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=**__Model Acceptable Use Policy for Technology__** = = = **__Introduction and Purpose__** The following is a technology Acceptable Use Policy for the school district and should be upheld by all members of the school district (see Users for specifics). The purpose of this Acceptable Use Policy is for the district to outline the guidelines for the types and uses of technology within the district, and persons responsible for following these guidelines. (NW)

Technology in the district offers enhanced learning opportunities. The school division provides technology resources for education purposes only. Some worldwide resources available on the Internet, however, are not of educational value in a school setting. A Technology Acceptable Use Policy serves to protect the interests of the school division and its technology resources users. The school system reserves the right to amend this policy at any time and to enforce such amended policy after giving notice of such amendments 10. (NW)

 The district supports use of the Internet and other computer networks in the district’s instructional and operational programs in order to facilitate learning, teaching and daily operations through interpersonal communications and access to information, research and collaboration. For instructional purposes, the use of network facilities shall be consistent with the curriculum adopted by the school district as well as the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities, and developmental levels of students 9. (NW)

 Furthermore, technology resources will be utilized where district operations can be enhanced by their use 8. (NW)

**__Standards of Use__** Staff members and students are expected to act in a responsible, ethical and legal manner in accordance with district policy, accepted rules of network etiquette, and federal and state laws. Specifically, users of the district’s technology resources must adhere to the following standards:
 * School computers/equipment will be used only for appropriate educational purposes.
 * Users should not expect any work product or Internet history to be private. The district/school/faculty may review any and all files and communications at their discretion in order to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly.
 * Students are not allowed to modify, download, or install computer programs, files, or information belonging to others. This standard safeguards against computer viruses and the violation of copyright laws.
 * Students are not allowed to alter networks, printers, computers, or other equipment in any way, except as directed by their teacher or other staff member.
 * Students are not allowed to release personal information via the Internet or electronic communications. This is to ensure student safety.
 * If a student accidentally accesses an inappropriate website or image, he or she must immediately minimize the program and contact a teacher or the eLearning Coordinator.
 * Users are not allowed to design, publish or display any inappropriate, disrespectful, profane, or threatening communication or materials and should report any instances of other users doing so.
 * Users will not facilitate illegal activity, including unauthorized access and hacking.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Users will not use school technology resources for Commercial or for ­profit purposes.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Users will not use school technology resources for product advertisement or political lobbying.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Users will not use school technology resources for production or distribution of hate mail, unlawful discriminatory remarks, and offensive or inflammatory communication.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Users are not to disrupt the work of other users.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Users will not engage in the destruction, modification, or abuse of computer and peripheral hardware or software.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Users are prohibited from the Relocation of district hardware without prior administrative consent.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Students will not use the network to participate in online or real­ time conversations, unless authorized by the teacher/administrator for the purpose of communicating with other classes, students, teachers, experts or professionals for educational purposes.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Students will not use a disk, removable storage device or CD/DVD brought into the district from an outside source that has not been properly scanned for viruses or that has been authorized for use by the Technology Department 8 & 11 . (PM and NW)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Copyright and Fair Use Measures:__** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">The illegal use of copyrighted materials in prohibited. Any copyrighted material may not be placed on the District's system without the permisson of the copyright holder. Any data uploaded to or downloaded from the network shall be subject to fair use guidelines and applicable laws and regulations 1. (ES) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement:__** > <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">a) Users will not plagiarize works that they find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were original to the user. b) Users will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when an individual inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies acceptable use of that work, the user should follow the expressed requirements. If the user is unsure whether or not they can use a work, they should request permission from the copyright owner 2. (ES) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__CIPA and Internet Security provisions:__** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">To the greatest extend possible, users of the network will be protected from harassment and unwanted or unsolicited communication. Any network user who recieves threatening or unwelcome communications shall report such immediately to a teacher or administrator. Students shall not reveal personal information to other users on the network, including chat rooms, email, Internet, etc.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">District policies on copyright will govern the use of material accessed through the District system. Because the extent of copyright protection of certain works found on the Internet is unclear, employees will make a standard practice of requesting permission from the holder of the work if their use of the material has the potential of being considered an infringement. Teachers will instruct students to respect copyright and to request permission when appropriate 3 . (ES)
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">District policies on plagiarism will govern use of material accessed through the District system. Teachers will instruct students in appropriate research and citation practices 2 . (ES)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Our district adheres to the requirements set forth by the United States Congress in the Children's Internet Policy Act (CIPA). Any district computer/server utilized by students and staff shall be equipped with Internet blocking/filtering software. The district cannot monitor every activity, but retains the right to monitor activities that utilize technology on the district network. By filtering Internet access, we intend to block offensive, obscene, and inappropriate content, including pornography. The filter may not be disabled for use by students or other minors for any reason.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Internet safety measures shall effectively address the following: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">1. Control of access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">2. Safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">3. Prevention of unauthorized online access by minors, including hacking and other unlawful activities <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">4. Unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal information regarding minors. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">5. Restriction of minors' access to materials harmful to them 13. (ES) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">6. Yearly student review in each building of safe Internet use as it pertains to social networking websites, chat rooms, cyber bullying awareness and appropriate responses to cyber bullying 5 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">. (DA)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Security/Filtering__** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">System security is protected through the use of passwords. Failure to adequately protect or update passwords could result in unauthorized access to personal or district files. To protect the integrity of the system, the following guidelines shall be followed:

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">1.Employees and students shall not reveal their passwords to another individual. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">2.Users are not to use a computer that has been logged in under another student's or employee's name. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">3.Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the network 5 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;"> .(DA) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">4.Users will avoid the inadvertent spread of computer viruses by following the School District virus protection procedures if they download software or share common file directory. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">5.Users should immediately notify a teacher or system administrator of any possible security problem. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">6.Students will promptly disclose to their teacher or other appropriate school employee any message received that is inappropriate 6 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">.(DA)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">//Internet Filtering – Federal// <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">The Superintendent shall be responsible for directing appropriate District technology staff, or technology consultant staff, to bring all computers used by children and adults into full compliance with <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">all federal requirements regarding Internet filtering software to assure that District discounts for Internet access and internal connections under the federal E-rate program are not jeopardized. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">LEGAL REF: H.R. 4577, December 2000. Omnibus Spending Bill 7 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">. (DA)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">//Filtering Software// <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Any District computer shall have Internet filtering software in place either on the computer itself, or on the server through which the computer accesses the Internet. District staff shall not allow students or staff to use any computer in the District with Internet capability that does not have Internet filtering software. This includes any computer, laptop or desktop, in the District’s Libraries or media centers, classrooms, laboratories, or offices where students or staff are, for any reason, allowed to use a computer, or any other such device, with Internet access. Staff members violating these rules are subject to disciplinary action 7 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">. (DA)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Photo and Information Release__** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> As a district, we require that all personal information posted on the school network have verifiable written permission on file at the school or office site. This includes, photographs, names or other information. This document grants the District the right to print, photograph, record, and edit as desired, the biographical information, name, image, likeness, and/or voice of the student or staff on audio, video, film, slide, or any other electronic and printed formats, currently developed, (known as "Recordings" ) for the purposes stated or related to the specific request. - A completed form is required to post any information on the web or used for publicity regarding students (Staff/Parents please use form below). A parent's signature is required for students under the age of 18. Students over the age of 18 may use the form listed below 4. (DA)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Photo Release Form

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Consequences__** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">It will be the responsibility of any and all users to adhere to rules presented in this acceptable use policy. Any user the chooses to deliberately ignore this policy will be held entirely responsible for any damages that occur as a result. As a district, we believe that access to the network and use of school hardware is a privilege and it should be treated as such. (DA)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">The network user shall be responsible for damages to the equipment, systems, and software resulting from deliberate or willful acts. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Illegal use of the network; intentional deletion or damage to files of data belonging to others; copyright violations; and theft of services will be reported to the appropriate legal authorities for possible prosecution. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">General rules for behavior and communications apply when using the Internet, in addition to the stipulations of this policy. Loss of access and other disciplinary actions shall be consequences for inappropriate use. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Vandalism will result in cancellation of access privileges, can lead to displinary action, and/or legal proceedings. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet or other networks; this includes but is not limited to uploading or creating computer viruses 5 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">. (DA)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Types of Users__** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Within the district, there are several individuals with access to the network and its resources. All of these individuals apply to the Acceptable Use Policy including upper administration, building administrators, faculty and staff, students, secretaries, custodial staff, and volunteer community members. (NW)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;"> The district shall make every effort to ensure that this resource is used responsibly by students and staff. Students and staff have the responsibility to respect and protect the rights of every other user in the district and on the Internet 9. (NW)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;"> Administrators, teachers and staff have a professional responsibility to work together with parents/guardians to help students develop the intellectual skills necessary to discriminate among information sources, to identify information appropriate to their age and developmental levels, and to evaluate and use the information to meet their educational goals 8. (NW)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;"> Network accounts shall be used only by the authorized owner of the account for its approved purpose. All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property and shall not be disclosed. Network users shall respect the privacy of other users on the system 9. (NW)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Students and employees of the School District, who complete and sign the technology resource use agreement are authorized users or users of the school division’s technology resources. Students and their parents or legal guardians shall receive and sign an acknowledgment of this Policy and return it to the appropriate individual school. The school shall maintain an accurate record of those who have returned the signed acknowledgment and shall respond accordingly 10. (NW)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">//See the "Forms" tab on the left menu for the appropriate form for you and/or your child. These must be signed and returned to your school building.//

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Disclaimer__** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Our school/district makes no guarantee that the services provided by or through the school/district system will be error free and/or without defect. The district is not responsible for any damage the user may suffer, including but not limited to, a loss of data or interruptions of service. The school/district is also not responsible for financial obligations that arise from the unauthorized use of the system. The electronic information available to users does not imply endorsement of the content by the school district, nor is the school district responsible for the quality or accuracy of information obtained through or stored on the system. In no event will the school district be liable to the user for any damages whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising out of the use of the system 11 & 12. (PM)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Lists and Definitions__** <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Child Pornography**- under federal law, is any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, picture, or computer or computer-generated image or picture, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means, of sexually explicit conduct, where: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">1. The production of such visual depiction involves the use of minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">2. Such visual depiction is a digital image, computer image, or computer generated image that is, or is indistinguishable from, that of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct; or <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">3. Such visual depiction has been created, adapted, or modified to appear that an identfiable minor is engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Child pornography**-under state law, is any book, magazine, pamphlet, slide, photograph, film, videotape, computer depcition or other material depicting a child under the age of eighteen years engaging in a prohibited sexual act or in the simulation of such act 1. (ES)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Computer**- includes any school district owned, leased or licensed or user-owned personal hardware, software, or other technology device used on school district premises or at school district events, or connected to the school district network, containing school district programs or school district or student data (including images, files, and other information) attached or connected to, installed in, or otherwise used in connection with a computer. For example, computer includes, but is not limited to, the school district's and users': desktop, notebook, power books, tablet PC, iPad, Kindle, eBook readers, or laptop computers; printers, facsimile machine, cables, modems, and other peripherals; specialized electronic equipment used for students' special educational purposes; Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment; RFID; personal digital assistants (PDAs); iPods; MP3 players; thumb drives; cell phones (with or without Internet access and/or recording and/or <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">camera/video and other capabilities and configuration); telephones; mobile phones; or wireless devices; two-way radios/telephones; beepers; paging devices; laser pointers and attachments; Pulse Pens; and any other such technology developed.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Electronic Communications Systems** - any messaging, collaboration, publishing, broadcast, or distribution system that depends on electronic communications <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">resources to create, send, forward, reply to, transmit, store, hold, copy, download, display, view, read, or print electronic records for purposes of communication across <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">electronic communications network systems between or among individuals or groups, that is either explicitly denoted as a system for electronic communications or is implicitly used for such purposes. Further, an electronic communications system means any wire, radio, electromagnetic, photooptical or photo electronic facilities for the transmission/transfer of signs, signals, writings, images, sounds, data, or intelligence of any nature, wire or electronic communications, and any computer facilities or related electronic equipment for the electronic storage of such communications. Examples include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranet, electronic mail services, voice mail services, tweeting, text messaging, instant messaging, GPS, PDAs, facsimile machines, cell phones (with or without Internet access and/or electronic mail and/or recording devices), cameras/video, and other capabilities and configurations.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Educational Purpose** - includes use of the systems for classroom activities, professional or career development, and to support the school district's curriculum, policies, regulations, rules, procedures, and mission statement.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Harmful to Minors** - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Under federal law, any picture, image, graphic image file or other visual depictions that: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">1. Taken as a whole, with respect to minors, appeals to the prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">2. Depicts, describes, or represents in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual content, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or lewd exhibition of the genitals. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">3.Taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational or scientific value as to minors.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Under Pennsylvania law, that quality of any depiction or representation in whatever form of nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement, or sadomasochistic abuse, when it: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">1.Predominantly appeals to the prurient, shameful, or morbid interest of minors; <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">2.Is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable for minors; and <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational or scientific value for minors.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Inappropriate Matter** - includes, but is not limited to, visual, graphic, video, text and any other form of indecent, obscene, pornographic, child pornographic, or other material that is harmful to minors, sexually explicit, or sexually suggestive. Examples include taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (such as sexting, e-mailing, texting, among others). Others include hateful, illegal, defamatory, lewd, vulgar, profane, rude, inflammatory, threatening, harassing, discriminatory (as it pertains to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, sexual orientation, political beliefs, receipt of financial aid, or disability), violent, bullying, flagging, terroristic material, and advocating the destruction of property.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Incidental Personal Use** - incidental personal use of school district computers is permitted for employees so long as such use does not interfere with the employee's job duties and performance, with system operations, or with other system users. Personal use must comply with this policy, all other applicable school district policies, regulations, rules, and procedures, as well as ISP terms, local, state and federal laws, and must not damage the school district's systems.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Minor** - for purposes of compliance with the federal Children's Internet Protection Act (“CIPA"), an individual who has not yet attained the age of seventeen (17). For other purposes, **minor** shall mean the age of minority as defined in the relevant law.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Obscene** - <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Under federal law, analysis of the material meets the following elements: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">1. Whether the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">2.Whether the work depicts or describes, in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct specifically designed by the applicable state or federal law to be obscene. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">3.Whether the work taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational, or scientific value.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">Under Pennsylvania law, analysis of the material meets the following elements: <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">1. The average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that the subject material, taken as a whole, appeals to the prurient interest. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">2.The subject matter depicts or describes in a patently offensive way, sexual conduct described in the law to be obscene. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">3.The subject matter, taken as a whole,lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational or scientific value.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Technology Protection Measure(s)** - a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography or harmful to minors.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">**Visual Depictions**- includes undeveloped film and videotape and data stored on computer disk or by electronic means which is capable of conversion into a visual image that has been transmitted by any means, whether or not stored in a permanent format but does not include mere words. 12 (PM)