TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR STUDENTS/STAFF OF THE PLEASANTVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT

TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR STUDENTS/STAFF OF THE PLEASANTVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT In accordance with its Mission Statement, The Pleasantville Union Free School District considers student access to a computer network, including the Internet, to be a powerful and valuable educational and research tool. It encourages the use of computers and computer related technology in its computer labs and classrooms for the purpose of advancing and promoting teaching and learning. It is expected that both staff and students will learn to use computer related technology and apply these tools in appropriate ways in the classroom. Toward this end, the Board authorizes the Superintendent to provide staff and students with access to an electronic communication system, which includes Internet access. It should be understood that the use of technology and especially the Internet is a privilege, not a right. The District reserves the right to specify who may use its equipment, systems and the information contained therein, for what purpose and under what circumstances. Just as there are acceptable rules, behaviors and procedures for students and staff to follow while in school buildings and on school grounds, there are certain acceptable rules, behaviors and procedures associated with using the District's computer network and information services. Those who wish to use the District's computer network must acknowledge that they understand these rules and demonstrate their willingness to follow these rules by signing the Technology Use Form on a yearly basis. Parents or guardians must also authorize student use of technology by signing the Technology Use Form, regardless of a student's age. Only authorized users may access the system. Communications over networks should not be considered private. Since proper network supervision and maintenance may occasionally require review and inspection of files, directories or messages, privacy in these communications is not guaranteed. The school district and/or its network supervisors will access stored records where there is reasonable cause to expect misuse of the system, including, but not limited to the examination of new and old communications by a user in order to ascertain compliance with network guidelines for acceptable use. The School Board charges the Superintendent of Schools with the task of establishing regulations governing the use and security of the Pleasantville Computer Network. Those who fail to comply with the regulations may have their computer privileges revoked. Other disciplinary and/or legal action may also be taken. The Superintendent shall also be responsible for designating an administrator to oversee the use of technology in the District. Users of the District's technology are required to comply with the District's Technology Use Policy. Failure to comply with the policy or its regulations may result in temporary suspension of network privileges, revocation of network privileges, school suspension, a Superintendent's hearing, financial and/or legal action by the District or proper authorities. 1

TECHNOLOGIES COVERED: Pleasantville Union Free School District may provide Internet access, desktop computers, mobile computers or devices, videoconferencing capabilities, online collaboration capabilities, message boards, email, and more. As new technologies emerge, PUFSD may attempt to provide access to them. The policies outlined in this document are intended to cover all available technologies, not just those specifically listed. ACCEPTABLE USE: While the following rules and regulations govern the use of technology in the Pleasantville School District, we realize not every situation or use can be addressed here. The user is also bound by applicable state and federal laws as well as moral and ethical laws pertaining to technology use. Only authorized users (those who have properly signed Technology Use Forms) may have access to District computers. Users may not share an account, login name or password with anyone. Students, who are suspended from computer or Internet use, either temporarily or permanently, may not borrow or team up with other students who have permission to use technology. Technology is to be used only for education and research as it relates to the school curriculum. Users are prohibited from using the network or the Internet for commercial or financial gain, political lobbying or religious purposes. Users are prohibited from misrepresenting themselves or impersonating others. Users may use the system for personal limited access. It is strictly prohibited to use of the network or any computer/digital facilities for cyber-bullying, bullying, harassment, intimidation, hate mail, defamatory statements, statements intended to injure or humiliate others by disclosure of personal information (whether true or false), personal attacks on others, and statements expressing animus towards any person or group or harassing any person or group by reason of race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group, weight, religion and religious practices, sex, gender, sexual orientation, mental and physical abilities, disability, or any other category protected by federal and state law. The District makes not warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, for the service it is providing. REGULATIONS: Students are prohibited from reading or participating in chat rooms, social media sites, news groups, bulletin boards, mailing lists or list serves unless assigned by a teacher. Students are prohibited from reading or writing e-mail of any kind from non-school e-mail accounts. Users are prohibited from using technology for inappropriate purposes including but not limited to the following: playing games, gambling, downloading unapproved files, viewing or processing inappropriate text files or pictures, e.g. sites dealing with antisocial behavior, pornography, obscenity, profanity, discrimination or files which may be dangerous to the integrity of the network. Users are prohibited from incurring any financial obligations on behalf of themselves or the District through use of the Internet or other communications. 2

Users are prohibited from using the District s computers or network access in violation of the District's Sexual Harassment Policy or any other District policy. Users are prohibited from posting chain letters or engaging in "spamming", the sending of unnecessary, annoying or inappropriate messages to other computer users. Users are prohibited from wasting finite District resources, e.g. paper and ink. Ultimately, users are responsible for their actions while using District technology. Loading, transmitting, or intentional receipt of hate mail, harassment, and other antisocial behaviors are prohibited on the network. PLAGIARISM AND COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL The district respects academic integrity. Therefore users are prohibited from plagiarizing (copying) material from other students' work, or material located electronically on the Internet or network, whether in part or in whole. Users should understand that material accessed electronically from the Internet or network is owned by the author of said material or by a person or corporation holding a copyright to the material. Credit needs to be given to the appropriate party. The Pleasantville Union Free School District will follow Fair Guidelines in dealing with any copyright issues. Users should not plagiarize (or use as their own, without citing the original creator) content, including words or images, from the Internet. Users should not take credit for things they didn t create themselves, or misrepresent themselves as an author or creator of something found online. Research conducted via the Internet should be appropriately cited, giving credit to the original author. PERSONAL SAFETY Because communications over networks are not private or secure, users may not post their own, or anyone else's family name (surname), address or telephone number. If posting a student's work, on the District WebPages, the student will be identified by his/her first name and grade only. Posting personal information such social security numbers or credit card numbers is also prohibited. No purchases can be made on the Internet using any digital equipment or through access of District networks. Users are responsible for the safekeeping of their passwords. If a user encounters information that makes him/her feel uncomfortable, the user will report that information to a teacher or other staff member immediately. SYSTEM SAFETY Technology resources and all digital equipment and access networks are school district property. Network administrators may review files and communication at any time in order to maintain the integrity of the system and to ensure that users are practicing responsible use of the technology. Users are prohibited from obtaining copies of files, or modifying the files, data or passwords of others. Users are prohibited from downloading material or software from network computers without an instructor's permission. Users are prohibited from installing software on District computers. Users are prohibited from knowingly introducing viruses onto the system. 3

Users are prohibited from developing, copying or installing programs meant to harass other users or infiltrate the District's computers, computer system or network. Users are prohibited from vandalizing, destroying, copying or modifying the system's hardware or software. Users are prohibited from gaining access to, or seeking to gain access to any files, or resources that would result in the interruption of network traffic or the crashing of the network. Users who identify a problem with the system, security or otherwise, are required to report the problem to a staff member or administrator. The user is prohibited from demonstrating the problem to anyone other than a staff member or administrator. Users who purposely misuse District technology resources, which result in damage to the system or data loss, will bear the financial liability incurred to correct the damage. Users, who are identified as a security risk, or who have a history of violations of the District's Technology Use Policy will be denied access to technology. At the conclusion of the school year, all graduating students files will be deleted from the network for maintenance purposes. Students are not permitted to use cell phones, smart-phones, tablets, personal laptops or other personal digital peripheral devices to access the school district s computer network at any time. The District will use technology protection measures (Internet filters) to help prevent users from accessing inappropriate information on the Internet in accordance with the Children s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No.106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)]. In accordance with the CIPA legislation, filtering may be disabled by staff for purposes of bona fide research. Faculty and staff will teach and reinforce appropriate behavior and safe use of technology/digital equipment, including cyber-citizenship, as required by the CIPA legislation. Users must behave properly in any computer lab setting. Normal rules of classroom decorum and complacence with instructions from faculty and administrators will apply. Mobile Device Computing Policy Laptop computers, tablets and other mobile computing devices provide important functionality for specific purposes. Mobile devices allow faculty and staff to have a computing resource at hand in meetings and classes, enable those to be functional. Along with the privilege of using District owned mobile devices comes the responsibility to safeguard the devices and any data contained therein from theft or damage. If a mobile device is stolen or lost there are significant security implications for data stored on that device. This policy addresses actions that must be taken in order to minimize the risk of the theft of District-owned mobile devices and the associated costs. All District-owned mobile computing devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) are governed by this policy including systems made available as primary workstations, assigned within a departmental office, or purchased through grant dollars for specific projects. The purpose of this policy is to govern the use and liability of District-owned mobile devices. This policy should be read and thoroughly understood prior to acquiring and using a mobile device. Users are personally responsible for the security and safety of their assigned mobile device. All users are personally responsible for full repair or replacement cost if the mobile device is damaged or made inoperable by gross misuse or negligence. 4

Users of District-owned mobile devices are expected to take precautions to ensure that the devices are not stolen, lost, or damaged. If mobile devices are lost, stolen, or otherwise damaged such that they cannot be restored to normal working order, the employee will be responsible for the prorated replacement cost of the device (first year: 100%; second year, 75%; third year, 50%; fourth year and thereafter, 25%). If a mobile device is damaged, lost or stolen and it is determined that reasonable care and protection guidelines were not followed, the person to whom the mobile device was issued will be responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing the device. The determination of responsibility will be made by the director of technology, principal and superintendent. Failure to follow this policy and these procedures will result in loss of computer privileges. Failure to return the mobile device or pay for damages may result in disciplinary and or legal action. Faculty, Staff and Students are not permitted to attach their own personal wireless device to the district s wireless access network without receiving permission from the technology team. Personal devices must conform to the District s standards. At no time does the Pleasantville School District assume any liability of personal equipment. All devices that receive permission to access the school districts wireless access network must have updated and secure operating systems and virus software. Access will be only granted for Internet access only after authorization has been approved. Policies for all Social Media Sites, Including Personal Sites (Students and Staff) Pleasantville Union Free District recognize that access to technology in school gives students and teachers greater opportunities to learn, engage, communicate, and develop skills that will prepare them for work, life, and citizenship. We are committed to helping students develop 21 st century technology and communication skills. To that end, we provide access to technologies for student and staff use. This Acceptable Use Policy outlines the guidelines and behaviors that users are expected to follow when using school technologies or personally owned devices on the school campus. The network is intended for educational purposes. All activity over the network or using district technologies may be monitored and retained. Access to online content via the network may be restricted in accordance with our policies and federal regulations, such as the Children s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Students are expected to follow the same rules for good behavior and respectful conduct online as offline. Misuse of school resources can result in disciplinary action. We make a reasonable effort to ensure students safety and security online, but will not be held accountable for any harm or damages that result from misuse of school technologies. Users of the network or other technologies are expected to alert IT staff immediately of any concerns for safety or security. Technologies Covered Recognizing that collaboration is essential to education, Pleasantville Union Free District may provide users with access to web sites or tools that allow communication, collaboration, sharing, and messaging among 5

users. Users are expected to communicate with the same appropriate, safe, mindful, courteous conduct online as offline. Posts, chats, sharing, and messaging may be monitored. Users should be careful not to share personally identifying information online. Pleasantville Union Free District may provide Internet access, desktop computers, mobile computers or devices, videoconferencing capabilities, online collaboration capabilities, message boards, email, and more. As new technologies emerge, Pleasantville Union Free District will attempt to provide access to them. The policies outlined in this document are intended to cover all available technologies, not just those specifically listed. Usage Policies All technologies provided by Pleasantville Union Free District are intended for educational purposes. All users are expected to use good judgment and to follow the specifics of this document as well as the spirit of it: be safe, appropriate, careful and kind do not attempt to circumvent technology protection measures use good common sense ask if you don t know Web Access Pleasantville Union Free District provides its users with access to the Internet, including websites, resources, content, and online tools. That access will be restricted in compliance with CIPA regulations and school policies. Web browsing may be monitored and web activity records may be retained indefinitely. Users are expected to respect that the web filter is a safety precaution, and should not try to circumvent it when browsing the web. If a site is blocked and a user believes it shouldn t be, the user should follow protocol to alert an IT staff member or submit the site for review. Email Pleasantville Union Free District may provide faculty and staff with email accounts for the purpose of schoolrelated communication. Availability and use may be restricted based on school policies. When faculty and staff are provided email accounts, they should be used with care. Users should not send personal information; should not attempt to open files or follow links from unknown or untrusted origin; should use appropriate language; and should only communicate with other people as allowed by district policy or the teacher. Users are expected to communicate with the same appropriate, safe, mindful, courteous conduct online as offline. Email usage may be monitored and archived. Mobile Device Policy 6

Pleasantville Union Free District may provide users with mobile computers or other devices to promote learning both inside and outside of the classroom. Users should abide by the same acceptable use policies when using school devices off the school network as on the school network. Users are expected to treat these devices with extreme care and caution. The school district is entrusting the devices to your care. Users should report any loss, damage, or malfunction to IT staff immediately, and may be financially accountable for damage resulting from negligence or misuse. Use of school-issued mobile devices, including use of the school network, may be monitored. Security Users are expected to take reasonable safeguards against the transmission of security threats over the school network. This includes not opening or distributing infected files or programs and not opening files or programs of unknown or untrusted origin. If you believe a computer or mobile device you are using might be infected with a virus, please alert the IT department immediately. Do not attempt to remove the virus yourself or download any programs to help remove the virus. Downloads Users should not download or attempt to download or run.exe programs over the school network. You may be able to download other file types, such as images or videos. For the security of our network, download such files only from reputable sites, and only for educational purposes. Netiquette Users should always use the Internet, network resources, and online sites in a courteous and respectful manner. Users should also recognize that online content, while often valuable, can be unverified, incorrect, or inappropriate. Users should use trusted sources when conducting research via the Internet. Users should also remember not to post anything online that they wouldn t want parents, teachers, or future colleges or employers to see. Once something is online, it s out there and can sometimes be shared and spread in ways you never intended. Personal Safety If you see a message, comment, image, or anything else online that elicits concern for your personal safety, or the personal safety of anyone else, immediately bring it to the attention of a teacher or staff member if you re at school, or a parent if you re using the device at home. Users should never share personal information, including phone number, address, social security number, birthday, or financial information, over the Internet without adult permission. Users should recognize that communicating over the Internet can result in associated risks, and should carefully safeguard the personal information of themselves and others. Users should never agree to meet someone they met online in real life without parental permission. Cyberbullying 7

Cyberbullying will not be tolerated. Harassing, denigrating, impersonating, outing, tricking, excluding, and cyberstalking are all examples of cyberbullying. Don t be mean. Don t send emails or post comments with the intent of scaring, hurting, or intimidating someone else. Engaging in these behaviors, or any online activities intended to harm (physically or emotionally) another person, will result in severe disciplinary action and loss of privileges. In some cases, cyberbullying can be a crime. Remember that your activities are monitored and retained. Examples of Acceptable Use I will: Use school technologies for school-related activities and research. Follow the same guidelines for respectful, responsible behavior online that I am expected to follow offline. Treat school resources carefully, and alert staff if there is any problem with their operation. Participate in positive, constructive discussion if allowed to use communicative or collaborative technologies. Alert a teacher or other staff member if I see threatening/bullying, inappropriate, or harmful content (images, messages, posts) online. Use school technologies at appropriate times, in approved places, for educational pursuits only. Cite sources when using online sites and resources for research Guard against copyright infringement. Recognize that use of school technologies is a privilege and treat it as such. Be cautious to protect my safety and the safety of others. Help to protect the security of school resources. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Users should use their own good judgment when using school technologies. Examples of Unacceptable Use I will not: Use school technologies in a way that could be personally or physically harmful to myself or others. Search inappropriate images or content. Engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or disrespectful conduct toward others staff or students. Try to find ways to circumvent the school s safety measures and filtering tools. Use school technologies to send spam or chain mail. Plagiarize content I find online. Post personally identifying information about myself or others. Agree to meet someone I met online in real life. Use language online that would be unacceptable in the classroom. Use school technologies for illegal activities or to pursue information about such activities. Attempt to hack or access sites, servers, accounts, or content that isn t intended for my use. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Users should use their own good judgment when using school technologies. Limitation of Liability 8

Pleasantville Union Free District will not be responsible for damage or harm to persons, files, data, or hardware. While Pleasantville Union Free District employs filtering and other safety and security mechanisms, and attempts to ensure their proper function, it makes no guarantees as to their effectiveness. Pleasantville Union Free District will not be responsible, financially or otherwise, for unauthorized transactions conducted over the school network. Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy Violations of this policy may have disciplinary repercussions, including: Suspension of network, technology, or computer privileges in extreme cases Notification to parents in most cases Detention or suspension from school and school-related activities Legal action and/or prosecution Social Media Acceptable Use Guidelines for Staff Pleasantville UFSD encourages teachers, students, staff, and other school community members to use social networking/media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) as a way to connect with others, share educational resources, create and curate educational content, and enhance the classroom experience. While social networking can be valuable, you should keep the potential risks in mind when using these tools. It s important to remember that in the social media world, lines are blurred between what is public or private, personal or professional. These social networking/media guidelines have been created for you to follow when representing the school in the virtual world. Please do the following: Use good judgment We expect you to use good judgment in all situations. You must know and follow the school s Code of Conduct and Acceptable Use Policy. Regardless of your privacy settings, assume that all of the information you have shared on your social network is public information. Be respectful Always treat others in a respectful, positive and considerate manner. Be responsible and ethical Even though you are approved to represent the school, unless you are specifically authorized to speak on behalf of the school as a spokesperson, you should state that the views expressed in your postings, etc. are your own. Stick with discussing school-related matters that are within your area of responsibility. Be open about your affiliation with the school and the role/position you hold. Be a good listener Keep in mind that one of the biggest benefits of social media is that it gives others another way to talk to you, ask questions directly and to share feedback. Be responsive others when conversing online. Provide answers, thank people for their comments, and ask for further feedback, etc. 9

Always be doing at least as much listening and responding as you do talking. Don t share the following: Confidential information Do not publish, post or release information that is considered confidential or not public. If it seems confidential, it probably is. Online conversations are never private. Do not use your birth date, address, and cell phone number on any public website. Private and personal information To ensure your safety, be careful about the type and amount of personal information you provide. Avoid talking about personal schedules or situations. NEVER give out or transmit personal information about students, parents, or co-workers Don t take information you may receive through social networking (such as e-mail addresses, customer names or telephone numbers) and assume it s the most up-to-date or correct. Always respect the privacy of the school community members. Please be cautious with respect to: Images Respect brand, trademark, copyright information and/or images of the school, if applicable. You may use photos and video that are available on the school s website. It is generally not acceptable to post pictures of students without the expressed written consent of their parents. Do not post pictures of others (co-workers, etc.) without their permission. Other sites A significant part of the interaction on blogs, Twitter, Facebook and other social networks involves passing on interesting content or linking to helpful resources. However, the school district is ultimately responsible for any content that is shared. Don t blindly repost a link without looking at the content first. Pay attention to the security warnings that pop up on your computer before clicking on unfamiliar links. They serve a purpose and protect you and the school district. When using Twitter, Facebook and other tools, be sure to follow their printed terms and conditions. And if you don t get it right Be sure to correct any mistake you make immediately, and make it clear what you ve done to fix it. Apologize for the mistake if the situation warrants it. If it s a MAJOR mistake (e.g., exposing private information or reporting confidential information), please let someone know immediately so the school district can take the proper steps to help minimize the impact it may have. 10

PLEASANTVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY USE FORM AGREEMENT 2015-2016 Access to District technology is a privilege, not a right. The following agreement is to be signed by all who wish to access District technology. If the user is a student, the student's parent or guardian must also sign the agreement, regardless of the student's age. Those who choose not to sign the agreement, or fail to return the agreement, will be unable to access computers, digital devices or Internet services in the District. Part I Students/Staff I have read the Technology Use Policy of the Pleasantville Union Free School District. I understand the policy, and regulations, and agree to abide by them. I understand that violations of the regulations may lead to suspension of my access privileges, financial liabilities for damages, other disciplinary action, and/or legal action. Student Name: GRADE: (Please Print) School: Bedford Road Middle School High School User Signature: Date: Part II - Parent/Guardian (if necessary) I am the parent/guardian of. I have read the Technology Use Policy of the Pleasantville Union Free School District. I understand the policy, and regulations, and have reviewed them with my child. I understand that violations of the regulations may lead to suspension of my child's access privileges, financial liabilities for damages, other disciplinary action and/or legal action. My child has my permission to access technology resources in the Pleasantville Union Free School District. Name of Parent/Guardian: (Please Print) Signature of Parent/Guardian: Date: 11