Board of Education/ Acceptable Use Policy

 

Batavia Public School District #101

INTERNET ACCOUNT, TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USE.
Please read the following carefully.

Internet access is now available to students and teachers in the Batavia Public Schools. The BPSNet (Batavia Public Schools Net) offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in the Batavia Public Schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

The BPSNet is an electronic network which accesses the Internet. The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to electronic communication with people all over the world; information and news from a variety of sources as well as the opportunity to correspond with scientists and other research institutions; public domain and shareware software of all types; discussion groups on a plethora of topics ranging from Chinese culture to the environment to music to politics; and access to many University Library Catalogs, the Library of Congress, CARL and ERIC.

With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of materials 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. We (BPS) firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of this Project.

Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you accept by becoming a user of the BPSNet. In general, this requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of the network resources.

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Batavia Public School District #101

If a BPS user violates any of these provisions, disciplinary actions may be taken which might include but would not be limited to access possibly being denied.

A parent or student signature showing receipt of the School Parent/Student Handbook indicates agreement that the student and parent will carefully read the Parent/Student Handbook including the BPSNet terms and conditions and understand their significance. A parent/guardian or student signature showing receipt of the School/Student Handbook also signifies agreement that the student will abide by the stated Terms and Conditions for BPSNet. Parents/guardians and students further understand that violation of the regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should a student commit any violation the student’s access privileges may be revoked and/or appropriate discipline and legal action taken. The student and parents/guardians hereby release the School district and its Board members, employees, and agents from any claims and damages arising from the student’s use, or inability to use the BPSNet.

If, after reading this section of the Parent/Student Handbook, parents or guardians do not wish their child to participate in school activities involving the BPSNet, parents must write a note to that effect to the School Principal. Only after receiving this note (or through disciplinary action) will school personnel restrict access to the BPSNet and Internet by a student.

BPSNet - Terms and Conditions

1) Acceptable Use - The purpose of our connection to the Internet is to support research and education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the Batavia Public Schools. Use of other organizations’ networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state law or regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities by for-profit institutions is generally not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. Illegal activities are strictly prohibited.


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Batavia Public School District #101

BPS Net – Terms and Conditions (Cont’d.)

2) Privileges - The use of BPSNet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. (Each student who receives access will be part of a discussion with a BPS faculty member pertaining to the proper use of the network.) Based upon the acceptable use guidelines outlined in this document, the system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. The administration, faculty, and staff of BPS may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.

3) Netiquette - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following
• Be polite. Do not write or send abusive messages to others.
• Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
• Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of students or colleagues.
• Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
• Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users (e.g., downloading huge files during prime time; sending mass e-mail messages; annoying other users using the talk or write functions).
• All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.

4) Reliability - BPS make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. BPS will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via BPSNET is at your own risk. BPSNet specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.


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Batavia Public School District #101

BPSNet – Terms and Conditions (Cont’d.)

5) Security - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you identify a security problem on BPSNet, you must notify a system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Do not give your password to any other individual. Attempts to logon to the system as any other user will result in disciplinary actions including, but not limited to the cancellation of user privileges. Attempts to logon to BPSNet as a system administrator will result in disciplinary actions including, but not limited to cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to BPSNet.

6) Vandalism - Vandalism will result in disciplinary actions including, but not limited to cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, BPSNet, agencies or other networks that are connected, or the Internet backbone. This includes but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

7) Exception of Terms and Condition - All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to the Batavia Public School District.


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