MUSD Internet Use Policy
Internet access is available to students and teachers in the Mendocino
Unified School District. The district is pleased to be able to offer
this access, believing that the Internet offers vast, diverse, and
unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing
this service is to promote educational excellence in our schools by
facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. The
Internet is an "electronic highway" connecting thousands of computers
all over the world and millions of individual users. Students and
teachers have access to:
- Electronic mail - Email - communication with people
all over the world.
- Public domain software and graphics of all types for
school use.
- Discussion groups/Chat Rooms on a plethora of topics
ranging from Chinese culture to the environment to music to politics.
- Access to University Libraries, catalogs, the Library
of Congress, and ERIC, a large collection of relevant information to
educators and students.
- Graphical, uncensored access to the World Wide Web.
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the
availability of material that may not be considered to be of
educational value in the context of the school setting. On a global
network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious
user may discover controversial information. Mendocino Unified School
District firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction
available on this word-wide network far outweighs the possibility that
users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational
goals of the District.
The Mendocino Unified School District has selected a
filtering technology protection measure and is using it to block
'visual depictions' of material that is obscene, child pornography, or
harmful to minors. Responsible staff will monitor student
Internet use at all times, either through direct supervision or by
using technology.
Terms & Conditions of Use of the Internet -
Acceptable Use
The purpose of Internet access in the schools is to support research
and education by providing access to unique resources and the
opportunity for collaborative work. Transmission of any material in
violation of any national or state regulation is prohibited. This
includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or
obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Pornographic
materials are inappropriate in a school setting. Access of such
materials is specifically forbidden. The system administrators, school
administration and teachers will deem what is inappropriate internet
use and their decision is final. Students expressly agree to
abide by the MUSD Internet Use Policy when they use school
computers.
The student is personally responsible for his/her
actions when using school equipment to access computer resources
outside the school networks. The user may also be held personally
responsible for actions of other people using the user's account.
Items located on network drives in the account holder's file space will
be regarded as being in the possession of that account holder's file
space. The students are advised never to access, keep, or send
anything that they would not want their parents or teachers to see.
Email - is not guaranteed to be private. People who
operate the MUSD Network have access to all mail. In addition, it is
conceivable that (as with any type of mail) messages might be
intercepted and read by others. Messages relating to, or in support of
illegal activities will be reported to the authorities.
Privacy - Computer storage
space may be treated like school lockers.
Administrators and technical support personnel may review computer
content to maintain system integrity and insure that students are using
the system responsibly.
Software - Students should never download, load or
install any software, shareware, or freeware onto network or
workstation drives or disks, or load any such software from floppy
disks, unless they have written permission from the Network
Administrator. Students may not copy other people's work or
intrude into other people's files. Students may not run any server
software on the network. Students must obtain teacher approval to store
files larger than 10 Megabytes. Game files are strictly
PROHIBITED on the MUSD network.
Hardware - Students may not connect/disconnect any
computers or peripherals without prior authorization from the Network
support staff. Student laptops are prohibited from Network
Access. Unauthorized network access, including so-called
'hacking' and other unlawful activites is strictly prohibited.
Security - Students must not engage in activities
designed for the specific purpose of bypassing the security
systems. Anything that disrupts the function of the computer
system(s) will result in disciplinary action. Students may not
have in their possession any item which can be used for the purpose of
bypassing computer security.
The Law - The U.S. Government and the State of
California have established laws governing the use of computers.
Students may not use district computers to engage in activities which
may be in violation of either federal or state law.
Network Etiquette
Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of
network etiquette and common decency. These are guidelines to prevent
the loss of computer privilges at Mendocino Unified School District:
- Be polite and do not use abusive language in messages
to others.
- Do not use a computer to harm other people or their
work.
- Do not damage/deface the computer system or the
network in any way.
- Do not reveal personal addresses or phone numbers to
strangers over the Internet.
- Report to staff any attempts by others to obtain your
personal information via email, chat rooms, instant messaging, or other
means.
- Do not violate copyright laws or licence agreements.
- Do not interfere with the operation of the network or
any workstation by downloading/installing ANY software, shareware or
freeware files.
- Do not bypass security measures on workstations or
the network.
- Do not view, send or display offensive materials.
- Do not play software games on district computers.
- Do not share your password with another person (other
than your parents).
- Do not trespass in another user's folders, work or
files.
- Review and follow the Internet
Safety Tips.
- Do not engage in any illegal activity.
- Students and staff cannot campaign for election of
any person to any office or for the promotion of or oppostion to any
ballot proposition.
- Use of district computers is for school work
ONLY. No commercial use is permitted.
- BE PREPARED to be held accountable for your actions
and for the loss of privileges and/or other disciplinary action(s) if
the Rules of Acceptable Use are violated. This may include
suspension, expulsion from The Mendocino Unified School District,
or referral to appropriate local, state, or federal authorities.
Violations will result in a loss of access. Additional
disciplinary action may be determined by the district staff and
administration. When applicable, law enforcement agaencies will
be involved. The system administrator will deem what is
inappropriate use. Decisions to deny, revoke, or suspend accounts
will rest with the school principal and the system administrator, and
their decision is final.
Because of the ever changing nature of technology, not all possible
violations can be covered in this policy. Nevertheless, The
Mendocino Unified School District is ready to take immediate action
when individuals violate system integrity, this use policy or the
rights of members of this community.
I understand that as a user of the Internet and other technologies,
including printers, scanners, cameras, recorders in the Mendocino
Unified School District, I have certain responsibilites. I have
read and understand, and agree to abide by the MUSD Policies on
Internet access. I understand that I will be held accountable for
my actions and that any violation of this Policy is unethical and may
constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my
access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary actions may be
taken, and/or appropriate legal action may follow.
Student Signature
____________________________________
Date: __________________________________________
As a parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Internet Use
Agreement. I understand that access to the Internet is designed
for educational purposes, and the MUSD has taken precautions to
eliminate access to controversial material. I hereby give
permission to issue an account for my child.
Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:
____________________________________
ParentGuardian Email Address:
_______________________________
ParentGuardian Phone Number:
_______________________________
The Mendocino Unified School District held
an open meeting, and adopted this Internet Use Policy on:
____________/2001
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