INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Advances in telecommunication technologies continue to change the way we communicate. From offices, schools, and homes we are able to travel electronically all over the world to gather information. As more people travel this electronic highway, maps to find information and rules to keep traveling safe become vital to successfully completing the journey. These informational networks represent a powerful educational resource. We are able to connect to businesses, major universities, national libraries, and other schools around the world. Just as we learn social codes and behaviors which are acceptable in everyday life, we need to learn the correct procedures and rules for using the networks of information services.

I.  Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy
For the purpose of this Acceptable Use Policy, telecommunications is defined as "the sending and receiving of electronic and digital information using any school district equipment; including (but not limited to) computers, building local-area-networks, districtwide-area-network, Internet, and fax machines. "

II.  Spokane Public Schools Educational Network - SPOnet
The Internet is a global network made up of many smaller contributing networks that support open exchange of information among many different kinds of institutions all over the world. The Spokane School District Educational Network (hereinafter referred to as SPOnet) is one of the networks that makes up the Internet.

III.  Computer and Network Monitoring
Data files stored and E-Mail sent in any Spokane School District computing systems are subject to review. Because these resources are granted as part of the larger scope of the curriculum, the Spokane School District reserves the right to monitor activity on the network. The district will make every reasonable attempt to limit access to inappropriate material by using an Internet filtering system, providing teacher training, and encouraging personal responsibility.

IV.  Appropriate Use of Computers and Network Resources
Student and staff use of district computing and network resources must be in support of education and be consistent with the educational objectives of Spokane School District.

  1. Supervised student use of the district's E-mail system is permitted. Other E-mail services are not permitted.
  2. Limited personal use of the Internet and E-mail is permitted for staff if it does not interfere with professional responsibilities or the educational process.
  3. Only chat areas and news groups allowed by the filtering system are permitted.

V.  Inappropriate Use of Computers and Network Resources
Inappropriate use of district computers and networks may result in the initiation of disciplinary action against staff in accordance with district policy on progressive discipline or collective bargaining provisions and against students consistent with Policy 3200, Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

  1. Material protected by copyright, trade secret, or threatening or obscene material as defined by Spokane School District No. 81 policies
  2. Commercial activities or product advertisement for personal gain.
  3. Political lobbying consistent with Policy 6120, Lobbying by District Employees.

VI.  Computer Vandalism
The Spokane School District declares that unethical and unacceptable behaviors shall be deemed just cause for taking disciplinary measures against staff in accordance with district policy on progressive discipline or collective bargaining provisions and against students consistent with Policy 3200, Student Rights and Responsibilities, for any activity through which an individual member of the staff or a student:

  1. Accesses any information that does not have educational or training value or interferes with professional responsi- bilities or the educational process.
  2. Uses district resources for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes or in support of such activities.
    1. Illegal activities will be defined as a violation of local, state, and/or federal laws.
    2. Inappropriate use will be defined as a violation of the intended use of the network and/or the network's purpose and goal.
    3. Obscene activities will be defined as a violation of generally accepted social standards
  3. Intentionally disrupts network traffic, crashes the network or connected systems, or degrades or disrupts equipment or system performance.
  4. Uses the Spokane School District computing resources for commercial or financial gain or fraud.
  5. Steals data, equipment, or intellectual property.
  6. Gains or seeks to gain unauthorized access of others' files or vandalizes the data of another user.
  7. Gains or seeks to gain unauthorized access to resources or entities.
  8. Forges electronic mail messages, uses an account owned by another user, or posts unauthorized or inappropriate messages.
  9. Possesses any data which might be considered a violation of these rules in paper, magnetic (disk), or any other form.
  10. Attains unauthorized access to information, commits software piracy, hacking, and/or tampers with hardware and software.
  11. Commits computer vandalism through any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, uploading or creation of computer viruses, or physical destruction.

    Acts considered to be vandalism will include the modification of the system set-up and/or the system performance that would intentionally impair any system services or functions, attaining unauthorized access to information, committing software piracy, or hacking.

VII.  Consent and Waiver

  1. Parents or guardians will have the opportunity to disapprove their children's use of Internet.
  2. Staff is required to complete and sign a telecommunications consent and waiver form before they access the district's network services.

Consent and Waiver
Application for Access

 

Employee Name:

 

  
Work Location:
   

I have thoroughly read and understand the Spokane Public Schools' Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy 6400. I agree to abide by the established code of conduct developed by the Spokane School District and that I am aware of the consequences that will result from non-compliance.

Employee Signature: ________________________________    Date:________________

The Spokane School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the telecommunications service it provides. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at user's own risk. Users must be aware that there are many services available on the Internet that might be offensive to certain groups of users. The Spokane School District cannot eliminate access to all such services, nor could they begin to identify them. Individual users are responsible for their own actions in navigating the Internet.