• Technology Code of Conduct - Acceptable Use Policy
     

    Internet access is now available to students and staff in The Ewing Public Schools. We are very pleased to bring this access to our schools and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources to both students and staff. Our goal in providing this service to students and staff is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication.


    The Internet is an electronic highway connecting millions of computers'and individual subscribers all over the world. Students and staff have access to the following:

    • information and news from educational sites (NASA, Smithsonian, etc.) as well as the opportunity to correspond with the scientists at NASA and other research institutions.
    • access to Library of Congress catalogs, ERIC (Educational Resources & Information Clearing House), university library systems and other extensive reference sites.
    • public domain software and shareware of all types.
    • discussion groups on a variety of subjects including environmental, musical and multicultural topics.
    • electronic mail communication.

    With access to computers and people comes the availability of material that may not be of educational value in the context of the school setting. The Ewing Public Schools have taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials, and an industrious user may discover controversial material. The Ewing Public Schools firmly believe that the value of information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may inappropriately procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the District.


    Every school in the district has a code of conduct that details appropriate school behavior, outlines rights (e.g., freedom of expression), and sets expectations for students and staff. The use of the Internet is part of a school's daily routine and the school's code of conduct applies to all network activities.


    The smooth operation of the network relies upon efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources and requires proper conduct of users. Guidelines are provided to make users aware of their responsibilities when using the Internet at school. If a user violates any of these guidelines, appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.

    Acceptable Use
    User access must be consistent with the educational objectives of The Ewing Public Schools. Use of other organizations' networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any state, federal or international law or regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or pornographic material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for non-school related activities or for commercial, religious or political promotion is also prohibited. System administrators will be monitoring access to all system usage, including e-mail. Material relating to or in support of illegal activities or unauthorized activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

    Privileges
    The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of those privileges and other disciplinary actions. Prior to receiving access privileges, users will be informed of the school district's Technology Code of Conduct - Acceptable Use Policy (this document). A team of system administrators (which includes the Superintendent, Director of Technology, Administrators, Computer Coordinators, Computer Teachers and other instructional staff members) will deem what is inappropriate use. The system administrators may deny, revoke or suspend access privileges at any time as required.

    Internet Etiquette
    All students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of Internet etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:

    • Do not be abusive in communications to others.
    • Do not swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
    • Do not reveal personal addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, or other identifying personal information.
    • Do not use the network in such a way that would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
    • Do not engage in any illegal activities.

    Other Responsibilities

    • Users exercising their privileges to use the Internet as an educational resource assume responsibility for all material received.
    • Users assume the responsibility of not committing copyright violations.
    • Users are required to obtain permission from a systems administrator prior to subscribing to any newsgroups or lists.
    • Users assume the responsibility for using the electronic mail system in accordance with the guidelines.
    • Users have the responsibility to report all violations of privacy.
    • Users assume the responsibility of making only those contacts leading to some justifiable educational end.
    • Users are responsible for making sure all files sent and/or received do not contain pornographic material, inappropriate information, or viruses.

    Disciplinary Action for Violation of Acceptable Use Policy
    The guidelines on the preceding pages are not all inclusive, but only representative and illustrative. A user who commits an act of misconduct which is not listed may also be subject to disciplinary action. All illegal activities will be reported to the authorities. Staff intervention strategies such as teacher/student conferences, auxiliary staff/student intervention, and teacher/parent contacts are to be made for violations of the acceptable use policy. Any or all of the following intervention strategies and disciplinary actions may be used by administrators. Illegal activities will be reported in accordance with the disciplinary code.


    Minimum Actions:
    Administrator/student conference or reprimand.


    Additional Actions as Deemed Appropriate:

    • Requirement to seek assistance in learning the proper procedure before he/she is allowed to use computer equipment.
    • Administrator/parent contact.
    • Referrals and conferences involving various support staff or agencies.
    • Behavioral contracts.
    • Confiscation of inappropriate items.
    • Restitution/restoration.
    • Denial of participation in class and/or school activities.
    • Denial of access to the Internet for a specified period of time.
    • Denial of access to computer equipment and other technology resources.
    • Suspension from school and/or other appropriate disciplinary action.

    Policy P2361 Acceptable Use of Computer Network-Computers & Resources

    Regulation R2361 Acceptable Use of Computer Network-Computers & Resources