Muscogee County School District
Use of the Internet/Network
And
Acceptable Use Agreement Form

I. Definitions

The Network is a connection between computers at a single school (LAN - Local Area Network) or a connection between computers across campuses (WAN - Wide Area Network).

For purposes of this document, a user is anyone who gains access to the Internet or network by use of school district equipment or resources.

The Internet is a worldwide collection of computer networks that serves as a conduit for the transfer of messages and files globally. The Internet is not a single network; rather, it consists of thousands of individual networks that allow information to pass among them.

II. Purpose

Internet/Network access and school websites facilitate communications in support of education. Use by any student or staff member must be in support of and consistent with the objectives of the Muscogee County School District. Users may have access to

• Electronic mail
• Internet resources
• Public domain software and shareware
• Discussion groups that support the instructional program

II. User Responsibilities

Users are responsible for good behavior on the Internet just as they are in all school activities. Users have an obligation to be responsible participants while exploring the vast resources that are available and must adhere to the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Illegal activities of any kind are strictly forbidden. The standards include, but are not limited to the following:

A. EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. Users will only use the Internet for educational purposes. Users will not access inappropriate sites on the Internet. Use of the Internet for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.

B. PRIVACY/SAFETY. Student users will not release personal information about themselves, their families, or others without explicit permission.

C. PASSWORDS. Users will not share any passwords except with a parent, teacher, or administrator.

D. SECURITY. Security on the Internet is a high priority. Users are expected to access authorized files only. Student users should notify a teacher of any suspected security problems.

E. GOOD MANNERS. Users should be polite. For example, users should never send, or encourage others to send, abusive messages. Users will not disturb the work of others who are using the Network.

F. APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE. Users are representatives of their school and school district when using the Network. What users write and do can be viewed globally. Users should never use or respond to inappropriate language.

G. VANDALISM. Vandalism on the Network is any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the data of another user. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses or modifying another person’s files.

H. ELECTRONIC MAIL. Users will not send or display inappropriate messages or pictures. Users will not trespass in the folders, documents or files of others. Electronic mail, sent or received, is not protected. Student users may not open unknown e-mail without permission from a teacher. Inappropriate messages include but are not limited to those containing inappropriate language, threats, information about illegal activities, or adult material.

I. DOWNLOADING FROM THE INTERNET/NETWORK. Student users will
not download any files without permission from a teacher.

J. TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING MATERIALS. Transmitting or receiving
any materials in violation of United States or Georgia laws is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene materials, or material protected by patent. (See attached copies of PL 104-104 and OCGA 16-90 etseq.)

K. COPYRIGHT. Users are expected to follow copyright laws and “fair use” guidelines.

L. UNAUTHORIZED PURCHASES. Unauthorized purchases through the use of the Internet are prohibited. Any charges incurred through such misuse will be the responsibility of the user.

M. SANCTIONS FOR MISUSE OF THE INTERNET/NETWORK. The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right; inappropriate use may result in disciplinary action or cancellation of that privilege. Use of the Internet is contingent upon compliance with state and federal laws, school/building regulations, and the user responsibilities outlined in this document.

• Violations may result in a loss of some or all Network privileges.
• Specific disciplinary actions involving student misuse will be determined at the school/building level in accordance with Board of Education Policies and the Muscogee County School District Behavior Code.
• Employees of the School District who are in violation of this Standard for Acceptable Use of the to possible disciplinary sanctions in accordance with Board of Education Policies and Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
• Anyone who defaces or injures property shall make restitution for damages.

IV. Publication of School Web Pages

All information electronically published on a school website shall be reviewed and approved by the principal.

V. Local Modifications

All locally developed modifications to this Standard for Acceptable Use of the Internet will be consistent with Board of Education Policies and the Muscogee County School District Behavior Code and Discipline Policy.

VI. Acceptable Use Agreement

All students granted access to the Internet must have an Acceptable Use Agreement form on file in a known location at the school or building site. A copy of the Muscogee County School District Acceptable Use Agreement Form follows.

To Print a copy of the Agreement Form Click HERE