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**-Needs a Name School District- Acceptable Use Policy Technology Policy**
 * Internet Safety**


 * July 23, 2009**


 * Created**


 * by**


 * Kim Hyland (KH)**


 * Jared Plisko (JP)**


 * Julie Venick (JV)**


 * Acceptable use of Technology
 * JP/KH**

To better serve our students and provide our employees with the best tools to do their jobs, the Needs a Name District makes available to our students and staff access to one or more forms of electronic media and services, including computers, video devices, music playback devices,copiers, networks, email, the Internet and the World Wide Web. The Needs a Name District has in place certain measures that are meant to shield users from unintentional transgressions. Among these is our firewall that prevents anyone without a signed AUP from accessing the Internet. Along with this safeguard is content filtering through Surf Control as specified in the Federal Government’s Children’s Internet Protection Act. The intent of CIPA is to block Internet sites that contain visual depictions that are “obscene”, “child pornography”, and “harmful to minors.” Measures designed to restrict minors’ access to material “harmful to minors” includes, but is not limited to, using filtering to restrict: gambling, violence, hate speech, criminal skills, weapons, chat, and adult/sexually explicit sites and topics. The filter can be temporarily relaxed for an adult for “bona fide research or other lawful purposes.” This would be done on a case by case basis and would be reviewed by the building principal and the Technology Coordinator. This access would be only for the time needed to complete the research.

Monitoring the online activities of minors and staff on the Internet is accomplished through teacher supervision, the ability to monitor real time activity, and the scanning of filter and firewall logs by district personnel. As part of the technology curriculum students are instructed on Internet safety including but not limited to: safety and security when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant message services, other forms of direct electronic communications, unauthorized access, including so called ‘hacking’ and other unlawful activities. These topics are also addressed later in this policy. While using the District computers and network, chat rooms, instant messaging services and other forms of direct electronic communications are restricted. Individuals will be granted access to technology and services appropriate for their educational needs and goals.

resources in a lawful, professional, and ethical manner to help ensure that all employees and students act in a responsible manner the following security and safety guidelines have been established for using district and personal technology and media. No policy can lay down rules to cover every possible situation. Instead it is designed to express the District's philosophy and set forth, general principles for using electronic devices, media,and services.
 * Access to these resources is a privilege not a right and the ** district has the right to restrict or remove access at any time when violations occur. The district technology resources are established for the purposes of communication and data sharing in support of educational goals. The District encourage use of these devices and media because they can make communication more efficient and effective. Also they are valuable tools and sources of information for students and staff. However, all employees, students, and anyone connected to the organization should remember that devices and media provided by the District are District property. Their purpose is to facilitate and support the District's curriculum and educational mission. ** The use of equipment, media or services for purposes that do not ** support the educational mission and curriculum of the District is prohibited. Misuse or destruction of the equipment is prohibited. All users have the responsibility to use these

Purpose
====(JP) The Needs a Name School District Board supports the use of the Internet, other district computer networks and technical resources in the district's instructional programs. These resources are made available in order to facilitate learning and teaching through interpersonal communications, access to information, research and collaboration. The use of technology resources shall be consistent with the curriculum adopted by the school district, as well as the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels of students. Furthermore, technology resources will be utilized where district operations can be enhanced by their use. ====

(KH) The District appreciates that technology provides creative avenues for helping students learn and teachers teach. Through the integration of technology, teachers are equipped with a variety of tools for assisting student learning, and students are empowered with skills that support lifelong learning. Use of technology is monitored by the School District, and use can be documented when use is of concern.

The District recognizes the need to establish guidelines for appropriate use of technology. These guidelines outline acceptable use of technology throughout the school district, as well as organize unacceptable use hierarchically so that discipline measures are clear and consistent. The following guidelines are published as users’ information, and may be modified at the discretion of the Building Principal, Assistant Principal, or Administrative Intern after review of all of the circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Delegation of Authority
(JV) The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage or misuse of any electronic device brought to school by a student; the students should refer to the student handbook for the policy.

Violations of this policy by a student shall result in disciplinary action and may result in confiscation of the personal technology resources.

The Superintendent or building principal shall promulgate procedures regarding the implementation of this policy and annually notify students, parents/guardians, and staff about the district’s Acceptable Use of Personal Technology Resources policy by publishing such policy in the student handbook, newsletters, posted notices, or other efficient methods.

***(JP)SCHOOL OWNED EQUIPMENT:**
**Computers** This includes but is not limited to; workstations and notebook computers and PDA's Tampering with, vandalism to, or unauthorized use of this equipment is prohibited. Use of these devices for activities other than those directly related to the curriculum or mission of the district is prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions, and violators may be subject to serious criminal prosecution. This includes but is not limited to; printers, scanners, Smart Boards, and storage devices. Tampering with, vandalism to, or unauthorized use of this equipment is prohibited. Use of these devices for activities other than those directly related to the curriculum or mission of the district is prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions, and violators may be subject to serious criminal prosecution. This includes but is not limited to school owned copying devices. These devices are to be used for educational purposes. Use of these devices for activities other than those directly related to the curriculum or mission of the district is prohibited. Personal use is prohibited. Users are prohibited from making copies of copyrighted materials in violation of copyright and / or Fair Use laws and guidelines. This includes but is not limited to; Televisions, VCRs, DVD players, video projectors, digital cameras, digital camcorders, and video recorders. Tampering with, vandalism to, or unauthorized use of this equipment is prohibited. Use of these devices for activities other than those directly related to the curriculum or mission of the district is prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions, and violators may be subject to serious criminal prosecution. Users are prohibited from making copies of copyrighted materials in violation of copyright and / or Fair Use laws and guidelines. This includes but is not limited to; radios, CD players, cassette player / recorders. Tampering with, vandalism to, or unauthorized use of this equipment is prohibited. Use of these devices for activities other than those directly related to the curriculum or mission of the district is prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions, and violators may be subject to serious criminal prosecution. Users are prohibited from making copies of copyrighted materials in violation of copyright and / or Fair Use laws and guidelines. Calculators used that are the property of the school district are not to be tampered with or vandalized in any way. Personal calculators are permitted as long as their use is related to school activities. Violations of this rule will result in disciplinary actions.
 * Peripherals**
 * Copiers**
 * Video Devices**
 * Musical playback / recording equipment**
 * Calculators**

***(JP)SOFTWARE:** Users will not copy or install personal software onto the network or onto any hard drive of a computer; either standalone or connected to the network. Users will not use any personal software from a floppy disk, zip disk, CDROM, or other portable media. It is prohibited to provide copies of copyrighted software to others while maintaining personal copies, unless there is a specific provision in the copyright policy allowing such action. Using a copyrighted program on more that one machine is prohibited, unless the copyright provision allows such an action. The district will not allow the illegal use of software. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions. Loading or use of unauthorized games, programs, music, files or other electronic media is prohibited. **Communications Software** This includes but is not limited to; Email, messaging, or chat. Users are not to engage any type of messaging or chat during school hours. Email communication other than that required for educational activities (distance learning, collaboration, etc.) is prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary actions, and violators may be subject to serious criminal prosecution. This software is to be used as designated in the curriculum and to aid in the instruction of students. Use of this software for uses other than those directly related to the curriculum and mission of the district is prohibited. This software is to be used to manage the information required for the operation of the school district. District, State and Federal privacy and confidentiality rules apply to all data contained in the system. Only the student, parents or guardians, and school personnel directly involved in the student's education, attendance, health, and discipline may view data concerning a student. Use of this software for uses other than those stated above is prohibited. Although every effort is made to prevent the loss of user data using hardware redundancy and backup strategies, the District assumes no responsibility for user data that is lost or destroyed due to software or hardware failures.
 * Productivity, Curriculum, Network Software**
 * Management**
 * Responsibility for Data**
 * This policy is designed for all students and employees of the District.**

=*(JP)User Levels: = **LEVEL 1 USER:** This group includes but is not limited to **STUDENTS, Part Time Employees (Security, Secretarial, Cafeteria and Custodial Staff)** and others assigned to this group by school district administration. **ACCESS TO DATA / DATA INTEGRITY:** **All data stored on district equipment is the property of the district.** · Users at this level are to access their personal files and any data files that are required for their class or homework assignments or job. · Access to other files without permission is expressly forbidden. · Reading or altering any file that has not been designated for your use is a violation of this policy. **Users will not reveal their password to others or access unauthorized data with another user’s password.** <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">**LEVEL 2 USER:** <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">This group includes but is not limited to **Teachers, Full-time** <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">**Secretarial Staff, Guidance Counselors, Designated Buildings and Grounds Staff** and others assigned to this group by school district administration. Users at this level are responsible for District equipment used in their classes or for their duties. This includes but is not limited to: computers, notebook computers, portable labs, audio and video equipment, and SmartBoards™. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">**LEVEL 3 USER:** <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">This group includes but is not limited to **Administrative Staff, Building Principals, Supervisors,** and others assigned to this group by school district administration. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">**LEVEL 4 USER:** This group includes but is not limited to **Administrative Technology Staff,** and others assigned to this group by school district administration. Only Technology Staff is authorized to service or repair hardware, install or remove software, and create accounts, install file servers, and other network devices. Users at this level have access to technology and data based on their job requirements. They are not to view files not directly related to assist users, maintenance, security, and affirmation of policy compliance.

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Consequences
(KH) Students are authorized to use the district’s on-line services in accordance with user obligations and responsibilities specified below:
 * 1) Students assume full responsibility for their actions while utilizing district technology services, the Internet, or other on-line services. Students shall keep passwords, account numbers, if issued, and/or related privileged information private. Students shall access the system only by utilizing their own password andlor account number.
 * 2) Access to the system shall only be for purposes related to education. Commercial, political, and/or personal use of the district network is strictly prohibited. The district reserves the right to monitor any on-line communications for improper use. Students shall not assume that any communications over the network are private or confidential
 * 3) Users shall not use the system to encourage the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, nor shall they promote unethical practices or any activity prohibited by law or district policy.
 * 4) Users shall not transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit, or that could be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based on their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or political beliefs.
 * 5) Copyrighted material may not be placed on the system without the author’s permission. Users may download copyrighted material for their use only. Dissemination of any copyrighted material without the author’s permission is strictly prohibited and violation of this is subject to disciplinary action.
 * 6) It shall be considered plagiarism for any user to download material that is not of his/her own creation and then submit that material under his/her own name without proper credit to the author/source.
 * 7) Vandalism will result in the cancellation of privileges and may result in disciplinary and/or criminal action. Vandalism includes, but is not limited to:
 * uploading/downloading of inappropriate/damaging material
 * creating computer viruses
 * malicious attempt to harm or destroy district equipment, materials, or data of any other user
 * knowingly attempting to produce a system failure or reduce/impede system performance in any way shape or form
 * 1) Users shall not read other users’ mail or files. They shall not attempt to interfere with other users’ ability to send or receive electronic mail nor shall they attempt to read, delete, copy, modify, or forge other users’ mail.
 * 2) Users are expected to keep messages brief and use appropriate language.
 * 3) Users shall report any security problem, misuse of the network, and/or inappropriate materials to their teacher, computer aide, or principal.
 * 4) Any student who is aware of any misuse or infraction of any of the above regulations and does not report it to the teacher, computer aide, or principal shall be subject to disciplinary action and/or revocation of computer access.

Penalties
(KH) Any user who is found to be in violation of any of the aforementioned rules or regulations may be subject to the following:
 * 1) Suspension and/or termination of all network access privileges or use of district technology
 * 2) Suspension from school and/or expulsion from the Needs a Name School District
 * 3) Referral to civil law enforcement authorities for criminal prosecution
 * 4) Other legal action, including action to recover civil damages and penalties

Copyright
(JV) Copyrighted material may not be placed on the system without the author’s permission. Users may download copyrighted material for their use only. Dissemination of any copyrighted material without the author’s permission is strictly prohibited and violation of this is subject to disciplinary action.

Safety and Security
(KH) The Needs a Name School District, in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) will provide a firewall, and filter to block any inappropriate content that may be found on the internet. The firewall and filter will allow only sites that have been deemed educational. However, the Needs a Name School District will not be held accountable for any deliquent internet behavior. The district will not be responsible for the viewing and distribution of inappropriate internet content by a student who knowingly and willingly viewing and distributing.

The CIPA laws require the following: The district shall make every effort to ensure that students and staff use these educational resources responsibly. The Needs a Name School District strives to provide error free,dependable access to the Internet and other district technology resources. However, the district shall not be held liable for any information that may be lost, damaged, or unavailable due to technical or other difficulties.
 * Schools and libraries subject to CIPA may not receive the discounts offered by the E-rate program unless they certify that they have an Internet safety policy and technology protection measures in place. An Internet safety policy must include technology protection measures to block or filter Internet access to pictures that are: (a) are obscene, (b) child pornography, or (c) harmful to minors (for computers that are accessed by minors).
 * Schools and libraries must also certify that, as part of their Internet safety policy, they are educating minors about appropriate online behavior, including cyberbullying awareness and response and interacting with other individuals on social networking sites and in chat rooms.
 * Schools subject to CIPA are required to adopt and enforce a policy to monitor online activities of minors.
 * Schools and libraries subject to CIPA are required to adopt and implement a policy addressing: (a) access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet; (b) the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; (c) unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unlawful activities by minors online; (d) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; and (e) restricting minors’ access to materials harmful to them.

Prohibitions
<span style="display: block; font-family: Times New Roman,serif; text-align: left;">*(JP) 1. Use of the District technology for non-work or non-school related communications or projects are prohibited. Limited occasional or incidental use of electronic media (sending and receiving) for personal purposes is understandable and acceptable. All such use should be done in a manner that does not negatively affect the systems' use for their educational purposes. However employees and students are expected to demonstrate a sense of responsibility and not abuse this privilege. 2. Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors or staff. 3. The District technology shall not be used to disrupt the work of others: and the hardware or software or files of other users shall not be destroyed, modified or abused in any way. 4. Using technology that results in any copyright violation is prohibited. 5. Use of technology for malicious purposes; harassment of others, infiltrating computer systems, and/or damaging computers, software, or other technology device is prohibited. 6. Use of the District technology to intentionally obtain or modify files, passwords, or data belonging to other users is prohibited. 7. Attempting to disguise your account or machines identity is prohibited. 8. No user may attempt to circumvent security or data protection. 9. Deliberately wasting or monopolizing resources is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to subscribing to list servers, mass emailing, Internet games, or creating unnecessary network traffic.

Student Developed Web Content
===*(JP) As part of class/course assignments, students may be developing and/or publishing content to the web via web pages, blogs, wikis, podcasts, vodcasts, and webcasts, or may be participating in video conferences:===

5. All web content shall only be posted to district approved web pages, blogs, wikis, podcasts, webcasts, vodcasts and videoconferences.
<span style="display: block; font-size: 80%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; text-align: center;"> (JP)


 * = Pulled From Uniontown School District Tech AUP

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