Computer And Networked Information Resources Acceptable Use Agreement For Students

Paso Robles Public Schools

BP 6163.4 E

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. Before using on-line services, the student and parent/guardian shall sign the district's CIPA (Children's Internet Protection Act) Compliant Acceptable Use Policy indicating that the student understands and agrees to abide by specified user obligations and responsibilities.

Privilege:

The students and staff have the privilege to become users of this network. The computer network system is intended to provide:

Network and Computer Use Conduct/Acceptable Use:

The Paso Robles Public Schools' computer system should be shared and available to all approved users. The computer may not be used in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with its use by others. The student, in whose name an on-line services account is issued, is responsible for its proper use at all times. Students shall keep personal account numbers, home addresses and telephone numbers private. Students shall use the system only under their own account/login-password. Students shall use the district's system responsibly and solely for educational purposes. 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 your child(ren) may find material on the Internet that you would consider objectionable. Although your student’s use of the Internet will be supervised by staff, and Internet firewalls and filters are employed, Paso Robles Joint Unified School District cannot guarantee that your child(ren) will not gain access to inappropriate material. Staff members of the Paso Robles Public School District will determine what is appropriate use of technology resources. 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 will be at the discretion of the staff 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 that arise from the use of the account are the responsibility of the account holder. Any misuse of the account or system will result in disciplinary action and/or the suspension or cancellation of privileges. Use of the account by someone other than the registered user will be grounds for cancellation and will result in disciplinary action. Any user identified as a security risk for having a history of discipline/appropriate use problems with other computer systems will be denied access to PRPS Workstations and the Internet by the Paso Robles Public Schools.

Encounter of Controversial Material

The Internet, a community of network systems, is not governed by any entity. Paso Robles Joint Unified School District does not have control over the kind or quality of the information that is accessible to Internet users. Although the Paso Robles Public Schools does utilize Internet content filtering technologies to provide an academic computing environment, it is the responsibility of the user to utilize networking technologies for obtaining solely academic content.

No Expectation of Privacy

The computer system provided by Paso Robles Public Schools 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.

Violations

One of the critical factors that contributes to a business-like learning environment is student conduct. To help assure a positive computing experience, Paso Robles Public Schools defines acceptable and unacceptable behavior for student computer use. Students not following the Network Guidelines will be handled on a case-by-case basis, nevertheless the following consequences are in place:

First Offense:

Three -Five Day suspension from school, with a disciplinary hearing/conference upon the student’s return. Depending on the offense, there is a possibility of 40 hours of community service work. Any non-computer/network security violation will place the student on computer probation which limits the student to using PRPS Computers under direct adult/teacher supervision. Any computer/network security violation will result in the student's computer privileges being removed for one calendar year.

Second Offense:

Five Day suspension from school pending an expulsion hearing before the Paso Robles Board of Trustees pursuant to E.C. 48900 (k).

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Paso Robles Public Schools Computer and Networked Information Resources Required Signatures

USER: I understand and will abide by the above conditions, rules contained in the Acceptable Use Policy. I further understand that any violation of the above conditions, rules and Acceptable Use Policy is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked; disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

PARENT OR GUARDIAN: (If you are the parent or guardian of a student under the age of 18, you must also read and sign this agreement.) As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy and will instruct my child(ren) regarding any restrictions against accessing materials and will emphasize to my child(ren) the importance of following the Networked Information Policies. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. I also recognize that it is impossible for the Paso Robles Public Schools to restrict access to controversial materials, and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting. I hereby give permission to issue an account to my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

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Name of User (print)                                                Signature of User                     Date

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Name of Parent/Guardian (print)                               Signature of Parent/Guardian         Date

Teachers: Provide the following information for student users:

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Student ID Number                                                  Graduation Year

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Exhibit PASO ROBLES PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Revised version: June 29, 2004, June 6, 2006 Paso Robles, California