Addition to policy #09.04.2000, Approved 1/23/2001
The Internet is a vast, global network linking computers at universities, high schools, science labs, and other sites. Through the Internet, one can communicate with people all over the world through a number of discussion forums, as well as through electronic mail. In addition, many files of educational value are available for downloading. Because of its enormous size, the Internet's potential is without boundaries. It is possible to speak with prominent scientists, world leaders, and close friends. With such great potential for education also comes potential for abuse. It is the purpose of these guidelines to make sure that all who use the Carlisle Public Schools Technology Network, which includes Internet access and electronic mail capability, use this resource in an appropriate manner.
The Carlisle Public Schools Technology Network, which includes Internet access and electronic mail capability, exists to enhance the delivery of educational services.
Members of the Carlisle Public Schools community are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or school hallway. Communications on the network may reach larger audiences than face-to-face conversations or telephone discussions. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. The network is provided by the Carlisle Public Schools community to conduct research and, if appropriate, to communicate with others. Access to network services will be provided to those who act in a considerate and responsible manner.
The Carlisle Public Schools will make every reasonable effort to minimize the risk that users will encounter objectionable material on the Internet. However, there is no absolute guarantee that this will not happen. Through the use of education, supervision, and reasonable use, the Carlisle Public Schools believes that the Internet can be used safely and effectively.
In order for a faculty or staff member to use the Technology Network, s/he must read the following rules and sign the User Contract.
Rules:
1. Network access is a privilege, not a right. A violation of the terms of this
Acceptable Use Policy, which consists of a deliberate, rather than accidental,
misuse, may result in suspension or termination of network access privileges
and may also result in other disciplinary action consistent with the disciplinary
policies of the Carlisle Public Schools. In addition, if such conduct constitutes
a violation of law, criminal prosecution may result.
2. Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy include, but are not limited to, the following conduct:
a. Intentionally placing unlawful and/or inappropriate information on a system.
b. Using profane, vulgar, threatening, defamatory, abusive, discriminatory, harassing or otherwise objectionable or criminal language in a public or private message.
c. Sending messages or posting information that the user knows or has reason to know would likely result in the loss of a recipient's work or system.
d. Intentionally sending "chain letters" or "broadcast" messages to lists or individuals.
e. Participating in other types of use that the user knows or has reason to know would cause congestion of the network or interfere with the work of others.
f. Intentionally using the network in a manner that violates any U.S. or state law. This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized use of copyrighted material, transmission of threatening material and spreading of computer viruses.
g. Intentionally accessing or transmitting materials that are obscene, sexually explicit, and accessing any prohibited sites on the Internet.
h. Attempting to gain unauthorized access to system programs or computer equipment, including attempts to override, or to encourage others to override, any firewalls established on the network.
i. Attempting to harm, modify or destroy data of another user.
j. Performing any other deliberate act which would in any way subject the user of the Carlisle Public Schools to any civil or criminal action.
3. The Carlisle Public Schools assumes no responsibility for:
a. any authorized charges of fees, including telephone charges, long distance charges, per minute surcharges and/or equipment or line costs.
b. any financial obligations arising out of unauthorized use of the system for the purchase of products or services.
c. any cost, liability or damages caused by a user's violation of these guidelines.
d. any information or materials that are transferred through the network.
4. The primary purpose of the network connection is educational. It is essential that everyone who uses this connection understands that purpose. Therefore, anyone using the network for an educational purpose that is not directly related to classroom instruction may be asked to log off. Failure to abide by these regulations shall result in the suspension of their Carlisle Public Schools account, pending administrative review.
5. The Carlisle Public Schools makes no guarantee, implied or otherwise, regarding the reliability of the data connection. The Carlisle Public Schools shall not be liable for any loss or corruption of data resulting while using the network.
6. Electronic mail messages and other use of electronic resources by staff are not be considered confidential. Copies of all information created, sent or retrieved are stored on the computer network's back-up files. While the Carlisle Public Schools does not plan to review cache files or back-up files on a regular basis, it reserves the right to access and monitor all messages and files on the computer system as it deems necessary and appropriate in the ordinary course of its business for purposes including, but not limited to, ensuring proper use of resources and conducting routine network maintenance. Where appropriate, communications including text and images may be disclosed to law enforcement or other third parties without prior consent of the sender or receiver.
7. The Carlisle Public Schools strongly condemns the illegal distribution (otherwise known as pirating) of software. Any users caught transferring such files through the network, and any whose accounts are found to contain such illegal files, shall immediately have their accounts permanently revoked. In addition, all users should be aware that software piracy is a federal offense and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
8. Should a user, while using the Carlisle Public Schools Technology Network, encounter any material that s/he feels may constitute a threat against the safety of students, staff members or the property of the Carlisle Public Schools, that user is obligated to report his/her discovery of such material to an administrator.
9. I understand and will abide by the Carlisle Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy for the Technology Network. I further understand that any violation by me of the terms of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in the suspension or termination of my network privileges and may also result in school disciplinary action. If a violation constitutes a criminal offense, appropriate legal action may be taken.
10. This policy may be amended from year to year by the Carlisle Public Schools administration. Users will be required to sign the *User Contract at the beginning of each school year. The version of the Acceptable Use Policy in effect at the time of the signing of the *User Contract will be the version in effect for that school year. Users will be notified of any amendments that are implemented during the school year and will sign a contract acknowledging that they have received notice of such amendments.
USER CONTRACT -
Staff
I understand and will abide by the Carlisle Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy
for the Technology Network. I further understand that any violation by me of
the terms of this Acceptable Use Policy my result in the suspension or termination
of my network privileges and may also result in school disciplinary action.
If a violation constitutes a criminal offense, appropriate legal action may
be taken.
NAME:__________________________________________
DATE:______________________
SIGNATURE:____________________________________