Acceptable Use Procedures for Hickory =
Public
Schools
Internet and Electronic Mail Applicati=
on/
Permission Form
The Hickory Public Schools have the ability to
enhance the education of students through the use of computers. The schools
offer electronic network access for students, teachers, and staff within t=
he
school system.
We are pleased to offer students access to rich
information resources through the electronic networks. We recognize that as
telecommunications and other technologies shift the ways that information =
may
be accessed, communicated, and transferred by members of society, those ch=
anges
may also alter instruction and student learning. In a free and democratic
society, access to information is a fundamental right of citizenship.
Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation =
of
citizens and future employees.
One component of the access is the Internet, an
electronic highway connecting thousands of computers, computer networks, a=
nd
individual subscribers around the world. The Internet offers vast, diverse=
, and
unique information resources previously unavailable to our schools. The ne=
twork
is provided for students and teachers to conduct research and communicate =
with
others.
Goals for the utilization of the electronic ne=
twork
are:
Through the Internet, students, teachers, and =
staff
will be able to have access to:
Acc=
ess to
e-mail and the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libra=
ries,
databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with Internet use=
rs
throughout the world. Families should be warned that a small amount of mat=
erial
accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, controvers=
ial,
defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. While our
intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals a=
nd
objectives, students may find ways to access other materials that may not =
be
considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting.
Users (and parents of users, if the user is under 18 years old) must under=
stand
that the Hickory Public Schools cannot control the content of the informat=
ion
available on the Internet. We firmly believe that the valuable information=
and
interaction available on this worldwide network far outweigh the possibili=
ty
that users may encounter material that is not consistent with the educatio=
nal
goals of the system. We do not condone the use of such materials and take =
all
reasonable precautions to limit access to these materials by using software
programs that may block the material, by providing adult guidance and
supervision, and by training students K-12 to use the network responsibly.
Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be 'honore=
d.
The Internet is a tool that requires responsible users who control themsel=
ves.
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government
agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operati=
on of
the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adher=
e to
strict guidelines. The guidelines are provided here so that all are aware =
of
the responsibility to which the users agree. Students are responsible for =
good
behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a
school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature.
General school rules for behavior and communications apply. School employe=
es,
students, and parents must be aware that access to the Internet will be
withdrawn from users who do not respect the rights of others or who do not
follow the rules and regulations established by the Hickory Public Schools=
and
their individual school.
Rules and Regu=
lations
I. Acceptable Use: Hickory Public Schools networks are to be used in a
responsible, efficient, and legal manner and must be in support of the
educational objectives and student behavior guidelines of the Hickory Publ=
ic
Schools. General school rules for behavior, communications and discipline =
apply
as outlined in Board Policy JBC & JD and in Student Handbooks. Transmi=
ssion
of any material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibi=
ted.
Una=
cceptable
uses include, but are not limited to, the following:
II. Netiquette: Users must abide by network rules. =
These
rules include, but are not limited to, the following:
III.
Privileges: Access to network services is
given
to students who sign this policy to act in a considerate and responsible
manner. The use of the Hickory Public Schools networks is a privilege, not=
a
right. Inappropriate use will result in limitation or cancellation of user
privileges and possible school disciplinary action. Each student who recei=
ves
an individual account will be informed as to proper use of the network, and
will sign this Acceptable Use Policy. If the student is under 18 years of =
age
the legal guardian must also sign.
IV.=
Disclaimer: The Hickory Public S=
chools
will not be responsible for any damages suffered, including the loss of da=
ta
resulting from delays, non-deliveries, service interruptions, or inaccurate
information. The user accepts personal responsibility for any information
obtained or delivered via the network, including the prohibited sharing of
personal information such as home address, checking account, and credit ca=
rd
information.
V. Security: Security on any com=
puter
system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users.
Attempts to log into the system as any other user or share a password will
result in cancellation of user privileges. If a security problem is identi=
fied,
notify the system administrator at the school. Do not demonstrate the prob=
lem
to other users. Note that electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private;
system operators have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in suppo=
rt of
illegal activities will be reported to the authorities.
VI.=
Vandalism: Vandalism is defined =
as any
malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment, programs, and/or data of a=
nyone
connected to the server and or the Internet. This includes, but is not lim=
ited
to, uploading, creating, or transmitting computer viruses. Vandalism will =
result
in cancellation of user privileges and school disciplinary action. =
=
VII.
Accounts: Students may apply =
for
individual, independent accounts. As these accounts become available, scho=
ol
rules will be developed to govern their use Students should not assume that
information in these accounts will always be private.
VIII. Privacy: Network administrators may review =
files
and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are =
using
the systems responsibly. Users should not assume that files stored on dist=
rict
servers and hard drives of computers will always be private.
The=
se
guidelines are provided so that the user and parents are aware of the resp=
onsibilities
for which the user is applying. The Hickory Public Schools supports and
respects each. family's right to decide whether or not to apply for indepe=
ndent
access.
If a
Hickory Public Schools user violates any of these provisions, his or her a=
ccount
will be terminated and future access could be denied. The signature(s) at =
the
end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicates the party (par=
ties)
who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understa=
nd(s)
their significance.
STUDENT APPLICATION FOR INDEPENDENT USE OF
NETWORKS
Student name (please p=
rint):
=
&n=
bsp; &nbs=
p; =
Date:
Homeroom teacher:
Student Agreement
I understand and will abide b=
y the
above Rules and Regulations for Hickory Public Schools networks. I further
understand that any violation is unethical and may constitute a school or
criminal offense. Any violation will result in the loss of access privileg=
es,
school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action.
Student Signature =
;
Date
Parent or Guardian Agreement
I have read the above Rules a=
nd
Regulations for the Hickory Public Schools Networks and understand that th=
is
access is designed for educational purposes only. I also recognize that is
impossible to restrict access to all inappropriate materials. I understand=
that
any violation is unethical and may constitute a school or criminal offense=
. Any
violation will result in the loss of access privileges, school disciplinary
action and/or appropriate legal action. I understand that some materials o=
n the
Internet may be objectionable, but I accept responsibility for guidance of
Internet use ‑ setting and conveying standards for my daughter or so=
n to
follow when selecting, sharing, or exploring information and media. I acce=
pt
full responsibility for my child's compliance with the above Rules and
Regulations and, hereby, give my permission for my child to use Hickory Pu=
blic
Schools networks.
Parent or Guardian Name (Please print):
Parent or Guardian Signature:
Date:
Parent
Permission Form
for
World Wide Web
Publishing
of Student Work or Photographs
Name of Student
Sch=
ool
Name of P=
arent
*****
We unders=
tand
that our daughter or son's art work or writing and/or photograph is under
consideration for publication on the World Wide Web, a part of the Interne=
t. We
further understand that the work will appear with a copyright notice prohi=
biting
the copying of such work without express written permission. In the event
anyone requests such permission, those requests will be forwarded to us as
parents or guardians. No name, home address, or telephone number will appe=
ar
with such work.
*****
We grant
permission for publication on the World Wide Web the following: (check
appropriate box)
( ) My child's art work=
or
writing
( ) My child's photogra=
ph
Parent or Guardian&nbs=
p; =
&n=
bsp; &nbs=
p; =
Date =
; &=
nbsp; &nb=
sp; =
; &=
nbsp; &nb=
sp;
*****
I, the st=
udent,
also give my permission for such publishing.
Name
Date
Student Signature <= o:p>