Code No. 605.6
Internet - Appropriate Use
Because technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means.
Students will be able to access the Internet. Individual student accounts and email addresses will be issued to students. If a student already has an electronic mail address, the student may, with the permission of the supervising teacher be permitted to use the address to send and receive mail at school.
The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears, and changes constantly; it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. Although students will be under teacher supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Some students might encounter information that may not be of educational value. Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records. Students’ Internet activities will be monitored by the school district to ensure students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors. The school district will use technology protection measures to protect students from inappropriate access, including sites that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors.
The school district will monitor the online activities of students and will education students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting on social networking sites and chat rooms. Students will also be educated on cyberbullying, including awareness and response. Employees will provide age appropriate training for students who use the Internet. The training provided will be designed to promote the school district’s commitment to:
● The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the Internet Safety Policy;
● Student safety with regard to:
○ Safety on the Internet
○ Appropriate behavior while online, on social networking Web sites, and
○ in chat rooms; and
○ Cyberbullying awareness and response.
● Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act
Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet. Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the Internet. Students will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the Internet Appropriate Use policy and regulations, that they will comply with the policy and regulations, and that they understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations.
In compliance with federal law, this policy will be maintained at least five years beyond the termination of funding under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) or E-rate.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code Chapter 279.8 (2013).
Cross References: 104 Anti-Bullying/Harassment
502 Student Rights and Responsibilities
506 Student Records
605.5 School Library
Approved: June 18, 2012
Reviewed: April 20, 2015
Revised: April 20, 2015