Office Of Human Resources

Policies - P4526

COMPUTER NETWORK and INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF

The Board of Education is committed to enhancing student learning and teaching. The Board considers student and staff access to a computer network, including the Internet, to be a powerful and valuable educational and research tool. The K-12 instructional program integrates the use of computers and computer-related technology throughout the district solely for the purpose of advancing and promoting learning and teaching.

The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. The key concept underlying the Internet is interconnectivity; something that will allow administrators, teachers, and more importantly students to access an unparalleled array of communication and information resources.

A parent/guardian may deny their child independent access to the Internet at any time by submitting a letter to the school. However, teacher-directed Internet activities are part of our curriculum and not subject to parent/guardian authorization.

In compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act, the District employs a filtering system that is designed to block access to visual depictions of pornography, obscenity, and other material deemed illegal, inappropriate or harmful to minors. Web site traffic passes through this filter on all Student Internet-enabled computers.

All users of the district's computer network and the Internet must understand that use is a privilege, not a right, and that use entails responsibility.

Adopted: August 25, 1998

Amended: June 12, 2007

Policy 4526 Computer Network(2).doc

 R-4526

COMPUTER NETWORK and INTERNET USAGE

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Acceptable Use

The purpose of the Internet is to support research and education in and among academic institutions by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of the Long Beach City School District network must support education and research and be consistent with the educational objectives of the school district. Transmission of any material in violation of United States or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, expressions of bigotry, racism, or hate, or material produced by trade secret. Use of commercial activities is generally not acceptable. Use of product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. The use of unauthorized software on the network and the loading or down-loading of all copyrighted material is strictly prohibited.

2. Privileges

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Each student and staff member who receives an account is responsible for that account and its usage. Under no circumstances may a student or staff member share his/her account with anyone other than the Executive Director of Technology and Innovation. All students and staff members will be required to attend an orientation session with a Long Beach staff member to discuss the proper use of the Internet. In the event of a dispute concerning appropriate use of the Internet, the Executive Director of Technology and Innovation or designated Building Administrator will be the final arbiter of appropriateness.

3. Network Etiquette

Students and staff members are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

•       Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others.

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

•       Do not engage in illegal activities.

•       Do not reveal your screen name, password, address, telephone number, or any other personal information.

•       Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by others.

•       Note that electronic mail (e‑mail) and access to the District Computer Network is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system will have access to all folders/files/email. Messages relating to, or in support of, illegal activities will be reported to the proper authorities.

4. Security

Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If a student or staff member believes there is a security problem on the Internet, a Long Beach administrator or Executive Director of Technology and Innovation, must be notified. The problem is not to be demonstrated to other users. Attempts to log onto the Network with any other personÕs identity will result in the cancellation of user privileges.

5. Vandalism

Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to interfere with or destroy the districtÕs hardware, software, data of another user, or any of the information resources available. This includes the transfer or creation of computer viruses. In the case of vandalism to District equipment, the user will be financially responsible for reimbursing the district for repair or replacement of said equipment.

6. Consequences of Violations

The consequences for violating this policy will be consistent with other District policies and may include the following:

o      Notification of school authorities

o      Notification of parent/guardian

o      Suspension of access to the computer network and Internet

o      Financial restitution

o      Legal action

DISTRICT RESPONSIBILITIES

     The district makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, for the access being provided. Further, the district assumes no responsibility for the quality, availability, accuracy, nature or reliability of the service and/or information provided. Use of the district's computer network and the Internet is performed at the userÕs own risk. Each user is responsible for verifying the integrity and authenticity of the information that is used and provided.

      The district will not be responsible for any damages suffered by any user, including, but not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, deliveries to incorrect addresses/folders, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or the errors or omissions of any user. The district also will not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations resulting from the use of or access to the district's computer network or the Internet.

      Further, even though the district may use technological or manual means to regulate access and information, these methods do not provide a foolproof means of enforcing the provisions of the district policy and regulation.