Instruction

Acceptable Use Policy for Students

 

Woodlawn Community High School District #205

Acceptable Use Policy for Students

 

Introduction

Woodlawn High School offers all students the opportunity to utilize district computer and network resources, as well as the Internet.  To use these resources, all users must sign and return this form.  Students must also have parental permission.  Parents – please read and complete this document carefully, review its contents with your child, and sign, date, and return to WHS.  Any questions about this policy should be directed to the school’s Technology Coordinator.  This policy is available in the WHS Student Handbook, as well as on the school web site, www.woodlawnhs.org.

 

General Use of Technology-Related Equipment

Use of the computer and technology-related equipment at WHS is a privilege.  Students are responsible for appropriate behavior while using technology at WHS.  Technology-related equipment could include, but is not limited to:  hardware, software, communication lines, network cables, graphing calculators, monitors, computer – desktop and laptop, printers, scanners, digital cameras, LCD projectors, SMARTBoards.

 

Users will:

§   Respect the equipment

§   Respect the rights of others

§   Use appropriate language

§   Follow a teacher’s instructions (if a part of a class project)

§   Follow proper procedures to check for viruses if using files from outside sources

§   Keep work areas neat and clean

§   Leave equipment in good condition for the next user

§   Report any problems to the classroom teacher, Librarian, or Technology Coordinator

 

Users will not:

§   View or send offensive messages and/or pictures

§   Harass, insult, or attack others

§   Damage or modify the computer system

§   Violate copyright laws

§   Intentionally waste limited resources

§   Use the equipment for illegal purposes

§   Knowingly spread computer viruses

§   Have food or drink (including water) in any area where computers are located

 

General Network Use

Use of the school network is available to all students through a network login account.  That account is assigned after the Acceptable Use Policy is signed and turned in to the Technology Coordinator.  Each WHS student will use his/her network account to gain access to the school network, his/her network files, and the Internet.  Network storage areas should be viewed like school lockers; therefore, users should have no expectation of privacy.  Network administrators may view files and communications in order to maintain the integrity of the system and to insure that users are using the system responsibly.

 

Network users will:

§   Keep passwords private

§   Use only his/her assigned network space

§   Respect the privacy of other network users

 

Network users will not:

§   Access, read, modify, or delete the files or folders of others

§   Use others’ login names and/or passwords

§   Download and store programs onto the school network without permission

 

Access to the Internet and Online Communication

 

By allowing access to the Internet and online communication at WHS, we provide students the opportunity to connect and learn from thousands of other sources.  Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored.  Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or deemed inappropriate and/or offensive by others.  While it is our intent to use the Internet to reach educational goals, students may find ways to access other material online.  While content filtering is in place at WHS, no filtering system will block 100% of the inappropriate material available on the Internet.  However, we believe the advantages of the Internet outweigh the disadvantages.  We also believe that parents and guardians of WHS students are responsible for setting and sharing the standards that their children should follow when using online sources.  However, if any family should decide not to allow their child access to the Internet while at WHS, that should be indicated at the bottom of this document.

Internet Safety

Each District computer with Internet access shall have a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by federal law and as determined by the Superintendent or designee.  The Superintendent or designee shall enforce the use of such filtering devices. An administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person may disable the filtering device for bona fide research or other lawful purpose, provided the person receives prior permission from the Superintendent or system administrator.  The Superintendent or designee shall include measures in this policy’s implementation plan to address the following:

1.     Ensure staff supervision of student access to online electronic networks,

2.     Restrict student access to inappropriate matter as well as restricting access to harmful materials,

3.     Ensure student and staff privacy, safety, and security when using electronic communications,

4.     Restrict unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities, and

5.     Restrict unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information, such as, names and addresses.

 

Internet users will:

§   Follow teacher’s instructions when using the Internet as a part of a class assignment

§   Contact a teacher, Librarian, or Technology Coordinator if there is a concern about a particular Internet site

§   Follow copyright laws

 

Internet users will not:

§   Use the Internet for commercial purposes, financial gain, or fraud

§   Reveal personal information such as complete name, phone number, address, or identifiable photo without permission from teacher and parent/guardian

§   Download any files without permission from the teacher, Librarian, or Technology Coordinator

§   Knowingly access, submit, post, publish, or display any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal material

§   Access online games, music, videos, e-mail, messaging programs

 

Online Publishing

The Woodlawn Community High School #205 web site is used for publication of school-related information.  It is the intent of WCHS #205 to have a comprehensive web site, which will strive to provide all necessary information related to the school process, while also recognizing student achievement.  In order for this to be successful, Woodlawn High School requests the right to use the student’s name and picture on the school web site.  If a family would prefer not to have their child’s picture on the school web site, it must be indicated in writing to the school Technology Coordinator within 30 days of signing this document. 

 

Adult permission and/or supervision will be required for students using technology-related equipment (while at school) at all times.

 

Violations to the policies listed above will result in disciplinary action and/or legal action. 

 

 

Student User:  As a user of the WHS computer network, I hereby agree to comply with the statements and expectations outlined in this document and to honor all relevant laws and restrictions. 

 

Student Name:  _____________________________________________

 

Student Signature:  ___________________________________________ Date:  ____________________

 

Parent/Guardian Permission:  All students at WHS are provided access to technology-related equipment, the school network, and the Internet.  Students using these resources must comply with the statements and expectations outlined in this document and agree to honor all relevant laws and restrictions.  Your signature below indicates that you will allow your child permission to use these resources while he/she is a student at WHS.

 

Parent/Guardian Signature:  ____________________________________ Date:  ____________________

 

o  Permission not granted.

 

LEGAL REF.:             7:20 ILCS 135/0.01.

CROSS REF.:           5:100 (Staff Development Program), 5:170 (Copyright for Publication or Sale of Instructional Materials), 6:40 (Curriculum Development), 6:210 (Instructional Materials), 6:230 (Library Resource Center), 6:260 (Complaints About Curriculum, Instructional Materials, and Programs), 7:130 (Student Rights and Responsibilities), 7:190 (Student Discipline), 7:310 (Publications)

ADOPTED:               October 18, 2007