605.6 Internet Appropriate Use

Because technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means.

Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students. If a student already has an electronic mail address, the student will not be permitted to use the address to send and receive mail at school.

The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. Although students will be under teacher supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Some students might encounter information which may not be of educational value. Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records. Students’ Internet activities will be monitored by the school district to ensure students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors. The school district will use technology protection measures to protect students from inappropriate access, including sites that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors.

The school district will monitor the online activities of students and will educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting on social networking sites and chat rooms. Students will also be educated on cyberbullying, including awareness and response. Employees will provide age appropriate training for students who use the Internet. The training provided will be designed to promote the school district’s commitment to:

The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the Internet Safety Policy; Student safety with regard to:

  • safety on the Internet;
  • appropriate behavior while on online, on social networking Web sites, and in chat rooms; and
  • cyberbullying awareness and response.

Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act.

Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet. Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the Internet. Students will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the Internet Acceptable Use policy and regulations, that they will comply with the policy and regulations, and that they understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations

In compliance with federal law, this policy will be maintained at least five years beyond the termination of funding under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) or E-rate.

Note:  This is a mandatory policy. Parents must give permission to allow their children to access the internet according to the policy language; and districts are obligated to provide education/training on the safe use of the internet for students. 

 

Legal References:       47 C.F.R 54.520

                                    Iowa Code § 279.8

Cross References:      104      Anti-Bullying/Harassment

                                    502      Student Rights and Responsibilities

                                    506      Student Records

                                    605.5    School Library

 

Approved      Reviewed      Revised 7-17-12  4-17-19 

605.6E1 Internet Access Permission Letter to Parents

Form attached

Attachment: 
PDF icon Internet Access Permission Letter to Partents

605.6E2 Internet Appropriate Use Violation Notice

Student:                                                    

Teacher:                                                   
 
Date:                                                         
 
Students who access restricted items on the Internet are subject to the appropriate action described in the school's discipline policy or student handbook or to the following consequences: 
                First Offense: 
The above student has violated the Student Internet Policy by intentionally accessing restricted material.  He/she may lose Internet access for up to three weeks at the discretion of the supervising teacher.  A second offense will result in the student losing Internet access for a period                    .    
                       
               Second Offense: 
The above student has violated the Student Internet Policy by intentionally accessing
restricted material for a second time.  As a consequence of this violation the above student has lost Internet access for a period                    .      
                     
              Third Offense: 
 
The above student has violated the Student Internet Policy by intentionally accessing 
restricted material for a third time.  As a consequence of this violation the above student has forfeited all Internet privileges for a period of                               or the balance of the school year. 

605.6R1 Internet-Appropriate Use Regulation

I.    Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use. 

A.  The authority for appropriate use of electronic Internet resources is delegated to

the licensed employees.   

B. Instruction in the proper use of the Internet will be available to employees who

will then provide similar instruction to their students. 

C. Employees are expected to practice appropriate use of the Internet, and violations

may result in discipline up to, and including, discharge. 

 

II. Internet Access. 

A. Access to the Internet is available to teachers and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication. 

B. Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses will be issued to students at this time. 

1.   Making Internet access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate for students.  However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials.  Because information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. 

2.   It is a goal to allow teachers and students access to the rich opportunities on the Internet, while we protect the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material. 

3.   The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines which require efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources. 

4.   To reduce unnecessary system traffic, users may use real-time conference features such as talk/chat/Internet relay chat only as approved by the supervising teacher. 

5.   Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any board policy or regulation is prohibited. 

6.   System users will perform a virus check on downloaded files to avoid spreading computer viruses. 

7.   The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. 

 

III. Permission to Use Internet - Annually, parents will grant permission for their student to use the Internet using the prescribed form. 

 
IV. Student Use of Internet. 

A.  Equal Opportunity - The Internet is available to all students within the school district through teacher access.  The amount of time available for each student may be limited by the number of available terminals and the demands for each terminal.
B. On-line Etiquette. 

1.   The use of the network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations.  As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks.  Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures.  It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks. 

2.   Students should adhere to on-line protocol: 

a.   Respect all copyright and license agreements. 
b.   Cite all quotes, references and sources. 
c.   Remain on the system long enough to get needed information, then exit the system. 
d.   Apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in 
other forms of communication. 

3.   Student access for electronic mail will be through their school account.  Students should adhere to the following guidelines: 

 a. Others may be able to read or access the mail so private messages should not be sent. 
 b. Delete unwanted messages immediately. 
 c. Use of objectionable language is prohibited. 
 d. Always sign messages. 
 e. Always acknowledge receipt of a document or file. 

 C. Restricted Material - Students will not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or engage in any conference that includes material which is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd; advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; or presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations. 

 D. Unauthorized Costs - If a student gains access to any service via the Internet which has a cost involved or if a student incurs other types of costs, the student accessing such a service will be responsible for those costs