Fairmont Area Schools CIPA Compliant Computer Network Resources & Information Technologies Acceptable Use Policy

This policy defines appropriate use of information technologies for students. Technologies covered by this policy include but are not limited to networked computers and related peripherals, productivity, communications, Managed Information Systems (MIS), and Computer Aided/Assisted Instruction (CAI) software, Internet and email. This policy will be reviewed by all students in grades 7-12 annually. Students in grades 7-12 will demonstrate an understanding of this policy and related network skills in required coursework placed at the seventh grade level.

The Fairmont School District has committed to providing network computer resources. This includes Internet and WiFi connectivity to all school sites, at least one multimedia computer lab at each site, and network and WiFi connectivity to each classroom. Any student who attends regular classes should expect to do activities which require the use of our computer network including access to the Internet. These activities would typically be supervised by the classroom teacher or a media professional. Parents can request alternative activities not requiring the use of our computer network or the Internet through the district policy: Procedure of Review or Reconsideration of Instructional Materials/Alternative Instruction (348.5).

The school district is providing students with access to the school district’s information technology system, which includes Internet access. The school district system has a limited educational purpose, which includes use of the system for classroom activities, professional or career development, and high-quality, self-discovery activities. Users are expected to use access through the district system to further educational and personal goals consistent with the mission of the school district and school policies. Uses which might be acceptable on a user’s private personal account on another system may not be acceptable on this limited purpose network.

All labs, media centers and classrooms, where students or the public have access to the Internet, are managed by CIPA compliant filtering software that is updated daily. Teachers or administrators who find that inappropriate materials are not being blocked or who wish to access currently blocked sites should contact the IT Director. Filtering profile updates will be made as needed. Filtering is never completely secure and filtering is not a substitute for good supervision and well defined projects and lesson plans.