Giles County School District - Internet & Telecommunications

Acceptable Use Policy

 

(Terms and Conditions for Technology/Internet Use (STUDENT)

 

The Giles County School System (referred to as GCS) has access to computers, networks, and the Internet.  This technology offers vast, diverse and unique resources to teachers and students and is an effective method of introducing students to the global nature of information.  It allows users to find, synthesize and share information in a variety of unique ways.  Our goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication.

 

The internet is an electronic highway connecting millions of computers all over the world.  A small minority of users have made objectionable materials available over the Internet.  GCS utilizes the Websense filtering system, via the State provider network, to protect against objectionable material.  GCS has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials, but an industrious user may discover information not acceptable for school use.  GCS firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material not consistent with the educational goals of the District.  Disciplinary action will be taken against users found sending or acquiring objectionable materials over the Internet, or developing objectionable material on school equipment.

 

Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks.  The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines.  These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire.  In general, this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources.


Internet - Terms and Conditions

 

1)         Acceptable Use - The purpose of Internet access in the schools is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the U.S. by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work.  The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the Giles County School District.  Use of other organization's network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network.

 

a.         Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state

                        regulation is prohibited.  (This includes, but is not limited to: 

                        copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material

                        protected by trade secret.

            b.         Use for commercial activities is prohibited.

            c.         Harassing, insulting, and defaming or attacking messages are prohibited.

            d.         Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited.

            e.         Inappropriate language, messages and pictures is prohibited.

            f.          Disruption or intention of disruption of other computers and/or

                        networks is prohibited.

g.         Tampering with and/or damaging computers, computer systems, computer networks or any technology equipment is prohibited.

            h.         Gaining or attempting to gain unauthorized access to accounts, files,

                        networks, and servers is prohibited.

            i.          Trespassing in another’s folders, work or files is prohibited.

            j.          Copying instructional software is prohibited.

            k.         Installation of software not authorized by the Technology Department

                        is prohibited.

            l.          Use of web-based email accounts (Hotmail, Yahoo mail) is prohibited

            m.        Using another's password for access is prohibited

           

2)         All GCS network traffic and computer use can and will be monitored.  There is NO expectation of privacy when using a GCS computer.  This includes web-browsing, email, software implementation, chatting, video and audio streaming, and any other application.

 

3)         GCS makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, that the functions of the services provided by or through the System network will be error free or without defect.  GCS will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer including, but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service.  GCS is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the network.  GCS will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the network.  Users will indemnify and hold GCS harmless from any losses sustained as the result of intentional misuse of the network by the user.

 

4)         At the present time, GCS will NOT issue individual student email accounts.

 

Web Pages

 

In order to take advantage of the opportunities the Internet provides, GCS authorizes the creation of System and/or individual school web pages on the Internet.  Only those web pages maintained in accordance with Board Policy and established procedures shall be recognized as official representatives of GCS or individual schools.  All information on a school or System web page must be indicative of the mission, goals, policies, programs, or activities of the school or System.

 

 

School Web Pages -        The building principal or his/her designee will appoint a School Web Publisher, responsible for managing the School Web site and monitoring class, teacher, student, and extracurricular Web pages.  All official material origination from the school will be consistent with the GCS style and content guidelines and approved through a process established by the School Web Publisher.   The School Web Publisher will develop additional guidelines for the School Web site.  All TEACHER and STUDENT web pages must be approved by the School Web Publisher.

 

 

Web Page Design -       All System Acceptable Use Agreement provisions will govern material placed on the web.

                                   

Web pages shall not:

 

            1.         Contain the full name, address, or phone number of students.  First

                        names or first names and the first letter of the last name may be

                        used where appropriate.

 

            2.         Display photographs or videos of any identifiable individual without a

                        signed permission form.  Permission forms for students under the age

                        of 18 must be signed by their parent or guardian.

 

            3.         Contain copyrighted or trademarked material belonging to others

                        unless written permission to display such material has been obtained

                        from the owner.  There will be no assumption that the publications of

                        copyrighted material on a Web site is within the fair use exemption.

 

Material placed on the Web site is expected to meet academic standards of proper spelling, grammar and accuracy of information.

 

Students may retain the copyright on the material they create that is posted on the Web.  GCS employees may retain the copyright on material they create and post if appropriate under System policies.

 

All Web pages should carry a stamp indicating when it was last updated and the

e-mail address of the person responsible for the page.

 

All Web pages should have a link at the bottom of the page that will help users find their way to the appropriate home page.

 

Users should retain a back-up copy of their Web pages.

 

As with any instructional materials or publication used by or representing the school or System, the building principal or Director, respectively, is ultimately responsible for accuracy and appropriateness of the information made available on the Web site.  Concern about the content of any page(s) created by students or staff should be directed to the building principal or the Director's office when related to the System Web site.  If the concern is not resolved, persons who wish to file a formal complaint shall submit a written request for reconsideration of instructional material.

 

Web sites developed under contract for GCS or within the scope of employment by GCS  employees are the property of the System.

 

I understand that computer, network and Internet use in Giles County Schools is a privilege and not a right and that my use of this privilege may be revoked at any time for any reason.  As a condition of my use of the computers, networks, and Internet, I will abide by the above Terms and Conditions for Technology/Internet

use at Giles County Schools, and by any future terms or conditions that may be developed.  I understand disciplinary action will be taken if I am found abusing my computer, network, or Internet privileges.

 

Additionally:

 

            I understand that Giles County Schools will provide computer, network and

            Internet access, for educational purposes only, to qualified students, teachers,

            administrators, and staff through its individual schools.

 

            Giles County School System does not condone and specifically forbids the

            unauthorized duplication of software.

 

I will not install nor utilize any new technology hardware or equipment without the consent of the GCS Technology Department.

 

I will abide by copyright law.

 

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According to U. S. Copyright law, unauthorized reproduction of software is a federal offense.  Offenders can be subject to civil damages of as much as $100,000 per title copied, criminal penalties, including fines up to $250,000 per work copied, and imprisonment up to 5 years per title copied.

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