I. Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use.
A. The authority - for appropriate use of electronic Internet resources is delegated to the licensed employees. For the purpose of this policy, Internet is defined as:
A collection of more than 20,000 interconnected computer networks involving an estimated 1.5 million computers and 25 million users around the world. It is a collaboration of private, public, educational, governmental and industrial sponsored networks whose operators cooperate to maintain the network infrastructure.
B. Instruction - in the proper use of the Internet system will be available to employees who will then provide similar instruction to their students.
C. Employees - are expected to practice appropriate use of the Internet, and violations may result in discipline up to, and including, discharge.
II. Internet Access.
A. Access to the Internet - is available to staff and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication.
B. Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses may, at the discretion of
the administration and supervising teacher, be issued to individual students, student groups, and non-staff individuals, who fit under the guidelines established by the Internet provider. An internet account will give access to the World-Wide-Web (www), Gopher, Telnet, and Newsgroups.
1. Making Internet access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate for students. However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials. Because information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.
2. It is a goal to allow staff and students access to the rich opportunities on the Internet, while we protect the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material.
3. The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines which require efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources.
4. To reduce unnecessary system traffic, users may use real-time conference features such as talk/chat/Internet relay chat only as approved by the supervising teacher.
5. Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any district policy, board policy or regulation, local, state or federal law is prohibited. Correct citation of material obtained over the Internet is required.
6. System users will perform a virus check on downloaded files to avoid spreading computer viruses onto either the local school LAN or district-wide LAN>
7. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.
III. Permission to Use Internet –
A. The Parent/Guardian – shall grant or deny student permission to use the Internet resources on a by building (K-5(6), 6-8, 9-12) basis. This will be done annually using the “Internet Access Permission Form for Students.” Permission will remain in effect unless withdrawn by supervisory personnel under the terms of “Student Violations: Consequences and Notification,” or by the parent or guardian at any time.
B. Electronic Mail for Non-Staff Individuals – who fit under the guidelines established by the Internet provider will involve a set-up charge in order to receive an electronic mail address and an account on the mail server.
IV. Student /Staff Use of Internet.
A. Equal Opportunity –
1. The Internet shall be available to all students within the school district through teacher access. The amount of time available for each student may be limited by the number of available terminals and the demands for each terminal.
2. The Internet applications which will be made available to individuals having an Internet account are shared by everyone using the network. It is important that you follow the procedures given to you in your training in order to insure the smooth operation of the network for everyone on it.
B. On-line Etiquette.
1. The use of the network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations. As a user of the Internet, staff and students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks.
2. Staff and students should adhere to on-line protocol:
a. Respect all copyright and license agreements.
b. Cite all quotes, references and sources.
c. Remain on the system long enough to get needed information, then exit the system.
d. Apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.
3. Staff and student access for electronic mail will be through their own account – established at the discretion of the administration and the supervising teacher. Staff and students should adhere to the following electronic mail guidelines:
a. Others may be able to read or access the mail so private messages should not be sent.
b. Delete unwanted messages immediately.
c. Use of vulgar, abusive or objectionable language is prohibited.
d. Always sign messages.
e. Always acknowledge that you have received a document or file that someone has sent you.
f. Mailing lists of any type may not be subscribed to unless permission is received in advance from the supervising teacher or administration.
C. Inappropriate, Objectionable or Restricted Material – Staff and students will not intentionally access or download any text file, picture, movie or other multi-media file, or engage in any form of communication that advocates violence, racism, anarchy, treason, discrimination or pornographic material, or which includes material which is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd; advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; or presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, or will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.
D. Unauthorized Costs – If a staff member or student gains access to any service via the Internet which has a cost involved or if a staff member or student incurs other types of costs, the school district will not be responsible for those costs. The staff member, the student accessing such a service (or the student’s parent/guardian) will be responsible for those costs.
V. Student Violations--Consequences and Notifications.
Students who access restricted items on the Internet are subject to the appropriate action described in board policy or regulations or the following consequences:
1. First Violation – For the first violation during the school’s fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), a verbal and written “Warning” notice will be issued to the student by the supervising teacher. The student will lose Internet access for a period of three (3) weeks. A reasonable attempt shall be made to contact the student’s parent, a copy of the notice will be mailed to the student’s parent and a copy provided to the building principal.
2. Second Violation – On the second violation during the school’s fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), a verbal and written “Second Violation” notice will be issued to the student by the supervising teacher. The student shall forfeit all Internet privileges for a period of nine ((9) weeks. A reasonable attempt shall be made to contact the student’s parent, a copy of the notice will be sent to the student’s parent and a copy provided to the building principal.
3. Third Violation – On the third violation during the school’s fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), a verbal and written “Third Violation” notice will be issued to the student by the supervising teacher. The student shall forfeit all Internet privileges for the remainder of the school year. A reasonable attempt shall be made to contact the student’s parent, a copy of the notice will be sent by registered mail to the student’s parent and a copy provided to the building principal.
Any student who has lost his/her Internet privileges by committing a “Third Violation” may at the beginning of the next regular school year petition the “Principal’s Building Advisory Committee,” or “Building Eligibility Committee” to have his/her Internet privileges reinstated on a trial basis. A “trial basis” places the student on probation for one year.
Students affected by a third violation who will move to a different attendance center within the Gilmore City-Bradgate School for the coming year must petition the “Principal’s Building Advisory Committee,” or “Building Eligibility Committee” of the new attendance center to have his/her Internet privileges reinstated on a trial basis. If the new attendance center grants the petition, the affected student will be on a one year probation at their new attendance center.
If during the one year time period of probation the student commits an additional offense, his/her Internet privileges will be permanently suspended for the remainder of his/her time as a student in the Gilmore City-Bradgate School Districts.
