COMMON POLICY FOR FRANKLIN CENTRAL SUPERVISORY UNION

St. Albans City, St. Albans Town, Fairfield,

Bellows free academy union high school #48, and

Northwest Technical Center


Code: G11


ACCEPTABLE USE OF ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

AND THE INTERNET



Policy


Franklin Central Supervisory Union recognizes the importance of and the significant educational benefits that are derived from providing students and staff member’s access to information technology and the Internet.  The Internet is an important educational and communications resource, which provides our students and staff members access to a limitless level of resources and information.

However, Franklin Central Supervisory Union recognizes that some information or resources on the Internet may be inappropriate for use in the school environment.  The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) was signed into law on December 21, 2000.  In accordance with CIPA, all Franklin Central Supervisory Union networks will provide technology protection measures that block or filter visual depictions that are:  obscene, pornographic, and inappropriate for or harmful to minors.  An administrator, supervisor, or person authorized by the responsible authority, may disable the technology protection measure (filter) concerned to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.  The Superintendent shall establish procedures governing access to and use of the Internet and of information technology, including the school’s computer networks within Franklin Central Supervisory Union.



Information Technology and Internet Terms and Conditions

Access is a privilege, not a right.
Access entails responsibility.


General Behavior
– The use of Franklin Central Supervisory Union’s networks is a privilege, not a right.  Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or school hallway.  Communications on the network are often public in nature with general school rules or behavior and communications applying.

The network is provided for students and staff to conduct research and communicate with others via the school e-mail system.  Communication using outside e-mail systems is not permitted to students without permission.  Individual users of the school computer network are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks.  The terms “authorized user” is defined as any student or employee of the Franklin Central Supervisory Union.  The term “guest user” is defined as a user who is provided access under the direction and supervision of an “authorized user.”  All “users” (authorized or guest users) must comply with school standards and the rules outlined in this Acceptable Use Policy.

General Access – Network storage areas will be treated like other school areas.  Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are using the system responsibly.  Users should not expect unlimited storage of files nor that files will always be private.  If users identify a security problem with the network, they must notify a system administrator at once (or contact a teacher).  Users should not demonstrate the problem to others.  Any user identified as a security risk will be denied access to the network and may be liable for disciplinary action or prosecution.

Access to the Internet may be limited by written notification by a parent or an administrator.


Responsibility – Teachers will supervise and guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear responsibility for such guidance, as they must also exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, video, radio, and other potentially offensive media.


Vandalism – Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to physically deface, disable, or destroy computers, related technical equipment, the network, or data of another user.  This applies to other networks connected to the school’s networks.  Forms of vandalism include, though are not limited to, the creation of transmission of computer viruses and “hacking” another network. Any vandalism will result in loss of network privileges, disciplinary action, and/or possible legal referral.

Based on these terms and conditions, users shall:

USE THE NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES;
BE RESPECTFUL.  Never send, or encourage others to send, abusive messages;
USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE.  Students are representatives of the Franklin Central Supervisory Union and our community.  Users will not swear, use vulgarities, use abusive, sexual, racial, or harassing words;
RESPECT PRIVACY.  When using information technology or the Internet, students will not reveal their home address, phone   number, or last name to anyone.  Students will not reveal anyone else’s (family members or other students) name, home address or phone number.


Users shall not:

Send or display offensive messages (including chain mail or unsolicited mass e-mail) or pictures;
Use obscene language;
Harass, insult or attack others;
Communicate using a false name (including tampering with e-mail header information);
Damage or tamper with equipment including computers, computer systems, and computer networks or introduce software that would impede the workings of the system;
Intentionally disable computer security systems;
Violate copyright laws;
Use another’s password or leave your account open or unattended;
Trespass in another’s folders, work or files;
Intentionally waste limited resources;
Employ the network for political, religious, commercial or private business purposes;
Access and use Internet “CHAT” (or other interactive discussions) without adult supervision;
Access inappropriate Internet Sites (inappropriateness will be based on guidelines for non-electronic material) and dwell on (not immediately leave) these sites.

CONSEQUENCES

1.      Violations may result in a loss of access;

2.      Additional disciplinary action may be determined in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior;

3.      When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.




Fairfield Town City FCSU BFA

1st Reading: 02/12/07 02/07/07 02/08/07 03/15/07 02/06/07

2nd Reading: 05/28/07

3rd Reading: 05/12/08

Date Warned: 02/23/07 02/23/07 10/05/07 03/23/07

Date Adopted: 03/14/07 03/08/07 10/18/07 04/03/07


























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