POLICY IFBG-B

TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT - STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE

Computer Use

     The term "computer" as used in this document, is intended to have a broad interpretation.  "Computer" as used herein, means the computer itself along with all of the accessories and peripherals used in connection with the computer such as, but not limited to, the servers, backup drivers, backup disk, network servers, communication servers, modems, Internet access software, CD ROMS, CD drives, printers, software, stored data, computer hardware, e-mail, and any and all data and programs used on the computers.

     All use of computers must be in support of education, research, or business applications consistent with the purposes of Limestone County Schools.  Students are to adhere to these acceptable use practices and any other acceptable use guidelines devised by the local school. 

     This acceptable use policy will be distributed to every Limestone County student and parent/guardian.  A signed permission form must be on file in the permanent record folder before access to computers is granted.

•1)       Computer accounts are to be used only by the authorized owner of the account for the authorized purpose.

•2)       The illegal installation or use of copyrighted software for use on system-owned computers is strictly prohibited.  Individual schools or the school system must possess appropriate license(s) before copyrighted software may be installed or used.  The purchaser may utilize one backup working copy of licensed software.

•3)       Users shall not intentionally seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users, or misrepresent other users on the computer or network.

•4)       Any use of computers for commercial or for profit purposes is prohibited.

•5)       Extensive use of computers for personal activities is prohibited.

•6)       All communications and information stored on computers owned or operated by Limestone County Schools shall be considered property of Limestone County Schools.

•7)       No use of the computer shall seek to disrupt the use of computers by others.

•8)       Malicious use of the computer to develop programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer and/or damage the software components of the computer is prohibited.

•9)       Anti-social behaviors (harassment, discriminatory remarks, etc.) are prohibited on the computer.  The computer will not be used to access Internet sites or to some programs which are offensive, illegal or otherwise not suitable or proper for use in the Limestone County School System.

•10)    Use of computers to access or process files dangerous to the integrity of the individual computers (i.e., viruses) is prohibited.

•11)    From time to time, Limestone County Schools' personnel or designees will make determinations as to whether specific used of computers are consistent with acceptable use policies.

•12)    Limestone County Schools personnel reserve the right to remove users' files without any warning.

•13)    Limestone County Schools reserves the right to amend these Acceptable Use Policies.

•14)    In the event that technological equipment is damaged, the principal will determine who is responsible for repair or replacement.

•15)    Limestone County School students will be subject to disciplinary action for violation of the AUP.  Penalties for students who violate this will be commensurate with those outlined in the student code of conduct. 

INTERNET

     Students have access to the Internet.  To gain access to the Internet, all students under the age of 18 must provide a signed parental permission form to the school office.  Students 18 and over may sign their own forms.

•1)       Students are responsible for good behavior on school computers just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway.  Communications on the Internet are often public in nature.  General school rules for behavior and communications apply.  Internet access is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others.  Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.  Parent permission is required.  Access is a privilege - not a right.  Access entails responsibility. 

•2)       Individual users of the system's computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks.  It is presumed that users will comply with Board standards.  Beyond the clarification of such standards, the district is not responsible for restricting, monitoring, or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the network. 

•3)       Computer storage areas may be treated like school lockers.  School administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to insure that users are using the system responsibly.  Users should not expect that files stored on computers would be private.

•4)       The following are examples of behaviors that are not permitted.  This list should not be considered exhaustive:

•a.        Sending, displaying, or collecting offensive messages or pictures.

•b.       Using obscene language

•c.        Harassing, insulting, or attacking others

•d.       Damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks

•e.        Violating copyright laws

•f.         Using another's password

•g.       Trespassing in another's folders, work, or files

•h.       Intentionally wasting limited resources

•i.         Employing the network for commercial purposes

Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.

______________________________________________________________________________

SOURCE:               Limestone County Board of Education, Athens, Alabama

ADOPTED:           August 3, 1998

Note:  Parents who do not wish for their students to use the Internet must indicate that preference on the appropriate form at the back of this handbook.

This is a required form to be signed by parent or legal guardian only.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Limestone County Schools
2008-2009 TECHNOLOGY PERMISSION FORMS

STUDENT INTERNET USAGE

As a parent or guardian of _____________________________________ (student name) at ___________________________ School, I have read the Technology and Internet Acceptable Use Policies located in the Student Handbook

about the appropriate use of computers and the Internet at school.  I understand this agreement will be

kept on file at my child's school. (Questions should be directed to the principal for clarification.)

Please check one of the options below:

____My child may use the Internet while at school according to the rules outlined.

____My child may not use the Internet while at school.

PUBLICATION OF STUDENT WORK/PICTURES

I understand that from time-to-time the school may wish to publish examples of student projects,

photographs of students, and other work on the website, or other media (ex. School or district website,

newspaper, etc).

Please check one of the options below:

____My child's name, work and photographs may be published on any electronic media used by the

school or district.

____ My child's name, work and photographs may not be published on any electronic media used by

the school or district.

Student Legal Name: (print) __________________________________

Homeroom: (print) _____________________ Grade ______________

Parent Name: (print) ________________________________________

Parent Signature:  __________________________________________

Date:  _____________________________________________________

Office Use Only:  Send a copy of this completed form to the Principal, Classroom Teacher,

Counselor, and Technical Specialist