FRANKLIN NORTHEAST SUPERVISORY UNION 9.2

ENOSBURG FALLS GRADED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Tentative Approval: May 17, 2007

Final Approval: June 2007

9.2 ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP)

APPLYING TO ENOSBURG FALLS’ NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET

The Enosburg Falls Graded School District recognizes the importance of, and the significant educational benefits, which are derived from providing students and staff members access to information technology in general and to the Internet specifically.

The Internet, and the World Wide Web in particular, are important educational tools which provide students and staff members access to a vast array of resources from around the globe. On a global network, however, it is impossible to control all materials and a student may happen on inappropriate sites, deliberately or by accident.

Nevertheless, the District firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network outweigh the possibility that the user may access materials not consistent with the educational goals of the District. Therefore, each school principal, in consultation with the Superintendent and the technology coordinator, is responsible for establishing procedures governing access to the Internet and to the local area network consistent with the provisions of this policy. Procedures will include use by faculty and staff, and community if applicable, as well as students. In addition, all users are required annually to sign Network and Internet Access Agreements indicating their knowledge and acceptance of this policy and their intention to comply with its requirements. Teachers will review the key points with students in age-appropriate language.

The purpose of providing access to the Internet and other electronic information resources is to promote academic excellence in the District’s educational objectives, access to research findings, and opportunities to satisfy intellectual curiosity. Use of the District’s Network and Internet Access shall be consistent with these purposes.

The District will stipulate in any agreement or contract that Internet service providers will not collect, analyze, and/or sell individual or anonymous student use data for the purpose of commercial advertising and marketing research activities. The collection and analysis of student use data strictly for the purpose of educational evaluation is acceptable, provided that student confidentiality standards are maintained. Strict confidentiality standards and security procedures are also effectively maintained to protect electronic student informational database records.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

In order to match electronic resources with classroom curriculum, school personnel will review and evaluate these resources to the extent that it is practical to do so. The extent to which students will be confined to specific resources that have been reviewed and evaluated prior to use will vary according to grade level. Generally, all students will have access to use which is supervised by the teacher or lab supervisor. Staff will provide developmentally appropriate guidance to students as they make use of information technology. Teachers will show students how to evaluate the authority and credibility of information found on the Internet and how to document sources.

Permission from a parent or guardian must be given in writing to allow for publication of student work on the Internet. Student users must obtain permission from their teachers or facilitators before using the District’s electronic information resources. All students, and - in the case of minor students - a parent or guardian, will sign appropriate forms indicating their acceptance of this policy and their intention to abide by its requirements.

IMPLEMENTATION

Copies of the Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) will be provided to all parents and students as part of each school’s handbook. All students, their parents or guardians in the case of minors, as well as every adult wishing to make use of school networks or the Internet, will receive agreements based on the Acceptable Use Policy to sign and return on an annual basis. Network and Internet access is conditioned upon the District having a signed agreement on file for the user. In the case of community use, it is the users’ responsibility to employ the system in a manner that is consistent with the mission of a publicly funded educational institution. Access to the system may be terminated if abuse is evident.

School District staff use of the Network, equipment, and Internet access is conditioned upon completing the Acceptable Use Policy on an annual basis.

NETWORK SAFETY

As students, faculty and staff become increasingly involved with Internet publishing, it is necessary to have a permission form signed by parents or guardians to allow student first names, last initials (only), works and pictures to be published. No individual photograph of a student, group photo, or Internet video in which students are individually identified, will be published on the Internet. In the case of students, no personal information will be published on the Internet, including the mail address, e-mail address, phone number, biographical or autobiographical information.

Students should never agree to meet, in person, anyone with whom they have corresponded unless accompanied by an adult they know and trust.

In the event that a student has created a published Web site in a non-school environment, they may edit that site, in compliance with educational appropriateness, in a school environment only if it does not contain identifiable information as defined above.

CONDUCT IN THE USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Use of the School District’s Network and Internet access and other electronic information resources must be in support of, and consistent with, the educational policies of the District.

PRIVILEGE

Accessing electronic information resources through District equipment or systems is a privilege, not a right; and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of the privilege.

A. System Administrators are delegated the authority to determine appropriate and acceptable use as provided under this section.

B. Any user account may be closed, suspended or revoked any time a System Administrator determines an account user or holder has used the Internet or other electronic resource in an inappropriate or unacceptable manner in violation of this or other applicable District policies or procedures.

C. Inappropriate or unacceptable use is defined as use that violates: the District’s purpose in providing access to the Internet or other electronic resource; violates the terms of this policy or procedures and rules implementing the policy; violates state or federal law; or, violates any School District policy, rule, or procedures.

LIABILITY

The Enosburg Falls Graded School District cannot be held responsible for any lost resources or damages incurred through the use of any form of district informational technology.

The District is not liable for unacceptable use or violations of copyright restrictions or other laws, user mistakes or negligence, and costs incurred by users. The District is not responsible for ensuring the accuracy, age appropriateness, or usability of any information found on the District’s electronic resources network, including the Internet.

SECURITY AND MONITORING

Electronic mail (email) and other personal files are not guaranteed to be private. System administrators have access to all mail and files, and reserve the right to monitor and review any material on archived, current, or future local or wide area network user accounts.

Nothing may be downloaded that requires a fee for any service or program. Persons doing so are liable for any and all charges.

Users of the network agree not to violate or attempt to violate network security or intentionally interfere with network performance, or access to another person’s account, files or passwords. This includes, but not limited to, using virtual tunnels that circumvent filtering software, introduction of spyware, malware, virus/worm, spam-generating/propagation activities, and intrusion or security breaching software.

USER PRIVILEGES

Students and staff may use the Internet to participate in distance learning activities, to ask questions of and consult with experts, to communicate with other individuals, and to locate material to meet their educational and/or job role needs. School staff have a professional responsibility to work together to help students develop the intellectual skills needed to discriminate among information sources, to identify information appropriate to their age and developmental levels, and to evaluate and use information to meet their educational goals.

All users using the District’s Network, E-Mail and/or Internet are advised that such use and all correspondence are not privileged or confidential. From time to time, Network and Internet use and communications may be monitored by the administration to assure that Internet and Network use is consistent with the terms of this policy. System administrators reserve the right to monitor and review any material on current or future local or wide area network user accounts.

Authorized users have:

The privilege to access the Internet and to exchange information;
A conditional privilege to request newsgroups, listservers, or other collaborative resources from the Internet in order to facilitate real-time learning with members on the network;
The conditional privilege to send email to any member on the Internet;
The expectation that they will use appropriate language that is not offensive, or embarrassing to the school district and to abide by all rules of school conduct and Network etiquette.

Use of the School District’s Network and Internet access is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of this privilege and may result in appropriate disciplinary action.

User Responsibilities:

Authorized users accounts must be in support of the educational goals in the School District.

While exercising privileges to use the Network and Internet as an educational resource, users shall also monitor and accept the responsibility for all material received.

Users have the responsibility to maintain the integrity of the electronic mail system and to be responsible for all mail received under their user account. Users have the responsibility to report violations of privacy to an Internet supervisor.

Users may not knowingly receive electronic mail containing pornographic material, inappropriate information, or files that are potentially dangerous to the integrity of the hardware or software on school premises. Users must report all inappropriate materials (solicited or unsolicited) to the Network administrator.

All files and programs on the computer belong to someone. Users may not modify, erase, rename, or make unusable anyone else's files or programs.

Users have the responsibility to keep copyrighted software of any kind from entering the school via the Internet. Users have the responsibility of keeping all pornographic material, inappropriate text files, or files dangerous to the integrity of the network from entering the school via the Internet.

Users may not modify, copy, or transfer any software provided by the school, faculty, or student without permission from the licensor and/or originator.

Transmission of any material in violation of local, state and federal law or regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material or material protected by trade secret.

Users may not copy copyrighted software owned by the School District. It is generally illegal to copy any software, which has a copyright. The use of illegally copied software is considered a criminal offense and is subject to criminal prosecution.

Users shall not intentionally damage the system or equipment, damage information not belonging to them, misuse system resources, or allow or encourage others to misuse system resources. Users shall not tamper with equipment or, attempt to repair equipment except as directed by a supervising staff member. In the event that school equipment is used off school network/grounds these same appropriate-use expectations apply. Users must sign an equipment inventory log stating their acceptance of responsibility and liability for said equipment; Students must have administration permission to sign out school equipment.

Users:

· May not intentionally introduce a computer virus, or related harmful program;

· May not use the network for financial or commercial gain or, political action or solicitation;

· May not intentionally damage the system, damage information not belonging to them, misuse system sources, or allow others to do so;

· Are not to use the network for wasteful or frivolous purposes such as playing network games.

· May not upload personal information (including photos) without administrative consent

· May not upload and/or post potentially damaging or harmful (cyber-bullying) information regarding others

· Must gain administrative approval to use home/personal devices, including - but not limited to - computers, handhelds, cell phones, or mp3 players that may interact with the District’s network

· May not share personal electronic files (music, video, games, images, documents) either from personal devices, or from school devices when they interfere with the operation of the network.

Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include the following:

· Be polite. Do not write or send abusive, harassing or inappropriate messages to others.

· Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.

· Do not reveal a personal address or phone number or those of students or colleagues.

· Note that e-mail is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all e-mail.

· Messages relating to, or in support of, illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.

· Comply with all School District rules and policies regarding personal conduct and behavior.

Additional Staff Responsibilities

In addition to the responsibilities listed above, adults employed by the District are responsible to oversee student use of computing, including monitoring students’ activity and use of network, internet, and equipment use. Staff are required to support the objective of responsible computing for educational use set forth in this policy and report violations when observed. Computing for educational use should be a reflection of, but not limited to, Vermont Technology Grade Expectations and/or ISTE Student Standards.

Misuse of Privileges and Consequences

Users are held responsible for their actions and activities, as outlined in the Responsibilities section above. Unacceptable use of the network will result in the suspension or termination of all user privileges and, school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action. Reinstatement of privileges will be made at the discretion of the school administration.

Permission to use Computers!

Sign and return!

CONSENT AND APPLICATION FOR

DISTRICT INTERNET ACCOUNT – STUDENT

Directions: After reading the District Computer Network-Internet Acceptable Use Policy, please read and fill out the appropriate portions completely and legibly. The signature of a parent or guardian is also required if you are under 18 years of age. Please return the consent form to the main office.

STUDENT: I HAVE READ THE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR NETWORK-INTERNET ACCESS. I understand and will abide by the terms and conditions of the Policy. I understand that network privacy is not guaranteed. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be suspended and/or revoked; and, in addition, school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

STUDENT NAME (please print): _________________________________

Student Signature: _________________________________________

Grade: ________________________ Date: _____________________

c Please check box to request an email account.

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PARENT OR GUARDIAN (if the applicant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement): AS THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF THIS STUDENT, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy for the Enosburg Graded School District Network and Internet. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes and the District has taken all reasonable precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I recognize it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all controversial materials, and with full knowledge of these limitations and risks, I hereby give my permission to issue an account for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not at the District.

PARENT or GUARDIAN (please print): ____________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________________

Date: _______________________________________________________

c Please check box if you request an email account for a student.

Enosburg Graded School District

Staff Acceptable Use Form

ANNUAL CONSENT AND APPLICATION FOR

Network - Internet - Email

Directions: After reading the District Computer Network-Internet Acceptable Use Policy, please read and fill out the appropriate portions completely and legibly. Please return the consent form to the Administration or Technology Director.

Staff: I HAVE READ THE SCHOOL DISTRICT’S ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR NETWORK-INTERNET-EMAIL ACCESS. I understand and will abide by the terms and conditions of the Policy. I understand that network privacy is not guaranteed. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be suspended and/or revoked; and, in addition, administrative disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

I understand that when I am using the Internet or any other telecommunication environment, I must adhere to all rules of courtesy, etiquette, and laws regarding access and copying of information as prescribed by either Federal, State or local law, our Internet service provider, and the Enosburg Falls Graded School District.

Use of web-based e-mail (hotmail, yahoo, etc.) will be prohibited. These forms of email slow our Internet connection speed and cannot be managed. Therefore, an Enosburg email account will be assigned to you upon the completion of this agreement. Accounts are to be used by Staff members for educational purposes and may not be shared or transferred to others. Accounts provided by the school may not be used for profit.

The Enosburg Falls Graded School District does not have control of the information on the Internet. Some sites accessible via the Internet may contain material that is inappropriate for educational uses in a K-12 setting. The Enosburg Falls Graded School District does not condone the use of such materials. The Enosburg Falls Graded School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its Internet accounts.

Equipment: Staff are afforded the opportunity to use school equipment (laptops, pda, projectors, etc) in off-campus environments provided they complete the Equipment Property log. In off-campus settings, equipment use is subject to the terms of this policy. Users take personal responsibility for any school equipment used off-campus.

NAME (please print): _________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________

Date: _____________________

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{Enosburg--Acceptable Use Policy Applying to Enosburg’s Networks and the Internet—9.2}

Enosburg Falls Graded School District

Technology Equipment Property Log

Date: ____________________

Name: __________________________________________

Description of Property (iBook, Palm Handheld, Projector):

Model Number: (if applicable) ___________________________

Serial Number: (if applicable) ____________________________

Place where property will be located/used __________________

_____________________________________________________

Date Returned: _________________________

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Signature of Person Accepting Responsibility of Property