ACSNET ACCEPTABLE USE

Transcription

1 Avery County Schools Policy Policy Code: 3225/7320 ACSNET ACCEPTABLE USE ACSNet Board Policy A. Purpose Avery County Schools provides employees and students with access to the District's electronic communication system, which includes resources such as computer workstations and peripherals and services such as Internet access, and online web-based products. This system will be referred to as ACSNet. 1. The ACSNet system has a limited educational purpose. The purpose of the ACSNet system is to assist in preparing students for success in life and work in the 21st century by providing them with electronic access to a wide range of information and the ability to communicate with people from throughout the world. Additionally, the system will be used to enhance District communication, enhance productivity, and assist District employees in their professional development through greater exchange of information with their peers. The ACSNet system will also assist the District in sharing information with the local community, including parents, social service agencies, government agencies, and businesses. 2. Users may not use the ACSNet system for commercial purposes, defined as offering or providing goods or services. District acquisition policies will be followed for District purchase of goods or services through the ACSNet system. 3. Users may not use the system for political activities during school hours, or for political activities that involve school monies or that makes use of an official school position to encourage or coerce students or other employees to support in any way a political party, candidate, or issue. District employees and students may use the system to communicate with their elected representatives and to express their opinion on political issues. 4. The term "educational purpose" includes use of the system for administrative support activities, classroom activities, professional or career development, and limited highquality self-discovery activities. For students, the limited, high-quality self-discovery activities must be reasonably supervised by District employees and should be directly related to the District s educational objectives. 5. While this Policy applies to the acceptable use of ACSNet, when creating or posting material to a webpage or other Internet site apart from the ACSNet, employees should remember that the content may be viewed by anyone, including community members, students and parents. Employees are to maintain an appropriate relationship with students at all times. Having a public personal website or online networking profile or allowing access to a private website or private online networking profile is considered a form of direct communications with students. Employees are asked to block students from viewing any material or profiles that are not age appropriate. Any employee found to have created and/or posted inappropriate content on a website or profile that has a negative impact on the employee's ability to perform their job as it relates to working with students will be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal. This Policy applies to all employees, volunteers and student teachers working for or in the Avery County School System. Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 1 of 16

2 B. District Responsibilities 1. The Avery County Schools Superintendent will serve as the coordinator to oversee the ACSNet system. 2. The Principal in each school will serve as the building-level coordinator for the ACSNet system, will approve building-level activities, ensure teachers receive proper training in the use of the system and the requirements of this policy, establish a system to ensure adequate supervision of students using the system, maintain executed user agreements, and be responsible for interpreting the ACSNet Acceptable Use policy at the building level. 3. The Director of Information Technology Services will establish a process for setting-up individual and class user-ids and passwords, set quotas for disk usage on the system, establish a retention schedule, manage and implement the ACSNet Technology Resources Security policy and perform the assigned duties contained within the job description for that position. C. Technical Services Provided through ACSNet System will allow employees and students to communicate with people throughout the world. Users will also be able to subscribe to maillists to engage in group discussions related to educational subjects. 2. World Wide Web. The Web provides access to a wide range of information in the form of text, graphics, photographs, video, and sound, from throughout the world. The Web is a valuable research tool for students and employees. 3. Telnet. Telnet allows the user to log in to remote computers. 4. File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP allows users to download large files and computer software. 5. Instant Messaging / Chat: IM/CHAT provides the capability of engaging in "real-time" discussions. The District will provide access to this service only for specifically defined educational or administrative activities. 6. Blocking/filtering software. The District has acquired and will maintain software designed to block access to certain sites and to manage the technology resource. 7. Other services may be added, or existing services may be discontinued, based on the needs of the District. D. Access to the ACSNet System 1. The ACSNet Acceptable Use policy, set forth in Section L, will govern all use of the ACSNet system. The policies of the Avery County Board of Education will also govern all student and staff use of the ACSNet system. 2. World Wide Web. All District employees and students may have access to the Web through the District's networked computers. District employees and guests must sign an agreement that they will adhere to this policy ( See Procedure ACSNet Acceptable Use Policy Agreement Form) Parents may specifically request that their child(ren) not be provided such access by notifying their child(ren)'s school principal in writing. Students are not required to sign an agreement form. Adherence to the policy is the expectation Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 2 of 16

3 and will be enforced. 3. Classroom Accounts. Elementary and middle-school students will be granted access only through a classroom account. Students may be provided with an individual account under special circumstances at the request of their teacher and with the approval of their parent. An agreement will only be required for an individual account, which must be signed by the student and his or her parent. Parents may specifically request that their child(ren) not be provided access through the classroom account by notifying their child(ren)'s school principal in writing. 4. Individual Accounts for Students. Secondary students may be provided with individual accounts as required to support their educational needs. An agreement will be required for an individual account. This agreement must be signed by the student and his or her parent. The account is only valid for the current school year during which the account is requested and will be disabled at the end of the school year. 5. Individual Accounts for District Employees. District employees may be provided with an individual account. 6. Guest Accounts. Guests may receive an individual network account with the approval of a District administrator if there is a specific, District-related purpose requiring such access. Use of the system by a guest must be specifically limited to the District-related purpose. An agreement will be required and parental signature will required if the guest is a minor. accounts are typically only provided to regular employees who require such access and students who meet the criteria in Section D, Item 4. E. Parental Notification and Responsibility 1. The District will notify the parents about the District network and the policies governing its use. Parents must sign an agreement to allow their child(ren) to have an individual account. Parents may request alternative activities for their child(ren) that do not require Internet access. 2. Parents have the right at any time to investigate the contents of their child(ren)'s and data storage files. Parents have the right to request the termination of their child(ren)'s individual account at any time. 3. The ACSNet Acceptable Use policy contains restrictions on accessing inappropriate material. There is a wide range of material available on the Internet, some of which may not be fitting with the particular values of the families of the students. It is not practically possible for the District to monitor and enforce a wide range of social values in student use of the Internet. Further, the District recognizes that parents bear primary responsibility for transmitting their particular set of family values to their children. The District will encourage parents to specify to their child(ren) what material is and is not acceptable for their child(ren) to access through the ACSNet system, in accordance with existing District standards. 4. The District will provide students and parents with guidelines for student safety while using the Internet. F. District Limitation of Liability The District makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, that the functions or the Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 3 of 16

4 services provided by or through the ACSNet system will be error-free or without defect. The District will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system. G. Due Process 1. The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning to or relating to any illegal activities conducted through the ACSNet system. 2. In the event there is an allegation that a student has violated the ACSNet Acceptable Use policy, the student will be provided with notice and opportunity to be heard in the manner set forth in the policies of the Avery County Board of Education. The student's access to the ACSNet system may be suspended pending the result of an investigation into allegations of unacceptable use. 3. Disciplinary actions will be tailored to meet specific concerns related to the violation and to assist the student in gaining the self-discipline necessary to behave appropriately on an electronic network. If the alleged violation also involves a violation of other provisions of the policies of the Avery County Board of Education, the violation will be handled in accord with the applicable provision of the Avery County Board of Education Policy Manual. 4. Employee violations of the District Acceptable Use Policy will be handled in accord with NCGS 115C-325(e)(1). The employee's access to the ACSNet system may be suspended pending the result of an investigation into allegations of unacceptable use. 5. Any District administrator may terminate the account privileges of a guest user by providing notice to the user. Guest accounts not active for more than 30 days may be removed, along with the user's files without notice to the user. 6. All student accounts, including all files stored either locally on desktop computers or on ACSNet storage devices, may be removed at the end of each school year in preparation for the coming school year. The deletion will occur following seven calendar days from the last day students attend school. H. Search and Seizure 1. ACSNet system users have no expectation of privacy in the contents of their personal files on the ACSNet system. Personal files include, but are not limited to, stored data and data. 2. Routine maintenance and monitoring of the system may lead to discovery that the user has or is violating the District ACSNet Acceptable Use Policy, the policies of the Avery County Board of Education or the law. 3. An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion on the part of district or building administrative personnel that a user has violated the District ACSNet Acceptable Use Policy, the policies of the Avery County Board of Education or the law. The nature of the investigation will be reasonable and in the context of the nature of the alleged violation. 4. District employees should be aware that their personal files may be discoverable under Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 4 of 16

5 North Carolina State Law. I. Copyright and Plagiarism 1. District policies on copyright will govern the use of material accessed through the ACSNet system. Because the extent of copyright protection of certain works found on the Internet is unclear, system users will make a standard practice of requesting permission from the holder of the work if their use of the material has the potential of being considered an infringement. Teachers will instruct students to respect copyright and to request permission when appropriate. 2. The policies of the Avery County Board of Education on plagiarism will govern use of material accessed through the ACSNet system. Teachers will instruct students in appropriate research and citation practices. J. Academic Freedom, Selection of Material, Student Rights to Free Speech 1. Board policies on Academic Freedom and Free Speech will govern the use of the Internet. 2. When using the Internet for class activities, teachers will select material that is appropriate in light of the age of the students and that is the relevant to the course objectives. Teachers will preview the materials and sites they require or recommend students access to determine the appropriateness of the material contained on or accessed through the site. Teachers will provide guidelines and lists of resources to assist their students in channeling their research activities effectively and properly. Teachers will assist their students in developing the skills to ascertain the truthfulness of information, distinguish fact from opinion, and engage in discussions about controversial issues while demonstrating tolerance and respect for those who hold divergent views. K. District Web Site District Web Site. The District will establish a Web site and will develop Web pages that will present information about the District. The Director of Information Technology Services, or his/her appointee will be designated the Webmaster, responsible for maintaining the District Web site. Avery County School Board of Education Policy 3227/7322 governs the creation and management of the district website and all websites contained therein. L. District Acceptable Use Policy The following uses of the ACSNet system are considered unacceptable: 1. Personal Safety a. Students will not post personal contact information about themselves or other people. Personal contact information includes name, address, telephone, school address, work address, etc. b. Students will not agree to meet with someone they have met online without their parent's approval and participation. c. Students will promptly disclose to their teacher or to another school employee any Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 5 of 16

6 message they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable. d. Employees will promptly disclose to their supervisor any message they receive that is inappropriate. 2. Illegal Activities a. Users will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the ACSNet system or to any other computer system through the ACSNet system, or go beyond their authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another person's account or access another person's files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of "browsing". b. Users will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system performance or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are illegal. c. Users will not use the ACSNet system to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging for a drug sale or the purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal gang activity, threatening the safety of persons, etc. 3. System Security The ACSNet Technology Resources Security Policy 6526 governs all aspects of ACSNet system security. 4. Inappropriate Language a. Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on Web pages. b. Users will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language. c. Users will not post information that, if acted upon, could cause damage or a danger of disruption. d. Users will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks. e. Users will not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If a user is told by a person to stop sending them messages, they must stop. f. Users will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization. 5. Respect for Privacy a. Users will not repost a message that was sent to them privately without permission of the person who sent them the message. b. Users will not post private information about another person. 6. Respecting Resource Limits. a. Users will use the system only for educational and professional or career development activities, and limited, high-quality, self-discovery activities that are directly related to the educational objectives of the District. b. The District maintains an everyone group to facilitate broadcast delivery Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 6 of 16

7 of messages to all users. Users will restrict the use of the everyone account to business-related messages of general interest to all District employees. c. Users will not download large files unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, users will download the file at a time when the system is not being heavily used and immediately remove the file from the system computer to their personal computer. d. Users will not download and/or install any program files either from the Internet or from diskette, CDROM or other media without the permission of building or district technology support staff. e. Users will not post chain letters or engage in "spamming". Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people. f. Users will check their frequently, delete unwanted messages promptly, and stay within their quota. The District reserves the right to enforce storage limits on /data storage without the permission of the user. g. Users will be subscribed only to high quality discussion group maillists that are relevant to their education or professional/career development. 7. Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement a. Users will not plagiarize works that they find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were original to the user. b. Users will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when an individual inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies acceptable use of that work, the user should follow the expressed requirements. If the user is unsure whether or not they can use a work, they should request permission from the copyright owner. 8. Inappropriate Access to Material a. Users will not use the ACSNet system to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). For students, a special exception may be made for violence/hate literature if both the teacher and the parent approve the purpose of such access to conduct research. District employees may access the above material only in the context of legitimate research. b. If a user inadvertently accesses such information, they should immediately disclose the inadvertent access in a manner specified by their school. This will protect users against an allegation that they have intentionally violated the ACSNet Acceptable Use policy. Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 7 of 16

8 Employee Acceptable Use Policy Avery County Schools offers computer network/internet access for employee use. This document contains the ACSNet Acceptable Use policy for employee use of the ACSNet system. A. Educational Purpose 1. ACSNet has been established for a limited educational purpose. The term "educational purpose" includes use of the system for administrative support activities, classroom activities, career development, and limited high-quality self-discovery activities. The limited, high-quality self-discovery activities should be directly related to the educational objectives of the District. Any self-discovery activities not directly related to the educational objectives of the District must be limited to times outside of normal work hours. 2. ACSNet has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. Avery County Schools has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material employees access or post through the system. The employee is also expected to follow the rules set forth in the District Acceptable Use Policy and the law in employee use of ACSNet. 3. The employee may not use ACSNet for commercial purposes. This means the employee may not offer or provide products or services through ACSNet. 4. The employee may not use the system for political activities during school hours, or for political activities that involve school monies or that make use of an official school position to encourage or coerce students or other employees to support in any way a political party, candidate, or issue. Employees may use the system to communicate with their elected representatives and to express their opinion on political issues. 5. District employees and guests must sign an agreement annually that they understand and will adhere to this policy ( See Procedure ACSNet Acceptable Use Policy Agreement Form) B. Access to Networked Services 1. World Wide Web: District employees may have access to the Web through the District's networked computers. 2. Individual Accounts for District Employees: District employees may be provided with an individual account. 3. Other Services: Other networked services will be provided to District employees based on the requirements of the employee's job function. C. Unacceptable Uses The following uses of ACSNet are considered unacceptable: 1. Personal Safety. The employee will promptly disclose to his or her supervisor, building Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 8 of 16

9 technical support staff, or District technical support staff any message received that is inappropriate or that makes them feel uncomfortable. 2. Illegal Activities a. The employee will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to ACSNet or to any other computer system through ACSNet or go beyond his/her authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another person's account or access another person's files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of "browsing". b. The employee will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are illegal. c. The employee will not use the ACSNet system to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging for a drug sale or the purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal activity, threatening the safety of persons, or other illegal activities not expressed here. 2. System Security The ACSNet Technology Resources Security Policy 6526 governs all aspects of ACSNet system security. 3. Inappropriate Language a. Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on Web pages. b. The employee will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language. c. The employee will not post information that could cause damage or a danger of disruption. d. The employee will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks. e. The employee will not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If the employee is told by a person to stop sending them messages, they must stop. f. The employee will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization. 4. Respect for Privacy a. The employee will not repost a message that was sent to them privately without permission of the person who sent the message. b. The employee will not post private information about another person. Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 9 of 16

10 5. Respecting Resource Limits. a. The employee should use the system only for educational and career development activities and limited, high-quality, self-discovery activities that are directly related to the District s educational objectives. Any self-discovery activities not directly related to the educational objectives of the District must be limited to times outside of normal work hours and should not interfere with the overall operation of the ACSNet system. b. The District maintains an everyone group to facilitate broadcast delivery of messages to all users. Employees and guests will restrict the use of the everyone account to business-related messages of general interest to all District employees. c. The employee will not download large files unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, files will be downloaded at a time when the system is not being heavily used and immediately remove the file from the system computer to the employee's personal computer. d. The employee will not download and/or install any program files either from the Internet or from diskette, CDROM or other media without the permission of building or District technology support staff. e. The employee will not post chain letters or engage in "spamming". Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people. f. The employee will check their frequently, delete unwanted messages promptly, and stay within their quota. The District reserves the right to enforce storage limits on /data storage without the employee's permission. g. The employee will subscribe only to high quality discussion group maillists and other list server services that are relevant to their education or career development. 6. Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement a. The employee will not plagiarize works that found on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours. b. The employee will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, the employee should follow the expressed requirements. If the employee is unsure whether or not a work can be used, permission should be requested from the copyright owner. 7. Inappropriate Access to Material a. The employee will not use ACSNet to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). A special exception may be Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 10 of 16

11 D. Your Rights made for violence/hate literature if the purpose of the access is to conduct research. b. If the employee mistakenly accesses inappropriate information, the employee should immediately tell their supervisor or District technical support staff. This will protect the employee against a claim that they have intentionally violated this Policy. 1. Free Speech The employee's right to free speech applies to their communication on the Internet. ACSNet is considered a limited forum and therefore the District may restrict the employee's speech for valid educational reasons. The District will not restrict speech on the basis of a disagreement with the opinions being expressed. 2. Search and Seizure. a. The employee has no expectation of privacy in the contents of their personal files on the ACSNet system. Personal files include, but are not limited to, stored data and data. b. Routine maintenance and monitoring of ACSNet may lead to discovery that the employee has violated this Policy or the law. c. An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that the employee has violated this Policy or the law. The investigation will be reasonable and related to the suspected violation. While the investigation is being conducted the employee's access to the ACSNet system and to other technology resources in the District may be discontinued, pending the outcome of the investigation. 3. Due Process a. The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through ACSNet. b. In the event there is a claim that employee has violated this Policy or the law in their use of the ACSNet, the employee will be provided with notice and opportunity to be heard in the manner set forth by the laws of the State of North Carolina and the rules and regulations of the Avery County Board of Education. E. Limitation of Liability The District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the ACSNet system will be error-free or without defect. The District will not be responsible for any damage the employee may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system. Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 11 of 16

12 Student Acceptable Use Policy Avery County Schools offers computer network/internet access for student use. This document contains the Acceptable Use Policy for your use of the ACSNet system. A. Educational Purpose 1. ACSNet has been established for a limited educational purpose. The term "educational purpose" includes classroom activities, career development, and limited high-quality selfdiscovery activities. The limited, high-quality self-discovery activities must be supervised by District employees and should be directly related to the educational objectives of the district. 2. ACSNet has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. Avery County Schools has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system. You are also expected to follow the rules set forth in the ACSNet Acceptable Use policy, the policies of the Avery County Board of Education and the law in your use of ACSNet. 3. You may not use ACSNet for commercial purposes. This means you may not offer, provide, or purchase products or services through ACSNet. 4. You may not use the system for political activities during school hours, or for political activities that involve school monies or that encourage or coerce students or employees to support in any way a political party, candidate, or issue. You may use the system to communicate with your elected representatives and to express your opinion on political issues. B. Student Internet Access 1. All students will have access to Internet World Wide Web information resources through their classroom, library, or school computer lab. 2. Elementary and Middle School students will have access only under their teacher's direct supervision using a shared classroom account. Elementary and Middle School students may be provided with individual accounts under special circumstances, at the request of their teacher and with the approval of their parent. You and your parent must sign an Account Agreement to be granted an individual account on ACSNet. This Agreement must be renewed on an annual basis. Your parent can withdraw their approval at any time. 3. Secondary students may obtain an individual account with the written approval of their parent. You and your parent must sign an Account Agreement to be granted an individual account on ACSNet. This Agreement must be renewed on an annual basis. Your parent can withdraw their approval at any time. C. Unacceptable Uses Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 12 of 16

13 The following uses of ACSNet are considered unacceptable: 1. Personal Safety a. You will not post personal contact information about yourself or other people. Personal contact information includes your name, address, telephone, school address, work address, etc. b. You will not agree to meet with someone you have met online without your parent's approval. Your parent should accompany you to this meeting. c. You will promptly disclose to your teacher or other school employee any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable. 2. Illegal Activities a. You will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to ACSNet or to any other computer system through ACSNet or go beyond your authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another person's account or access another person's files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of "browsing". b. You will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are illegal. c. You will not use the ACSNet system to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging for a drug sale or the purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal gang activity, threatening the safety of persons, or other illegal activities not expressed here. 2. System Security The ACSNet Technology Resources Security Policy 6526 governs all aspects of ACSNet system security. 3. Inappropriate Language a. Restrictions against Inappropriate Language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on Web pages. b. You will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language. c. You will not post information that could cause damage or a danger of disruption. d. You will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks. e. You will not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If you are told by a person to stop sending them messages, you must stop. f. You will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 13 of 16

14 person or organization. 4. Respect for Privacy a. You will not repost a message that was sent to you privately without permission of the person who sent you the message. b. You will not post private information about another person. 5. Respecting Resource Limits. a. You will use the system only for educational and career development activities and limited, high-quality, self-discovery activities that are directly related to the District s educational objectives. b. Students are not permitted to use the everyone group. c. You will not download large files unless absolutely necessary. d. You will not download and/or install any program files either from the Internet or from diskette, CDROM or other media without the permission of building or district technology support staff. e. You will not post chain letters or engage in "spamming". Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people. f. You will check your frequently, delete unwanted messages promptly, and stay within your quota. The district reserves the right to enforce storage limits on /data storage without your permission. g. You will subscribe only to high quality discussion group maillists and other list server services that are relevant to your education or career development. 6. Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement a. You will not plagiarize works that you find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours. b. You will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, you should follow the expressed requirements. If you are unsure whether or not you can use a work, you should request permission from the copyright owner. If you have questions, ask a teacher or your school s media specialist. 7. Inappropriate Access to Material a. You will not use ACSNet to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). A special exception may be made for violence/hate literature if the purpose of your access is to conduct research and both your teacher and parent have approved. b. If you mistakenly access inappropriate information, you should immediately tell Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 14 of 16

15 D. Your Rights your teacher or another District employee. This will protect you against a claim that you have intentionally violated this Policy. c. Your parents should instruct you if there is additional material that they think it would be inappropriate for you to access. The district fully expects that you will follow your parent's instructions in this matter. 1. Free Speech Your right to free speech applies to your communication on the Internet. ACSNet is considered a limited forum, and therefore the District may restrict your speech for valid educational reasons. The District will not restrict your speech on the basis of a disagreement with the opinions you are expressing. 2. Search and Seizure. a. You have no expectation of privacy in the contents of your personal files on the ACSNet system. Personal files include, but are not limited to, stored data and data. Routine maintenance and monitoring of ACSNet may lead to discovery that you have violated this Policy, the policies of the Avery County Board of Education, or the law. b. An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that you have violated this Policy, the policies of the Avery County Board of Education, or the law. The investigation will be reasonable and related to the suspected violation. While the investigation is being conducted your access to the ACSNet system and to other technology resources in the District may be discontinued, pending the outcome of the investigation. c. Your parents have the right at any time to request to see the contents of your data file storage and files. 3. Due Process a. The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through ACSNet. b. In the event there is a claim that you have violated this Policy, the policies of the Avery County Board of Education, or the law in your use of the ACSNet, you will be provided with notice and opportunity to be heard in the manner set forth in the Avery County Board of Education Policy Manual. c. If the violation also involves a violation of other provisions of the policies of the Avery County Board of Education, it will be handled in a manner described in Avery County Board of Education Policy Manual. Additional restrictions may be placed on your use of your Internet account. Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 15 of 16

16 E. Limitation of Liability The District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the ACSNet system will be error-free or without defect. The District will not be responsible for any damage you may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system. Adopted: Revised: 11/07/2005; 1/24/08; 6/2/08 Avery County Schools Policy Code: 3225/7320 Page 16 of 16