Network Acceptable Use Policy

for District Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks

Daleville Community Schools (DCS) mandates that any use of technology to access electronic networks, including the Internet and email, must be done responsibly, legally, and ethically. Violating the Network Acceptable Use Policy may lead to the loss of network access, disciplinary action, and potential legal prosecution under state or federal law.

The Network Acceptable Use Policy specifies appropriate usage and outlines prohibited activities regarding technology resources and electronic devices as determined by school administrators. All users are expected to adhere to the rules and conditions provided, both in writing and verbally, and to exhibit good citizenship and ethical behavior at all times.

Daleville Community Schools provides employees and students with a variety of technology resources for educational purposes. This policy outlines the appropriate use and prohibited activities related to any technology resources or electronic devices, whether provided by the school or personally owned. All users are expected to adhere to the listed rules and conditions, as well as any verbal instructions given by school personnel, and to exhibit good citizenship and ethical behavior at all times.

All Internet activity is monitored, including search terms, websites visited, and content viewed. All Google services, such as Drive, Gmail, Classroom, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, are also monitored and accessible by DCS.

A filtering system is in place to actively track and monitor Internet usage, preventing access to educationally inappropriate sites on both the DCS network and DCS-owned devices used on non-DCS networks. However, it's important to understand that no filtering system is foolproof. Given the nature of the Internet and the rapid evolution of technology, we cannot guarantee that students will never encounter inappropriate content. It is the student’s responsibility to report any such sites to a teacher.

Below are examples, though not an exhaustive list, of online conduct that may violate federal and/or state laws related to cybercrimes:

Criminal Acts: This includes, but is not limited to, unauthorized access to computer systems ("hacking"), threatening or harassing emails, cyber-stalking, child pornography, vandalism, tampering with computer systems without permission, using misleading domain names, and identity theft.

Libel Laws: This involves publicly defaming individuals by publishing material on the Internet, via email, etc.

Copyright Violations: This refers to copying, selling, or distributing copyrighted materials without the express written permission of the author or publisher (users should assume that all materials available online are protected by copyright) and engaging in plagiarism (using someone else's words or ideas as if they were your own).

NETWORK ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

This Network Acceptable Use Policy was developed with input from administrators, teachers, students, parents, and the Daleville Police Department.

By accessing the DCS network, users agree to the following rules and conditions:

  • I acknowledge that using the school network and email is a privilege, not a right.

  • I understand that my school network and email accounts are owned by DCS and are not private.

  • I recognize that DCS has the authority to access my information at any time.

  • I understand that DCS administrators will determine what constitutes inappropriate use, even if it is not explicitly outlined in this agreement.

  • I will use technology in a manner that complies with the laws of the United States and the State of Indiana.

  • I also understand that I should notify school personnel immediately if I come across any material that violates appropriate use.

  • I will abide by the Responsible Use statements as found below.

RESPONSIBLE USE

  • I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY COMPUTER ACCOUNT AND EMAIL ACCOUNT. I understand that passwords are private and that I should not share my password with anyone. I understand that I am responsible for all activities done through my account. I will not allow others to use my account name and password, or try to use that of others. I understand that I will violate the law if I attempt to electronically capture another person’s password. I understand that it is important to log off the computer at the end of every session so another user cannot use my password.

  • I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY LANGUAGE. I will use appropriate language in my email messages, online postings, and other digital communications with others. I will not use profanity, vulgarities, or any other inappropriate language as determined by school administrators.

  • I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR HOW I TREAT OTHER PEOPLE. I will use email and other means of communication (e.g. blogs, wikis, chat, instant messaging, discussion boards, etc.) responsibly. I will not send or post hateful or harassing mail, make discriminatory or derogatory remarks about others, or engage in bullying, harassment, or other antisocial behaviors while in school or out of school.

  • I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY USE OF THE DALEVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL NETWORK. I will use DCS computer resources responsibly. I will not search, retrieve, save, circulate, or display hate-based, offensive, or sexually explicit material. I will not search, retrieve, save, or circulate images or information about weapons using any DCS computer resources unless authorized by the school administrator/teacher as part of a school assignment. I understand the use of the DCS network for illegal or commercial activities is prohibited.

  • I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY CONDUCT ON ALL ONLINE SITES. I understand that what I do on social networking websites should not negatively impact the school learning environment or my fellow students, teachers, and administrators.

  • I AM RESPONSIBLE TO BE HONEST WHILE I AM ONLINE. I understand that impersonating, spoofing, or pretending to be someone else is forbidden. This includes but is not limited to, sending out emails, creating accounts, or posting messages or other online content (e.g. text, images, audio, or video) in someone else's name.

  • I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING THE SECURITY OF THE DALEVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOLS’ NETWORK. I will not attempt to bypass security settings or Internet filters or interfere with the operation of the network by any means including, but not limited to, installing illegal software such as file sharing, shareware, or freeware on school computers.

  • I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING SCHOOL PROPERTY. I understand that vandalism is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to accessing, modifying, or destroying equipment, programs, files, or settings on any computer or technology resource. I understand that I need authorization from a school administrator/teacher to use personal electronic devices that I bring to school, including, but not limited to, memory storage devices (i.e. USB drives).

  • I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR RESPECTING OTHER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY ONLINE. I will obey copyright laws. I will not plagiarize or use other’s work without proper citation and permission. I will not illegally download materials protected by copyright including, but not limited to, music and movies.

  • I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR FOLLOWING SCHOOL RULES WHENEVER I PUBLISH ANYTHING ONLINE. I will follow all guidelines set forth by DCS and/or my teachers when publishing schoolwork online (e.g. to a website, blog, wiki, discussion board, podcasting or video server). I understand that it is unsafe to post any personal information about myself, including but not limited to my name, address, phone number, or school. I will not post photos of students with their first and last names on any online site, including but not limited to: blogs, wikis, and discussion forums.