TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Computers and the Internet are available to students and staff to enhance the curriculum and promote educational excellence. Use of school computers and the Internet is a privilege not a right and access will be provided to those who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Information sent or received by e-mail, the Internet or other means over the computers available to students and staff is the property of the Ipswich Public Schools and may be accessed at any time by the Ipswich Public Schools for its review. In the event that a review reveals that this policy has been violated in any way or that the privilege of using the computer and the Internet is being abused in any way, appropriate action will be taken against the individual or individuals involved. Violations will be referred to a school administrator for disciplinary or legal action. Building administrators will determine the consequence for inappropriate use that includes, but is not limited to loss of computer/Internet use. Some consequences may be based on policies established in the Student Handbook. Federal and State law may cover other violations.
Users may not:
Ø Change in any way the configuration of a computer or network without permission of instructional staff.
Ø Damage or vandalize computers, computer systems or networks.
Ø Trespass in other’s folders, work or files or use another’s password. Ø Intentionally waste resources, such as paper, ink cartridges, ribbons, storage space, diskettes, etc.
Ø Use computers / Internet for any purpose that is inconsistent with the educational purpose intended.
Ø Use computers / Internet to play non-educational games or other non-academic activities such as Napster or the downloading of MP3s.
Ø Use computers / Internet for commercial purposes.
Ø Use computers / Internet for political lobbying.
Ø Participate in any type of teleconferencing or chat without permission of instructional staff.
Ø Use e-mail without instructional staff permission / supervision.
Ø Send, display, or receive offensive messages, pictures, or other media, which is defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive or intended to harass.
Ø Use computers / Internet for the transmission of material in violation of U.S. or Massachusetts regulation. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or materials protected by trade secret.
Ø Download files, programs or join listservs or newsgroups without express permission of instructional staff.
Ø Install personal software or shareware on any district computer
Network Etiquette
Users are expected to follow the rules of network etiquette. These include but are not limited to the following:
Ø Be polite and appropriate in your messages.
Ø Use appropriate language. Swearing and obscene language are strictly prohibited.
Ø Students may not reveal personal name, address or phone number or those of other people over the Internet.
Ø Faculty/staff may not reveal student personal information over the Internet.
Ø Be considerate of others using the network.
Students should understand the use of school computers including Internet access is a privilege not a right. Parents should understand that they will not hold Ipswich Public Schools responsible for any materials acquired during their children's use of the school’s computers. Parent's Signature: ____________________________________
Student's Signature:____________________________________
Date: ____________________________
