605.6 - INTERNET - APPROPRIATE USE (2/14/2024)
The district recognizes the importance of developing students into agile learners who are capable of addressing the complex needs of our future workforce. For this reason, the district has prioritized making available technology and programs that teach students to embrace modern technology and tools while fostering a secure learning environment for students to the extent reasonable. Because technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means.
Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students. Students may be permitted to use district-issued email addresses and Internet-based collaboration software to send and receive messages at school.
The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. Although students will be under teacher supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Some students might encounter information which may not be of educational value. Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records. Students’ Internet activities will be monitored by the school district to ensure students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors. The school district will use technology protection measures to protect students from inappropriate access, including sites that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors.
The school district will monitor the online activities of students and will educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting on social networking sites and chat rooms. Students will also be educated on cyberbullying, including awareness and response. Employees will provide age appropriate training for students who use the Internet. The training provided will be designed to promote the school district’s commitment to:
- The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in this policy and;
- Student safety with regard to:
- safety on the Internet;
- appropriate behavior while on online, on social networking websites, and
- in chat rooms; and
- cyberbullying awareness and response.
- Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act
Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet. Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the Internet. Students will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the Internet Acceptable Use policy and regulations, that they will comply with the policy and regulations, and that they understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations
In compliance with federal law, this policy will be maintained at least five years beyond the termination of funding under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) or E-rate.
Legal References: Iowa Code § 279.8.
Cross References: 104 series Anti-Bullying/Harassment
604.10 Online Courses
604.11 Appropriate Use of Online Learning Platforms
605.05 School Library
605.07 Use of Information Resources
605.07-R(1) Use of Information Resources - Regulation
Approved: February 18, 2008
Last Reviewed: February 14, 2024
605.6E1 - INTERNET ACCESS PERMISSION LETTER TO PARENTS
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605.6E2 - INTERNET APPROPRIATE USE VIOLATION NOTICE
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605.6R1 - INTERNET - APPROPRIATE USE REGULATION
I. Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use.
A. The authority for appropriate use of electronic Internet resources is delegated to the licensed employees.
B. Instruction in the proper use of the Internet will be available to licensed 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 teachers 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 internet-based collaboration software student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued.
1. Making Internet access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate for students. However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials. Because information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.
2. It is a goal to allow teachers and students access to the rich opportunities on the Internet, while we protect the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material.
3. The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines which require efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources.
4. To promote accountability, 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 follow district cybersecurity policy and procedures to ensure network security.
7. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.
III. Student Use of Internet.
A. Equal Opportunity - The Internet is available to all students within the school district through teacher access.
B. On-line Protocol
1. The use of the network is a privilege and 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 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. Student access for electronic mail will be through the supervising teacher'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.
C. Restricted Material - Students will 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 school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.
D. 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 student accessing such a service will be responsible for those costs.
IV. Student Violations--Consequences and Notifications.
Students who access restricted items on the school device are subject to the appropriate action described in board policy or regulations or the following consequences:
1. First Violation - A verbal and written "Warning" notice will be issued to the student. The student may lose will have restricted Internet access for a period of up to three weeks at the discretion of the building principal. A copy of the notice will be mailed to the student's parent and a copy provided to the building principal.
2. Second Violation - A verbal and written "Second Violation" notice will be issued to the student. A copy of the notice will be sent to the student's parent and a copy provided to the building principal. The student will have restricted Internet privileges for a period of up to six months at the discretion of the building principal.
3. Third Violation - A verbal and written "Third Violation" notice will be issued to the student. A copy of the notice will be sent to the student's parent and a copy provided to the building principal. The student will have restricted Internet privileges for a period of one calendar year or the balance of the school year at the discretion of the building principal.