Acceptable Use Policy - Student

Series No. 300 - Instruction
Policy Section No. 360
Instructional Resources and Services

Policy No. 363.1
Acceptable Use of the Internet and Other Computer-Related Technologies

Policy

School access to the Internet and other computer-related technology is available to students in the District without cost. These resources can benefit students and teachers at all levels.

Though access to Internet web sites is filtered, it is impossible to control all materials on a global network. On rare occasions a user may encounter controversial information. It is the District's belief, however, that the benefits of Internet access to students, in the form of information resources and research opportunities, far exceed the disadvantages.

The continued availability and use of the Internet, and other computer-related technology in the District depends upon proper conduct. The following guidelines are provided so students and their parents/guardians are aware of the responsibilities that accompany the privilege of using the Internet and other computer-related technology.

1. The use of computer technology in the schools must be consistent with the educational objectives of the District. Deliberate accessing or transmitting of materials that contain obscene or sexually explicit content, child pornography or other information deemed harmful to minors is prohibited.

2. Deliberate transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state law or regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks and threatening or obscene material.

3. Users shall abide by the rules of network etiquette. These include using appropriate language, respecting the privacy of other users, and not disrupting the use of the network.

4. For their own safety, users should not reveal any personal addresses or phone numbers, or give out the addresses or phone numbers of others. The Middleton-Cross Plains/Area School District Student Enrollment Form specifically asks the parent/guardian the following questions:

* May student photo and or name (only when appropriate) be published on a District sponsored web page?
* May student use the Internet?
* May student appear on the District Educational Channel (channel 10)?

Any restrictions requested by the parent/guardian on the student enrollment form are communicated to staff through the student information system, Infinite Campus.

5. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be other's intellectual property and subject to copyright protection. Use of these sources shall be credited appropriately as with the use of any copyrighted material. In some cases, the author's permission may need to be obtained before materials may be used.

6. Students may not use District computer resources to subscribe to list serves or access news groups. Student access to home e-mail accounts at school is a building decision.

7. Attempts to gain unauthorized access to systems software, applications, passwords, other directories or computer equipment is prohibited.

8. Any malicious attempt to harm, modify or destroy data of another user is prohibited.

9. Students may not use District Internet resources to purchase commercial products or services. Any cost resulting from unauthorized use will be the responsibility of the student and their parent/guardian.

10. Faculty Internet supervision will determine what constitutes inappropriate use of the Internet and their decision is final.

11. The District retains the right to monitor all data stored on its computer hard drives and servers for compliance with this policy.

12. A student's parent(s)/guardian must sign the "Student Enrollment Form" within 14 days from the start of school or date of enrollment. If this "Student Enrollment Form" is not signed and returned within 14 days from the start of school or date of enrollment, it is assumed the student has been granted the permission as outlined in the Acceptable Use Agreement for the Internet and Other computer Related Technologies.

Violation of these guidelines may result in Internet and other computer technology-related privileges being restricted or revoked and may also result in school disciplinary action. If the violation constitutes a criminal offense, appropriate legal action may be taken.

Procedure

The following procedures apply to the unblocking of Internet websites for instructional use:

1. Staff members can make a request to the Director of Technology Services to have a website unblocked for the purpose of classroom instruction.

2. The Director of Technology Services will examine the requested sites and:

1. unblock the site(s) permanently District-wide through WISNET; OR
2. consult with the appropriate building principal and/or the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programs to gather more information. The building principal may, in turn, consult with the staff member(s) who made the request to determine specific use of the websites. If the principal approves unblocking the website(s), he/she will consult with the Director of Technology Services to: (1) unblock the site(s) permanently District wide through WISNET, (2) unblock the site(s) temporarily District-wide through the Internet, or (3) unblock only the requesting staff member's computer to use as part of a presentation/demonstration

3. The building principal will notify all other principals, the Technology Resource Teacher Group and the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Programs of the site(s) being unblocked and the timeframe the site(s) will remain accessible.

LEGAL REF.:
Sections 120.12(2) Wisconsin Statutes
120.13(1)(a)
943.70
947.0125
Children's Internet Protection Act
Neighborhood Children's Internet Protection Act
Children's Online Privacy Act
Federal Copyright Law [17 U.S.C.]
Technology Education and Copyright Harmonization Act (TEACH Act)

CROSS REF.:
310, Philosophy of Educational Programs, Instruction and Materials
330, Curriculum Development and Improvement
333, Parent Rights and Access to the Curriculum and Instructional Materials
343.6, Videotaping and/or Photographing of Students
347, Student Records
361, Selection, Review and Disposal of Instructional Materials and Textbooks
411, Equal Educational Opportunities
443, Student Conduct and Discipline
455.1, Supervision of Students
522.7, Staff Internet Acceptable Use
771.1, Use and Duplication of Copyrighted Materials

Exhibits:
Exhibit 363.1 Acceptable Use Agreement for the Internet and Other Computer Related Technologies

Adopted:
August 2002

Revised:
March 2005