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Milford Public Schools: Computer Use Rules and Policy
Computer Use, (6141.321)
Acceptable Use of the Computers and Internet/Intranet
The Internet/Intranet, a global electronic information infrastructure, is
a network of networks used by educators, businesses, the government, and
numerous organizations. Intranet is a private Internet operating on the school
district's internal network. The Board of Education believes that the
Internet/Intranet is a valuable tool that should be used in schools to educate
and inform students, much like books, magazines, video, CD-ROM and other
informational sources. The Board endorses student use of the Internet/Intranet
for learning and research which enhances information available through other
mediums. This includes participation in distance learning activities, asking
questions of and consulting with experts, communicating with other students
and individuals, and locating material to meet the educational needs of the
students of the Milford Public Schools.
While the Internet/Intranet can provide students with a vast array of
educational and informational resources, it can also be a window through which
students can access information which is neither pertinent to nor appropriate
for an educational setting. The availability of such electronic information
does not imply endorsement by the Board of Education of its content nor of the
use of such information by students and staff. It is important to give
students assistance and guidance in accessing information which is beneficial
to their education and equally important to recognize that total monitoring of
students' access to the Internet/Intranet would be impossible. Therefore,
individual users of the Milford Public School Network are responsible for
their use of the network and are expected to use it responsibly.
To ensure appropriate usage, the administration will establish guidelines
for student exploration and use of electronic information resources. Such
guidelines shall address issues of privacy, ethical use of information with
respect to intellectual property, illegal uses of the network and conditions
of usage. The guidelines shall strive to preserve students' rights to examine
and use information to meet the educational goals and objectives of the
District. In addition, the district shall take steps, such as using filtering
programs to block access to objectionable material, access controls and
supervision by staff to monitor and/or restrict access to the electronic
informational resources.
In recognition of the potential for improper use of the Internet/Intranet
in the educational setting, the Board requires that students and staff who use
the Internet/Intranet comply with the following policies, as well as comply
with any guidelines for use promulgated by the administration:
1. The use of the computers is a privilege. As the owner of both the
hardware and software that is available, the Milford Public Schools may
withhold this privilege. Failure to adhere to the established guidelines may
result in the loss of Internet access, disciplinary action and or referral to
legal authorities.
2. Use of the Internet/Intranet must be in support of education and
research consistent with the educational goals and objectives of the Milford
Public Schools.
3. Users must not reveal personal information about themselves or
others, including, but not limited to, the following: home address, telephone
numbers, password, social security number or credit card number.
4. Users will comply with all state, federal and local laws, including
copyright laws and laws prohibiting harassment by computer.
5. Users must not interfere with others' work or with the performance
of the computer(s), both hardware and software. Prohibited actions include,
but are not limited to, the following: attempting to illicitly obtain or use
passwords or screen names, entering closed areas of the network, introducing
computer viruses or committing acts of vandalism and/or any attempt to harm or
destroy data of another user.
6. Users may not establish any official representation of the school or
school district (i.e., Internet home page) without obtaining prior approval of
school administration.
7. Each user will abide by the generally accepted rules of etiquette
and applicable school policies, which include, but are not limited, to the
following:
* Use appropriate language. Do not write or send abusive messages
or those which contain vulgarities.
* Chain letters and pyramid schemes (chain letters with money) are
illegal.
* Bulk posting to individuals or groups to overload the system
(i.e., "spamming") is prohibited.
* Using the Internet to harass or embarrass someone.
To ensure that only authorized staff and students who understand the
bounds of permitted use will have access to the Internet/Intranet, Milford
Public Schools must obtain the written permission of a student's parent or
legal guardian before the student may access the computers.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
53a-182b Harassment in the first degree: Class D felony, (as amended by PA
95-143)
Policy Proposed: March 13, 2001
Policy Approved: April 10, 2001
Revision Proposed: March 12, 2002
Revision Approved: April 9, 2002
Additional Computer Usage Guidelines
The Milford Public School system computer network is designed for the
exclusive use of its registered users who are responsible for their passwords
and accounts on the network. The network is intended for the following uses,
in order of priority:
1. Teacher directed assignments
2. Academic support
3. General information retrieval
4. Personal interest/hobbies
Users doing lower priority activities must yield their computer if it is
needed for a higher priority use.
Network administrators reserve the right to remove any material stored in
computer files which they, in their sole discretion, believe may be unlawful,
obscene, in violation of copyright, or otherwise unrelated to academic or
personal information retrieval.
Network administrators may revoke or suspend computer privileges for
noncompliance of the following infractions:
* Altering system software or files, or downloading/installing
unauthorized software
* Placing unlawful information, computer viruses, or other harmful
programs on the Network
* Accessing files, accounts or computer systems you are not authorized to use
* Using the accounts or login names of others
* Sending threats or harassment
* Using computing resources for commercial or political campaigning
* Damaging or defacing any computer or network equipment
* Using personal e-mail accounts
* Consequences for the infractions will be at the discretion of the
Network/School Administrators, depending on the severity of the transgression.
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