AUP-508

** // __ PURPOSE: __ // ** The Board recognizes that personal communication devices have value, however the need to establish guidelines as not to disrupt the quality of teaching or learning, interfere with the operation of the schools, or undermine individuals right to privacy. Communication devices equipped with picture taking capabilities, text messaging, and e-mail can be used inappropriately but it is also recognized that they my have value to the learning process when used appropriately. The Board supports the use of district technology resources for the purpose of facilitating learning, teaching, and daily operations through interpersonal communications and access to information, research, and collaboration. ** // __ DEFINITION: __ // ** ** Personal communication devices  ** are defined as devices capable of capturing, storing, and/or transmitting information, text, audio, and/or video data these include but not limited to:
 * //__ TITLE __//** : ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY- PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES & ELECTRONIC RESOURCES & INFORMATION-//STUDENTS//

 · Cellular telephones (with or without cameras)  · Palm pilots  · Blackberry  · Beepers  · Laptop computers  · iPad  · Netbooks  · Digital cameras  · MP3 players  · Walkie talkies

** District technology resources  ** refer to all district networks, computer software, computer hardware, digital images and audio devices, peripheral devices, computer services and the Internet. ** // __ AUTHORITY: __ // ** The Board ** prohibits the // possession // ** of laser pointers and attachments and telephone paging devices/beepers by students on school property, on buses and other vehicles provided by the district, and at school-sponsored activities. (SC 1317.1) (1) The Board ** prohibits the // use // **of personal communication devices, including cellular phones, by students during the school day in district buildings, unless expressly authorized by a building administrator. (SC 510) (1) The Board ** prohibits the // use // **of personal communication devices that have the capability of taking photographs or recording audio or video data, by students during the school day in district buildings, on school vehicles, or at school-sponsored activities, unless expressly authorized by a building administrator. (1/3)     The Board ** prohibits the // possession and use // **of any personal communication device that provides for a wireless, unfiltered connection to the Internet. Students must obtain permission by a building administrator to have access to the buildings wireless connection. (1)     The district reserves the right to log network use and to monitor fileserver space utilization by district users, while respecting the privacy rights of both district users and outside users. Users may not use the district Internet system for commercial purposes. All use of computer technology must be in support of education and research and in a considerable and responsible manner. The Board shall establish a list of materials, in addition to those stated in law, that are inappropriate for access by minors. (47 U.S.C. Sec. 254) ** // __ DELEGATION OF RESPONSIBILITY: __ // ** The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage, or misuse of any electronic device brought to school by a student. The Superintendent shall annually notify students, parents/guardians and staff about the district’s electronic devices by publishing such policy in the student handbook and district website. ** // __ GUIDELINES:  __ // ** ** __ Prohibitions  __ ** Students are expected to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner in accordance with district policy, accepted rules of network etiquette, and federal and state law. Specifically, the following uses are prohibited:  1. Facilitating illegal activity.  2. Commercial or for-profit purposes.  3. Non-school related work during school hours.  4. Hate mail, discriminatory remarks, and offensive or inflammatory communication.  5. Unauthorized or illegal installation, distribution, reproduction, or use of copyrighted materials.  6. Access to obscene or pornographic material or inappropriate for minors in .accordance with Board policy. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 7. Inappropriate language or profanity. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 8. Intentional obtaining or modifying of files, passwords, and data belonging to other users. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 9. Impersonation of another user, anonymity, and pseudonyms. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 10. Fraudulent copying, communications, or modification of materials in violation of copyright laws. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 11. Loading or using of unauthorized games, programs, files, or other electronic media. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 12. Disruption of the work of other users. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 13. Destruction, modification, abuse, or unauthorized access to network hardware, software, and files. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 14. Using the network to participate in online or real-time conversations unless authorized by the teacher/administrator for the purpose of communicating with other classes, students, teachers, experts or professionals for educational purposes. (4)  <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">  15. Using a disk, removable storage device or CD/DVD brought into the district from an outside source that has not been properly scanned for viruses or authorized for use by a teacher/administrator in accordance with Technology Department established procedures. (4)    ** __ Safety and Security of Students Involving Direct Electronic Communication & Web 2.0 Tools __ ** (5) In order for students to access Web 2.0 resources as part of the curriculum, the district will provide e-mail access for students. Students will be provided with an individual account. They will use a signature file that identifies who they are and their affiliation with the district. Students may not establish or access web-based e-mail accounts on commercial services through the district Internet system. Students are to use e-mail for educational purposes only and not for personal business. Students may not use real-time electronic communication, such as chat or instant messaging unless in the supervision of a teacher or in moderated environments that have been established to support educational activities and have been approved by the district or individual school. ** __ Security  __ ** System security is protected through the use of passwords. Failure to adequately protect or update passwords could result in unauthorized access to personal or district files. Network users shall respect the privacy of other users on the system. To protect the integrity of the system, the following guidelines shall be followed: <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 1. Students shall not reveal their passwords to another individual. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 2. Users are not to use a computer that has been logged in under another student’s name. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 3. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the network. Each user is required to report any security problems to the system administrator. The problem is not to be demonstrated to other users. Users shall immediately notify a teacher or system administrator if they have identified a possible security problem. ** __ Safety  __ ** To the greatest extent possible, users of the network will be protected from harassment or unwanted or unsolicited communication. Any network user who receives threatening or unwelcome communications shall immediately bring them to the attention of a teacher or an administrator. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> · Network users shall not reveal personal information such as personal addresses or telephone numbers to other users on the network, including chat rooms, e-mail, Internet, etc. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> · Students will not agree to meet with someone they have met online without their parent’s/ guardian’s approval. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> · Students will promptly disclose to their teacher, administrator, or parent/guardian any messages received that are inappropriate or make students feel uncomfortable. Any district computer/server utilized by students will be equipped with Internet blocking/filtering software. ** __ Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA): __ ** (20 U.S.C. Sec 6777/ 47 U.S.C. Sec. 254) The district has installed filtering software to restrict and monitor the use of the Internet, email, newsgroups, FTP, chat, instant messaging, etc. in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The district acknowledges that no filtering software is 100% effective. Internet safety measures shall effectively address the following: <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 1. Control of access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 2. Safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 3. Prevention of unauthorized online access by minors, including hacking and other unlawful activities. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 4. Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors. <span style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"> 5. Restriction of minor’s access to materials harmful to them. (4)    ** __ Consequences for Inappropriate Use: __ ** Violations of this policy by a student shall result in disciplinary action and may result in confiscation of the electronic device. The confiscated item shall not be returned until a conference has been held with a parent/guardian. The network user shall be responsible for damages to the equipment, systems, and software. Vandalism will result in cancellation of access privileges. ** Vandalism ** is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet or other networks; this includes but is not limited to uploading or creating computer viruses. (4)      Disciplinary action will be subject to applicable district policies, and the district reserves the right to remove a user account from the network to prevent unauthorized or illegal activity. ** __ Copyright & Fair Use Measures: __ ** (17.U.S.C. Sec 101 et seq) The illegal use of copyrighted software, music, documents, or other materials by students is prohibited. Any data uploaded or downloaded to district computers or related peripheral is subject to copyright law and fair use guidelines. (4)    ** // __ DISCLAIMER: __ // ** The district makes no warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. The district will not guarantee that the functions or services provided through the district’s Internet service will be without error. The district is not responsible, and will not be responsible, for any damages, including loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruption, caused by its own negligence or the user’s errors or omissions or any hardware failure, or exposure to inappropriate material or people. Use of any information obtained through the use of the district’s computers is at the user’s risk. The district disclaims responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the Internet or e-mail. The user’s parents/guardians can be held financially responsible for any harm that may result from his/her intentional misuse of the system. Users may only use the system if their parents/guardians have signed a disclaimer of claims for damages against the district. Each school shall provide an annual written notice to the parents/guardians of students about the district’s Internet system, the policies governing its use, and the limitation of liability of the district. Parents/Guardians must sign an agreement to allow their child to access the Internet. Upon receipt of the executed agreement, the student will be issued an Internet username and password. The agreement and the Internet username will be effective for as long as the student attends the particular school. Parents/Guardians have the right to request the termination of their child’s Internet access at any time. (2)   ** __  Resources  __ ** 1. Chartiers Valley School District. (2009). // Electronic Devices (Pupils) // [Data File]. Retrieved from [] 2. Chartiers Valley School District. (2008). // Acceptable Use of Internet Access, E-mail, and Network Resources // [Data File]. Retrieved from [] 3. Peter’s Township School District. (2007). // Acceptable Use of Technology Resources – Students // [Data File]. Retrieved from [] 4. Peters Township School District (2005). // Acceptable Use of Personal Technology Resources – Students // [Data File]. Retrieved from [] 5. Trinity Area School District. (2002). // District Internet Safe and Acceptable Use for Computer Technology // [Data File]. Retrieved from [] ** __ References   __ ** Child Internet Protection Act- 24 P.S. Sec. 461 et seq. Enhancing Education Through Technology Act- 20 U.S.C. Sec 6777 Internet Safety- 47 U.S.C. Sec.254 U.S. Copyright Law- 17 U.S.C. Sec.101 et seq.