File: LC-I01

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ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY:  Computers and the Internet

 

LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS provide computer facilities to faculty, staff, students, parents, and those individuals involved with LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS activities in order to provide connections to world wide resources and facilitate local regional and world wide communications. This document indicates what is expected as responsible behavior by that given access to the facilities.

 

                State Law (Article 7.1 of Title 18.2 of the Code of Virginia) classifies damage to computer hardware or software (18.2-152.4), unauthorized examination (18.2-152.5), or unauthorized use(18.2-152.6) of computer systems as misdemeanor crimes. Computer fraud (18.2-152.3) and use of computer as an instrument of forgery (18.2-152.14) can be felonies.

 

 

APPLICABILITY

 

                This regulation applies to all users of LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS computer systems and to all faculty, staff, and students when representing LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS, regardless of the computer system used. Student use of the internet in LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS will be by parent permission only.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

A.                  �Computing Resources� include mainframe computers, minicomputers, microcomputers, networks, software, data, computer rooms, and computer-related supplies.

 

B.                   �Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)� is a contract that sets the rules for internet use in schools.

 

C.                   �Core System� is a mission-critical application or system that is protected from general public access.

 

D.                  �Information Systems� include, but are not limited to: hardware, software, communication lines and devices, servers, terminals, printers, CD-ROM devices, tape drives and servers, and mainframe and personal computers.

 

E.                   �Internet Access� includes all methodologies used to connect to internet servers and users around the world and all methods for providing access regardless of funding or facilitating sources.

 

F.                   �Internet Services� include access to external systems and information sources using the internet, access to and hosting of World Wide Web (WWW) services and information, and use of internet tools such as FTP, gopher, Telnet, chat, e-mail, etc.

 

G.                   �System Wide Information� includes any information (data, statistics, publications, etc.) that pertains to the entire school division or that involves more than one department.

 

H.                  �Users� include all professional and support staff members, students, volunteers, parents or other individuals when they are using LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS information systems.

 

I.                     �Web Page� is a page of information located on a web server and accessible through the internet. The page can contain a mixture of graphics and text and can include hyperlinks to other such pages.

 

 

 

 

 

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ACCEPTABLE USE

 

A.                  Internet access is established solely for educational purposes. The use of computer systems for personal use unrelated to the mission of LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS or for private gain is prohibited.

 

B.                   E-mail access, if provided, shall comply with all LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS policies and regulations including, but not limited to: privacy, standards of conduct, and the use of LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS equipment. All web mail programs are forbidden within the LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS computer system.

 

C.                   Internet access accounts and e-mail accounts, issued by the LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS, will be monitored. However, owners of the school-division issued accounts are responsible for all activities under their accounts. Outbound access to the internet shall be in accordance with applicable LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS rules and regulations. Monitoring and management of acceptable use by students, parents, volunteers and other staff is the responsibility of the principal or teacher.

 

D.                  Users of accounts (internet and e-mail) issued by the school division are prohibited from using passwords or accounts other than their own.

 

E.                   Inbound access to LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS systems and services from the internet shall be regulated.

 

F.                   Any internet user's traffic that transverses another network may also be subject to that network's acceptable use policy.

 

G.                   Copyrighted software and materials shall not be downloaded from the  internet or further transmitted in any form without compliance with all terms of a pre-authorized licensing agreement. LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS will not tolerate infringement or violation of United States or International copyright laws or restrictions.

 

H.                  All system wide information to be published on the internet must be reviewed prior to being placed on the LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS web server.

 

I.                     Photographs of students in approved school activities may be included in internet / intranet documents (including web pages) provided the student's last name is not placed on the web pages, and only with parental permission.

 

J.                    The establishment of web pages on the internet must have an educational purpose that is related to LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS� assignment, project, job, function, or activity.

 

1.                   Copyrighted material shall not be placed on any part of a web page without full compliance with the terms of the copyright.

 

2.                   Student home address or phone number shall not be posted. Student names shall not be published if the parent has withheld consent. Student names shall only be published in the following format: "First name, Last Initial."

 

 

 

 

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3.                   Information may not be posted on the internet if it: Violates the privacy of others, jeopardizes the health and safety of students, is obscene or libelous, causes disruption of school activities, plagiarizes the work of others, is a commercial advertisement, or is not approved by LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD.

 

K.                  Any use of the internet for commercial purposes or political lobbying is prohibited.

 

L.                   Any use of the internet for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities, is prohibited. Illegal activities shall be defined as violation of local, state, or federal laws. Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of the intended use of the network, including the intentional introduction of viruses, and/or the corruption of systems, files, or resources.

 

M.                 Any use of the internet for purposes in conflict with approved School Board policies and procedures is prohibited.  LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD prohibits the illegal copying of documents, software, and other materials.

 

N.                  Great care is taken by the internet and network administrators to insure the right of privacy of users; however, all students, educators, and parents have the responsibility to take appropriate action when becoming aware of unacceptable usage.

 

 

GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR INTERNET ACCESS AND ACCOUNTS

 

A.                  Access to the internet is considered a privilege and is permitted to the extent that available resources allow. LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS information systems are operated for the mutual benefit of all users. The use of the LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS network is a privilege, not a right. Users should not do, or attempt to do anything that might disrupt the operation of the network or equipment, and/or interfere with the learning of other students or work of other LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS employees.

 

B.                   All LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS� personnel are eligible for internet access through individual school accounts.

 

C.                   LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS� students are eligible for internet access through a school account managed by school personnel.

 

D.                  Support for internet accounts should be requested through the LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD Office.

 

E.                   From time to time, the LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS will make decisions on whether specific uses of the internet are consistent with this policy. The LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS shall remain the final authority on use of the internet and the issuance of user accounts.

 

F.                   LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD shall provide and administer LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS internet services, Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, and connectivity between the LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS network infrastructure, the intranet and the internet, and shall manage all relevant servers and services.

 

G.                   Principals, Technology Coordinators, and Teachers are responsible for the accuracy and appropriateness of materials posted on school or departmental web pages and for ensuring that the material is consistent with official information posted by LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD.

 

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H.                  Users are responsible for complying with LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS rules, regulations, and "acceptable use policies."

 

I.                     LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS employees, students, or network users who become aware that a web page contains questionable material shall notify the responsible teacher, principal, technology coordinator, or supervisor, who will determine if any applicable policy, guideline, rule, or regulation has been violated. Should it be determined that a policy, guideline, rule, or regulation has been violated further action may be taken against the party responsible for the infringement.

 

J.                    Violation of the acceptable use policy guidelines and responsibilities by a staff member may result in disciplinary action.

 

K.                  Misuse of the internet by students may result in the student being referred to a committee for disciplinary action.

 

 

VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES:  STUDENTS/STAFF

 

A.                  The I-Gear Server will lock out any student/staff who repeatedly "hits" sites that are rated as objectionable or not useful educationally. (LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD realizes that sites may be accessed accidentally.)  Students/staff will receive a warning.

 

B.                   Should a second lockout/incident occur, the student/staff will lose internet privileges for the remainder of the semester. A letter indicating that the privileges have been lost will be issued.

 

C.                   A third violation (after reinstatement) will result in students/staff losing their internet privileges for the remainder of the school year.

 

D.                  Any student/staff who is involved in "hacking" or attempting to violate the LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS' division systems security will be referred to the appropriate committee for further action.

 

 

Adopted:                  December 10, 2001

 

File: LC-I01F

 

 

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

INTERNET, EMAIL, NETWORKS, AND COMPUTERS

 

STUDENT/STAFF CONSENT FORM

 

                The LEE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD policy states that internet, email, network, and computer access is established for educational purposes.  School division provided access is intended to provide worldwide resources and to facilitate communications that support research and education.  Access to the internet and to email is considered a privilege and not a right.  Use of the internet and email is only permitted for education and research that is consistent with educational objectives.  Inappropriate use will result in (at a minimum) cancellation of the privilege to use the access.  Further disciplinary action is possible under some circumstances.

 

GUIDELINES

 

1.                    Use the rules of etiquette, when using computers, networks, internet, and email.

 

2.                    Log-on with your own ID and password.

 

3.                    Use the equipment and access in such a way that others will be able to use when you are finished.

 

4.                    Use no home addresses or phone numbers, yours or that of another person in your communications.

 

5.                    Computer games may not be installed or downloaded using school equipment or access.

 

6.                    Make no purchases over the internet using school equipment and access.

 

7.                    Refuse chain email.

 

8.                    Know the copyright law.  Be careful to abide by these laws.  Legal punishment for misuse of the law can be quite strict.

 

I have read the acceptable use policy and agree to abide by the rules and conditions for using the school division�s computers, networks, internet access, and email.  I understand that any violation of these rules and conditions will result in the loss of my privilege to use the equipment and access for the remainder of the school year and be subject to the further disciplinary action (under serious violation(s)).

 

Student/Staff Name (Please print.):  _________________________________________ Grade:  ________

 

Student/Staff Signature:  ______________________________________________Date:  ______________

 

Parent Signature:  ___________________________________________________Date:  _______________

Mr. Fred Marion, Superintendent

Mr. Bill Turley, Supervisor of Technology

 

 

Adopted:                December 10, 2001