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 it's 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 solely to enhance the delivery of educational services. It is not to be considered a resource intended for use as a public forum or for use by students or staff for any purpose that is not directly related to 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 believes that the benefits to students from access to information resources and opportunity for collaboration available through the Internet exceed the potential disadvantages. However, the parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, Carlisle Public Schools respects each family's right to decide whether or not their child will have access to the Internet at school. In making this decision, families should be aware that their child's level of access to the Internet will depend on that child's grade level. The following is a description of the manner in which the Carlisle Public Schools intends to incorporate network use and Internet access in the schools:
a. Grades kindergarten through two. Students at these grade levels will not have individual passwords or e-mail accounts. During school time, teachers of students in grades kindergarten through two will guide them toward appropriate materials. Internet access at these grade levels will be limited to teacher-directed and teacher-demonstrated use. Students will not be conducting independent research on the Internet.
b. Grades three through eight. Students in grades three through eight will not have individual passwords or e-mail accounts. Students at these grade levels may have the opportunity to conduct research via the Internet in the classroom, and to access electronic mail for a group account, only during directly supervised instruction.
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 student, faculty or staff member to use the Technology Network, s/he must read the following rules and sign the version of the *User Contract appropriate to the user's grade level. Students in grades kindergarten through two are not required to sign the *User Contract because they will not be accessing the Internet or using e-mail individually. For users under the age of 18, the *User Contract must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Rules:
1. Network access is a privilege, not a right. The use of the network must be consistent with, and directly related to, the educational objectives of the Carlisle Public Schools. 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 (other than directly supervised access during classroom instruction) 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, subscribing to "listserves" or "newsgroups" without prior permission, or using the Internet access for any other personal use, without prior permission.
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. Revealing one's own personal address or telephone number.
i. Revealing one's password to anyone else.
j. 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.
k. Attempting to harm, modify or destroy data of another user.
l. Performing any other deliberate act which would in any way subject the user of the Carlisle Public Schools to any civil or criminal action.
m. Discussing highly sensitive or confidential school department information in e-mail communications.
n. Using the Carlisle Public Schools technology network to buy, sell or advertise anything, unless authorized by the Carlisle Public Schools administration.
o. Intentionally accessing discussion groups or "chat rooms."
p. Using the Carlisle Public Schools technology network for gambling.
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. All messages and information created, sent or retrieved on the network are the property of Carlisle Public Schools. Electronic mail messages and other use of electronic resources by students and staff are also the property of the Carlisle Public Schools and should 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 such event, the user's network access will be limited to directly supervised use during classroom instruction. In addition, all users should be aware that software piracy is a federal offense and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment.
8. Because of size, many kinds of materials eventually find their way to the network. If a user finds materials that are inappropriate while using Carlisle Public Schools Technology Network, s/he feels may constitute a threat against the safety of fellow students, staff members or the property of the Carlisle Public Schools, that user is obligated to report his/her discovery of such material to a teacher or to his/her principal.
9. 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 fellow students, staff members or the property of the Carlisle Public Schools, that user is obligated to report his/her discovery of such material to a teacher or to his/her principal.
10. 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 (other than directly supervised use during classroom instruction), and may also result in school disciplinary action. If a violation constitutes a criminal offense, appropriate legal action may be taken. I further agree to compensate the Carlisle Public Schools in the event that the Carlisle Public Schools suffers any monetary loss, including costs, damages and attorney's fees, because of any violation by me of this Acceptable Use Policy.
11. As parent/guardian of the above-named student, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy for the Technology Network. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. I recognize that some controversial materials exist on the Internet. I also understand that the level of my child's access to the network depends on my child's grade level, as explained in the Acceptable Use Policy. I have discussed with my son/daughter his/her responsibilities regarding the use of the Carlisle Public Schools Network and Internet access. My son/daughter understands and agrees to follow the Acceptable Use Policy of Carlisle Public Schools. I understand that any violation by my son/daughter of the terms of the Acceptable Use Policy may result in the suspension or revocation of his/her Internet and/or computer privileges (other than directly supervised use during classroom instruction) and may also result in school disciplinary action. I will not hold the Carlisle Public Schools liable or responsible for any materials my son/daughter accesses, acquires or transmits via the Carlisle Public Schools computer network and/or Internet connection. I hereby give permission for my son/daughter to use the network at school. I further agree to indemnify the Carlisle Public Schools for any losses, costs or damages, including reasonable attorney's fees, incurred by the Carlisle Public Schools relating to or arising out of any violation by my son/daughter of the Acceptable Use Policy.
12. 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.
*Note: Signing the Student Handbook agreement indicates acceptance of this Acceptable Use Policy, therefore eliminating the need to sign a separate User Contract.