Cape May Special Services Board of Education
Section: Program
2361. ACCEPTABLE USE OF COMPUTER NETWORK/COMPUTERS AND RESOURCES (M)
Date Created: January, 2007
Date Edited: January, 2007

2361  Acceptable Use of Computer Network/Computers and Resources

Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish an acceptable use of the District's Network and the Internet as a tool for learning and to comply with The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) that requires schools and libraries receiving E-Rate discounts for Internet access and internal connections to take action in accordance with CIPA.

As telecommunications and other new technologies modify the ways information is obtained and communicated, the Board of Education supports appropriate and equitable access by pupils and staff to the information and communication resources of the Internet.

In summary, this policy affirms that neither employees nor pupils may use the District’s Network or the Internet to do any action or receive and/or communicate any language that the employee or pupil could not do in person.  Any act or word prohibited by federal, state, and/or local law or regulation is unauthorized.  Additionally, the rule reflects that there is no expectation of privacy in the use of e-mail or Internet communications when such communications occur over provided equipment by the District to employees or pupils.

Purpose of Access to the Internet

The purpose of providing pupils and employees access to the District's Network and the Internet is to promote academic excellence in the District's educational objectives.  This computer technology provides resource sharing; innovation and communication that will help launch today's schools into the information age.  Pupils and employees of the district have access to local, State, national and worldwide resources, information and news; public domain software of all types; and collaboration with peers.

In addition employees of the district have access to electronic mail communication

Acceptable Use Policy

Utilization of the District's Network and the Internet by pupils and employees must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the District.  When utilizing the District's Network and the Internet all pupils shall be supervised by an instructional staff member and must adhere to the provisions of this policy and the standards of conduct established in the Districts Code of Student Conduct.

Transmission of any material in violation of local, State, and federal law or regulation is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to copyright material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade secret.  Obscene material is that material which:

1.         The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest.

2.            Depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct as defined in New Jersey State Code.

3.         Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.
Privilege

Accessing the District's Network and the Internet through District equipment is a privilege, not a right.  Inappropriate use, including violation of this policy may result in cancellation of then privilege.  Employees, parents/guardians and students will be given a written copy of this policy, made aware of their rights and required to sign the District's Network and Internet Consent Form prior to their use of the District's Network and Internet.

Administrators will monitor the appropriate and acceptable use of the District's Network and the Internet as provided under this policy. Any user account may be dosed, suspended or revoked at any time an administrator determines an account user or holder has used the District's Network and/or the Internet in an inappropriate or unacceptable manner in violation of this or any other applicable district policy.

Inappropriate or unacceptable use is defined as use that violates the district's purpose in providing pupils and employees access to the District's Network and/or the Internet.  Access to the District's Network and the Internet in school as a tool for learning will be automatic.  All users are expelled to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.

Services

Use of any information obtained via the District's Network and the Internet is at the user's own risk.  The district will not be responsible for any damages a user may suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by negligence, errors, or omissions. The district denies responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. All users need to consider the source of any information they obtain, and consider how valid that information may be.

Security

Security on any computer network is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users.  If a user identifies a security problem on the District's Network, the user must notify the Supervisor of Education Technology and/or the Technology Specialist.  The user must not demonstrate the problem to anyone else.  Users must not use another individual's account without permission from that individual.  Attempts to log into the District's Network and/or the Internet as the Supervisor of Education Technology and/or the Technology Specialist may result in the cancellation of user privileges.  A user that is determined by administrators to violate this rule may be denied future access to the Districts Network and the Internet.  A pupil or employee with a history of utilizing other computer systems in an inappropriate or unacceptable manner may be denied access to the District’s Network ant the Internet.

The school district is in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and has installed technology protection measures for all computers in the school district, including computers in media centers/libraries, that block and/or filter visual depictions that are obscene as defined in Section 1460 of Title 18, United States Code; child pornography, as defined in Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code; are harmful to minors including any pictures, images, graphic image file or other visual depiction that taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; or depicts, describes, or represents in a patently offensive way, with respect to what is suitable for minors, sexual acts or conduct; or taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.

The school district will certify on an annual basis, that the schools, including media centers/libraries, in the district are in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and the school district enforces the requirements of this policy.  

This Policy also establishes Internet safety policy and procedures in the district as required in the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act.  Policy 2361 addresses access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web; the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online; unauthorized disclosures, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors.

Notwithstanding blocking and/or filtering the visual depictions prohibited in the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Board shall determine other Internet material that is inappropriate for minors.  The Board will provide reasonable public notice and will hold one annual public hearing during a regular monthly board meeting or during a designated special board meeting to address and receive public community input on the Internet safety policy - Policy and Regulation 2361. 

Vandalism, Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

            Vandalism. Harassment, intimidation and bullying when utilizing the District’s Network and/or the Internet will result in cancellation of user privileges.  This includes, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses and the attempt to destroy, harm or modify data of another user.  Any user violating this rule, or applicable local, state, or federal law or regulation is subject to loss of District’s Network and the Internet access privileges and any other disciplinary actions as reflected in district policy.

Procedures for Use

            Pupils users must always obtain permission from an instructional staff member before using the District’s Network and the Internet.  Pupil users must also follow written and oral classroom instructions.

            All users have the same right to use the equipment.  Therefore, users shall not play games or use the computer resources for non-academic activities.  In addition, users shall not waste nor take supplies, such as paper, printer ribbons, and diskettes that are provided by the district.

            Instructional staff members are responsible for teaching proper techniques and standards for use, for guiding pupil access to appropriate sections of the District Network and Internet resources, and for assuring that pupils understand that if they misuse the network they will lose their privilege to access the District’s Network and the Internet.

Inappropriate Material

            While every effort is made to control the content of data, on a global network it is impossible to absolutely control the content of data and an industrious user may discover inappropriate material.  Inappropriate material is that material that is determined inconsistent with the goals, objectives an policies of the educational mission of the district.  Access and use of the Internet is for use as a regular instructional activity.  It is the user’s responsibility not to initiate access to materials that are inconsistent with the goals, objectives and policies pf the educational mission of the district.

            In the event that an inappropriate or offensive website is accessed, it is the responsibility of the teacher to notify the Supervisor of Education Technology or the Technology Specialist of the specific website’s URL so action can be taken to include that URL into the network’s filtering software.  Inappropriate, unwanted and/or any other form of spam email should be immediately deleted.  Opening any attachments or attempting to unsubscribe to these email messages presents the rise of uploading viruses onto the District Network.

All users must have the appropriate consent form signed and on file to gaining access to the District Network and Internet either as an individual user or as a member of a class or group

Disciplinary Actions for Improper Use

            The act of accessing the District’s Network and the Internet signifies that the user will abide by the provisions of this policy.  Any user violating this policy, or applicable local, State or federal law or regulation is subject to loss of network access privilege and any other disciplinary actions as reflected in the district policy.

N.J.S.A. 2A:38A-3
Federal Communications Commission:  Children’s Internet
Protection Act.

Adopted:  16 January 2007

TEACHING STAFF MEMBERS
3321/page 1 of 3
Acceptable Use of Computer Network(s)/Computers and Resources
by Teaching Staff Members

3321  Acceptable Use of Computer Network(S)/Computers and Resources by teaching staff members

The Board recognizes that as telecommunications and other new technologies shift the manner in which information is accessed, communicated and transferred that those changes will alter the nature of teaching and learning.  Access to telecommunications will allow teaching staff members to explore databases, libraries, Internet sites, bulletin boards and the like while exchanging information with individuals throughout the world.  The Board supports access by teaching staff members to information sources but reserves the right to limit in-school use to materials appropriate to educational purposes. The Board directs the Superintendent to effect training of teaching staff members in skills appropriate to analyzing and evaluating such resources as to appropriateness for educational purposes. 

The Board also recognizes that telecommunications will allow teaching staff members access to information sources that have not been pre-screened using Board approved standards. The Board therefore adopts the following standards of conduct for the use of computer network(s) and declares unethical, unacceptable, inappropriate or illegal behavior as just cause for taking disciplinary action, limiting or revoking network access privileges, instituting legal action or taking any other appropriate action as deemed necessary.

The Board provides access to computer network(s)/computers for administrative and educational purposes only.  The Board retains the right to restrict or terminate teaching staff members access to the computer network(s)/computers at any time, for any reason.  The Board retains the right to have the Superintendent or designee, monitor network activity, in any form necessary, to maintain the integrity of the network(s) and ensure its proper use.

Personal electronic equipment may not be used in classrooms and/or connected to the district network via network paths without prior authorization from the Supervisor of Technology.

Standards for Use of Computer Network(s)

Any individual engaging in the following actions declared unethical, unacceptable or illegal when using computer network(s)/computers shall be subject to discipline or legal action:

1.         Using the computer network(s)/computers for illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities.  Illegal activities are defined as activities which violate federal, state, local laws and regulations.  Inappropriate activities are defined as those that violate the intended use of the network(s).   Obscene activities shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted social standards for use of publicly owned and operated communication vehicles.

2.         Using the computer network(s)/computers to violate copyrights, institutional or third party copyrights, license agreements or other contracts.

3.         Using the computer network(s) in a manner that:

a.            Intentionally disrupts network traffic or crashes the network;

b.            Degrades or disrupts equipment or system performance;

c.            Uses the computing resources of the school district for commercial purposes, financial gain or fraud;

d.            Steals data or other intellectual property;

e.            Gains or seeks unauthorized access to the files of others or vandalizes the data of another user;

f.            Gains or seeks unauthorized access to resources or entities;

g.            Forges electronic mail messages or uses an account owned by others;

h.            Invades privacy of others;

i.            Posts anonymous messages;

j.            Possesses any data which is a violation of this policy; and/or

k.            Engages in other activities that do not advance the educational purposes for which computer network(s)/computers are provided.

Violations

Individuals violating this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions as defined by Policy No. 3150, Discipline which includes but are not limited to:

1.         Use of the network(s)/computers only under direct supervision;

2.            Suspension of network privileges;

3.            Revocation of network privileges;

4.            Suspension of computer privileges;

5.            Revocation of computer privileges;

6.            Suspension;

7.            Dismissal;

8.         Legal action and prosecution by the authorities; and/or

9.         Any appropriate action that may be deemed necessary as determined by the Superintendent and approved by the Board of Education.

N.J.S.A. 2A:38A-3

Adopted:  16 January 2007

SUPPORT STAFF MEMBERS
4321/page 1 of 3
Acceptable Use of Computer Network(s)/Computers and Resources
by Support Staff Members

 4321  Acceptable Use of Computer Network(S)/Computers and Resources by SUPPORT staff members

The Board recognizes that as telecommunications and other new technologies shift the manner in which information is accessed, communicated and transferred that those changes will alter the nature of teaching and learning.  Access to telecommunications will allow support staff members to explore databases, libraries, Internet sites, bulletin boards and the like while exchanging information with individuals throughout the world.  The Board supports access by support staff members to information sources but reserves the right to limit in-school use to materials appropriate to educational purposes. The Board directs the Superintendent to effect training of support staff members in skills appropriate to analyzing and evaluating such resources as to appropriateness for educational purposes. 

The Board also recognizes that telecommunications will allow support staff members access to information sources that have not been pre-screened using Board approved standards. The Board therefore adopts the following standards of conduct for the use of computer network(s) and declares unethical, unacceptable, inappropriate or illegal behavior as just cause for taking disciplinary action, limiting or revoking network access privileges, instituting legal action or taking any other appropriate action as deemed necessary.

The Board provides access to computer network(s)/computers for administrative and educational purposes only.  The Board retains the right to restrict or terminate support staff members access to the computer network(s)/computers at any time, for any reason.  The Board retains the right to have the Superintendent or designee monitor network activity, in any form necessary, to maintain the integrity of the network(s) and ensure its proper use.

            Personal electronic equipment may not be used in classrooms and/or connected to the district network via network paths without prior authorization from the Supervisor of Technology.

Standards for Use of Computer Network(s)

Any individual engaging in the following actions declared unethical, unacceptable or illegal when using computer network(s)/computers shall be subject to discipline or legal action: 

1. Using the computer network(s)/computers for illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities.  Illegal activities are defined as activities which violate federal, state, local laws and regulations.  Inappropriate activities are defined as those that violate the intended use of the network(s).  Obscene activities shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted social standards for use of publicly owned and operated communication vehicles.

B.        Using the computer network(s)/computers to violate copyrights, institutional or third party copyrights, license agreements or other contracts.

C.        Using the computer network(s) in a manner that:

1.            Intentionally disrupts network traffic or crashes the network;

2.            Degrades or disrupts equipment or system performance;

3.         Uses the computing resources of the school district for commercial purposes, financial gain or fraud;

4.         Steals data or other intellectual property;

5.         Gains or seeks unauthorized access to the files of others or vandalizes the data of another user;

6.         Gains or seeks unauthorized access to resources or entities;

7.         Forges electronic mail messages or uses an account owned by others;

8.            Invades privacy of others;

9.         Posts anonymous messages;

10.            Possesses any data which is a violation of this policy; and/or

11.            Engages in other activities that do not advance the educational purposes for which computer network(s)/computers are provided

Violations

Individuals violating this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions as defined by Policy No. 4150, Discipline which includes but are not limited to:

1.         Use of the network(s)/computers only under direct supervision;

2.            Suspension of network privileges;

3.            Revocation of network privileges;

4.            Suspension of computer privileges;

5.            Revocation of computer privileges;

6.            Suspension;

7.            Dismissal;

8.         Legal action and prosecution by the authorities; and/or

9.         Any appropriate action that may be deemed necessary as determined by the Superintendent and approved by the Board of Education.

N.J.S.A. 2A:38A-3

Adopted:  16 January 2007