Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to govern all electronic activity of users using and accessing the SANY’s Internet systems, including SANY e-mail and SANY-provided access to the Internet, and applies to the use of the SANY Internet Systems both on and off SANY property.
Accountability
Under the direction of the District Superintendent or his/her designee shall ensure compliance with this policy. The Operations Managers, Deans, and other members of management will implement this policy in their respective areas.
Applicability
This policy applies to all members of the SANY who access and use the SANY's Internet Systems both on and off SANY property.
By using the SANY’s Internet Systems, a user agrees to follow this policy and all applicable SANY regulations, policies and guidelines. All users must report any misuse of the network or Internet or receipt of any communication that violates this policy to a teacher, supervisor or other appropriate SANY personnel.
Definitions
Refer to the Technology Terms and Definitions for terms and definitions that are used in this policy.
Policy
General
Internet access and e-mail provided by the SANY are intended for educational use, instruction, research and the facilitation of communication, collaboration, and other SANY related purposes. Users are subject to the same standards expected in a classroom and/or professional workplace.
Monitoring and Privacy
Users have no right to privacy while using the SANY’s Internet Systems. The SANY monitors users’ online activities and reserves the right to access, review, copy, store, or delete any electronic communications or files. This includes any items stored on SANY-provided devices, such as files, e-mails, cookies, and Internet history.
The SANY reserves the right to disclose any electronic activity, including electronic communications, to law enforcement officials or third parties, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law. The SANY will fully cooperate with local, state, or federal officials in any lawful investigation concerning or relating to any illegal activities conducted through the SANY ’s Internet Systems.
Prohibited Uses of the SANY’s Internet Systems
Users may not engage in any of the activities prohibited by this policy when using or accessing the SANY ’s Internet Systems.
If users are uncertain whether behavior is prohibited, they should contact a teacher, supervisor or other appropriate SANY. personnel. The SANY reserves the right to take immediate action regarding activities that (1) create security and/or safety issues for the SANY, students, employees, schools, network or computer resources, or (2) expend SANY resources on content the SANY determines lacks legitimate educational or SANY content or purpose, or (3) the SANY determines are inappropriate.
Below is a non-exhaustive list of examples of prohibited behavior:
Filtering
In accordance to Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”), the SANY blocks or filters content over the Internet that the SANY considers inappropriate for minors. This includes pornography, obscene material, and other material that may be harmful to minors. The SANY may also block or filter other content deemed to be inappropriate, lacking educational or work-related content or that pose a threat to the network. The SANY may, in its discretion, disable such filtering for certain users for bona-fide research or other lawful educational or business purposes.
Users shall not use any website, application, or methods to bypass filtering of the network or perform any other unlawful activities.
See additional information regarding CIPA.
Protection of Personally Identifiable and Confidential Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) prohibits SANY school officials from disclosing personally identifiable information (“PII”) from education records of SANY students and families to third parties without parental consent. However, several exceptions to this general rule may apply.
All users of the SANY’s Internet Systems must comply with FERPA, Confidentiality and Release of Student Records; Records Retention. If you are unsure about whether the activity will comply with FERPA, please contact the SANY district office.
Internal communications with a SANY attorney may also be confidential. Accordingly, users should not forward or distribute such communications without first checking with the attorney. Users should ensure that e-mails that include or attach confidential information are only sent to the intended recipients.
Student Internet Safety
Policy Compliance
This Internet Use Policy details the rights and privileges of all users regarding the utilization of the worldwide computer network, commonly referred to as the Internet. Through the Internet, users are able to retrieve and share information, conduct research and communicate with others. While the school is able and willing to provide its students and staff with access to the Internet, users must understand and agree to follow the rules and regulations, established by the school to ensure appropriate behavior(s) and action(s) during such use. With the privilege of accessing the Internet comes the responsibility to act in a lawful, ethical manner.
In cases where the school has reason to suspect a user has violated its rule(s) and/or regulation(s) for use of its Internet connection, e-mail system, computers, and/or computer-related equipment, the suspected user(s) will have his/her Internet, email and/or computer account privileges temporarily suspended during an investigation. Potential instances of rule(s) and/or regulation(s) violations include use by an unauthorized person or access or dissemination of materials that are illegal, defamatory, abusive, harassing, and/or sexually explicit.
Suspected violations of this policy by a student must be immediately reported to the school Dean or his/her designee. The school Dean or his/her designee, will, in turn, notify the student’s parent(s) and review the facts of the incident with them. After giving the student an opportunity to be heard and reviewing the details of the case, consistent with the school Code of Conduct, the school Dean will determine an appropriate penalty. If inappropriate student conduct has occurred, the student’s account may be closed for a designated period of time, and disciplinary action ranging from loss of Internet access privileges to suspension from school may be taken. Based upon all the facts and in the discretion of the school Dean or his/her designee, the school Dean will determine the final action to be taken. School will notify appropriate governmental or law enforcement agencies of any violation of this Policy, as required by law.
Suspected violations of the policy by a staff member should also be reported to the school Dean, who will review the facts of the incident and after giving all parties an opportunity to be heard, shall determine whether disciplinary action is required. If such action is appropriate, the user’s account may be closed for a designated period of time, as determined by the school Dean, and disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the applicable Board Policies and school regulations and the terms of the employee’s employment agreement. Based on all the facts and the school Dean’s discretion, the school Dean will determine the final action to be taken. School will notify appropriate governmental or law enforcement agencies of any violation of this Policy, as required by law.
Access to the Internet, email or a computer account may also be revoked by the school for any established violation of a policy, rule or regulation of school.
All users must promptly disclose to their teacher, supervisor, dean of school or operations manager any information they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
In an effort to ensure that all parties understand and agree to the rules and regulations established in this Internet Use Policy, it is mandated that all users of school computers, computer-related equipment, e-mail, and Internet connection sign an Acceptable Use Agreement. This includes all students, staff and community members. Regarding student use, a parent’s signature shall be required as verification of parental approval of the student’s use and agreement with the policy’s guidelines and procedures. When necessary, a parent’s signature may be subject to verification on a case-by-case basis. All forms will be kept on file at the school. It is further recommended that parents of students using the Internet are informed of the policy’s rules and regulations by receiving a copy of a Student Internet Access letter. Completion of the Internet Use Form will be done on an annual basis.
Limitation of Liability
The SANY makes no guarantees about the quality of the services provided and is not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, costs, or other obligations arising from use of the network or accounts. Any additional charges a user accrues due to the use of the SANY’s network are to be borne by the user. The SANY also denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through user access. Any statement, accessible on the computer network or the Internet, is understood to be the author's individual point of view and not that of the SANY, its affiliates, or employees.
