4526
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS
POLICY
The Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District (DFSD) is providing access to the District’s electronic network. This network includes Internet access, computer services, email, videoconferencing, computer equipment and related equipment for educational purposes. The purpose of this network is to assist in preparing users 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. This document contains the rules and procedures relating to the acceptable use of the DFSD electronic network.
DFSD has selected an Internet filtering program. The fact that the filtering technology has not protected against access to certain material shall not create the presumption that such material is appropriate for users to access. The fact that the filtering software has protected access to certain material shall not create the presumption that the material is inappropriate for users to access. Users are responsible for the information they communicate across the network. This includes but is not limited to the disclosure of personal contact information (without specific building administrative approval).
Please read the enclosed Regulations for Computer and Internet Use (Regulations), which must be signed and returned to the District before a user is permitted access to the District’s computers and the Internet. The Regulations contain certain cautionary information that will help the user use the internet properly and appropriately. These Regulations define and explain policy violations and set forth the respective responsibilities of the District and the user.
Communication over networks, however, are not considered private and there should be no expectation of privacy regarding any computer use of school district computers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly.
The District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the district network will be error-free or without defect. The District will not be responsible for any damage suffered, 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.
Please feel free to contact the Educational Technology Coordinator, if you have any questions or comments.
Adoption date: August 6, 2009
4526 - R
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS
REGULATION
Use of the DFSD’s computers and Internet use is a privilege. It serves as a point of voluntary access to information and ideas and as a learning laboratory for students as they acquire critical thinking and problem solving skills. Inappropriate use, a policy violation, may result in cancellation or suspension of those privileges at the discretion of the supervising administrator. The supervisory administration will interpret this policy, will determine whether a policy violation has occurred, and the appropriate sanction. A policy violation may result in suspension or revocation of computer and Internet privileges, even for a single violation.
Every DFSD student, staff or community member using the District’s computers and/or the Internet must complete and return the attached Acceptable Use Policy for Computer and Internet Use Contract before access to the District’s computers and the Internet can be granted.
Keep a copy of this Policy. A copy will also be available in school offices.
PURPOSE
I Will
- Use the Internet and network for curriculum and educational purposes only. Use of the Internet and network for personal, political or private business, including any online purchasing, is prohibited.
- Respect the internet use privileges of others. I will not open another person’s work or files or use a password/account that is not my own. I will not give my password to another person nor will I misrepresent myself or impersonate some other person online. I will not reveal my home address, phone number, social security number, photograph or other personal information over the Internet. I will not reveal any of the foregoing information about any other student, faculty member, or other network user.
- Only use school computers and network, including E-mail and Internet services for purposes that are not harmful and that are within the law. I will not use the Internet or Email to harass others, infiltrate computer systems and/or damage other computers or systems.
- Respect copyright and other intellectual property laws. I will not plagiarize and I will give credit for all materials reproduced from the Internet, including identity of author and/or source.
- Use appropriate language on the computers, network and Internet. Profanity, harassment, obscenity or discriminatory comments are not permitted. I will not intentionally access Internet sites with obscene or discriminatory content. I will not attempt to access Internet sites, which are blocked by filtering software.
- Be responsible and accountable for the respectful treatment of School District property. This includes but is not limited to, the physical components of the computer and any data or piece of software stored on the network.
- Recognize that installing additional software or utilities on any School District computer, or making modifications to School District software or hardware is prohibited.
- Only access E-mail accounts assigned to me by the School District. Any activity by a user inconsistent with the above is a Policy Violation.
I Will Not
- Make copies of software found on School District computers by copying to disks, CD or flash drives, transmitting to other computers by E-mail, posting on bulletin boards or by other means.
- Access and /or participate in “chat rooms”, games and gambling.
- Transmit any material in violation of any US or state regulations.
- Use for commercial activities or for product advertisement, political lobbying or illegal activities.
Any activity by a user inconsistent with the above is a Policy Violation.
SECURITY
Security on any computer network is a high priority, especially when the network involves many users.
- Users are responsible for the use of their individual account and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their account. Under no conditions should a user provide their password to another person.
- Users will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the District system or to any other computer system through the District system, or go beyond their authorized access.
- Unauthorized users will not attempt to access non-instructional District systems, such as student information systems or business systems.
- Unauthorized users will not use sniffing or remote access technology to monitor the network or other user’s activity.
Any activity by a user inconsistent with the above is a Policy Violation.
PROCEDURE
Students and staff should be aware and understand that violations of this Policy may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action. Should any DFSD staff or administrator become aware of a policy violation they are authorized to take such action as they deem appropriate. Any repeated or severe infraction will be reported to the building principal and at their discretion will be reported to the Superintendent. Any decision made by the building principal may be appealed to the Superintendent.
Adoption date: August 6, 2009
4526 – E.1
DOBBS FERRY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY CONTRACT
FOR COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE
I have read the DFSD Acceptable Use Policy for Computer and Internet Use. I understand and will abide by the guidelines for use. I further understand that any violation of the guidelines can result in revocation of my access privileges.
Name:__________________________________________ Date:__________________ (Please Print)
Signature:______________________________________________________________
School: ____Springhurst ____Middle School ____High School
Status: ____Student ____Faculty/Staff ____Community Member
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Parent or Guardian: (For users under 18 years of age.)
As the parent or guardian of ______________________, I have read and reviewed with my child the Acceptable Use Policy for Computer and Internet Use at DFSD (4526 and Regulation 4526-R). I understand that access is designed for educational purposes. I also recognize it is not possible for DFSD to restrict access to all controversial material on the network. I will not hold DFSD responsible for materials accessed on the network at school. Further, I accept responsibility for guiding my child’s use of District resources when not in a school setting. I hereby give my permission for DFSD Computer and Internet Use for my child.
Name of Parent or Guardian:______________________________________________ (Please Print)
Signature of Parent or Guardian:___________________________________________
Date:________________________
Daytime Phone:___________________________ Evening Phone:________________