DOBBS FERRY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR INTERNET ACCESS

Welcome to the Internet Electronic / New Technology.

The Dobbs Ferry Union Free School District (DFUFSD) has actively pursued making advanced technology and its accompanying resources available to our students and staff.

The purpose of computer resources and Internet use in the Dobbs Ferry Schools is to support research and education by providing access to unique resources.  Internet tools include electronic mail (e-mail), and information and news from a variety of sources and research institutions, such as university libraries, the Library of Congress.

The Internet extends and expands the world of knowledge beyond the physical walls of the school.  It serves as a point of voluntary access to information and ideas and as a learning laboratory for students as they acquire critical thinking and problem solving skills.  DFUFSD provides open access to local, national and international sources of information through its computer network and Internet account.

The District’s computer services and Internet account are to be used only for purposes consistent with the educational objectives of the District. Use of these powerful communication and research tools is a privilege, which may be revoked at any time for any activity constituting a Policy Violation.  With this educational opportunity also comes responsibility, and users must understand and practice proper and ethical use of the online resources.

DFUFSD has selected an Internet filtering program.  The program will help limit access to inappropriate Internet material.  It can block the outflow of personal information as well as restrict the amount of time spent on-line and the time of day access will be available.

Please read the enclosed Terms and Conditions, which must be signed and returned to the District before a user is permitted access to the Network.  The Terms and Conditions contain

certain cautionary information that will help the user use the internet properly and appropriately; defines and explains various categories of improper behavior, defined as Policy Violations, and sets forth the respective responsibilities of the District and the user.

Please feel free to contact the Director of Technology, if you have any questions or comments.

Acceptable Use Policy for Internet Access Terms and Conditions

Use of the DFUFSD network is a privilege.  Inappropriate use in violation of this Policy (a “Policy Violation”) may result in cancellation or suspension of those privileges, in the discretion of the DFUFSD.  The DFUFSD will interpret this policy and will determine whether a Policy Violation has occurred, and the appropriate sanction.  A Policy Violation may result in suspension or revocation of network privileges, even for a single violation.

Every DFUFSD student, staff or community member using computer facilities and/or the Internet must complete and return the attached Application before access to the Internet can be granted.

Keep this copy of the Terms and Conditions for your file.  A copy will also be available in school offices and areas where computer/Internet access is available.

PURPOSE

Your use of the network must be:

a)      in support of education and research;

b)     consistent with the educational objectives of DFUFSD;

c)     comply with the rules appropriate for other networks or computer resources accessed; and conform with this Policy.

Any activity inconsistent with this Policy, including without limitation: transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulations; or use for commercial activities or for product advertisement, political lobbying or illegal activities, is a Policy Violation.

NETIQUETTE  (network etiquette)

All users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include, but are not limited to, the following:

a)     Be polite.  Do not write or send abusive messages to others.

b)     Use appropriate language; do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.

c)     Do not reveal your address or phone number or those of students or colleagues, except with prior authorization.

d)     Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private.  People who operate the system do have access to all mail.  Messages related to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the authorities.

e)     Do not use all capital letters in your e-mail; this is “shouting.”

f)       Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt use of the network by other users.

g)     All communication and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.  Do not violate copyright guidelines.

Any activity by a user inconsistent with Network Etiquette is a Policy Violation.

RELIABILITY

a)     The reliability of the system cannot be guaranteed, and DFUFSD will not be liable for loss or damage of users’ data.

b)     Technical support from the District’s technology director and/or BOCES is available during school hours.

SECURITY

Security on the system is a priority.  Do not reveal your password to any other person.  Using or attempting to access files of another user is a Policy Violation.

VANDALISM

Vandalism is any attempt to harm or destroy data of another user or harm network facilities, including, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

Vandalism is a Policy Violation.

PROCEDURE

Any teacher, administrator, or other DFUFSD staff member who becomes aware of a Policy Violation shall immediately report the Violation in writing to the building principal (with a copy to the Superintendent, or his designee.)  A final decision, both as to the existence of a Policy Violation and the appropriate sanction will be made by the building principal, but pending such determination the reporting staff member is authorized to take such action as he/she deems appropriate.  Any decision made by the building principal may be appealed to the Superintendent.

DOBBS FERRY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY CONTRACT

FOR INTERNET ACCESS

I have read the DFUFSD Acceptable Use Policy.  I understand and will abide by the guidelines for use.  I further understand that violation of the guidelines can result in revocation of my access privileges.

User Name: ______________________________________ Date:__________________

User Signature: __________________________________________________________

School:            ___Springhurst                   ___Middle School                  ___High School

Circle One:                Student           Faculty/Staff               Community Member

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Parent or Guardian: (For users under 18 years of age.)

As the parent or guardian of ______________________, I have read and reviewed, with my child, the Acceptable Use Policy for Internet access at DFUFSD.  I understand that access is designed for educational purposes and that training and guidance for students is provided.  However, I also recognize it is not possible for DFUFSD to restrict access to all controversial material on the network.  I will not hold DFUFSD responsible for materials accessed on the network at school.  Further, I accept responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting.  I hereby give my permission for DFUFSD Internet access for my child.

Name of Parent or Guardian: ______________________________________________

Signature of Parent or Guardian: ___________________________________________

Date: ________________________

Daytime Phone: ___________________________ Evening Phone: ________________