Policy 7314 – Student Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

The Board will provide access to various computerized information resources through the District’s technology systems (“DTS”) consisting of software, hardware, computer networks and applications. This may include access to electronic mail, and on-line services. It may include the opportunity for some students to have independent access to the DCS from their home or other remote locations.  All use of the DTS, including independent use off school premises, will be subject to this policy.  Further, all such use must be in support of education and/or research and consistent with the goals and purposes of the District.

Access to Inappropriate Content/Material and Use of Personal Technology or Electronic Devices

This policy is intended to establish general guidelines for the acceptable student use of the DTS and also to give students and parents or guardians notice that student use of the DTS will provide student access to external computer networks not controlled by the District. The District cannot screen or review all of the available content or materials on these external computer networks, thus, some of the available content or materials on these external networks may be deemed unsuitable for student use or access by parents or guardians.

Although student access to the DTS on and off site is subject to student filtering policies, it is virtually impossible to completely prevent access to content or material that may be considered inappropriate for students. Students may have the ability to access such content or material from their home, other locations off school premises and/or with a student’s own personal technology or electronic device on school grounds or at school events. Parents and guardians should establish boundaries and standards for the appropriate and acceptable use of technology and communicate these boundaries and standards to their children. The appropriate/acceptable use standards outlined in this policy apply to student use of technology via the DTS or any other electronic media or communications, including by means of a student’s own personal technology or electronic device on school grounds or at school events.

Standards of Acceptable Use

Generally, the same standards of acceptable student conduct which apply to any school activity shall apply to use of the DTS.  This policy does not attempt to articulate all required and/or acceptable uses of the DTS; nor is it the intention of this policy to define all inappropriate usage.

District students must also adhere to the laws, policies and rules governing computers including, but not limited to, copyright laws, rights of software publishers, license agreements, and student rights of privacy created by federal and state law.

Students who engage in unacceptable use of the DTS may lose access in accordance with applicable due process procedures, and may be subject to further discipline in accordance with the District Code of Conduct.  The District reserves the right to pursue legal action against a student who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damages or destroys property of the District.  Further, the District may bring suit in civil court against the parents/guardians of any student who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damages or destroys District property pursuant to General Obligations Law Section 3-112.

Student data files and other electronic storage areas are considered District property subject to control and inspection. The Computer Coordinator may access all files and communications without prior notice to ensure system integrity and that users are complying with the requirements of this policy.  Students should not expect that information stored on the DTS will be private.

Notification

The District’s Acceptable Use Policy will be disseminated to parents and students in order to provide notice of the school’s requirements, expectations, and students’ obligations when accessing the DTS.

General Obligations Law Section 3-112

NOTE:  Refer also to Policy:

  • #8311 — Internet Safety/ Internet Content Filtering
  • District Code of Conduct on School Property

Adopted: 04/25/01
Revised: 02/09/12
Revised: 12/21/21