FILE:  G-8.3

COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE

The Terrebonne Parish School Board believes it is necessary for all persons to become aware of acceptable use of computers.  Any person using computers or other electronic information resources shall be required to use such equipment and resources in a responsible, legal manner.  The School Board retains the right to monitor all computer usage and files for compliance to all regulations and/or procedures.

The Internet is a vast global computer network that provides access to major universities around the world, governmental agencies, other school systems, and commercial providers of data banks.  The School Board shall establish appropriate guidelines for exploring and using Internet resources within the school district to enhance learning and teaching activities.  The Board shall incorporate the use of computer-related technology or the use of Internet service provider technology designed to block access or exposure to any harmful materials or information, such as sites that contain obscene, pornographic, pervasively vulgar, excessively violent, or sexually harassing information or material. Sites which contain information on the manufacturing of bombs or other incendiary devices shall also be prohibited.

It shall be the policy of the Terrebonne Parish School Board that any use of the Internet that adversely affects its operation in pursuit of teaching and learning or jeopardizes its use or performance for other community members is prohibited and may result in loss of Internet privileges, suspension of the student, or other appropriate disciplinary action.  The School Board does not condone the use of the Internet for any illegal or inappropriate activities and shall not be responsible for any such use by staff or students.  Parents shall be made aware that Internet usage is only partially controllable by supervision.

Students may use the Internet only if under the direct supervision of a teacher or other professional designated by the teacher.

 

USE OF INTERNET REGULATIONS

The School Board provides access to the Internet to students, teachers, staff and administrators.  The Internet is a very exciting educational tool which can greatly benefit schools.  Research, collaborative learning, and exchange of educational ideas and information are regularly pursued on the Internet. The Board believes that there are appropriate regulations to maximize effective educational use of the Internet and minimize abuse of the opportunity being provided to our schools.   Ethical, efficient and legal use of any network is the key to a successful linkage with the Internet.  Accordingly, regulations for participation by anyone on the Internet shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. Users must demonstrate honesty, integrity, and respect for others at all times. Appropriate manners and language shall be required.

2.  No individual student shall be permitted to have an e-mail account.  Only teachers and classes as a whole may be permitted to use e-mail.  E-mail is not guaranteed to be private on the Internet.  Therefore, only appropriate teacher or class messages shall be allowed.

3. No photographs, personal addresses, personal phone numbers, or last names will be permitted in student use of the Internet.

4. Illegal activities, including copyright or contract violations shall not be permitted.  The Internet may not be used for financial or commercial gain.

5.  Threatening, profane, or abusive messages shall be forbidden.

6.  No activities shall be allowed which may damage or interrupt equipment or any networking system.

7.  Any attempt to alter, harm or destroy the data of another user of the Internet, or any network on the Internet shall be forbidden.

8.  No user is permitted to upload, or create, a computer virus on the Internet or any networking system.

9.  Resources offered by the Internet and paid for by the Board may not be willfully wasted.

10. A user shall not attempt to access any Internet resources or entities not previously authorized by the teacher.

11.  Invading the privacy of another user, or using their account, shall not be tolerated.

12.   Posting personal messages without the author’s consent shall be forbidden.

13.  Sending or posting anonymous messages shall be forbidden.

14.  Perusing or otherwise accessing obscene or pornographic material, or using profanity in messages shall be forbidden.

15. Perusing or otherwise accessing information on manufacturing bombs or other incendiary devices shall be forbidden.

16. Product advertising, political lobbying, or sending messages involving illegal activities shall not be permitted.  Violations shall be reported to the teacher when evidence of such is encountered on the Internet.

17.  Any subscriptions to list servers, bulletin boards, or on-line services shall be approved by the Superintendent or his designee prior to any such usage.

18.  When a security problem is detected, it shall be reported immediately to the teacher.  The problem shall not be demonstrated to other users.

19. Suspension shall automatically result for a user who accesses, sends, receives, or configures electronically any profane or obscene language or pictures.

No one shall be permitted to use the Internet unless a completed Internet Usage Contract has been submitted to the Superintendent or designee.  

Revised:  December, 1999; February 2005

 

Ref:     La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '17:81, 17:100.6; Board minutes, 10-19-99; 3-1-05

 

  INTERNET USAGE CONTRACT

Please sign this portion of the contract.  You may keep all other pages for your records.

As a user of the Terrebonne Parish School System computer network, I hereby agree to comply with the above stated rules, communicating over the network in a reliable fashion and honoring restrictions.

Student/Employee signature:_______________________ Date:__________

As the parent or legal guardian of the student signing above, I have reviewed the Terrebonne Parish School System Computer and Internet Use policy with my son, daughter, or ward.  I grant permission for him/her to access networked computer services such as electronic mail and the Internet.  I understand that individuals and families will be held liable for violations.  Furthermore, I agree that teachers and other school officials shall have access at all times to review the work, communications, and files of my son, daughter, or ward and that no student shall enjoy a right of privacy with regard to the same.

Parent/Guardian signature:_________________________   Date:________

Address:______________________________________ Phone:__________

School:_______________________________________  Grade:__________

 

Terrebonne Parish Schools                                                  Revised December 1999; February 2005