Paso Robles Public Schools Computer and Networked Information Resources Acceptable Use Agreement For Staff Members

Revised June, 2006

The Internet is a world-wide network connecting millions of computers that grows daily. Internet access and computer use is available to students and staff in the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District. This computer network brings information sources to students and staff and is a tool that promotes life-long learning. The staff member, in whose name an on-line services account is issued, is responsible for its proper use at all times. Staff shall keep personal account numbers, home addresses and telephone numbers private. Staff shall use the system only under their own account number. Staff shall use the district's system responsibly and solely for educational/work-related purposes.

Network Conduct/Acceptable Use:

The Paso Robles Joint Unified computer network is shared and available to all approved users. The computer system then may not be used in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with its use by others. Inappropriate conduct in the use of the system includes, but is not limited to the following:

Network Etiquette:

The use of the District computer system for telecommunication requires that all users abide by the following rules:

Monitoring

It is possible that you may find material on the Internet that is objectionable and not educationally relevant. Staff members will supervise student computer use and student Internet use, and will take appropriate action if student computer misuse is discovered. Although your students’ use of the Internet is supervised by you, the instructor, and Internet firewalls and filters are employed, the District cannot guarantee that your students will not gain access to inappropriate material. The District provides a category-based content filter to assist in keeping Internet material educationally relevant and safe. The District reserves the rights to any materials stored in files which are generally accessible to others and will remove any material that is believed to be unlawful, obscene, pornographic, abusive, or otherwise objectionable. The system may not be used to obtain, view, download, or otherwise gain or provide access to such materials. The District staff will refer for disciplinary action any individual who does not comply with the provisions of this agreement. Cancellation of user privileges and possible personnel action will be at the discretion of the District after application of due process.

No Warranties

The Paso Robles Public Schools will not be held responsible for the loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions sustained or incurred in connection with the use, operation, or inability to use the system. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained electronically. Use of any information obtained electronically is at the risk of the user.

Security

The Paso Robles Public Schools' computer system is intended for the exclusive use of its registered users, who are responsible for their password and their accounts. Any problems which arise from the negligent use of the account are the responsibility of the account holder. No Staff Member should log into any PRPS network/workstation using another staff members account information.

As classrooms gain access to networked student records, security of those records in paramount. Consequently, no students are allowed to enter, import, export, or view information for the PRPS student data management system (e.g. Aeries, IDMS, electronic gradebooks). Staff members must not leave a logged-in computer with Aeries/gradebook opened on the screen.

Encounter of Controversial Material

The Internet, a community of network systems, is not governed by any entity. The District does not have control over the kind or quality of the information that is accessible to Internet users. Although the District does utilize Internet content filtering technologies/services to provide an academic computing environment, it is the responsibility of the staff member/user to utilize networking technologies for obtaining solely academic and educationally appropriate content.

Equipment

Staff members are responsible for the proper use of the equipment in their office space or classroom.

Installing Software

PRPS is cognizant that educators need to install software on their classroom workstation(s) in order to maintain personal productivity and to meet student needs. In order to help insure that installed software will not render the computer and/or the PRPS Wide Area Network (WAN) inoperable, and to insure that PRPS stays within software licensing agreements, please do the following prior to installation:

Call or email the TechGroup and convey the following information:

No Expectation of Privacy

The computer system provided by Paso Robles Joint Unified School District is the property of the schools. No person using the system has a right to expect privacy with respect to any material stored on that system, including email and material downloaded from the Internet. The District reserves the right to monitor and access all such material.

Penalties for Improper Use

Any user violating rules, applicable to state and federal laws, or posted classroom and District rules, is subject to loss of network privileges and other disciplinary actions. In addition, pertaining to State and Federal laws, any unauthorized access, attempted access, or use of any state computing and/or network system is a violation of Section 502 of the California Penal Code or applicable federal laws and is subject to criminal prosecution.

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