Acceptable Use Policy for Technology, Internet, and Electronic Resources
USD 456, MdCV Schools, 2007-2008
September 10, 2007
The Marais des Cygnes Valley School District strongly believes in the educational value of technology and electronic services and recognizes the potential of such to support our curriculum and student learning. The use of technology and information systems is a privilege, not a right.
Students need to be reminded that the traditional "Parent's Warnings" against "talking to strangers" apply in this case for the same safety reasons. Abuse is considered misconduct as detailed in the District Handbook. Never respond to any messages that are suggestive, obscene, or threatening. Show such messages to an adult/teacher. They can forward a copy to the service provider for investigation. Students should not use their full names, or give out their home phone number, home address or school names. We also recommend that you do not give out your social security number, bank account number, or credit card numbers.
MdCV-USD 456 reserves the right to log Internet use and to monitor file server space utilization by users while respecting user accounts. MdCV-USD 456 also reserves the right to remove a user from the network to prevent further unauthorized activity. Unauthorized activity by student users will result in that student being referred through the district discipline policy, which involves loss of computer privileges and possible suspension from school, depending on the seriousness of the violation.
CONSEQUENCES for using the Internet and/or technology inappropriately are as follows:
FIRST OFFENSE: Student will have restricted Internet and/or technology privileges for two weeks. Computers may be used for class assignments (during class time) with supervision of the classroom teacher only. Work missed due to loss of privilege must be made up and worked out with the teacher involved.
SECOND OFFENSE: Restricted use of Internet/technology for four weeks. (See First Offense).
THIRD OFFENSE: Student will lose Internet and/or technology privileges for the remainder of the school year. If a student is enrolled in an Internet/technology-based class, he/she will receive a grade of "F."
Activities not permitted include, but are not limited to:
1. Using another's password to login through that person�s
account.
2. Using obscene language.
3. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, flaming,
spamming, placing unlawful information on or through the Internet,
entering inappropriate addresses, and the use of objectionable
language in either public or private files or messages and other
antisocial behaviors are prohibited. The use of "Chat Rooms" is
prohibited and will be grounds for suspension from Internet
privileges.
4. Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures.
5. Sending threats of violence towards persons or property.
6. Intentionally wasting limited resources.
7. Trespassing in another's folders, work, or files.
8. Violating copyrighted laws or material protected by trade
secret.
9. Using the computer system or network for commercial purposes,
personal business, political lobbying, or illegal activity.
10. Damaging, modifying, or abusing computers, computer systems, or
computer networks in any way.
11. Uploading or creating computer viruses.
12. Duplicating, using, or installing illegal or copyright
software.
13. E-mail privileges are only for those enrolled in classes that
use e-mail for the purpose of the class. Chain letters or
broadcasting messages to lists or individuals is prohibited.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism is �taking ideas of writing from another person and offering them as your own.� Cutting and pasting ideas to a document from electronic sources is very easy to do, but could be unethical and illegal. When using someone else's work, be sure that the author is given credit. Users will face disciplinary action for academic dishonestly as listed in the student handbook.
Network Etiquette: Computer users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Users should be polite and use appropriate language. Users should not reveal home addresses or personal phone numbers or similar identifications about themselves, fellow students, or teachers. Users should not forward personal communications without the author's prior consent.
The use of the network to access obscene, objectionable, or pornographic materials is prohibited; material must be moral, legal, and ethical. The material shall be deemed obscene, objectionable, or pornographic at the discretion of the District, Administration, Teachers, or other supervising adults or substitutes. The use of the network to transmit material likely to be offensive or objectionable to recipients is prohibited. Again this is at the discretion of the District, Administration, Teachers or other supervising adults or substitutes.
Security: If a user identifies a security problem, a
teacher or supervising staff member should be notified at once. Any
user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the
technology/information system. MdCV School District uses a
technology protection measure that blocks or filters Internet
access, to block access to some Internet sites that are not in
accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy. MdCV staff will monitor
students� use of the Internet through either direct supervision and
by monitoring Internet use history to ensure enforcement of the
Policy.
Acceptable Use: Individual users of the district computer
networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over
those networks. Users will comply with district standards. The use
of assigned accounts, the Internet, and electronic resources must
be in support of education research and the educational goals and
objectives of the MdCV School District. Network storage areas may
be treated like school lockers. Network managers may review files
and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that
users are using the system responsibly. Users should recognize that
files stored on district systems are NOT private.
Students will use the Internet for academic purposes only and students cannot use the Internet without the supervision of a Teacher, Technology Facilitator, Substitute, or Coordinator. During school hours teachers will guide students toward appropriate use of technology resources and the Internet. Student must hand a pass from their classroom teacher to the Technology Facilitator/supervisor to work in the Media Center. The pass must contain the type of project that constitutes computer use.
