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:
- Privacy--All users have the right to privacy. However, if a
user is believed to be in violation of the guidelines, a system administrator
may review communications to maintain system integrity and to insure that
students are using the system responsibly.
- Safety--Any user who receives threatening or unwelcome communications
should bring them to the attention of a system administrator or teacher.
- Intellectual Freedom--Any statement of personal belief is implicitly
understood to be representative of the author’s individual point of view and
not that of the school.
- Inappropriate materials or language--No profane, abusive, or impolite
language should be used to communicate nor should materials be accessed which
are not in line with the rules of school behavior.
- Equal Access--All users will be granted free and equal access to the
internet. Exploration of the internet is encouraged relative to the
purposes of research and education. No single user should monopolize
the workstations connected to the internet.
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 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