Weldon City
Schools
Policy Code
6605: Acceptable Use Policy
The Internet provides access to computer
systems located all over the world. Users (and parents of users, if the user is
younger than age 18) must understand that Weldon City Schools cannot control
the content of the information available. Some of the information is
controversial and sometimes offensive. However, the valuable information and
interaction accessible on this worldwide network outweigh the possibility that
users may find inappropriate material. The Weldon City School District does not condone the use of such materials
and takes reasonable precautions to filter access to these materials. The
school employees, students, and parents must be aware that access to the
Internet will be withdrawn from users who do not respect the rights of others
and who do not follow the rules and regulations established by the Weldon City
School Board.
Access to and use of the Weldon City Schools
Internet Program is intended solely to further the educational objectives of
the Weldon City Schools, to supplement and enrich existing curricula, and to be
utilized in accordance with the Board’s policies and procedures.
The following is a listing of Weldon City
Schools’ goals and the types of information students will be able to access:
Weldon City Schools Goals:
To support the
implementation of Weldon City Schools’ Performance Standards and the North
Carolina Standard Course of Study.
To enhance learning
opportunities by focusing on the application of skills in information
retrieval, searching strategies, research skills, critical thinking and to
promote life-long learning.
Access Includes:
l Information,
news, and resources from business, libraries, educational institutions,
government agencies, research institutions, and a
variety of other sources.
l Telecommunications with individuals and groups around the world,
and public domain and shareware software.
The Weldon City Schools Internet Program will
be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner and must be in
support of the educational objectives and the student behavior guidelines of
the Weldon City Schools. Transmission of material in violation of any federal
or state regulations is prohibited. Unacceptable uses include, but are not limited
to the following:
A. Violating
copyright laws
B. Forwarding
personal communications without the authors prior consent
C. Using
threatening or obscene material
D. Distributing
material protected by trade secret
E. Utilizing
Weldon City Schools Internet Program for commercial
purposes
F. Providing
political or campaign information
G. Using offensive
or harassing statements or language including
disparagement of
others based on their race, national origin, sex,
sexual
orientation, age, disability, and religious or political beliefs
H. Sending or
soliciting sexually oriented messages or images
I. Operating a
business for personal gain, sending chain letters, or
soliciting money
for any reason
J. Posting
personal contact information about yourself or other people
K. Attempting to
log in through another person’s account or access
another person’s
file
L. Deliberate
attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data
RESTRICTIONS
Weldon City Schools has installed a centralized
software solution that provides Internet control, monitoring, and filtering.
This software is the critical component of the Internet protection package
since it allows valuable on-line Internet access while restricting access to
specific unwanted categories, including pornography, gambling, illegal drugs,
online merchandising, hate speeches, criminal skills, alternative journals, and
games. The program will be updated on a regular basis.
NETIQUETTE RULES
A. Users must abide by network etiquette
rules. The do’s and don’ts of online
communications. These rules include, but are not limited to
the following:
B. Be polite; rudeness is never acceptable.
C. Use appropriate language; do not swear, or
use vulgarities or any other abusive or inappropriate language.
D. Do not use a computer to harm other
people.
E. Do not interface with other people’s
computer work or snoop around in other people’s files.
F. Assume all communications and information
accessible via the network is private property.
PRIVILEGES
Use of the Weldon City Schools District’s
Internet Program is a privilege, not a right.
Inappropriate use will result in limitation or cancellation of user
privileges and possible disciplinary actions.
DISCLAIMER
Weldon City Schools Internet Program will not
be responsible for any damages suffered, including loss of data resulting from
delays, non-deliverables, service interruptions, or inaccurate information. The
District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or
through the Weldon City School District system will be error-free or without defect.
The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information
obtained through or stored on the system. The user accepts personal
responsibility for any information obtained via Weldon City
Schools Internet Program and for financial obligations arising through the
unauthorized use of the system.
SECURITY
Security on any computer system is a high
priority, especially when the system involves many users. Attempts to tamper
with the program, to access the system as any other user, or to share a
password will result in the cancellation of user privileges. Electronic mail is
not guaranteed to be private; system operators have access to all mail.
Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to
the authorities, and disciplinary action will follow.
VANDALISM
Vandalism will result in cancellation of user
privileges and disciplinary action.
Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt
to harm or destroy equipment and/or data of anyone connected to the Internet.
Vandalism includes, but is not limited to, uploading, creating, or transmitting
computer viruses. Vandalism of computer systems, including unauthorized access,
is a violation of the criminal law.
AGREEMENT
Students must sign the Weldon City Schools
Agreement Form prior to accessing the Weldon City Schools Internet Program.
Parent or Guardian must sign the Weldon City Schools Agreement Form, prior to
students under the age of 18 accessing the Weldon City Schools Internet
Program.
Other users must sign the designated Weldon
City Schools’ Agreement Form, prior to accessing the Weldon City Schools
Internet Program.