OLD TOWN SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

STUDENT ACCESS TO NETWORKED INFORMATION RESOURCES PROCEDURES

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT

In order to match electronic resources as closely as possible to the approved district curriculum, district personnel will review and evaluate resources in order to offer "home pages" and menus of materials that comply with Board guidelines governing the selection of instructional materials.  In this manner, staff will provide developmentally appropriate guidance to students as they make use of telecommunications and electronic information resources to conduct research and other studies related to the district curriculum. All students will be informed by staff of their rights and responsibilities as users of the district network prior to gaining access to that network, either as an individual user or as a member of a class or group.

As much as possible, access to district information resources will be designed in such a way as to point students to those resources that have been reviewed and evaluated prior to use. While students may be able to move beyond those resources to others that have not been evaluated by staff, they shall be provided with guidelines and lists of resources particularly suited to the learning objectives. Students may pursue electronic research independent of staff supervision only if they have been granted parental permission and have submitted all required forms. Permission is not transferable and may not be shared

INTERNET RULES        

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply.

The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Independent access to network services is provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required for all students. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.  Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. 

Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will be always be private. 

Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. The school system, however, will filter the Internet and monitor all network activity but the schools cannot and will not undertake to monitor all incoming and outgoing communications. During school, teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear responsibility for such guidance as they must also exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media.             

The following are not permitted:             

¨      Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
¨      Using obscene language
¨      Harassing, insulting or attacking others
¨      Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks
¨      Violating copyright laws
¨      Using others' passwords
¨      Trespassing in others' folders, work or files
¨      Intentionally wasting limited resources
¨      Employing the network for commercial purposes
¨      Bypassing or attempting to bypass any Internet filter        

SANCTIONS       

    1. Violations may result in a loss of access.
2. Additional disciplinary action may be determined at the building level in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior.
3. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.