The district recognizes the importance of developing students into agile learners who are capable of addressing the complex needs of our future workforce. For this reason, the district has prioritized making available technology and programs that teach students to embrace modern technology and tools while fostering a secure learning environment for students to the extent reasonable. Because technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means.
Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students. Students may be permitted to use district-issued email addresses and Internet-based collaboration software to send and receive messages at school.
The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. Although students will be under teacher supervision while on the network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Some students might encounter information which may not be of educational value. Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records. Students’ Internet activities will be monitored by the school district to ensure students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors. The school district will use technology protection measures to protect students from inappropriate access, including sites that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors.
The school district will monitor the online activities of students and will educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting on social networking sites and chat rooms. Students will also be educated on cyberbullying, including awareness and response. Employees will provide age appropriate training for students who use the Internet. The training provided will be designed to promote the school district’s commitment to:
Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet. Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the Internet. Students will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the Internet Acceptable Use policy and regulations, that they will comply with the policy and regulations, and that they understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations.
Legal References:
Iowa Code § 279.8.
Cross References:
104 Anti-Bullying/Harassment
604.10 Online Courses
604.11 Appropriate Use of Online Learning Platforms
605.5 School Library
605.7 Use of Information Resources
Approved July 1999
Reviewed February 2024
Revised
Your child has access to electronic communication known as the Internet. The Internet is a collection of more than 20,000 interconnected computer networks. The vast domain of information contained within Internet's libraries can provide unlimited opportunities to students.
Students will be able to access the Internet through their teachers. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses will be issued to students at this time. If a student already has an electronic mail address, he/she may, with permission of the supervising teacher be permitted to use the address to send and receive mail at school.
Students will be expected to abide by the following network etiquette:
The use of the network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations. As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks. Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures. Students will abide by the polices and procedures of these other networks.
Students will respect all copyright and license agreements.
Students will cite all quotes, references, and sources.
Students will only remain on the system long enough to get needed information.
Students will apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.
Student access for electronic mail will be through their own account. Students should adhere to the following guidelines:
■ Others may be able to read or access the mail, so private messages should not be sent.
■ Delete unwanted messages immediately.
■ Use of objectionable language is prohibited.
■ Always sign messages.
■ Always acknowledge receipt of a document or file.
Students accessing Internet services that have a cost involved will be responsible for payment of those costs.
Please sign the form if you would like your child to be granted Internet access and return the permission form to your child's school.
Student Name__________________________________ Grade_________________
School________________________________________ Date__________________
Parent or Guardian’s Signiture____________________________________________________
If you have granted your child Internet access, please have them respond to the following:
I have read the expected network etiquette and agree to abide by these provisions. I understand that violation of these provisions may constitute suspension or revocation of Internet privileges.
I agree to be responsible for payment of costs incurred by accessing any Internet services that have a cost involved.
Student’s Signiture:___________________________________________________
Student:_____________________________________________________________________
Teacher:_____________________________________________________________________
Date:_______________________________________________________________________
Students who access restricted items on the Internet shall be subject to the appropriate action described in the school discipline policy or student handbook forward to the following consequences:
____________ First Offense:
The of the student has violated the student Internet policy by intentionally accessing restricted material. He/she may lose Internet access for up to three weeks at the discretion of the supervising teacher. A second offense will result in the student losing Internet access for a period _________________________.
____________ Second Offense:
The above student has violated the Student Internet Policy by intentionally accessing restricted material for a second time. As a consequence of this violation of the above student has lost Internet access for a period __________________.
____________ Third Offense:
The above student has violated the Student Internet Policy by intentionally accessing restricted material for a third time. As a consequence of this violation, the above student has forfeited all Internet privileges for a period of __________ or the balance of the school year.
I. Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use.
II. Internet Access.
III. Student Use of Internet.
IV. Student Violations--Consequences and Notifications.
Students who access restricted items on the Internet are subject to the appropriate action described in board policy or regulations or the following consequences: