2007 7315

1 of 3

Students

SUBJECT: STUDENT USE OF COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION RESOURCES

(ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY)

In support of the school's mission of teaching, research, and public service, Groton Central School provides computing, networking, and information resources to the school's students.

Computers and networks can provide access to resources on and off school property, as well as the ability to communicate with other users worldwide. Such open access requires that individual users act responsibly. Users must respect the rights of other users, respect the integrity of the systems and related physical resources, and observe all relevant laws, regulations, and contractual obligations.

The Board of Education will provide access to various computerized information resources through the District's computer system ("DCS" hereafter) consisting of software, hardware, computer networks and electronic communications systems. This may include access to electronic mail, so-called "on-line services" and the "Internet." It may include the opportunity for some students to have independent access to the DCS from their home or other remote locations. All use of the DCS, including independent use off school premises, shall be subject to this policy and accompanying regulations. Further, all such use must be in support of education and/or research and consistent with the goals and purposes of the School District.

One purpose of this policy is to provide notice to students and parents/guardians that, unlike most traditional instructional or library media materials, the DCS will allow student access to external computer networks not controlled by the School District where it is impossible for the District to screen or review all of the available materials. Some of the available materials may be deemed unsuitable by parents/guardians for student use or access. This policy is intended to establish general guidelines for acceptable student use. However, despite the existence of such District policy and accompanying guidelines and regulations, it will not be possible to completely prevent access to computerized information that is inappropriate for students. Furthermore, students may have the ability to access such information from their home or other locations off school premises. Parents/guardians of students must be willing to set and convey standards for appropriate and acceptable use to their children when using the DCS or any other electronic media or communications.

Many students and staff members share the computer facilities at the Groton Central School District. Most people use these resources responsibly. However, a few users who misuse the computing facilities have the potential for seriously disrupting the work of other users. Students (and staff) are expected to exercise responsible, ethical behavior when using the school's computing facilities. This includes the following:

a) Use only those computer accounts which have been authorized for your use by the school. The unauthorized use of another's account, as well as the providing of false or misleading information for the purpose of obtaining access to computing, will be treated in accordance with the code of conduct.

(Continued)

2007 7315

2 of 3

Students

SUBJECT: STUDENT USE OF COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION RESOURCES

(ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY) (Cont'd.)

b) Do not authorize anyone to use your account for any reason. You are responsible for all usage on your account. You must take all reasonable precautions, including password maintenance and file protection measures, to prevent use of your account by unauthorized persons. You must use your account only for the purpose for which it is authorized. You must not use your account for unlawful purposes, such as the installation of fraudulently or illegally obtained software.

c) Do not access or copy files (including programs, members of subroutine libraries, and data) that belong to another account without prior authorization from the account holder. Files may not be taken to other computer sites without permission from the holder of the account in which the files reside.

d) Do not use the system irresponsibly, or needlessly affect the work of others. This includes transmitting or making accessible offensive, annoying or harassing material; intentionally damaging the system; intentionally damaging information not belonging to you; or intentionally misusing system resources or allowing misuse of system resources by others.

e) Responsible for reporting to any faculty or staff member any violation of these guidelines by another individual. You are also encouraged to report any information relating to a flaw in, or bypass of, computer facilities security.

Standards of Acceptable Use

Generally, the same standards of acceptable student conduct which apply to any school activity shall apply to use of the DCS. This policy does not attempt to articulate all required and/or acceptable uses of the DCS; nor is it the intention of this policy to define all inappropriate usage. Administrative regulations will further define general guidelines of appropriate student conduct and use as well as proscribed behavior.

District students shall also adhere to the laws, policies and rules governing computers including, but not limited to, copyright laws, rights of software publishers, license agreements, and student rights of privacy created by federal and state law.

Students who engage in unacceptable use may lose access to the DCS in accordance with applicable due process procedures, and may be subject to further discipline under the District's school conduct and discipline policy and the District Code of Conduct. The District reserves the right to pursue legal action against a student who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damages or destroys property of the District. Further, the District may bring suit in civil court against the parents/guardians of any student who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damages or destroys District property pursuant to General Obligations Law Section 3-112.

(Continued)

2007 7315

3 of 3

Students

SUBJECT: STUDENT USE OF COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION RESOURCES

(ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY) (Cont'd.)

Student data files and other electronic storage areas will be treated like school lockers. This means that such areas shall be considered to be School District property subject to control and inspection. The computer coordinator may access all such files and communications to ensure system integrity and that users are complying with the requirements of this policy and accompanying regulations. Students should NOT expect that information stored on the DCS will be private.

Notification/Authorization

The District's Acceptable Use Policy and Regulations will be disseminated to parents and students in order to provide notice of the school's requirements, expectations, and students' obligations when accessing the DCS.

"Affirmative Consent" (Opt-in) High school student use of email is conditioned upon written agreement by all students and their parents/guardians that student use of email will conform to the requirements of this policy and any regulations adopted to ensure acceptable use of email. All such agreements shall be kept on file in the high school office.

"Passive Consent" (Opt-out) All other student access to the DCS will automatically be provided unless the parent has submitted written notification to the District that such access not be permitted. Procedures will be established to define the process by which parents may submit a written request to deny or rescind student use of the DCS in accordance with law, Commissioner's Regulations and/or District policies and procedures.

Regulations will be established as necessary to implement the terms of this policy.

NOTE: Refer also to Policy #8271 -- The Children's Internet Protection Act: Internet Content

Filtering/Safety Policy

Adoption Date: November 27, 2006