6141 - Acceptable Use of Internet

Windsor Locks Board of Education

Manual of Policies, Regulations, and Bylaws

Section: PERSONNEL/INSTRUCTION Definition: POLICY

Title: Acceptable Use of Internet Number: 4132, 6141

  Page: 1 of 5

Adopted: September 1997

Revised: October 2000

Replaces:

The Windsor Locks Public Schools provides students and staff members with access to the Windsor Locks Public School’s electronic communication network (hereafter referred to as the WLPS network), which connects to the Internet and World Wide Web (hereafter referred to as the WWW). The WLPS network has a limited educational purpose to assist in preparing students for success in life and work in the 21st century by providing them with electronic access to a wide range of information and the ability to communicate with people throughout the world. The WLPS network will also be used to increase intercommunication, enhance productivity, assist staff members in upgrading their skills, and to promote greater exchange of information within the district. The network will also assist the district in sharing information with the local community, including parents, businesses, and government agencies.

The term "educational purpose" includes use of the WLPS network for classroom instruction and learning activities, research for educational resources and information, and professional development. 

Students and staff members have access to the WWW through the WLPS network. Web sites are expected to be used as part of classroom instruction. Internet filtering software is used to block access to certain types of web sites.

Parents will be notified about the WLPS network and the policies governing its use. Parents, students, and staff members will be asked to sign a WLPS Network User Agreement Form to indicate that they have read, understand, and will comply with the Windsor Locks Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy. Parents may request that their children not access the Internet or WWW for independent use.

Users may not use the WLPS network for commercial purposes, defined as offering, providing or purchasing goods or services.  The Windsor Locks Purchasing Policy (3324) should be followed for the purchase of goods or services for district use.

The Windsor Locks Board of Education makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, that the functions or services provided by or through the WLPS network will be error-free or without defect. The District will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the network. The District will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the network.

In the event there is an allegation that a student has violated the Acceptable Use Policy, the student and his/her parent(s) will be provided with notice and opportunity to meet with school personnel. Unacceptable use of the WLPS network will result in disciplinary action tailored to the specific incident and to assist the student to learn appropriate behavior for network use. Violations of the established rules and guidelines for the WLPS network will result in consequences that range from limiting or denying access to the network to taking legal action. An appeal for reinstatement of revoked WLPS network privileges may be made to the principal.

Administration please note following Regulation/Procedures/Forms

The Windsor Locks Public School District considers unethical and unacceptable use of the WLPS network just cause for limiting or removing access to the network and/or initiating legal action. Engaging in such activities, including but not limited to those listed below, will result in consequences for non-compliance with the Acceptable Use Policy.

The following uses of the WLPS network are unacceptable:

1. Students posting personal contact information about themselves or other people (i.e. address, telephone number, social security number, picture, or family information).

2. Attempting to gain unauthorized access to the WLPS network or to other computer systems through the WLPS network.

3. Intentionally disrupting network traffic, spreading computer viruses, or damaging any part of the WLPS network.

4. Damaging and/or stealing hardware, software, or any other technology related items.

5. Using the WLPS network for illegal, fraudulent, or obscene purposes. Illegal activities are defined as violations of local, state and/or federal laws. Fraudulent use is defined as those activities characterized by, involving, or proceeding from deceit, trickery, breach of confidence perpetuated for profit or to gain some unfair or dishonest advantage or gains. Obscene activities are defined as violations of generally acceptable social standards for use of a publicly owned and operated communication vehicle.

6. Inappropriate access to material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination toward other people (hate literature).

7. Gaining unauthorized access to files, accounts, or data stored on any of the servers, corrupting or vandalizing data.

8. Plagiarism and copyright infringement.

9. Use for profit or financial gain.

An appeal for reinstatement of revoked WLPS network privileges may be made to the principal or designee.

The District reserves the right to monitor network activity in any form that it sees fit in order to maintain the integrity of the network and to restrict or terminate access to the WLPS network at any time for any reason.

Windsor Locks Board of Education

Manual of Policies, Regulations, and Bylaws

Policy 4132, 6141

WLPS Network User Agreement Form

STUDENTS

The Windsor Locks Public Schools provides students and staff members with access to the Windsor Locks Public Schools network which connects to the Internet and World Wide Web. The WLPS network will be used for classroom instruction, learning activities, and research for educational resources and information. Internet filtering software has been installed to block access to inappropriate web sites.

The Acceptable Use Policy and Regulation (6141) provides guidelines for appropriate student use of the WLPS network. Please read the policy and discuss it with your child.

Complete this form and return it to your child’s teacher.

Student’s Name (please print)____________________________ Grade __________

We have read, understand, and will comply with the Windsor Locks Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy.

____________________________________________ ____________________________

Signature of Student Date

____________________________________________ _____________________________

Signature of Parent Date

Do you give permission for your child to access the Internet/WWW for independent use?

Yes No

Do you have a computer at home?

Yes No

Is your computer connected to the Internet?

Yes No

Email address (optional): ________________________________________

Windsor Locks Board of Education

Manual of Policies, Regulations, and Bylaws

Policy 4132, 6141

WLPS Network User Agreement Form

STAFF

The Windsor Locks Public Schools provides students and staff members with access to the Windsor Locks Public Schools network which connects to the Internet and World Wide Web. The WLPS network will be used for classroom instruction, learning activities, research for educational resources and information, and professional development.

The Acceptable Use Policy and Regulation (4132 and 6141) provides guidelines for appropriate student and staff use of the WLPS network. Read the policy and sign below.

Complete this form and return it to the school office.

I agree to comply with the rules and regulations set forth in the Board of Education Acceptable Use Policy.

Name (please print) ______________________________________

Signature ______________________________________________ Date __________