NORTH JUDSON-SAN PIERRE SCHOOL CORPORATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP)

Transcription

1 NORTH JUDSON-SAN PIERRE SCHOOL CORPORATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP) The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation, hereinafter referred to as NJSP, is committed to the effective use of technology to enhance student learning and the efficiency of Corporation operations. Along with this commitment comes the responsibility to provide safeguards for our students and staff. At the same time, the Corporation s investment in hardware and software must be protected. To keep this commitment, all employees, certified and non-certified personnel, must abide by certain terms and conditions. The provisions of this policy, hereinafter referred to as the AUP, are subordinate to local, state and Federal law. Employees who do not abide by the AUP may also suffer disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, termination of their employment. COMPLIANCE WITH THE CHILDREN S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT (CIPA) NJSP complies with the Children s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), which places a duty on the Corporation to protect students from inappropriate material on the Internet, in , instant messaging, chat rooms, and elsewhere. NJSP has several measures in place, such as filtering and firewall protection, to protect children from exposure to inappropriate materials. It is impossible to provide 100% assurance that students will not encounter some inappropriate material while using NJSP resources. TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. Use of NJSP technology systems, including hardware, software, network and Internet access, is a privilege, not a right. As such, it is subject to regulation, inspection, denial and discipline for misuse. 2. The employee accepts the responsibility for the consequences of inappropriate use of the privilege. 3. The use of technology must be consistent with the educational goals and policies of the Corporation. 1

2 4. All files and messages created on school equipment or messages sent or retrieved via the network or Internet, are the property of NJSP. The Corporation reserves the right to access and monitor all equipment, logs, messages and files on the network 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. Any information discovered would be confined to those who have a specific need to know that information. Administrators and supervisory staff authorized by the Superintendent have the authority to search and access information electronically. 5. The signed AUP agreement will remain in effect as long as the employee is under contract. The policy will be reviewed periodically and amended to reflect new trends in technology. Such amendments will be communicated to Users in writing, and new signature pages may be required. 6. Whether the document is signed or not, conduct which violates its terms may result in disciplinary action in accordance with NJSP policy. Misuse of the network or Internet which results in breaking local, state, or Federal laws, may result in prosecution under applicable state and Federal statutes. 7. Students should not be given access to staff accounts or access to staff equipment in which the staff member has logged in. ACCOUNTS Staff will be given access to NJSP technology by the creation of an account with a unique and private ID and password. The account will be activated only when a signed AUP form is on file. Signed contracts will be maintained and monitored by Human Resources. Accounts are the responsibility of the employee, and the information should never be shared with others. Using another account is prohibited. Account passwords are distributed only to the individual account user. The superintendent and/or principals will designate employee(s) to maintain a master list of account passwords. Copying, changing, reading or using files of another user without their consent is prohibited. It is the employee s responsibility to delete old files on a regular basis. Student home directories will be deleted at the end of each semester. 2

3 Misuse of an account may result in suspension of account privileges and/or other disciplinary action, as determined by NJSP policies. In addition, if such conduct constitutes a violation of law, criminal prosecution may result.\ Misuse includes, but is not limited to, the following: Intentionally accessing, uploading, downloading, posting, ing, or otherwise transmitting unlawful and/or inappropriate information profane, vulgar, threatening, defamatory, abusive, discriminatory, harassing or otherwise objectionable or criminal language in a public or private message. Materials that are racially or ethnically offensive. Materials that are obscene or sexually explicit, including images, messages, cartoons, jokes and audio files. Material to be plagiarized. Information that would likely result in the loss of a recipient s work or system Any computer code, files or programs, or repetitive requests for information designed to interrupt, destroy or limit the functionality of any technology equipment or the NJSP network Accessing Facebook or other similar social networking sites Using the network or Internet in a way that would violate any federal or state law, or NJSP policy including, but not limited to: Uploading and downloading copyrighted material or threatening material Installing or using file-sharing software such as edonkey, Limewire, Kasaa and Gnutella Transmitting material that may be construed as political lobbying Spreading computer viruses Attempting to gain authorized access to system programs or computer equipment and files, including attempts to override any firewalls or other security techniques on the network, including the use of proxy server Participating in on-line gambling Using NJSP technology for commercial purposes or financial gain SOFTWARE NJSP technology personnel must do software installation. Licensing documentation must be available to the Technology Department. Software purchases must be approved by the Tech Department to avoid redundancy and incompatibility issues. Personal software may be approved for installation on a staff computer. However, the Technology Department is not obligated to troubleshoot, services, or deal with the software in any way after the installation. 3

4 AND INSTANT MESSAGING: accounts are provided by NJSP for all personnel that need access for the support of the educational program. All messages sent and received are archived for a period of three years. The Corporation has the right to view, monitor and/or turn the information over to appropriate authorities upon demand. Limited use of for personnel communication is acceptable for employees before and after school hours, so long as the content complies with the standards set forth in this document. All electronic information is the property of NJSP and subject to review. Access to many free systems, such as Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail and Gmail is blocked. Use of instant messaging software, such as Yahoo! Instant Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Instant Messenger, and ichat is forbidden for all employees. PERSONALLY OWNED EQUIPMENT Personally own devise may be used on the North Judson-San Pierre Guest Network. TECHNOLOGY PRIVACY The School Board recognizes its staff members right to privacy in their personal lives. The Corporation has established this policy to inform staff members of the Corporation s position with respect to staff-member privacy in the workplace and to protect the Corporation s interests. All computers, telephone systems, electronic mail systems, and voice mail systems are the Corporation s property and are to be used primarily for business purposes. The Corporation retains the right to access and review all electronic and voice mail, computer files, data bases, and any other electronic transmissions contained in or used in conjunction with the Corporation s computer system, telephone system, electronic mail system, and voice mail system. Staff members should have no expectation that any information contained on such systems is confidential or private. Review of such information may be done by the Corporation with or without the staff member s knowledge. The use of passwords does not guarantee confidentiality, and the Corporation retains the right to access information in spite of a password. All passwords or security codes must be registered with the Corporation. A staff member s refusal to permit such access may be grounds for discipline up to and including discharge. Computers, electronic mail, and voice mail are to be used for business purposes. Personal messages via Corporation-owned technology should be limited in accordance with NJSP Administrative Guidelines. Staff members are encouraged to keep their personal records and personal business at home. Because the Corporation s computer and voice mail systems are to be used primarily for business purposes, staff members are prohibited from sending offensive, discriminatory, or harassing 4

5 computer, electronic, or voice mail messages. All use must conform with all School Board Bylaws and Policies 7540, , , , This policy is necessary to ensure that Corporation resources are used properly. Review of computer files, electronic mail, and voice mail will only be done in the ordinary course of business and will be motivated by a legitimate business reason. If a staff member s personal information is discovered, the contents of such discovery will not be reviewed by the Corporation, except to the extent necessary to determine if the Corporation s interests have been compromised. Any information discovered will be limited to those who have a specific need to know that information. The administrators and supervisory staff members authorized by the Superintendent have the authority to search and access information electronically. All computers and any information or software contained therein are property of the Corporation. Staff members shall not remove or communicate any such information in any form for their personal use or for the use of others. In addition, staff members may not copy software on any Corporation computer and may not bring software from outside sources for use on Corporation equipment without the prior approval of the Technology Department. Such pre-approval will include a review of any copyright infringements or virus problems associated with such outside software. ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC INFORMATION, SERVICES, AND NETWORKS Freedom of expression is an inalienable human right and the foundation for self-government. Freedom of expression encompasses the right to freedom of speech and the corollary right to receive information. Such rights extend to minors as well as adults. Schools facilitate the exercise of these rights by providing access to information regardless of format or technology. In a free and democratic society, access to information is a fundamental right of citizenship. In making decisions regarding student access to the Internet, the School Corporation considers its own stated educational mission, goals, and objectives. Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation of citizens and future employees. Access to the Internet enables students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, bulletin boards, and other resources while exchanging messages with people around the world. The School Corporation expects that faculty will blend thoughtful use of the Internet throughout the curriculum and will provide guidance and instruction to students in its use. As much as possible, access from school to Internet resources will be structured in ways which point students to those which have been evaluated prior to use. While students will be able to move beyond those resources to others that have not been previewed by staff, they shall be provided with guidelines and lists of resources particularly suited to learning objectives. Outside of school, families bear responsibility for the same guidance of Internet use as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, radio, movies, and other possibly offensive media. Students utilizing Corporation-provided Internet access must first have the permission of and must be supervised by the School Corporation s professional staff. Students utilizing school- 5

6 provided Internet access are responsible for good behavior on-line just as they are in a classroom or other areas of the school. The same general rules for behavior and communications apply. The purpose of Corporation-provided Internet access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education. To remain eligible as users, students use must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the School Corporation. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility. All students and employees who wish to use the Internet and School equipment must first sign an Acceptable Use Agreement. Users should not expect that files stored on school-based computers will always be private. Electronic messages and files stored on school-based computers may be treated like school lockers. Administrators and faculty may review files and messages to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are acting responsibly. The following uses of school-provided Internet access are not permitted: 6 A. to access, upload, download, or distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material B. to transmit obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language C. to violate any local, State, or Federal statute D. to vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization E. to access another individual s materials, information, or files without permission F. to violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission G. to violate Board policy or rule H. to bully, threaten, harass, or intimidate anyone. Any violation of Corporation policy and rules may result in loss of Corporation-provided access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be determined at the building level in keeping with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate language or behavior. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved. The School Corporation makes no warranties of any kind, neither expressed nor implied, for the Internet access it is providing. The Corporation will not be responsible for any damages users suffer, including, but not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays or interruptions in service. The Corporation will not be responsible for the accuracy, nature, or quality of information stored on Corporation diskettes, hard drives, or servers; nor for the accuracy, nature, or quality of information gathered through Corporation-provided Internet access. The Corporation will not be responsible for personal property used to access Corporation computers or networks or for Corporation-provided Internet access. The Corporation will not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations resulting from Corporation-provided access to the Internet. Parents of students in the School Corporation shall be provided with the following information: The North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation is pleased to offer its students access to the Internet. The Internet is an electronic highway connecting hundreds of thousands of computers

7 and millions of individual users all over the world. This computer technology will help propel our schools through the communication age by allowing students and staff to access and use resources from distant computers, communicate and collaborate with other individuals and groups around the world, and significantly expand their available information base. The Internet is a tool for life-long learning. Families should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. In addition, it is possible to purchase certain goods and services via the Internet which could result in unwanted financial obligations for which a student s parent or guardian would be liable. While the Corporation s intent is to make Internet access available in order to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. Even should the Corporation institute technical methods or systems to regulate students Internet access, those methods could not guarantee compliance with the Corporation s acceptable use policy. That notwithstanding, the Corporation believes that the benefits to students of access to the Internet exceed any disadvantages. Ultimately, however, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. Toward that end, the School Corporation makes the Corporation s complete Internet policy and procedures available on request for review by all parents, guardians, and other members of the community; and provides parents and guardians the option of requesting for their minor children alternative activities not requiring Internet use. BULLYING The School Board is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community. Bullying behavior toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes physical, verbal and psychological abuse as provided herein. The Board will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This policy applies when a student is on school grounds immediately before or during school hours, immediately after school hours, or at any other time when the school is being used by a school group; off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event; traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or, using property or equipment provided by the school. Bullying as defined in State law means overt, repeated acts or gestures, including verbal, written, or electronic communications transmitted, physical acts committed by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the other student. This type of behavior is a form of harassment, although it need not be based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, or disability. It would include, but not be limited to, such behaviors as stalking, intimidating, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing. Any student who believes s/he has been or is currently the victim of bullying should immediately report the situation to the building principal or assistant principal, or the Superintendent. The 7

8 student may also report concerns to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the building principal should be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent should be filed with the School Board President. Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be bullying behavior directed toward a student. Reports may be made to those identified above. All complaints about bullying behavior that may violate this policy shall be promptly investigated. If the investigation finds an instance of bullying behavior has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate disciplinary action. This may include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers, and contractors, and removal from any officer position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Law enforcement may also be notified for conduct that may violate criminal laws. In addition to discipline schools will assist students and/or parents (guardians) to resolve concerns and issues. These interventions may include consultation, counseling, education, mediation and/or other opportunities. The complainant shall be notified of the findings of the investigation, and as appropriate, that remedial action has been taken. Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy and independent of whether a complaint is substantiated. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying. Making intentionally false reports about bullying for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as indicated above. COMMUNICATIONS WITH STUDENTS VIA ELECTRONIC MEDIA Positive, encouraging and effective communication between employees and students is vital to the learning process. Showing interest and caring for students creates an atmosphere of trust and confidence in which students are encouraged to achieve success both academically and socially. Such an atmosphere may also affect the strength of the parent-teacher relationship and parental involvement in the educational process. The School Board encourages such positive and professional communication between staff and students by means which best protect the interest of all concerned. Communications via personal electronic media such as Facebook, Twitter, cell phone messaging, texting and other personal or electronic means regarding school matters have the potential to create both public records and education records, or to contain personally identifiable student information. As a result the Board and its employees must protect and treat such electronic communications as they would any other written student or education record. All Board policies regarding such records apply to any electronic communications. 8

9 The Board has provided staff with the means to communicate electronically with students concerning matters through district and its website and believes these are sufficient for the purposes intended. Accordingly, staff shall utilize Board resources in all electronic communications with students regarding school matters. Employees shall be held to the same professional standards in their use of electronic media for communicating with students as they are for any other public conduct. If an employee s use of electronic media violates state or federal law or policy or interferes with the employee s ability to effectively perform his or her job duties, the employee is subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. In communicating by electronic means with students all policies and state and federal laws regarding confidentiality of student records, health or personal information and copyright laws apply. Employee is not subject to these provisions to the extent the employee has a social or family relationship with a student. The following definitions apply for the use of electronic media with students: 1. Electronic media includes all forms of social media such as text messaging, instant messaging, electronic mail, blogs, chat rooms, video sharing websites (e.g. YouTube), editorial comments posted on the Internet and social network sites (e.g. Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn). Electronic media also includes all form of telecommunications such as land lines, cell phones and web based applications. 2. Communicate means to convey information that includes a one-way communication as well as dialog between two or more people. A public communication by an employee that is not targeted at students (e.g. posting on the employee s personal social network page or blog) is not a communication. However, the employee may be subject to Board regulations on personal electronic communications. Unsolicited contact from a student through electronic means is not a communication. 3. The employee may use any form of electronic media except text messaging. Only a teacher, trainer, coach or other employee who has an extracurricular duty may use text messaging, and then only to communicate with students who participate in the extracurricular activity over which the employee has responsibility. The employee shall limit communications to matters within the scope of the employee s professional responsibilities (e.g. for classroom teachers, matters relating to class work, homework and tests; for an employee with an extracurricular duty matters relating to the extracurricular activity). 9

10 All employees are prohibited from knowingly communicating with students through a personal social network page. Certified employees and those given permission in writing by the Superintendent must create a separate social network page (professional page) for the purpose of communicating with students. The employee must enable administration and parents to access the employee s professional page. The employee does not have a right to privacy with respect to communications with students and parents. All Board policies, state and federal laws apply as to soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a student even if such relationship is considered to be consensual. Upon written request from a parent or student the employee shall discontinue communicating with the student through , text messaging, instant messaging or any other form of one to one communication. 10

11 PLEASE RETURN SIGNED COPY TO YOUR BUILDING PRINCIPAL OR SUPERVISOR WARRANTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES NJSP makes no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, for the services it provides. NJSP will not be responsible for any damages suffered for any reason, including loss of data. Use of any information obtained via the network is at the employee s risk. NJSP is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the service. INDEMNIFICATION In consideration for NJSP providing access to computer equipment, software, and the network, all employees agree to hold NJSP harmless. All parties involved agree to indemnify NJSP from any and all liability. Employee Name Employee Signature Position Date Approved by the Board of School Trustees North Judson-San Pierre School Corporation May 19,