Acceptable Use Policy

 Purpose:

This school system provides technology tools and Internet access free of charge to students, staff, and parents on a limited educational basis. This AUP is in place to outline expectations and responsibilities that should be followed when using school resources.

All users are expected to follow the same rules, manners, and common sense guidelines that are expected in other school activities and by state and Federal law.

The school system may not be used for any commercial purposes. This means you may not offer, provide, or purchase goods or services using school equipment, unless it is specifically for educational purposes at this school and has been approved by administration.

The services at the school are to be used for educational purposes only. Educational purposes can be defined as classroom activities, career development, and limited high-quality self-discovery activities.

By signing this policy, the user agrees to abide by all of the policies set forth herein. If the user suspects any violation of the policies, he or she further agrees to notify school personnel of the violations immediately.

Policy Statement:

All students, staff, and parents have limited access to the World Wide Web and the Internet through classroom and lab computers. Students will use email accounts only under the direct supervision of teachers or staff. Elementary students may be provided with individual e-mail accounts under special circumstances, at the request of their teacher and with the approval of their parent.

Acceptable uses:

The network and services are to be used for educational purposes as defined above. Staff may use the Internet for personal use only if such use is incidental and occurs during their duty-free time.

If a user is uncertain about whether a particular use of the computer network or the Internet is appropriate, he or she should consult a teacher or supervisor.

Unacceptable uses:

• Violating safety and privacy guidelines - giving out personal information about any student or staff member or agreeing to meet someone from online.
• Illegal activities - stalking, harassing, arranging drug purchases, etc.
• System security - hacking or tampering with files stored on this network or any other system that are not the personal property of the user, exchanging or giving out passwords.
• Inappropriate language - in documents, chat, email, bulletin boards, or any other form of communication. This also includes using language that is threatening, discriminatory, prejudicial, or defamatory.
• Violating Resource Limits - downloading large files such as videos or sound files unless for educational purposes and approved by a monitor beforehand.
• Plagiarism and violations of copyright - not stealing other works, either from the Internet or from other students or staff.
• Downloading and/or installing any programs or files without prior permission from a monitor.
• Posting chain letters or other SPAM.
• Exceeding mail quota limits on a repeated basis.
• Accessing inappropriate material - This material includes, but is not limited to, porn sites or files, hate sites, sites that promote violence or discrimination, and chat rooms.
• Commercial uses.

Internet Safety:

• For students:  Only email accounts which are provided by the system may be accessed, and then, only under the direct supervision of a staff member.
• No user may give out personal information about any student or staff member. This includes, but is not limited to, name, email address, home address, phone number.
• Filtering and monitoring - In compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the system will implement filtering and/or blocking software to restrict access to Internet sites containing child pornography, obscene depictions, or other materials harmful to minors under 18 years of age. However, no such program is foolproof. If any user accesses materials of this nature, he or she should disconnect from the site immediately and report the incident to a monitor.

Privacy policy:

As stated above, no personal information about any student or staff member will be given out or shared in any way. Pictures of students and staff may be published on the school’s web site but no identifying information will be provided on the same web page. First names of students may be published on the school’s web site but no other identifying information will be provided on the same web page. Students’ and staff members’ work may be published with first names given but with no other identifying information provided on the same web page.

Rights of the Users:

Free Speech – All users user has a right to free speech, however, the user’s speech may be restricted for educational reasons. It will not be restricted on the basis of a disagreement with the opinions the user is expressing. This school and its services have not been established as a public access service or as a public forum. The school retains the right to place reasonable restrictions on materials accessed or posted through the system.

Search and seizure:

• Files that are of suspect nature may be searched and removed or turned over to proper authorities if necessary.
• Due Process - If a user is suspected of violating any AUP guidelines, there is a due process chain, which will be followed, similar to violations of other school policies.

Violations and Penalties:

• If at any time a user receives a message or communication that makes him or her feel uncomfortable, he should report it to a monitor immediately.
• If any user suspects a security problem, he or she should report it to a monitor immediately.
• The use of school services is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the restriction or cancellation of the user’s privileges.  Inappropriate use may lead to any disciplinary and/or legal action, including but not limited to suspension or expulsion or dismissal from employment from the School District, or criminal prosecution by government authorities.

Limitation of liability:

The school district makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the district system will be error-free or without defect. The district will not be responsible for any damage you may suffer, including, but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The district is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The district will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system. Parents may be held financially responsible for any harm to the system as a result of a student' intentional misuse.

Statement of Compliance with State and Federal Guidelines:

This AUP is written in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Personal Responsibility Warning:

When the user uses the system for any purpose, there is a record logged of that use. Therefore it is each user’s responsibility to act in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Each user is responsible for his or her own actions while using any services provided by the school.

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EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT

All active employees must read and sign below. 

I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the provisions of the attached Acceptable Use Policy of the Ware County School District.

I understand and agree in the event a third party makes a claim against the School District as a result of my use of the computer network or the Internet provided by the School District, the School District reserves its right to respond to such a claim as it sees fit and to hold all offending parties, including myself, responsible.

I release the School District, its affiliates, and its employees from any claims or damages of any nature arising from my access or use of the computer network or the Internet provided by the School District.  I am responsible for toll charges (if any) as a result of using these services.  I also agree not to hold the School District responsible for materials improperly acquired on the system or for violations of copyright restrictions, user's mistakes or negligence, or any costs incurred by users.

This agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the United States and the State of Georgia.

                                               
Employee Name                                      

                                                                       
Employee Signature                   Date

This form is to be kept at the school or office and kept on file by the school site administrator. It is required for all employees who will be using a computer network and/or Internet access.  It is to be renewed each year prior to any computer network or Internet usage. 

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STUDENT AGREEMENT

All active students, regardless of age, must read and sign below. 

I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the provisions of the attached Acceptable Use Policy of the Ware County School District.

I understand and agree in the event that a third party makes a claim against the School District as a result of my use of the computer network or the Internet provided by the School District, the School District reserves its right to respond to such a claim as it sees fit and to hold all offending parties, including myself, responsible.

I release the School District, its affiliates, and its employees from any claims or damages of any nature arising from my access or use of the computer network or the Internet provided by the School District.  I am responsible for toll charges (if any) as a result of using these services.  I also agree not to hold the School District responsible for materials improperly acquired on the system or for violations of copyright restrictions, users' mistakes or negligence, or any costs incurred by users.

This agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the United States and the State of Georgia.

                                                _______________________
Student Name                           Student ID Number

                                                                       
Student Signature                     Date

This form is to be kept at the school site and kept on file by the classroom teacher or school site administrator. It is required for all students that will be using a computer network and/or Internet access.  It is to be renewed each year prior to any computer network or Internet usage.