COMPUTER NETWORK & INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Definition of Terms: The Moonachie Public Schools computer network refers to the interconnection of computers, servers, and other electronic devices within a classroom, school, or district which facilitates file sharing, resource sharing, communication, collaboration, management, and access to remote resources. The Internet is a decentralized network of computer networks which provides connectivity to commercial, education, organization and government resources and facilitates local and global communication. Internet filtering is a method by which information that is available on the Internet but is deemed inappropriate for children is made unavailable for general viewing. Individual use refers to independent utilization of the Internet during class periods or before or after school that is part of a teacher-directed activity.

Philosophy:  It is our district’s philosophy that access to technological resources is an integral part of the curriculum and the instructional process. At the same time, there is an inherent responsibility on the part of users to conduct themselves in an appropriate and considerate manner when using this medium. Although electronic materials are selected for their educational value and Internet resources are filtered for inappropriate content, the security, accuracy and quality of information that is available through our network cannot be guaranteed. The guidelines that follow have been developed to inform students, teachers and parents/guardians about the expectations that are associated with the responsible use of our computer network and the Internet. Since it is ultimately the responsibility of families to set standards and for students to be responsible for their own behavior, we respect each family’s right to authorize or curtail network use by their children.

Instructional Services: Students and teachers have access to a wide variety of electronic resources through our Local Area Network, including curriculum software, multimedia CD-ROMs, computer servers, library automation systems, and the RLCS Web Site. Through our Wide Area Network, students, through their teachers, also have access to external electronic resources that are not controlled by the district such as Internet e-mail, which enables communication with peers and experts throughout the world, and the World Wide Web, which facilitates the exploration of thousands of databases, libraries, universities, government agencies, museums, and commercial sites. These services are currently available in libraries and computer centers under the supervision of information technology specialists who provide supervision, training, and support to all users. As staff development progresses and networking is expanded, access will be distributed from these central locations to every classroom in the district.

Parent/Guardian Authorization: Parents/ Guardian(s) should review this Acceptable Use Policy with their children and return the Individual Use Authorization Form (Linkage Agreement) to school. This authorization form will be sent home prior to entrance into Pre-Kindergarten as well as to all new entrants. A signature indicating permission for a child to have individual access to network resources includes an agreement that these resources will be used responsibly, fairly and appropriately by the child. Completed authorization forms will be retained in students’ cumulative record folders.

Acceptable Use: The following guidelines have been established for acceptable use of the Moonachie Public Schools computer network and Internet access. Users should be aware that the district reserves the right to ensure compliance through electronic monitoring of network and Internet usage.

1.      While all students and staff are welcome to use our network, priority will be given to those individuals who are using it for curriculum-driven and research-oriented purposes.
2.      The use of our networks is a privilege to be used responsibly, fairly and appropriately. The same behavioral expectations of students in school and the community apply to online behavior.
3.      The rights of others to use our network without disruption should be respected at all times.
4.      District-owned equipment and software should be treated with care to ensure its availability to others and should not be vandalized, damaged, stolen, or abused in any way.
5.      Users should be polite and courteous while online and may not use insulting, vulgar, or demeaning language or create or post inappropriate visual material. While users have a right to express their ideas, they are also responsible for the content they create, transmit or publish, including e-mail, posted messages, files and web pages.
6.      Users may not publish new web pages or modify existing web pages without the written authorization of a designated staff member.
7.      Users may not access private accounts or subscribe to mailing lists, bulletin boards, chat groups or commercial services without the written authorization of a designated staff member.
8.      Users may not download or upload files without the written authorization of a designated staff member.
9.      The use of the system to purchase items or services is prohibited.
10.     Attempts should not be made to gain access to unauthorized systems or breach security passwords.
11.     Attempts should not be made to circumvent our filter to access inappropriate Internet content. A designated staff member should be contacted if a user needs to access a blocked web site.

Ethical and Legal Considerations: Use of our computer network must conform to district policies and local, state and federal laws. The following are prohibited:

1.      Use of our network to access, store, distribute or promote illegal activities such as bomb making, drugs, gambling or pornography.
2.      Use of our network to promote racism, sexism or other forms of discrimination.
3.      Use of our network to install, use, store, duplicate or distribute copyrighted materials, including software, files, video clips, photographs, graphics, text, music, or speech.
4.      Use of our network to plagiarize the work of others.
5.      Use of our network for non-school related promotion of political candidates or causes.
6.      Use of our network for commercial advertisements or profit-making purposes.

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 district review.
2.      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 not guarantee of privacy.
3.      Users are responsible for their own accounts and should not share them. Passwords are private and users should not attempt to ascertain the passwords of other users.
4.      Students should never transmit personal information such as addresses, telephone numbers, credit card numbers, social security numbers, bank account numbers, PIN numbers or photographs.
5.      Students should never make appointments to meet people in person whom they have contacted online without written authorization from a designated staff member and a parent/guardian.
6.      Students should notify a designated staff member whenever they come across information or messages that are dangerous, illegal, obscene, inappropriate or make them feel uncomfortable.

Staff Responsibilities:  It is the responsibility of staff members to help implement this policy by taking the following steps:

1.      Inform all students through postings, orientations and reminders about the guidelines and behavioral expectations of students who have permission from a parent/ guardian to use our computer network.
2.      Take reasonable measures to prevent students without parent/ guardian permission from using our computer network.
3.      Take appropriate disciplinary actions when students violate any aspect of this policy.
4.      Report serious policy violations to an administrator.
5.      Respond immediately to student notification of dangerous, illegal, obscene, or inappropriate information transmitted over our computer network and report it to an administrator.

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.
2.      Notification of school authorities.
3.      Notification of parent/guardian.
4.      Permanent suspension of access to the computer network and the Internet
5.      Financial restitution.
6.      Legal action.

Date of Board Adoption: August 21, 2001