Louisburg High: Library: Internet Policy

LHS Internet Policy

District Computer,Internet and Network
Acceptable Use Policy for Students and Patrons of USD #416

Access to the Internet will enable users to explore thousands of libraries and databases, participate in distance learning activities, ask questions of and consult with experts, and communicate with other Internet users throughout the world. Access to the Internet through USD #416 is provided for educational and professional use, rather than for recreational purposes.

Families should be warned that some materials accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. While the intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, users may find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits from the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. Ultimately, however, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, USD #416 supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for access for their minor children. Alternative resources will be provided for children who do not have permission to access the Internet individually – either because of parental choice or abuse of network privileges. It is understood that children may be exposed to the Internet in the classroom setting if the teacher uses the Internet or material obtained from the Internet for educational purposes.

Access to computer and network services is a privilege – not a right. All users must share the responsibility for seeing that our district-owned computer facilities are used in an effective, ethical and lawful manner. Access will be allowed to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner, and who have parental permission on file. Users are responsible for adhering to the guidelines that follow.

1. Use for Learning Purposes. For safety reasons, users will agree to use the Internet only for lawful and school-related purposes as explained by the teacher supervising the assignment. Students are allowed to access district network/computers/ Internet resources while under the supervision of teachers and designated district personnel.
• User must display Driver’s License on the monitor of computer being used.
• User will display appropriate conduct – only accessing sites specified by instructor or those sites considered to be relevant to the course of study and/or assignment. Sites having no educational relevance or no connection to the assignment will be considered off-limits.
• User will respect the rights and privacy of others.
• User will use only appropriate language – which is not abusive, profane, or offensive – on all electronic messages sent.
• User will not be permitted to use the school computers for web-based e-mail accounts (Hotmail, Yahoo, Excite, AOL messenger, etc.). Violation of this will constitute loss of network privileges.
• High school users will be permitted school-related use of district-provided student e-mail accounts providing the student accepts previously listed expectations.

2. Respect System Set-Up. Refer to Kansas Statute 21-3755 for clarification.

KANSAS STATUTE 21-3755 states that:

Computer crime is:

A. Intentionally and without authorization accessing and damaging, modifying, altering, destroying, copying, disclosing or taking possession of a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property;

B. Using a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property for the purpose of devising or executing a scheme or artifice with the intent to defraud or for the purpose of obtaining money, property, services or any other thing of value by means of false or fraudulent pretense or representations; or

C. Intentionally exceeding the limits of authorization and damaging, modifying, altering, destroying, copying, disclosing or taking possession of a computer, computer system, computer network or any other property.

Computer crime is a severity level 8, nonperson felony. In any prosecution for computer crime, it is a defense that the property or services were appropriated openly and avowedly under a claim of title made in good faith.

Computer password disclosure is the unauthorized and intentional disclosure of a number, code, password or other means of access to a computer or computer network. Computer password disclosure is a class A nonperson misdemeanor.

Computer trespass is intentionally, and without authorization accessing or attempting to access any computer, computer system, computer network or computer software, program, documentation, data or property contained in any computer, computer system or computer network. Computer trespass is a class A nonperson misdemeanor.

3. Protect Passwords. Users will protect their passwords and help to maintain the security of the network.

4. Use Only Approved Software and Hardware.
• No software applications may be loaded on computers.
• Playing Internet computer games, running utilities and copying or downloading mp3s and other copyrighted materials is prohibited.
• District software auditing tools will detect any software that does not comply.
• Diskettes that leave the building must be scanned for viruses before being used.

5. Follow Directions. Users will adhere to printing and file-saving guidelines as directed by staff.

6. Access Appropriate Sites. Users will access, save, or use only “school-appropriate” language, pictures, text, or any other data on/from the Internet. The following uses of district-provided Internet and computer facilities are not permitted:
• To access, upload, download, or distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material;
• To transmit obscene, abusive, insulting, harassing, sexually explicit, or threatening language;
• To use another’s password or allow someone to use your password;
• To intentionally introduce malicious code or viruses into any computer resource.

Inappropriate use and/or transmission of any material via the Internet or any other method of violation of any United States or state law or regulation are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by a trade secret.

7. Abide by Copyright. District policies on copyright will govern the use of material accessed through the district system. Because the extent of copyright protection of certain works found on the internet (including text, video, music, photos, illustrations, and artwork) is unclear, users will make a standard practice of requesting permission of the holder of the work if their use has the potential of being considered an infringement. “Fair Use” for educational situations usually allows for use of small portions (approximately 10% of an entire work) as long as there is no commercial use.

8. Don’t Copy Others Work. District policies on plagiarism will govern the use of material accessed through the district system. Whether high tech or low tech, plagiarism will occur if the original authors have not been given credit. Teachers will instruct students in appropriate research and citation practices.

9. Understand District Ownership Issues. Computer materials or devices created, as part of any assigned district responsibility or classroom activity undertaken on school time shall be the property of USD #416.

10. Don’t Buy or Sell. Users may not use the district system for private commercial purposes, defined as offering or providing goods or services or purchasing goods or services for personal use.

11. Keep Lab/Computer Areas in Good Condition.
• Users will use the equipment with care.
• Use only the software that has been assigned by staff.
• Report equipment or software problems to a staff member.
• Leave all materials, equipment, and parts in the lab or computer area so that systems will be maintained in good working order.
• Remember to keep all food and drinks out of the computer area.
• Take the initiative to keep the lab or computer area clean and orderly by recycling unwanted paper, picking up personal items, etc.

12. Expect Teacher Guidance. When using the Internet for class activities, teachers will select material that is appropriate for the age of the students and relevant to the course objectives. Teachers will preview the materials and sites they require or recommend to students to determine the appropriateness of materials contained on the site. Teachers will assist students in developing the skills to ascertain the truthfulness and accuracy of the information and to distinguish fact from opinion.

Consequences of Violations

Students of USD #416

Violations of the policies and procedures of USD #416 concerning use of computers and/or networks will result in disciplinary action and/or legal action. Alternative educational resources will be provided for students who may be found guilty of unethical network practices.

An administrative committee may enforce the three consecutive levels of punishment. While the levels may be implemented in order, the severity of the violation may warrant escalation of steps and carryover from a previous school term.

• Level 1 – WARNING
Students would lose computer privilege/internet access until a parent conference is held. Any additional loss of privileges as determined by the administration will be discussed in this conference.

• Level 2 – PATTERN OF ABUSE, REPEATED ABUSE OR FLAGRANT VIOLATIONS
Student who continues to engage in serious or persistent misbehavior by violating the district’s standards of conduct may be removed from any computer/internet privileges for the remainder of the school year or remaining school years and recommended for suspension. Said offenders may also face legal action.

• Level 3 – SUSPENDABLE OFFENSE
Student could be suspended or expelled from school for uses which constitute a criminal offense under state or federal law. Any student expelled for misuse of technology will also lose computer privileges for the remainder of the school year or school years. Said offenders may also face legal action.

Other Community Patrons

• Unlawful or inappropriate use of the USD #416 computer network will result in loss of privileges and/or legal action.
• Parents or guardians must supervise children under the age of 14 at all times.
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Louisburg Middle/High School
Acceptable Use Policy

PARENTAL AGREEMENT

As a parent/guardian of this student, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy for computers and networks in USD #416. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. I also recognize that employees of the school or school system may not be able to restrict access to all controversial materials. I will not hold them responsible for materials my son or daughter acquires as a result of unethical use of the network. I accept full responsibility for supervision if my child’s use of USD #416 information systems is outside the school setting.

I hereby give permission for my child to access Internet resources and E-mail (e-mail available to LHS students and LMS GenY students only.) I also give permission for my child’s work and/or photo to be included on district web pages (but not including any personally identifiable information.) I understand that my child may be charged a $5.00 fee for reissuance of a driver's license should it be lost.

If I have concerns about any of the above permissions, I will explain my preferences in the space below.

Please PRINT name of parent/guardian______________________________________________Date_______________

Parent/Guardian’s signature_________________________________________________________

Please PRINT student’s name_______________________________________________________

STUDENT USER AGREEMENT

I understand and will abide by the district guidelines and conditions for the use of USD#416 facilities and access to the Internet. I understand the following:
• I will only use the Internet sites or topics specified by my teacher for educational purposes.
• I will display my student technology Driver’s License whenever I use the computer.
• I understand that I will be charged a $5.00 fee for reissuance of a driver's license should I need a replacement.
• I will not use web-based e-mail, and I will use any district-issued e-mail account for school-related purposes only.
• Privacy rights are waived and the district will monitor the computer, Internet sites accessed, etc.
• Any violation of the district guidelines and network ethics may constitute a criminal offense
(Kansas Statute 21-355.)
• Should I commit any violation, my access privileges will be revoked. I understand that school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action will be taken.
• I agree not to hold USD #416, or any of its employees, or any of the institutions for networks providing access to USD #416, responsible for the performance of the system or the content of any materials accessed through it.

Please PRINT student’s name_____________________________ Grade___________________

Student’s signature:_____________________________________ Date____________________

Your permission will be in effect for the current school year.
(Forgery on this form constitutes forfeited rights to USD #416 Internet AND Network)