USD 356

USD 356
Computer/Internet Acceptable Use Policy

and Photo Release Form

Computer Use Policy

Computers, computer files, and software furnished to students are USD 356 property intended for academic and educational use.  Access to electronic information systems is a privilege, not a right.  All users must respect the rights of other computer users, respect the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and respect all pertinent license and contractual agreements related to the USD 356 information systems.

USD 356 provides computer systems in good working condition for the benefit of a successful learning environment.  Any physical damage to either computers or any part of the information system will result in disciplinary action and probable compensation for any damage done.

Students are forbidden to use a password, access a file, circumvent security measures, or retrieve any stored communication without proper authorization.  Students may only use software on the local network or on multiple machines according to the software license agreement.  USD 356 prohibits the illegal duplication of software and its related documentation. To ensure compliance with this policy, computer, and network traffic usage may be monitored.

USD 356 strives to provide a high speed, reliable information system that is free of viruses.  Downloading of any unlicensed, illegal software or files that are a security or a virus threat is disallowed.  This includes, but is not limited to, downloading of any files through messaging software, file sharing applications, and websites.  Examples of restricted or disallowed software are Bearshare, BitTorrent, Limewire, and file transfer through MSN or Yahoo messenger software. Failure to abide by these conditions will be subject to disciplinary action.

Students must have approval before accessing the information systems.  This includes the use of any available network and phone jacks.  Students are not allowed to install any computer system inside any academic building on campus without prior consent of either the principal, superintendent, or the technology director.

USD 356 strives to maintain an environment free of harassment and sensitive to the diversity of its students.  Therefore, USD 356 prohibits the use of the computer and email in ways that are disruptive, offensive to others, or harmful to morale.  For example, the display or transmission of sexually explicit images, messages, and cartoons is not allowed.  Other such misuse includes, but is not limited to, ethnic slurs, racial comments, off-color jokes, or anything that may be construed as harassment or showing disrespect for others.

 Acceptance and use of the USD 356 internet and network shall constitute an agreement on behalf of the user or other individual accessing such information systems to abide and be bound by the provision of this policy.

Students should notify a teacher or administrator upon learning of violations of this policy.  Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of enrollment.

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Internet access to global electronic information resources on the World Wide Web is provided by USD 356 to assist staff and students in obtaining school and educational related data and technology. The following guidelines have been established to help ensure responsible and productive internet usage. While internet usage is intended for school related activities, incidental and occasional brief personal use is permitted within reasonable limits. 

Under no circumstances are students or staff members required or allowed to use outside internet sources inside any building on campus with the exception of personal housing.  This includes using phone lines to dial up to the internet, using wireless access points on the USD 356 network without permission, using cell phone signal to gain internet access, or connecting to any wireless internet access point that the user is unauthorized to use.

All internet data that is composed, transmitted, or received via our computer network is considered to be part of the official records of USD 356 and, as such, is subject to disclosure to law enforcement or other third parties.  Consequently, employees and students should always ensure that the all information contained in internet email messages, messenger programs, or any other transmissions is accurate, appropriate, ethical, and lawful.

The equipment, services, and technology provided to access the internet remain at all times the property of USD 356.  As such, USD 356 reserves the right to monitor internet and network traffic and retrieve and read any data composed, sent, or received through our online connections and stored in our computer systems.

Data that is composed, transmitted, accessed, or received via the internet must not contain content that could be considered discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening, harassing, intimidating, or disruptive to staff members, students, or any other individual.  Examples of unacceptable content may include, but are not limited to, sexual comments or images, racial slurs, gender-specific comments, or any other comments or images that could reasonably offend someone on the basis of race, age, sex, religious or political beliefs, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The unauthorized use, installation, copying, or distribution of copyrighted, trademarked, or patented material on the internet is expressly prohibited.  As a general rule, if a staff member or student did not create material, does not own the rights to it, or has not gotten authorization for its use, it should not be put on the internet. All users are also responsible for ensuring that the person or party sending material over the internet to them has the appropriate distribution rights.

To ensure a virus free network environment, no files may be downloaded from the internet without prior authorization.  This includes all file sharing applications.  Some examples may include, but are not limited to; Bearshare, BitTorrent, and Limewire.

Attempting to gain access to the schools servers, websites, or email is not allowed.  Additionally, trying to circumvent the USD 356 content filter or firewall to gain access to unauthorized websites or services is strictly forbidden. Abuse of the internet access provided by USD 356 in violation of law or USD 356 policies will result in disciplinary action, and up to and including termination of employment for staff or expulsion for students.  Users may also be held personally liable for any violations of this policy. 

The following behaviors are examples of previously stated or additional actions and activities that are prohibited and can result in disciplinary action:

·         Sending or posting discriminatory, harassing, or threatening messages or images

·         Using web proxy servers to bypass content filters

·         Using the organization’s time and resources for personal gain

·         Stealing, using, or disclosing someone else’s code or password without authorization

·         Copying, pirating, or downloading software and electronic files without permission

·         Violating copyright law

·         Failing to observe licensing agreements

·         Engaging in unauthorized transactions that may incur a cost to the organization or initiate unwanted internet services and transmissions

·         Sending or posting messages or material that could damage the organization’s image or reputation

·         Participating in the viewing or exchange of pornography or obscene materials

·         Sending or posting messages that defame or slander other individuals

·         Attempting to break into the remote computer system of another organization or person

·         Refusing to cooperate with a security investigation

·         Sending or posting chain letters, solicitations, or advertisements not related to the school or school activities

·         Jeopardizing the security of the organization’s computer network

·         Sending or posting messages that disparage another organization’s products or services

·         Passing off personal views as representing those of the school

·         Sending anonymous email messages

·        Engaging in any other illegal activities

Photo and Name Release Policy

I hereby grant permission to USD 356, Conway Springs, Kansas to use my photograph and/or name on its World Wide Web site and other official electronic publications without further consideration, and I acknowledge the school’s right to crop or treat the photograph at its discretion. I also acknowledge that the school may choose not to use my photo at this time but may do so at its own discretion at a later date.

I also understand that once my image is posted on USD 356’s website, the image can be downloaded by any computer user on or off campus. Therefore, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless from any claims the following:

USD 356 reserves the right to discontinue use of photos without notice.

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SIGNATURE SHEET FOR USD #356 ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

(Turn in at HS office during the 1^st week of school)

Student’s agreement         

By signing this document, I agree to abide by the policies and regulations governing the use of the school computers and the Internet.  I fully understand these policies and agree to the sanctions that will be imposed in the event of misconduct. 

Parent’s Agreement

As a parent or guardian of this student, I have read the above policies.  I understand that the purpose of access to the computers and internet is for educational purposes.  I also recognize that USD 356 may not be able to restrict access to all controversial materials.  I will not hold them responsible for materials my son or daughter acquires while using the school computers.   I hereby give my permission to for my child to access the Internet on the school computers.