Adoption Date: 06/22/2021

History: 4/26/22 (reviewed), 3/28/23 (reviewed), 2/13/24 (updated), 3/26/24 (updated)

Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use 

1. The authority for appropriate use of electronic Internet resources is delegated to the licensed employees.
2. Instruction in the proper use of the Internet will be available to licensed employees who will then provide similar instruction to their students.
3. Employees are expected to practice appropriate use of the Internet, and violations may result in discipline up to, and including, discharge.

Internet Access

1. Access to the Internet is available to teachers and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication.
2. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses will be issued to students upon enrollment in the district.
   1. Making Internet access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate for students. However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials. Because information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.
   2. The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines which require efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources.
   3. Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any board policy or regulation is prohibited.
   4. System users will follow district cybersecurity policy and procedures to endure network security.
   5. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.

Student Use of Internet

1. Equal Opportunity - The Internet is a key educational tool available to all district students.
2. Online Expectations
   1. The use of the network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations. As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other systems or services. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other systems and services.
   2. Students should adhere to academic protocol and legal requirements:
      1. Respect all copyright and license agreements.
      2. Cite all quotes, references and sources.
      3. Apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.
   3. Student access for electronic mail will be through a district-issued email account. Students should adhere to the following guidelines:
      1. Others may be able to read or access the mail so private messages should not be sent.
      2. Use of objectionable language is prohibited.
      3. Use of district-issued email accounts for any activity that violates district policies is prohibited.
3. Restricted Material - Students will not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or engage in any conference that includes material which is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd; advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; or presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.
4. Unauthorized Costs - If a student gains access to any service via the Internet which has a cost involved or if a student incurs other types of costs, the student accessing such a service will be responsible for those costs.