WEST HEMPSTEAD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

Computer Network and Internet Acceptable Use Policy

 

 

All students will have internet access unless parents complete the Opt-Out form at the end of this agreement and return it to the school principal.

 

Disclaimer: Although the District has taken reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee nor can we be responsible for the security, accuracy or appropriateness of contents distributed through our network.  The District will not be liable for financial or legal obligations arising from the unauthorized use of our system.

 

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Internet Acceptable Use Policy (AUP):

 

 

It is the policy of the West Hempstead Board of Education that the Internet in any school or office is a privilege, not a right, and that access will be provided to only those sites deemed appropriate for educational use.  The West Hempstead School District reserves the right to monitor and oversee any interaction involving the use of the Internet.  The use of the Internet may be suspended or terminated by the administration at any time.  The Superintendent will develop regulations for the purpose of implementing this policy. 

 

Internet computer Network Terms and Conditions:

 

  1. Disclaimer: Use of any information obtained is at the user’s risk.  Any violation of State, Federal or Local laws shall be the sole responsibility of the user.  The District shall have no responsibility of the user.  The District shall have no responsibility for use of the system by employees, students and community members, who abuse the system, violate this policy and/or the law.

 

  1. Commercial Services: The user is liable for any commercial service costs that may be incurred.

 

  1. Security Issues: If any user identifies a security problem on the Internet / Computer Network, they must notify the Superintendent.  Attempts to log in to the Network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of privileges.

 

  1. Vandalism: Vandalism will result in the cancellation of privileges.  This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.  The user will be financially responsible to reimburse the District for repair or replacement of any harmed equipment, software or data.

 

 

Administrative Regulations   

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Internet Acceptable Use Policy (AUP):

 

Internet access is now available to students, teachers and administrators in the West Hempstead School District.  Access is being offered to staff, students and community members as part of a collaborative instructional project between the district and a service provider.  Our goal in providing this service to staff and students is to promote educational excellence in the West Hempstead School District by facilitating resource sharing innovation and communications.

 

Staff, students and community members shall have access to:

 

  1. Electronic mail communication with people all over the world;

 

  1. information and news from a variety of research institutions in the fields of education, government, science and technology, social sciences, humanities and commercial enterprises;

 

  1. public domain and shareware software of all types;

 

  1. discussion groups, newsgroups and listservs on a plethora of topics;

 

  1. Many university library catalogs, the Library of Congress, ERIC, museums.

 

 

The district has taken available precaution to deny access to areas of the local network, which are restricted.  However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials and to completely prevent access to controversial information in written and graphic form.  The district, through appropriate levels of administration and teachers, shall monitor the use of the Internet/Computer networks authorized by this policy.  Any inappropriate use of hardware, software or access to information on the Internet may result in the cancellation of user privileges.

 

 

Internet/Computer Network Terms and Conditions:

 

The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousand of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers.  With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting.  The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end user who must adhere to strict guidelines.  These guidelines are provided so that users are aware of the responsibilities they are about to acquire.  In general, this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization

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of the network resources.  If a district user violates any of these provisions, his or her account may be terminated and future access may be denied.  The signature of the user on the required application and acknowledgment forms is legally binding and indicates that the party who executed same has read the terms and conditions carefully and understands their significance.

 

1. Acceptable Use:

 

The use of an account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the district.  Use of other organization’s network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for the network.  Transmissions of any material in violation of any United States, State or local regulation are prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to: Copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.  Use for commercial activity is not acceptable.  Use of product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.  The district shall have no responsibility for any misuse of the privilege granted under this policy (see save harmless provision contained on the required Acknowledgement of Responsibility form).

 

2. Privileges:

 

The use of the Internet/Computer Network is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of that privilege by the Superintendent or his/her designee.  Any problems and/or questions must be directed to the Superintendent or such designee.  The Superintendent, administration, faculty and staff of the district may deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts at their discretion for any misuse or violation of this policy.  Individuals have the full responsibility for the use of their accounts, and under no circumstances may anyone share his/her account or password with any other person.  Any such sharing of passwords or the use of accounts is prohibited.  All recipients of accounts must participate in training pertaining to the proper use of the network.  Account users are responsible for maintenance of their accounts.  The superintendent or designee will conduct a yearly review or additional as needed of all accounts to determine adherence to this policy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                             

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  1. Etiquette:

 

Individuals are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include (but are not limited to) the following:

 

  1. Be polite.  Do not be abusive in your message to others. 

 

  1. Use appropriate language.  Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.

 

  1. Do not reveal your personal address, phone number, or credit card number or those of students or colleagues.

 

  1.  Note that electronic mail (e-mail) and data files are not guaranteed to be private.  People who operate the systems DO have access to all mail and data.  Messages or other electronic data relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported tot the authorities or the Superintendent or his/her designee.

 

  1. Do not use the network in such a way that will disrupt its use by others. 

 

  1. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be the property of the provider. 

 

  1. Use of the system and the data acquired must be in strict compliance with the law.

 

 

  1. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities:

 

Parents/Guardians should review this Acceptable Use Policy with their children and return the agreement form to school.  This agreement form will be sent home prior to entrance into third, seventh, and ninth grades as well as to all new entrants.  A signature indicates agreement that these resources will be used responsibly, fairly, and appropriately by the child.  Completed agreement forms will be retained in students’ cumulative record folders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  1. Personal Security Issues:

 

Users, particularly students, should follow these guidelines to maintain ongoing access to our network and to ensure their personal security:

 

  1. Information that is sent or received over our network is subject to review. 

 

  1. Users should exercise common sense and discretion when sending or receiving electronic information (e.g. e-mail) over our network since it is public in nature and has no guarantee of privacy.

 

  1. Students should never distribute personal information such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, credit card numbers, social security numbers, bank accounts, PIN numbers or photographs.

 

  1. Students should notify a staff member whenever they come across information or messages that are dangerous, illegal, obscene, and inappropriate or make them feel uncomfortable. 

 

  1. Consequences of Violations:

 

The consequences for violating this policy will be consistent with the district’s discipline policy and may include the following:

 

  1. Temporary suspension of access to the computer network and the Internet.

 

  1. Notification of school authorities.

 

  1. Notification of parent/guardian.

 

  1. Permanent suspension of access to the computer network and the Internet.

 

  1. Financial restitution.

 

  1. Legal action.

 

  1. Regular Disciplinary Consequences.

 

 

 

West Hempstead High School

 

Student Name: ________________________________  Grade:  ______

 

Date:  ______________

 

 

 

Request to Opt Student Out of the School Network and Internet Access

 

As the parent or legal guardian of _________________________________, a minor, I Wish to opt ____________________________________________out of accessing the Network and Internet-based instructional materials and activities that will be available to his classmates.  The West Hempstead School System will provide alternative activities for children whose parents do not wish them to access the Network and Internet; however, the West Hempstead School Board cannot ensure that these activities will provide the same richness and depth of experience that access to the Network and Internet can provide.

 

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

          Signature                          Name (please print)                              Date

 

 

 

Please return this form to the school principal.