Academic Computing and Information Technology

Acceptable Use of Electronic Networks

It is the general policy of Vernon Public Schools that network services are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner in accordance with the mission of the Vernon Public Schools. Users of the Vernon Public Schools network must acknowledge their understanding of the general policy and guidelines as a condition of using the network.

Use of the Vernon Pubic Schools network services is a privilege, not a right. Failure to adhere to this policy and administrative procedures may result in suspension or revocation of network access. Willful or intentional misuse could lead to disciplinary action or criminal penalties under applicable state and federal law.

Provisions:
1. Acceptable uses of the network are activities which support learning and teaching. Network users are encouraged to develop uses which meet their individual educational needs and which take advantage of the network's functions.

2. Unacceptable uses of the network include, but are not limited to:

• Violating the rights to privacy of students or employees of Vernon Public Schools, or others outside the school system.

• Using profanity, obscenity, or other language which may be offensive to another user.

• Copying materials in violation of copyright law.

• Plagiarizing, which is the taking of someone else’s words, ideas, or findings and intentionally presenting them as your own without properly giving credit to their source?

• Using the network for financial gain or for any commercial or illegal activity.

• Attempting to degrade or disrupt system performance or unauthorized entry to and/or destruction of computer systems and files.

• Re-posting personal communications without the author's prior consent.

• Revealing home phone numbers, addresses, or other personal information.

• Making personal purchases or unauthorized orders using the Vernon Board of Education name.

• Accessing, downloading, storing, or printing files or messages that are sexually explicit, obscene, or that offends or tends to degrade others. The administration invokes its discretionary rights to determine such suitability.

• Downloading or copying information on to disks or hard drives without prior teacher approval.

• Violating the policy as outlined in the Vernon Board of Education Code of Student Conduct.

3. The staff of Vernon Public Schools will be responsible for:

• Teaching students the Vernon Public Schools Policy and Procedures for Internet Use.

• Supervising and guiding student access to the network and the Internet.

4. All users of the Vernon Public School network services are responsible for adhering to the Vernon Public Schools Policy and Procedures for Internet Use.

5. The following people are entitled to use the network:

• All Vernon Public Schools staff.

• All Vernon Public Schools students under the supervision of a staff member and/or parent/guardian.

• Others who request Guest Accounts from the Network Administrator. These requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will be granted, if warranted, as needs and resources permit.

6. Vernon Public Schools makes no express or implied warranties for the Internet access it provides. Vernon Public Schools cannot completely eliminate access to information that is offensive or illegal and residing on networks outside of the Vernon Public Schools system. The accuracy and quality of information obtained cannot be guaranteed. Vernon Public Schools will not guarantee the availability of access to the Internet and will not be responsible for any information that may be lost, damaged, or unavailable due to technical or other difficulties. Information sent or received cannot be assured to be private.

Internet Use Procedures

Students may use the Internet in instructional areas where there is teacher or staff supervision. Teachers may allow students to use the Internet in the following ways:

a) Directed Searches

Teachers may work directly with small groups of students or with an entire class. Internet access will be limited to those sites approved by the teacher and previewed in advance, within a week prior to use. Use of directed searches does not require parental permission since the Internet sites will be screened in advance by the teacher. Teachers will be responsible for reviewing the Internet policy and procedures with students prior to any directed searches.

b) Independent Searches

Students wanting to use the Internet for independent educational searches must meet the following criteria:

1. Students must be made aware of proper Internet behavior and Vernon's Acceptable Use Policy.

2. An application for Student Internet Access Permission must be completed by the students and signed by a parent.

3. Elementary students must have a signed form on file with their homeroom teacher. Secondary students will complete and return forms to receive Internet Access Privileges for Vernon Public Schools.

4. Instant messaging and chat application use is strictly prohibited unless it is part of a special project or assignment and directly supervised by the teacher.

5. Educational use of Internet e-mail as part of a special project, routine assignments or for student to teacher communications is permitted.