Washington County School District’s
Technology Acceptable Use Policy
School Handbook Version
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the use of computers, Internet, and other electronic or communication devices by District students, patrons, and employees are used appropriately, responsibly, ethically and legally.
INTERNET ACCESS IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT
Washington County School District is able to provide computers, Internet, and other technological advances for the District employees and staff, students, and other patrons. The use of this technology is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the loss of these privileges to those within Washington County School District.
DO’S for COMPUTERS and INTERNET
Do use your own account and not someone else’s. The use of another’s account may result in the loss of your own.
Do access only the servers, files, databases, and sites you have permission to access. Attempts to access restricted areas may result in adding more restrictions to your account or the permanent removal of it.
Do use games, chat rooms, instant messaging etc. only if it is directly related to education, instruction, and/or work assignments, and only if you have been assigned to do so by your teacher. The use of such, other than for educational purposes, is a waste of technology resources and can degrade network equipment, software, or system performance.
Do use the technology provided to enhance homework and other assignments, being careful not to borrow material that is not yours. If someone else came up with the idea, wrote the paper or has claim to the information being borrowed give the credit where the credit is due!
Do be careful not to engage in any illegal activity which may hamper the use of district technology. Such activity may include: using copyrighted material, using and/or communicating threatening or obscene material, and material protected by trade secrets.
Do be aware of another person’s privacy and keep personal information such as: addresses, phone numbers, or other personal information private.
Do use the technology provided for the betterment of education and educating not for commercial and/or personal gain.
Do understand that any attempt to change or destroy another’s data or network that is connected to the Internet is vandalism. What is yours is yours and what is theirs is theirs!
Do, above all, respect others. Accessing, downloading, storing or printing files or messages that are profane, obscene, or contain bad language can be very offensive to those around you. This type of activity is also a waste of technology and other resources.
Once again, the use of this technology is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the loss of these privileges.
PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Washington County School District recognizes that technology is essential and embraces and encourages the use of it. We have seen advancements in technology that have ushered in a new generation of gadgets, particularly in Portable Communication Devices. Such devices would include, but are not limited to: cell phones, with the ability to go online, chat, text message, download, e-mail, and photograph. Other devices could include pagers, mp3 players, cassette and CD players, laser pointers, game machines, and mini DV cameras. With said devices comes great responsibility and with that responsibility comes a time and a place where and when such devices can and should be used.
DO’S of PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Do be responsible to ensure that the portable communication device is turned off and placed out of sight during the instructional day.
Do be considerate of others, making sure that such devices do not distract from the opportunity to learn and be educated.
Do be careful not to invade or violate another’s privacy by taking these devices in areas such as locker rooms, shower rooms, restrooms, and other areas where someone’s privacy could be violated.
Do be very careful with portable communication devices, that they are not used in any way that can be interpreted as being threatening, humiliating, harassing, embarrassing, or intimidating.
Do understand that teachers and administrators will have authority to confiscate these devices, contact the parents, and take appropriate action if any of these devices are used inappropriately.
Do discuss if in doubt, with the principal or a school administrator, as to the time and place when and where portable communication devices may be used.
The following page is not a requirement by the District, but it is an option made available to schools. It is the recommendation of the district technology office that the handbook version of the policy be published so that all parents and students have the opportunity to review the policy. It is also recommended that principals make arrangements to review the Acceptable Use Policy with students similar to the review of attendance and dress code policy.
Washington County School District
Technology Acceptable Use Agreement
Application/Contract:
I certify that I have read the District's Technology Acceptable Use Policy 3700*. I understand and agree to follow all of the Terms and Conditions of the Policy. I understand any violation of the District's Policy may result in the temporary or permanent loss of Internet access and/or my user account; may result in other disciplinary action and may constitute a criminal offense.
I agree to report any misuse of the Internet, computer or communication resources to my school administration. In consideration for the privilege of using the District's computers, network and Internet access, I hereby release and hold harmless the District and its employees, from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my use, or inability to use, the District's computers, network, or Internet access.
Note: This contract will be placed in the user's permanent file.
User Name: ___________________________________ School: _________________________
(Please Print)
User Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _______________________
The following must be signed if applicant is a student of the District.
PARENT or GUARDIAN:
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the District's Technology Acceptable Use Policy3700* and this contract. I understand that the Policy and all of its terms and conditions are incorporated into this contract. I understand that access to the Internet resources is designed for educational purposes. I understand that controversial material is available on the Internet, and I permit my child to use the Internet despite this potential availability. The UEN provides and the District has decided to use filtering software. The filtering software is designed to identify web sites that educators believe are inappropriate for students and to prohibit access to those sites.I, also, understand that my child will have opportunities to disclose personally identifiable information that the District prohibits but cannot always control. I will not hold the District responsible for materials my child acquires on the network. My child uses the Internet at my child's own risk and at my own risk. I hereby release the District from any claim arising from my child's use of the Internet. I agree to report any misuse of the Internet resources to a District administrator. I understand that my child's violation of the District's Policy will result in the temporary or permanent loss of Internet access and/or my child's user account; may result in other disciplinary action; and may constitute a criminal offense. I here by give my permission for my child to access the Internet, and I give permission to the District to issue an account for my child. I certify that the information contained on this application is correct.
Parent or Guardian Name (please print):________________________________________________
Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: __________________
*The entire Technology Acceptable Use Policy can be found at www.wash.k12.ut.us or by contacting the District Office or schools.
