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603.12-R2 - Regulations Regarding Internet Acceptable Use

RESPONSIBILTY FOR INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE:

  1. The authority for appropriate use of electronic internet resources is delegated to licensed employees. For the purpose of this policy, internet is defined as: A collection of thousands of inter-connected computer networks involving millions of computers and 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.
  2. Instruction in the proper use of the internet will be available to employees who will then provide similar instruction to their students.
  3. Employees are expected to practice appropriate use of the internet and violations may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

INTERNET ACCESS:

  1. Access to the internet is available to employees and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication.
  2. Students will be able to access the internet with the permission of their teachers.
    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. On a global network it is impossible to control all materials because information on the internet appears, disappears, and changes so it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.
    2. It is a goal to allow teachers and students access to rich opportunities on the internet while protecting the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable materials.
    3. The smooth operation of the network relies on 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 video/chat/internet relay chat only as approved by the supervising teacher.
    5. Transmission of material, information, or software in violation of any school board policy or regulation is prohibited.
    6. The district makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of information received on the internet.

PERMISSION TO USE THE INTERNET:
Parents/guardians will grant annual permission for their student to use the internet.

STUDENT/STAFF USE OF THE INTERNET:

  1. Equal Opportunity: The internet is available to all students/staff within the district.
     
  2. Online 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, students/staff 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. Student access for electronic mail (email) will be through their student account supervised by their teacher. Students should adhere to the following guidelines:
      • Respect all copyright and license agreements;
      • Cite all quotes, references, and sources;
      • Remain on the system only long enough to get needed information; and
      • Apply the same privacy, ethical, and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.
    3. Students/staff should adhere to the following guidelines:
      • Others may be able to read or access emails so private messages should not be sent;
      • Delete unwanted messages immediately;
      • Use of objectionable language is prohibited;
      • Always sign messages; and
      • Always acknowledge receipt of a document or file.
         
  3. Restricted Materials: Students/staff will not intentionally access or download any text files or pictures or engage in any conference that includes materials which are:
    1. Obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd;
    2. Advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law;
    3. Constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others;
    4. Presents a clear and present likelihood that either because of its content or the manner of distribution it will cause a material and/or substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school, district, or school activities; and
    5. Will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.
  4. Unauthorized Costs/Damages: If a student or district employee gains access to any services via the internet which have a cost involved or if a they incur any other type of cost due to physical damage, the student or district employee incurring such services or necessary repairs will be responsible for the cost.
     
  5. Students/staff should never download or install any unauthorized software including Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass content filters, browser extensions, games, etc.

Adopted: 7/03
Reviewed: 7/11; 4/18; 2/24
Revised: 9/12; 10/13; 2/15; 8/17; 6/21
Related Policy: 603.12; 603.12-R1; 603.12-E1
Legal Reference (Code of Iowa): § 279.8; 47 CFR 54.520
IASB Reference: 605.06-R(1)