Acceptable Use Policy
Students
2361 Acceptable Use of Computer Network/Computers and Resources
The Board of Education recognizes that telecommunications and other new technologies shift the manner in which information is accessed, communicated and transferred. These changes alter the nature of teaching and learning. Access to telecommunications allows the exploration of electronic resources (data bases, libraries, Internet sites, bulletin boards, etc.) while exchanging information with individuals throughout the world. The Board supports access to information sources, but reserves the right to limit inschool use to materials appropriate for educational purposes. The Board directs the Superintendent to train staff members in skills needed to evaluate these resources to their educational appropriateness.
The Board provides access to computer network/computers for educational purposes only. The Board retains the right to restrict or terminate pupil access to the computer network/computers at any time, for any reason. The Board retains the right to have district personnel monitor network activity, in any form necessary, to maintain the integrity of the network and ensure its proper use. The E-mail system and all messages sent via the E-mail system are the property of the school district.
The Board also recognizes that telecommunications allows pupils access to information sources that have not been pre-screened by educators using appropriate standards The Board, therefore, adopts standards of conduct for the use of computer networks/computers. Violation(s) of these standards constitute just cause for disciplinary action, such as limiting or revoking network access.
Standards for Use of Computer Networks
Any individual engaging in the following actions when using computer networks/computers shall be subject to discipline or legal action:
A. 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 but not limited to those that violate the intended use of the network. Obscene activities shall be defined but not limited to a violation of generally accepted social standards.
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 including the Internet or E-mail 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/ computers are provided.
Consent Requirement
No pupil shall be allowed to use the computer network and the Internet unless they shall have filed with school office a consent form signed by the pupil and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Violations
Individuals violating this policy shall be subject to discipline which includes but is not limited to:
1. Use of the network 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 from school;
7. Expulsion from school; and/or
8. Legal action and prosecution by the authorities.
N.J.S.A. 2A:38A-3
Adopted: 21 March 2002
