The District provides opportunities for all students to become responsible, independent learners capable of making informed decisions in a democratic society as well as in the dynamic global community. This is accomplished by challenging each student with a rigorous and creative curriculum taught by a diverse, professional, caring staff and enriched through the resources and the efforts of families and the entire community. The purpose of the following policy is to extend these expectations to include appropriate uses of information technology resources.
Internet access is available to students and employees in the District. We are very pleased to provide this privilege, for the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources. Our goal in providing this service to employees and students is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
Along with this access also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. On a global network it is impossible to control access to all materials. While we discourage access to inappropriate material, through supervision and the use of filtering software, it is not possible for us to limit all access. The District firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweigh the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the District. The District makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records. Student’s Internet activities will be filtered and recorded by the District to ensure students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography, or are harmful to minors. The 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 District will monitor the online activities of students and will educate 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 designated to promote the 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
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of agencies, regional and state networks and commercial organizations. To ensure the smooth operation of the network, users must adhere to established guidelines regarding proper conduct and efficient, ethical and legal usage. Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet. During online registration each year, parents and students will acknowledge that they have read and understand the internet acceptable use policy, agree to comply with all related regulations, and understand the consequences for violation.
Approved: August 8, 2005
Reviewed: January 24, 2012
Revised: May 26, 2015