STUDENT ACCESS TO NETWORKED INFORMATION

In order to match electronic resources as closely as possible to the approved district curriculum, district personnel will review and evaluate resources in order to offer home pages and menus of materials which comply with board guidelines governing the selection of instructional materials. In this manner, staff will provide developmentally appropriate guidance to students as they make use of telecommunications to conduct research and other studies related to the district curriculum. Prior to gaining access, all students will be informed by staff of their rights and responsibilities as users of the district network.

As much as possible, access to the network will be designed to point students to resources which have been reviewed and evaluated prior to use. While students may be able to move beyond those resources to others which have not been evaluated by staff, they shall be provided with guidelines and lists of information particularly suited to the learning objectives.

Students may pursue electronic research only if they have been granted parental permission and have submitted all required forms. Permission is not transferable and may not be shared.

Rules for School Networks and Internet Use

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks, just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply.

The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Access to network services is provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required for minors. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.

Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed.

Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that students are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private.  

STUDENT ACCESS TO NETWORKED INFORMATION

During school, teachers of younger students will guide them in accessing appropriate materials. Outside of school, families must bear responsibility for such guidance, as they also must with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio, and other potentially offensive media.

The following are not permitted:

1. sending or accessing offensive messages or pictures;

2. using obscene language;

3. harassing, insulting, or attacking others;

4. damaging computers, computer systems, or computer networks;

5. violating copyright laws;

6. using passwords of others;

7. trespassing in others' folders, work, or files;

8. intentionally wasting resources;

9. employing the network for commercial purposes.  

Sanctions

1. Violations will result in a loss of access.

2. Additional disciplinary action may be taken at the building level in accordance with existing practice regarding inappropriate language or behavior.

3. When applicable, law enforcement agencies will be involved. 

Policy Adopted: 10/22/96

Portsmouth School Department

Portsmouth, Rhode Island

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