Internet Appropriate Use Regulations Code No. 605.6R11

I. Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use

A. the authority for appropriate use of electronic Internet resources is delegated to the licensed employees. For the purpose of this policy, Internet is defined as:

A collection of thousands of interconnected computer networks involving millions of computers around the world. It is a collaboration of private, public, educational, governmental, and industrial sponsored networks whose operators cooperate to maintain the network infrastructure.

B. Instruction in the proper use of the Internet system will be available to employees who will then provide similar instruction to their students.

C. Employees are expected to practice appropriate use of the Internet, and violations may result in discipline up to, and including, discharge.

II. Internet Access

A. Access to the Internet is available to employees and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication.

B. Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual student accounts (grades 6-12) will be issued to students at this time and electronic mail addresses will not be issued to students.

1. Making the Internet access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate. Because information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.

2. The district's goal is to allow employees and students access to the rich opportunities on the internet, while protecting the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material.

3. Smooth operation of the network depends upon proper conduct of end users. Strict guidelines must be followed to achieve efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources.

4. To reduce unnecessary system traffic, users may use real-time conference features such as talk/chat/Internet relay chat only as approved by the supervising teacher.

5: Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any board policy or regulation is prohibited.

6. System users will perform a virus check on downloaded files to avoid spreading computer viruses.

7. The Mason City Community School District makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of the information received on the Internet.

III. Parental Permission - Annually, parents shall grant permission for their student to use the Internet using the prescribed form .

IV. Student Use of Internet

A. Equal Opportunity - To the extent possible, the Internet will be made available to students within the school district through teacher access. The amount of time available for each student will be limited by the number of available terminals and the demands for each terminal.

B. On-line Etiquette

1. The use of the network is a privilege which may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations. As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks.

2. Students should adhere to on-line protocol:

a. Respect all copyright and license agreements.
b. Cite all quotes, references and sources
c. Remain on the system only long enough to get needed information, then exit the system.
d. Apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.

3. Students access to electronic mail will be made through the school/district's account. Students should adhere to the following guidelines.

a. Others may be able to read or access the mail so private messages should not be sent.
b. Delete unwanted messages immediately.
c. Use of objectionable language is prohibited.
d. Always sign messages
e. Always acknowledge receipt of a document or file.

4. Restricted Material - Students shall not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or engage in any conference that includes material which is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd: advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; or presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the scholl or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.

5. Unauthorized Costs - If a student gains access to any service via the Internet which has a cost involved or if a student incurs other types of costs, the students accessing such a service will be responsible for those costs.

V. Student Violations -- Consequences and Notifications.

Students who access restricted material ( See 3 above) on the Internet shall be subject to disciplinary action described in board policy/regulations or the following consequences:

A. First Violation - A verbal and written "Warning" notice will be issued to the students. The student may lose Internet access for up to 2 weeks at the discretion of the supervising teacher. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent and a copy provided to the building principal.

B. Second Violation - A verbal and written "Second Violation: notice will be issued to the student. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent and a copy provided to the building principal. The student shall forfeit all Internet privileges for a minimum period of 4 weeks.

C. Third Violation - A verbal and written "Third Violation" notice will be issued to the student. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent and a copy provided to the building principal. The student shall forfeit all Internet privileges for the balance of the school year.

Legal References: Iowa Code §279.8(2001).
Approved 8-19-02 Reviewed 2002 Revised 3-18-96