Student Internet Usage

All use of the Internet shall be consistent with the District's goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. This Authorization does not attempt to state all required or proscribed behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow the terms of the Authorization for Internet Access will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. The signature(s) at the end of this document is legally binding and indicates the party who signed has read the terms and conditions carefully and understands their significance. 

Terms and Conditions for Internet Access

1. Acceptable Use - Access to the District's Internet must be for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the educational objectives of the District. 

2. Privileges - The use of the District's Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The system administrator will make all decisions regarding whether or not a use has violated this Authorization and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time; his or her decision is final. 

3. Unacceptable Use - You are responsible for your actions and activities involving the network. Some examples of unacceptable uses are: 

• a. Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any U.S. or State regulation;
• b. Unauthorized downloading of software, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or de-virused;
• c. Downloading copyrighted material for other than personal use;
• d. Using the network for private financial or commercial gain;
• e. Wastefully using resources, such as file space;
• f. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities;
• g. Invading the privacy of individuals;
• h. Using another user's account or password;
• i. Posting material authored or created by another without his/her consent;
• j. Posting anonymous messages;
• k. Using the network for commercial or private advertising;
• l. Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal materials; and
• m. Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked. 

4. Network Etiquette - You 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 become abusive in your messages to others.
• b. Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
• c. Do not reveal the personal addresses or telephone numbers of students or colleagues.
• d. Recognize that electronic mail (E-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
• e. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.
• f. Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property. 

5. No Warranties - The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. 

6. Indemnification - The user agrees to indemnify the School District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any breach of this Authorization. 

7. Security - Network security is a high priority. If you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify the system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Keep your account and password confidential. Do not use another individual's account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log-on to the Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to network. 

8. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary actions. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. 

9. Telephone Charges - The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs. Students, parent(s)/guardian(s), and teachers need only sign this Authorization for Internet Access once while enrolled or employed by the School District. 

Authorization for Internet Access 

I understand and will abide by the above Authorization for Internet Access. I further understand that should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, and school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken. In consideration for using the District's Internet connection and having access to public networks, I hereby release the School District and its Board members, employees, and agents from any claims and damages arising from my use, or inability to use the Internet.

DATE:________________________

  ______________________________________________ 

USER SIGNATURE: (Required if the user is a student:) 

I have read this Authorization for Internet Access. I understand that access is designed for educational purposes and that the District has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the District to restrict access to all controversial and inappropriate materials. I will hold harmless the District, its employees, agents, or Board Members, for any harm caused by materials or software obtained via the network. I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting. I have discussed the terms of this Authorization with my child. I hereby request that my child be allowed access to the District's Internet. 

DATE:__________________ 

___________________________________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN 

NAME (Please Print): 

SIGNATURE:____________________________________