The purpose of this policy is to ensure appropriate, responsible, ethical
and legal access and use of computers, the Internet, and other electronic or
communication devices by District students, patrons, and employees. The
Technology Acceptable Use Policy addresses two distinct concepts of technology
use. The first regards the use of computers and the Internet, and the second
addresses interfering and electronic communication devices.
3.1. Definitions:
3.1.1. Acceptable Use:
Computer and Internet use must be consistent with the education objectives of
the District. The use must also be consistent with the terms of this agreement.
3.1.2. Prohibited Use: Any
use that violates federal or State laws and/or District policy.
3.1.3. Interfering Device:
This includes any device or object which does not constitute a weapon or
explosive but may, if used or engaged, interfere with the educational process
for either the student possessing or using the object or for other students. By
example, such objects include any electronic communication device (defined
below), a camera, lasers, laser pens or pointers, radios, portable CD players,
or other electronic equipment or devices.
3.1.4. Electronic communication
device: This includes telephones, camera telephones, two-way radios or
video broadcasting devices, pagers, and any other device that allows a person
to record and/or transmit on either a real time or delayed basis, sound, video
or still images, text, or other information.
3.1.5. Camera: This includes
any device for taking still or motion pictures, whether in a digital or other
format.
3.2. Prohibited Uses: The following uses of the District's computers,
including its network and Internet access are prohibited for:
3.2.1. using an account other than your own and any attempt
to gain unauthorized access to accounts on the network.
3.2.2. attempting to obtain access to restricted sites, servers, files,
databases, etc. Attempts to gain unauthorized access to other systems (e.g.
"hacking").
3.2.3. student use of games, Internet games,
chat rooms, and instant messaging not specifically assigned or
authorized for
use by a teacher or an administrator. Employees and patrons must not
use games, Internet games, chat rooms, and instant messaging that is
not directly
related to curriculum development, instruction, or work assignment.
3.2.4. using computers, the Internet or network for any illegal activity.
This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or
obscene material or material protected by trade secrets. This prohibition
includes the violation of any federal, State or local law.
3.2.5. providing personal addresses, phone numbers, and other private
information whether that information belongs to the user or any other
individual unless it is related to the core curriculum or specifically
authorized for release. Additionally, all employees are subject to and must
comply with State and federal privacy laws and regulations. The unauthorized
disclosure of private or protected information may result in disciplinary
action and referral for criminal prosecution.
3.2.6. using the Internet for commercial purposes, financial gain, personal
business, product advertisement, use for religious or political lobbying
(including student body elections students or representation elections for
employees, Reference District Policy 1600)
3.2.7. attempting vandalism defined as any attempt to harm or destroy data
of another user, another agency or network that is connected to the Internet.
Vandalism includes, but is not limited to, the uploading, downloading, or
creation of computer viruses. It also includes attempts to gain unauthorized
access to a network that is connected to the Internet.
3.2.8. degrading or disrupting network equipment, software, or system
performance.
3.2.9. wasting finite network resources.
3.2.10. invading the privacy of individuals or disclosing confidential
information about other individuals.
3.2.11. posting personal communications without the original author's
consent.
3.2.12. posting anonymous messages.
3.2.13. accessing, downloading, storing or printing files or messages that
are profane, obscene, or that use language that offends or tends to degrade
others.
3.2.14. harassing others and using abusive or obscene language on the
network. The network may not be used to harass, annoy, or otherwise offend
other people.
3.2.15. using material which may be deemed to violate any District policy or
student code of conduct.
3.2.16. downloading music or video files or any other files that will
infringe on copyright laws or is not directly related to a school or position
assignment.
3.2.17. communicating threats of violence.
3.2.18. using the network for plagiarism. Plagiarism is taking ideas or
writing from another person and offering them as your word. Credit must always
be given to the person who created the information or idea.
3.3. Privileges and Discipline:
Internet use is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result
in a loss of network privileges, disciplinary action, and/or referral to legal
authorities. The system administrators will close an account when necessary. An
administrator or faculty member may request the system administrator to deny,
revoke, or suspend specific user access and/or user accounts. District
employees, to include teachers, staff, and administrators, may face
disciplinary action up to and including termination. Authorized District
employees have the right to intercept or read a user's e-mail, to review any
material, and to edit or remove any material which they believe may be
unlawful, obscene, defamatory, abusive or otherwise objectionable. If the
District intends to impose any discipline upon a student other than revoking
privileges for the remainder of the school year, the student will be afforded
appropriate or adequate due process. Career and Provisional Employees will be
disciplined according to District Policy 1450. Temporary employees or other
patrons may be denied computer access or have their employment terminated.
3.4. Privacy Information:
Nothing is private on the District-owned network. If a user accesses a
particular site on the Internet, it is likely that someone knows the
connections that the user is making, knows about the computer the user is using
and what the user looked at while on the system. Frequently these sites
maintain records which can be subpoenaed to identify what the user has been
viewing and downloading on the Internet. In addition, the District reserves the
right to monitor whatever a user does on the network and to make sure the
network functions properly. A user has no expectation of privacy as to his or
her communications or the uses made of the Internet.
3.5. Network Etiquette and Instruction:
3.5.1. Users 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
be abusive in your messages to others.
- use
appropriate language.
- do not
swear, use vulgarities or any other language inappropriate in a school
setting.
3.5.2.
Students shall be instructed in appropriate online behavior
including online safety, interacting with other individuals on social
networking websites and in chat rooms, and regarding cyber-bullying
awareness and response.
3.5.2.1. This instruction will be
included in the curriculum for elementary/intermediate school
keyboarding, intermediate CTE introduction, and middle/high school
computer courses which are required for all students.
3.6. Security:
3.6.1. Security is a high priority on computer networks. If
a security problem is identified, the user must notify the system administrator
immediately. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Users may not use
the Internet to discuss or disseminate information regarding security problems
or how to gain unauthorized access to sites, servers, files, etc.
3.6.2. Any passwords issued to users/parents/guardians must not be shared
with or disclosed to other users without specific authorization from the
administrator. Passwords should be changed frequently. If students/parents
divulge passwords to anyone not authorized by school policy, the
school/district cannot guarantee the protection of confidential student
information.
3.6.3. Do not leave a workstation without logging out of the network or "locking down" the workstation.
3.6.4. You must report any of the following to a building administrator:
- if you
receive or obtain information to which you are not entitled;
- if you
know of any inappropriate use of the network by others; and
- if you
believe the filtering software is not filtering a site or sites that
should be filtered under this agreement.
3.7. Disclaimer:
3.7.1. The District makes no guarantee of the completeness
or accuracy of any information provided on the network. It makes no promise or
warranty to maintain or update its network or the information contained or made
available to the public, its employees, and students. The District may suspend
or discontinue these services at anytime. The user assumes the risk of
verifying any materials used or relied on.
3.7.2. The District disclaims any express or implied warranty in providing
its computer system and any materials, information, graphics, or processes
contained therein. It makes no warranty, express or implied, nor assumes any
responsibility regarding the use of its network or its contents for its
accuracy, completeness, currency, its use of any general or particular purpose,
or that such items or use of such items would not violate or infringe on the
rights of others. Access to its network is provided on a strictly "as is
basis."
3.7.3. The District's network resources may contain hypertext or other links
to Internet or computer sites not owned or controlled by the District that may
be of interest. The District cannot supervise or control the content of these
other sites. Any information, endorsements of products or services, materials
or personal opinions appearing on such external sites are not controlled,
sponsored or approved by the District.
3.7.4. The District specifically disavows legal responsibility for what a
user may find on another site or for personal opinions of individuals posted on
any site, whether or not operated by the District.
3.7.5. A user assumes the risk of use or reliance on any information
obtained through the network.
3.7.6. The District will not be responsible for any damages a user suffers
while on the system, including loss of data resulting from delays,
non-deliveries, misdeliveries or service interruptions caused by negligence,
errors, or omissions.
3.8. Access and/or Accounts Requirements
All users are responsible for reading and agreeing to follow all guidelines
outlined in the Acceptable Use Agreement (AUA). Employees may be granted
an account for their term of employment subject to the terms, limitations, and
conditions outlined in this policy.
3.9. Interfering and Communication Devices
Except as set forth below, a student may possess, but may not operate or
engage, any interfering device during school hours or at school functions,
unless specifically authorized in advance by the school personnel in charge of
the class or activity.
3.9.1. It is District policy that students and others in the
District will not be subject to video or audio capture, recording or
transmission of their words or images by any student at a school without
express prior notice and explicit consent for the capture, recording or
transmission of such words or images.
3.9.2. During any time when a student is scheduled to be in class or involved
in a regular school activity, it is a violation of policy for the student to
have in his or her possession an electronic communication device or camera
which is in the "on" position and ready to receive, send, capture, or
record any communication, visual image, sound, text message or other
information.
3.9.3. Electronic communication devices and cameras must not be possessed,
activated, or utilized at any time by any person, to include a student,
teacher, staff employee, patron, or any other individual, in any school
situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. These
locations and circumstances include but are not limited to locker rooms, shower
rooms, restrooms, and any other areas where students or others may change or be
in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing clothes.
3.9.4. The principal or administrator of the school is hereby given
authority to make determinations as to other specific locations and situations
where possession of electronic communication devices and cameras is absolutely
prohibited.
3.9.5. At no time may any electronic communication device or camera be
utilized by any student in any way which gives the impression to others of
being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed, or intimidated.
3.10. Sanctions Confiscation of Device
Any electronic device found on District property is subject to
search and confiscation. Pornographic or indecent material will
be reported for possible criminal prosecution in accordance with the
UCA 76-10-1235 and/or other applicable District, state and federal
regulations. For each observed violation of this policy, it shall
be the duty
of the
school teacher or administrator observing the violation to immediately
confiscate the interfering device. Employee or patron violations will
be immediately
reported to the appropriate school or District administrator.
Furthermore, the
school or District may take additional disciplinary action as described
in
other District policies. The confiscated device shall be forwarded to
the administrative office together with the name of the person from
whom the device
was confiscated. The school office should make arrangements to notify
the
parent/guardian of the student from whom the device was confiscated and
arrange
for the parent or guardian to pick up that device at the school office.
3.11. Employee Disciplinary Actions shall be in accordance with
applicable laws, regulations and District policies.
Adults
working with students in the schools are in a unique position of trust
and have an ethical responsibility to keep all communication with
students on a professional level. Electronic communications are no
exception. Any electronic communication between students and
employees of the Washington County School District (administrators,
teachers, custodians, secretaries, aides, etc.) are to be kept on the
highest of professional levels. Inappropriate electronic
communication (email, text messages, blogs, etc.) will not be
tolerated. Violations will be firmly handled in accordance with
applicable laws, and District policies. Any employee found to be
in violation will be subject to immediate discipline. Discipline
could include termination of employment with the Washington County
School District.
Employees
have an obligation to immediately report to their supervisor, any
communication from a student that is inappropriate or has the potential
to develop into something inappropriate. Employees are to
exercise caution when responding to student initiated electronic
communication.
3.11.1 Specific policy and signature sheets for administrative
and teacher use of laptops.
3.12. Student Disciplinary Actions:
3.12.1. Any use of an electronic communication device or
camera to record sounds or images or otherwise capture material in an
unauthorized setting or at an unauthorized time shall subject the user of the
device to increased discipline based on the circumstances and whether the
student has been involved in prior violations of this policy and/or other
District Policies.
3.12.2. The use of any interfering device or any electronic communications
device or camera to threaten, intimidate, or embarrass another or to capture
and transmit test information or any other information in a manner constituting
fraud, theft, or academic dishonesty may result in an immediate suspension of
not less than three days nor more than ten days.
3.12.3. The use of any interfering device in a manner which may be
physically harmful to another person, such as shining a laser in the eyes of
another student, may result in an immediate suspension of not less than three
days nor more than 10 days. When a student repeatedly engages in such behavior,
the punishment may be increased as is appropriate. Authority: 53A-3-402(15)
53A-11-901 et seq. Utah
Code Annotated