STUDENT COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE RULES
These rules implement Board policy IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use.
The rules are intended to provide general guidelines and examples of prohibited
uses but do not attempt to state all required or prohibited activities by users.
Failure to comply with Board policy IJNDB and these rules may result in loss of
computer and Internet access privileges/disciplinary action/ legal action.
Computer Use is a Privilege, Not a Right
Student use of the school unit’s computers, networks and Internet services is a
privilege, not a right. Unacceptable use/activity may result in suspension or
cancellation of privileges as well as additional disciplinary/legal action.
The Principal shall have final authority to decide whether a student’s
privileges will be denied or revoked.
Acceptable Use
Student access to the school unit’s computers, networks and Internet services
are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school
unit’s educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals.
The same rules and expectations govern student use of computers as apply to
other student conduct and communications.
Students are further expected to comply with these rules and all specific
instructions from the teacher(s) or other supervising staff member(s)/volunteer(s)
when accessing the school unit’s computers, networks and Internet services.
Prohibited Use
The user is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving school unit
computers, networks and Internet services and for his/her computer files,
passwords and accounts. Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly
prohibited include but are not limited to the following:
1. Accessing Inappropriate Materials – Accessing,
submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding,
downloading, scanning or displaying
materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar,
sexually explicit, sexually
suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing/illegal;
2. Illegal Activities – Using the school unit’s
computers, networks and Internet services for any
illegal activity or activity that
violates other Board policies, procedures and/or school rules;
3. Violating Copyrights – Copying or downloading
copyrighted materials without the owner’s
permission;
4. Plagiarism – Representing as one’s own work any
materials obtained on the Internet (such as
term papers, articles, etc.). When
Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher
and Web site must be identified;
5. Copying Software – Copying or downloading software
without the express authorization of the
system administrator;
6. Non-School-Related-Uses – Using the school unit’s
computers, networks and Internet services
for non-school-related purposes such
as private financial gain, commercial, advertising or
solicitation purposes, or for any
other personal use;
7. Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access – Sharing
passwords/using other users’ passwords
without permission/accessing other
users’ accounts;
8. Malicious Use/Vandalism – Any malicious use,
disruption or harm to the school unit’s
computers, networks and Internet
services, including but not limited to hacking activities and
creation/uploading of computer
viruses; and
9. Unauthorized Access to Chat Rooms/News Groups –
Accessing chat rooms or news groups
without specific authorization from
the supervising teacher.
No Expectation of Privacy
The school unit retains control, custody and supervision of all computers,
networks and Internet services owned or leased by the school unit. The school
unit reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by
students. Students have no expectations of privacy in their use of school
computers, including e-mail and stored files.
Compensation for Losses/Costs/Damages
The student/the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be responsible for
compensating the school unit for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the
school unit related to violations of policy IJNDB/these rules, including
investigation of violations.
School Unit Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs or
Illegal Use
The school unit assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by
students including but not limited to credit card charges, long distance
telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or any illegal use of its computers
such as copyright violations.
Student Security
A student shall not reveal his/her full name, address, telephone number or other
personally identifying information on the Internet without prior written
parental consent and permission from a supervising teacher. Students should
never meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parental
permission. Students should inform their supervising teacher if they access
information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate or make them
uncomfortable in any way.
System Security
The security of the school unit’s computers, networks and Internet services is a
high priority. Any user who identifies a security problem must notify the system
administrator. The user
shall not demonstrate the problem to others. Any user who attempts or causes a
breach of system security shall have his/her privileges revoked and may be
subject to additional disciplinary/legal action.
Parental Permission Required
Students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to sign and return the
Computer/Internet Access Acknowledgment Form (IJNDB-E) before being allowed to
use school computers.
In addition, Maine law requires written parental consent prior to publishing
student information on the Internet (including a student’s full name,
photograph, personal biography, e-mail address, home address, date of birth,
social security number, and parents’ names).
Cross Reference: IJNDB – Student Computer and Internet Use
DATE ADOPTED: July 1, 2003
DATE REVISED: August 21, 2003