QUINCY PUBLIC SCHOOLS' INTERNET/TECHNOLOGY
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
The Internet is a vast, global network, linking computers at universities, high schools, science labs, and other sites. Through the Internet, one can communicate with people all over the world through a number of discussion forums, as well as through electronic mail. In addition, many files are available for downloading on the Internet, many of which are of educational value. Because of its enormous size, the Internet's potential is boundless. It is possible to speak with anyone from prominent scientists to world leaders to a friend at college. However, with such great potential for education also comes some potential for abuse. It is the purpose of these guidelines, as well as the consent form for internet use, to make sure that all who use the Internet, both students and faculty, use this valuable resource in an appropriate manner.
The primary purpose of the Quincy Public Schools (QPS) Internet Connection is to support and enhance the school system's educational program. It is essential that everyone who uses this connection understand that purpose. Therefore, anyone using the QPS Internet Connection for other purposes shall immediately be told to disconnect. In addition, people connecting to the QPS Internet Connection from remote locations, such as homes, must follow the guidelines and purposes stated in this policy. Failure to abide by these regulations shall result in suspension of their Quincy Public Schools Internet privileges.
Network storage areas will be treated like school lockers. Network administrators will review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private. Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school time, teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio, and other potentially offensive media.
The Quincy Public Schools strongly condemns the illegal distribution of software, otherwise known as pirating. Any students caught transferring such files through the Internet, and/or whose accounts are found to contain such illegal files, shall immediately have their Internet accounts and privileges revoked. In addition, all users should be aware that software piracy is a federal offense and is punishable by fine or imprisonment.
It is policy that all computers and electronic devices used in the Quincy Public Schools are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Specifically, failure to adhere to the policy and guidelines for the use of the QPS Internet Connection, as described below, will result in the revocation of access privileges. Unacceptable use of QPS Internet Connection and electronic devices includes, but is not limited to:
Because access to the Internet provides connections to other computer systems locatedthroughout the world, users, and parents of student users, must realize that neither the QuincyPublic Schools nor any district staff member control the content of the information available on the Internet. Some of the information available is controversial and, sometimes, may be
offensive. The Quincy Public Schools does not condone such materials. In an effort to limit access to such offensive material, a filtering program will be put in place. Staff will also monitor all student use.
QPS Internet Connection Acceptable Use Policies:
A responsible user may:
A responsible user may NOT:
By signing this Acceptable Use Policy, you acknowledge that you:
Understand the policies and procedures of the QPS Acceptable Use Policy.
Realize that, if the rules are broken, or if you develop a record of unacceptable behavior in the library media center or classroom, that your Internet Access Privilege will be canceled.
Realize that there will be no second chances once privileges are denied.
Understand the foregoing list is not all inclusive and the QPS reserves the right to notify a user of any other impermissible action regarding the use of the Internet.
Acknowledgements: Sections of this document were adapted from the Internet Acceptable Use Policy of the South Shore Educational Collaborative which also acknowledged: The Net: User Guidelines and Netiquette, Arlene Ranaladi, Florida Atlantic University; The Lexington Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy, Lexington, Massachusetts; The Bellingham Public Schools District Internet and E-Mail Rules, Bellingham, Washington.
The primary purpose of the Quincy Public Schools (QPS) Internet Connection is to support and enhance the school system's educational program. It is essential that everyone who uses this connection understand that purpose. Therefore, anyone using the QPS Internet Connection for other purposes shall immediately be told to disconnect. In addition, people connecting to the QPS Internet Connection from remote locations, such as homes, must follow the guidelines and purposes stated in this policy. Failure to abide by these regulations shall result in suspension of their Quincy Public Schools Internet privileges.
Network storage areas will be treated like school lockers. Network administrators will review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private. Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school time, teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio, and other potentially offensive media.
The Quincy Public Schools strongly condemns the illegal distribution of software, otherwise known as pirating. Any students caught transferring such files through the Internet, and/or whose accounts are found to contain such illegal files, shall immediately have their Internet accounts and privileges revoked. In addition, all users should be aware that software piracy is a federal offense and is punishable by fine or imprisonment.
It is policy that all computers and electronic devices used in the Quincy Public Schools are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Specifically, failure to adhere to the policy and guidelines for the use of the QPS Internet Connection, as described below, will result in the revocation of access privileges. Unacceptable use of QPS Internet Connection and electronic devices includes, but is not limited to:
- Violating individuals' right to privacy.
- Using profanity, obscenity, or other language that maybe offensive to others.
- Reposting personal communication without the author's prior consent.
- Copying commercial software in violation of copyright laws.
- Using the network for financial gain, commercial activity, or any illegal activity.
Because access to the Internet provides connections to other computer systems locatedthroughout the world, users, and parents of student users, must realize that neither the QuincyPublic Schools nor any district staff member control the content of the information available on the Internet. Some of the information available is controversial and, sometimes, may be
offensive. The Quincy Public Schools does not condone such materials. In an effort to limit access to such offensive material, a filtering program will be put in place. Staff will also monitor all student use.
QPS Internet Connection Acceptable Use Policies:
- Use of the Internet is free to users.
- It is a privilege to use the Internet facilities.
- A responsible user of the QPS Internet Connection may have access as long as the user is a staff member or a student of the Quincy Public Schools.
A responsible user may:
- Use the Internet to research curriculum projects.
- Use the Internet to send electronic mail (e-mail) to other users, within the guidelines written below.
- Use the Internet to explore areas of interest within the QPS curriculum.
- Use the Internet under the supervision of QPS staff to enter non-specific personal data (e.g., age, gender) in order to access educational information.
A responsible user may NOT:
- Use the Internet for any illegal or inappropriate purpose.
- Use impolite or abusive language, or access obscene or pornographic materials.
- Violate the rules of common sense or etiquette.
- Delete or alter computer files that do not belong to the user.
- Send or receive material that would violate the copyright and/or trademark laws of the United States.
- Share a password, when issued, with anyone.
- Vandalize the Internet system (Students will be legally liable for any damage they might create).
- Send messages that are likely to result in the loss of recipients' work or systems, send "chain letters," or “broadcast" messages to list or individuals.
- Create conditions which cause congestion of the networks or otherwise interfere with the work of others.
- Enter any information which may be used to specifically identify the student (e.g., name, address, date of birth, social security number) without the approval of QPS professional staff.
By signing this Acceptable Use Policy, you acknowledge that you:
Understand the policies and procedures of the QPS Acceptable Use Policy.
Realize that, if the rules are broken, or if you develop a record of unacceptable behavior in the library media center or classroom, that your Internet Access Privilege will be canceled.
Realize that there will be no second chances once privileges are denied.
Understand the foregoing list is not all inclusive and the QPS reserves the right to notify a user of any other impermissible action regarding the use of the Internet.
Acknowledgements: Sections of this document were adapted from the Internet Acceptable Use Policy of the South Shore Educational Collaborative which also acknowledged: The Net: User Guidelines and Netiquette, Arlene Ranaladi, Florida Atlantic University; The Lexington Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy, Lexington, Massachusetts; The Bellingham Public Schools District Internet and E-Mail Rules, Bellingham, Washington.