Grainger County Board of Education Acceptable Use Policy Access to the Internet and Networks
The Grainger County Board of Education provides Internet access for the purpose of promoting the use of telecommunication and networking technology as a tool to enhance classroom teaching and learning. All use of the network must be consistent with this purpose and be in accordance with this policy in an appropriate and responsible manner.
The Superintendent will develop and implement procedures addressing unethical use of the Internet, offensive or inappropriate language, transmission of material in violation of any state or federal regulation, use of the network for commercial activities, vandalism, and issues of privacy. The use of the Internet and networks is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Written guidelines will be provided to users stating rules of online behavior, access privileges and penalties for policy procedural violations. A written parental request shall be required prior to a student's being granted independent access to electronic media involving district technological resources. The form must be completed by the student and by the parent/legal guardian of any student under 18. This form shall be kept on file by the school as a legal, binding document. If the parent/guardian wishes to rescind the agreement, the parent/guardian must do so in writing to the Superintendent.
GRAINGER COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTABLE USE TO INTERNET AND NETWORKS
Our goal in providing internet service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. Our connection provides direct access to the Internet. The Internet is an "electronic highway" connecting millions of computers all over the world., and millions of individual users. Your child will be using it in the classroom to communicate with fellow students in Grainger County and all over the world.
With access to computers and people all over the world also come the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines.
Students in Grainger County will participate in projects using the Internet in a directed manner to support curriculum and research activities. Teachers and students will use the Internet to participate in distance learning activities, to ask questions of and consult with experts, to communicate with other students and individuals, and to locate material to meet their educational and personal information needs. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire.
These guidelines include:
Do not use offensive or inappropriate language, or language that would promote violence or hatred, and do not respond to such
Do not reveal your (or other's) personal address, phone number or credit card information
Do not harass anyone by sending uninvited communication
Do not send electronic information from accounts that do not belong to you without the owner's authorization
Do not access unauthorized or inappropriate areas on the network
Do not make unauthorized copies of software or information
Do not access the network at your school without a signed Internet Use Agreement
Do not transmit any material in violation of any state or federal regulation
Do not use the network for product advertisement or political lobbying
Do not damage computer, computer systems or computer networks
Do not access obscene, pornographic and/or sexually explicit material on the network
Do not invade the privacy of other network users
Do not use the network in ways which violate school policies and behavior standards
Any items produced by the students will not be posted to the Internet without their written permission. If permission is granted, items will be considered fair use and available to the public. The use of the Internet connection is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Based upon the acceptable use guidelines outlined in this document, the system administrators will deem what IS inappropriate use and their decision IS final.