File: IIBEA

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR ELECTRONIC INFORMATION, SERVICES, AND NETWORKS

Purpose

Rockingham County Public Schools supports the use of technology for research, communication, instruction, and to provide access to unique resources and opportunities for collaborative work. The use of RCPS computer networks, including Internet access, must be consistent with the educational objectives or work climate of Rockingham County Public Schools and the Virginia Board of Education.

This policy applies to all users of RCPS electronic information, services, hardware, and networks. By using or by accessing Division facilities or services, the user agrees to abide by this policy.

Technology Access

Information technology skills are now fundamental for productive citizens and employees. Access to technology enables students, teachers, and administrators to integrate technology throughout the curriculum. As much as possible, technology resources should direct students to those resources which have been evaluated prior to use. Staff should provide supervision during all Internet activities. Users are accountable for appropriate use of resources.

Internet Safety Component

In accordance with Va. Code § 22.1-70.2, Rockingham County Public Schools requires all students to receive Internet safety training.  Internet safety is both taught to and practiced by all students, grades K-12. The RCPS Internet safety program clearly defines roles and responsibilities for all Division stakeholders. A current overview and outline of the Internet safety program is available in digital format at: http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/netsafety/netsafety.htm

The curriculum provides information concerning stakeholder involvement, including professional development activities consistent with the program’s goals and community outreach objectives. Stakeholder needs and assessments are an ongoing process of RCPS technology staff.

Filters in Place

Rockingham County Public Schools will use a filter which seeks to prevent access to pornography as set out in Va. Code § 18.2-374.1:1 or as defined in 18 U.S.C .§ 2256, obscenity as defined by Va. Code § 18.2-372 or 18 U.S.C. § 1460, material which the school division deems to be harmful to juveniles as defined in Va. Code § 18.2-390, material that is harmful to minors as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 254(h)(7)(G), and material that is otherwise inappropriate for minors.  However, it is recognized that this filter alone is no guarantee that users will not be able to find Internet resources which are profane, offensive, obscene, or otherwise objectionable.

In addition, the technology staff reviews and evaluates emerging technologies and their appropriate educational use. School administrators develop procedures for incorporating technology into classroom instruction on a regular basis. Parents and guardians may request alternative activities not requiring Internet use for their minor children.

Student Responsibilities

Students utilizing technology and Internet access must first have the permission of and must be supervised by the Division's staff. Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on-line just as they are in a classroom or other areas of the school. To remain eligible as users, students' use must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the Division. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access requires responsibility.

Prohibited Activities

The following uses of Division computer networks including Internet access are prohibited by any users:

a.    to “hack into” or otherwise access data not intended for the user including, but not limited to, other users’ files and administrative data;

b.    to share passwords with others, circumvent the menu/password and/or Internet filtering software installed on Division computers;

c.    to access, upload, download, create or distribute profane, pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit, or illegal material;

d.    to transmit profane, obscene, abusive, sexually explicit, or threatening language that could be characterized as bullying, harassing, or damaging to one’s reputation;

e.     to vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization including destroying data by creating or spreading viruses or by other means;

f.    to violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission;

g.    to abuse or monopolize technology resources for non-educational use; and

h. to violate any local, state, or federal law.

The following uses of Division computer networks including Internet access are prohibited by students unless authorized by the RCPS Technology Department:

a.    To access the Division computer network with privately owned laptop computers

b.    To download and/or install software on the Division’s computers

Files Not Considered Private

Users should not expect that data stored on RCPS computers will be private. Digital communications and files stored on Division computers are always regarded as property of the Division. Authorized administrators may review files, including but not limited to e-mail and documents, and logs at any time, without reason or prior notice, to maintain system integrity and determine that users are acting in accordance with this policy.

Consequences of Violations

Any violation of Division policy and rules may result in immediate termination of Division-provided access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be determined at the building level in keeping with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate conduct. Violations of Division policy and rules may result in additional disciplinary action (up to and including suspension or expulsion for students or formal reprimand or dismissal for employees) by the School Board. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

Security Measures

Current security measures include, but are not limited to: managed networks, firewalls, Internet filters, virus control and monitoring devices. Methods to ensure data and network security are reviewed annually. Problems are identified, evaluated, and addressed.

No Warranties by RCPS

The Rockingham County School Board makes no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, for the network access it is providing. The Division will not be responsible for any damages users suffer, including, but not limited to:

a. loss of data resulting from delays or interruptions in service;

b. accuracy, nature, or quality of information stored on Division media;

c. accuracy, nature, or quality of information gathered through Division-provided network access;

d. damage to personal property used to access Division computers or networks or for Division-provided network access; or

e. unauthorized financial obligations resulting from Division-provided access to the Internet.

Legal Refs: 

18 U.S.C. §§ 1460, 2256.

47 U.S.C. § 254.

Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, §§ 18.2-372, 18.2-374.1:1, 18.2-390, 22.1-70.2 and 22.1-78.

Cross Refs:  EGAAA  Computer Software Copyright Compliance

                  IIBEB      Internet Privacy

                  JFC         Student Conduct

                  JFC-R      Standards of Student Conduct

5/08 RCPS