Randall Consolidated School Board Policy
Computer And Internet Acceptable Use Policy

The Randall Consolidated School is providing access to the Internet as a means to enhance the curriculum and learning opportunities for all of our students and staff. The District has established the Internet Acceptable Use policy to ensure appropriate use of this resource.

INTENT

It is the intent of the District to make Internet access available to further the learning of students in the District. This resource should be used to enhance the curriculum or assist the students and staff in meeting their specific educational research needs. Prior to accessing the Internet, staff and students will be required to receive training in its appropriate use and etiquette.

The Internet is a fluid environment. The information available to students via the Internet is constantly changing; therefore, it is impossible to predict with certainty what information students might locate. Just as the purchase, availability and use of media materials does not indicate endorsement of their content by school officials, neither does making electronic information available to students imply endorsement of that content.

On this global network, it is impossible to control all materials. Some users may discover educationally unsuitable information. Through the Internet, students/staff may have access to materials that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially objectionable to some people. The District believes that the educationally appropriate information and interaction available on this world wide network outweighs the possibility that users may procure materials that are not consistent with the educational goals/policies of the District. This acceptable use policy will serve as the guide to foster appropriate use of the Internet.

USER EXPECTATIONS

All users should be aware that the inappropriate use of electronic information resources can be a violation of local, state and federal laws. Violations can lead to prosecution. Unacceptable uses of the system will result in the suspension or revocation of Internet use and/or appropriate disciplinary actions. The user will be held responsible for his/her actions using the Internet. When using the District's access to the Internet, users are expected to abide by the policies established by the District which include generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Acceptable Use -
Responsible users:

• may use the Internet to research assigned classroom projects
• may use the Internet to send electronic mail (E-mail) to other users
• may use the Internet to explore other computer systems
• will respect and uphold copyright laws and all other applicable laws or regulations
• will respect the rights and privacy of others by not accessing private files
• will follow all regulations posted in the computer lab or other room where computers are in use
• will report any suspected misuse of the computer/Internet to Technology Instructor and/or district administrator.
• will follow the directions of the adult in charge of the computer lab or other room where computers are in use

- Unacceptable Use -
Responsible Users:

• shall NOT use the Internet for any illegal purpose
• shall NOT use impolite or abusive language or display offensive messages or pictures
• shall NOT use another user's password
• shall NOT violate the rules of common sense or etiquette
• shall NOT change any computer files that do not belong to the user
• shall NOT use the system for commercial use
• shall NOT use an account other than their own or misrepresent their identity
• shall NOT create and/or distribute a computer virus over the network
• shall NOT use the system to illegally transfer software, otherwise known as pirating
• shall NOT reveal personal addresses or telephone numbers of students or staff
• shall NOT use the network in such a way that would disrupt the use of the network by others
• shall NOT deliberately or willfully cause damage to computer equipment or assist others in doing the same
• shall NOT deliberately access materials that are inconsistent with the school's code of conduct or district's educational goals and policies or show others how to do the same

Violations may result in a loss of Internet access as well as other disciplinary or legal action. If there is an interruption of service caused by a student's action the cost of repair will be billed to the student/parent on a time and materials basis.

PRIVILEGES

Users should be aware that use of the Internet and/or E-mail is not guaranteed to be private. Freedom of speech and access to information will be honored within reason. However, Teachers and administrators have the right to review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that students are using the system responsibly. Students and staff should not expect that E-mail and other Internet files stored on district computers will be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the proper authorities.

Teachers will guide students toward appropriate educational resources on the Internet. Parents and guardians bear the responsibility for supervision of Internet use outside of school.

ACCESS TO THE INTERNET VIA THE RANDALL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT. This privilege may be restricted and/or terminated at any time for use not consistent with the educational goals/policies of the District.

Written complaints regarding student and/or staff access to or use of specific resources available on the Internet will be received, reviewed and acted upon in accordance with the district's policy on challenged instructional materials.

To access the Internet, students and their parents/guardians will provide consent or denial of same.