COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE

Telecommunications, electronic information sources and network services are tools that provide our students with a broad array of resources. Students in the Kinnelon Public Schools have access to computer networks within each school and to the Internet, a world-wide computer network that students are encouraged to use to explore thousands of libraries, databases, on-line projects and a myriad of resources. The district views technology as a means to encourage active, cooperative, interdisciplinary and individualized learning that fully develops each child's intelligence. Computer networks and the Internet help to prepare students for the systems they will encounter in the world and enhance the development of their ability to find, to understand, to evaluate and to manipulate information.

Use of the Internet provides access to publicly available fileservers that contain information that may not have been screened by educators for use by students. On such a global network, it is impossible to control all material; therefore, a student may discover controversial or inappropriate information. However, the district believes that access to the valuable information, resources and opportunities for interaction available on the Internet outweighs the potential for inappropriate use.

Access to the computer networks and/or the Internet is a privilege, not a right. All students are responsible for appropriate behavior on school computer networks, just as they are in the classroom or on the playing field. Access to network and Internet services will be provided to students who agree to the following guidelines and rules:

GUIDELINES:

1. Students must submit a signed student contract and a parent/guardian permission form before accessing the school network or the Internet.
2. Each student will be issued a password that should not be shared with or used by any other student.
3. All network communication must be courteous and not contain any inappropriate language or materials.
4. Internet access is limited to teacher-assigned educational purposes.
5. Information downloaded from the Internet must be cited using MLA standards.
6. The school is not responsible for any costs incurred by unauthorized student use of the
Internet.
7. Use of networked resources controlled by other organizations must follow the rules and regulations established by that organization.
8. If a student is not sure if an action is appropriate he/she must ask the teacher assigning the work or the library/media specialist.

RULES

Users will not:

1. Enter anyone else's data folders, files or documents.
2. Log on or attempt to log on using any other User ID than their own.
3. Neither reconfigure the system or setup nor delete any files or programs.
4. Try to gain unauthorized access to data on the Internet.
5. Download or access any material that is not part of a teacher-assigned educational project.
6. Access chat lines, instant messengers, or bulletin boards, unless part of a teacher assigned and supervised educational project
7. Use the network for commercial, illegal, inappropriate or obscene purposes.
8. Send or receive any electronic communications (E-mail, Instant Messaging…etc).
9. Use the network or the Internet to harass, intimidate or otherwise annoy any other person.
10. Engage in any computer related activities that are not part of a teacher-assigned educational project.

VIOLATIONS:

Individuals who violate any of the above guidelines or rules shall be subject to the following consequences and any other disciplinary section deemed appropriate by the administration:

1. Payment of expenses incurred or damage caused by unauthorized use.
2. Use of computer and/or network only under direct supervision.
3. Suspension of computer and network privileges.
4. Revocation of computer and network privileges.
5. Suspension from school.
6. Expulsion from school.
7. Legal action and prosecution.

It is understood that staff and/or administrators may monitor pupil activity on computers, networks and the Internet and that they may access any files stored on district-owned hardware or software or on any remote site accessible by district equipment.

INTERNET SAFETY/PROTECTION:

The Kinnelon School District is in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act and has installed technology protection measures for all computers in the district that block and/or filter visual depictions as described in sections 1460 and 2256 of Title 18, United States Code. The school district will certify on an annual basis, that schools, including media centers/libraries, in the district are in compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act and the school district enforce 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. This policy addresses access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web; 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.

DISSEMINATION OF PERSONAL STUDENT INFORMATION:

The Kinnelon School District is in compliance with Bill A592, which states that the Board of Education shall not disclose on the school's public web site any personally identifiable information about a student without receiving the parent or guardian consent form included with this policy. As used in the aforementioned Act, "personally identifiable information" means student names, student photos, student addresses, student e-mail addresses, student phone numbers, and locations and times of class trips.