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CHILDREN’S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT
INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY                                   

Lamar County Schools will be offering access to the internet.  To gain access, each student must obtain parental permission as verified by the signatures on the attached form.

What is the Internet?
The internet is a global network made up of many smaller contributing networks connecting thousands of computers throughout the world and millions of individual subscribers.  Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies and regional and state networks. While there is an abundance of valuable information, with this access comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting.

What is possible?
Through the internet, students can explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other resources.  They can exchange personal communication with other users around the world. While the use of the internet is primarily instructional in nature to reach an educational goal, some students may find ways to access other materials. Unfortunately, some of these resources contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. Most educators believe the benefits to students from access to the internet exceed the disadvantages. Parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards their children should follow when using these resources.  Therefore, we respect each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for access.

How should it be used?
The internet should be used for research and education through the provision of unique resources and opportunities for collaboration among students, teachers, and administrators.  Use of the internet must be in support of this and consistent with the educational objectives of the school.

What is expected?
Students are responsible for appropriate behavior while using the internet. Additionally, students are responsible for their actions while using the equipment and the resources.   Use is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. Vandalism of equipment or programs will result in punishment as defined in the school conduct policy.

What are the privileges and rights of a user?
All users have certain privileges and rights. Infringement of, or disrespect to, the rights of others may result in the loss of internet privileges.  These rights include:
What are the guidelines?

1.    BE PREPARED to be held accountable for your actions.  Exemplary behavior is expected from all users
        at all times.
2.    Do notify an adult immediately if you encounter materials that violate the school code of conduct.
3.    Do not use a computer or the internet to hurt, harass, attack or harm other people or their work.
4.    Do not change computer settings or damage the computer or network in any way.
5.    Do not degrade the performance of the network through the posting of electronic chain letters or other
        useless information.
6.    Do not use the internet for illegal activities, i.e. threats, instructions on how to perform an illegal act,
        child pornography, drug dealing, purchase of alcohol, gang activities, etc.
7.    Do not install software or download unauthorized files, games, programs, or other electronic media.
8.    Do not violate copyright laws.
9.    Do not view, send, or display obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, disrespectful, threatening,
        or inflammatory language, messages or pictures.
10.    Do not share your password with another person.
11.    Do not reveal the personal address or phone number of you or anyone else.
12.    Do not access other student’s work, folders, or files.
13.    Do not re-post non-academic personal communications without the original author’s prior consent.
14.    Student E-mail accounts are not allowed. E-mail may be used as a teaching tool and at teacher direction.
15.    Lamar County Schools’ network may not be used for commercial purposes or personal gain.

Security
1.    Security problems must be reported immediately to the supervising individual for the session.
2.    Do not exchange passwords and teachers should change passwords often when possible to prevent invasion.
3.    All individuals are responsible for their individual files placed on the System’s network.
4.    Students should log off when finished with a file/program.
5.    Staff members should log off when leaving the room.
6.    All work done on computers must be completed under supervision of a teacher or principal.

Rights
1.    Users should not expect privacy in file content on Lamar County Schools’ network. Files will undergo routine
        maintenance and may include monitoring.  Individual searches may be conducted at any time.
2.    Users who violate the Acceptable Use Policy in any part may have network rights terminated and face
        disciplinary action.
3.    Reimbursement for damage or loss of material or equipment as well as payment for technician time related to
        conduct may be required.  Disciplinary consequences may include suspension, expulsion, or other measures. 
        Legal action and prosecution may be imposed if appropriate.

DISCLAIMER

 While the Lamar County Board of Education makes every effort to filter, monitor, and supervise all actions associated with computer and internet use, we make no claim to be able to prevent, with 100% efficiency, all or any activity that may occur while using the technology in our facilities.








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STUDENT PERMISSION FORM
Lamar County Schools - http://www.lamarcountyschools.net

Lamar County Schools Technology/Media Usage Agreement   

To ensure that students receive a quality education and that employees are able to work in a professional and intellectually stimulating environment, it is the policy of Lamar County Schools to provide all students and employees with access to a variety of technology resources.  The creation of a large and varied technology environment demands that technology usage be conducted in legally and ethically appropriate ways.  In that regard, Lamar County Schools will need Parent/Guardian permission for students to have computer access while at school.  Students may not be allowed computer access until this form has been completed, signed, and returned.  If you have specific questions regarding the policy, please contact the principal at your school.  The primary goal of the technology environment is to support the educational and instructional endeavors of the students and employees of Lamar County Schools.  Use of any and all technology resources is a privilege and not a right.  The Lamar County Schools’ technology policy can be found on the county’s school websites.

Computer Usage

 _____ Yes I hereby give and grant permission for my child to participate in the Technology Program of Lamar
County Schools including computer and internet usage. I further release Lamar County Schools from any damages.  I do further certify that I am of full legal capacity to execute the forgoing authorization and release.  I accept responsibility, knowing that this release is on file, to have it removed when and if I deem disadvantageous or inadvisable for my child to have computer and/or internet access.  I understand that this agreement will be binding during the entire school career of my child.

_____ No I do not give permission for my child to have access to computers or internet usage.

Media Usage

In addition, your child’s school may wish, at any given point, to publish examples of student projects, group photographs, or student recognitions (honor rolls, scholarships, recognitions, student work, class projects, artwork, etc.) on school websites for publication or broadcast without limitation at the school’s discretion.  A student’s name and/or photograph may be featured on the school’s website and/or by television stations or newspapers.  This does not include publication of a student’s personal information (phone number, address, etc.).  The administrators of each school will be responsible for establishing, maintaining, and enforcing this policy at their schools.

_____ Yes, I hereby give and grant permission for my child to participate in publication of his/her name, picture, and recognitions by school and/or media that would reasonably and properly portray the school-related activity of the students.  I further release Lamar County Schools from any damages.  I do further certify that I am of full legal capacity to execute the forgoing authorization and release.  I accept responsibility, knowing that this release is on file, to have it removed when and if I deem disadvantageous or inadvisable to have my child featured in such a manner.  I understand that this agreement will be binding during the entire school career of my child.

_____ No, I do not give or grant permission for my child to participate in the publication of his/her name, picture, and recognitions by the school and/or media.


Student Name (please print)  ______________________________________________  Date _______________

Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________________________________________


Approved September 2007