplinary action:

1^st infraction = removal from the computer network for two (2) weeks or 25 points.

2^nd infraction = removal from the computer network for four (4) weeks or 50 points.

3^rd infraction = removal from the computer network for the remainder of the semester or nine (9) weeks whichever is greater.

4^th infraction = removal from the computer network for the remainder of the school year.

5^th infraction = permanent removal from computer network.

Severe infractions may result in classification as a 5^th infraction resulting in permanent removal from the computer network.  School officials reserve the right to change disciplinary action as deemed necessary.

Students who violate other school rules as set forth in the Student Code of Conduct while using the school computers could be subject to additional penalties.

Computer Network Agreement Form

I have read and understand this computer policy, its guidelines and regulations, and agree to abide by all of the rules and standards for acceptable use.  I also understand that if I do not follow these policies and regulations I may lose access to the computer network even if it negatively affects a classroom grade.  All student accounts expire at the end of the school year.

Student’s Name:          ______________________________________________

Student’s Signature:__________________________________ Date:______                

Internet Usage Release Form

I/We, _________________________________________, the parent(s) of (student’s name)_________________________________________, have read and understand this computer policy, its guidelines and regulations.  I give my consent for my child to access the Internet from the McComb network.  I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes and McComb Local Schools have taken precautions to eliminate controversial material.  However, I recognize it is impossible for McComb to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold McComb responsible for materials accessed or acquired on the network.

Parent’s Signature:          ________________________________Date:_________

Internet Web Site Release Form

I/We give permission for the McComb School to publish my child’s picture or work on the McComb web site.

The web site address is:             www.noacsc.org/hancock/mb

I understand that only first names will be used when describing pictures or work.  I also understand that anyone with Internet access anywhere in the world will be able to see these items.

Parent’s Signature:          ________________________________Date:_________