DBS CODE:  6141.321

INSTRUCTION

Student Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy:

It is the policy of the Somers Public Schools to maintain an environment that promotes ethical and responsible conduct in all Internet and online network activities.  It shall be a violation of this policy for any student to engage in any activity that does not conform to the established purpose and general rules and policies of the Somers Public Schools.

The use of Somers Public Schools computer equipment, tablets, Internet accounts and commercial online accounts must be in support of education and research and must be consistent with the educational objectives and goals of the Somers Public Schools.  Any material transmitted must meet federal, state, local, and district regulations including, but not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secrets.  Use for commercial activities, product advertisement, or political lobbying is prohibited.  Any viewing or dissemination of objectionable materials from any source into the system is strictly prohibited.

The Board of Education has the right to monitor computer usage by electronic means. Such monitoring or review will be done as needed to ensure that the systems are being used for District-related educational purposes.  A statement notifying staff and students will be attached or included in the telecommunications form required of all users.  Other forms of notification will also be used including but not limited to school handbooks, student handbooks, employment policies, postings at computer labs.

Each district computer with Internet access shall utilize a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic or harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by the Children's Internet Protection Act and as determined by the Superintendent or his/her designee.  The Superintendent or his/her designee shall enforce the use of such filtering devices.  An administrator, supervisor, or other authorized person may disable the filtering device for bona fide research or other lawful purpose, provided the person receives prior permission from the Superintendent or his/her designee.

Special Responsibilities of Telecommunication Users

1.  All students must sign the Somers Public Schools Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy Agreement for use of the telecommunications services and equipment provided by the Somers Public Schools.

2.  All telecommunications services and equipment must be used for academic related purposes.

3.  Student use of personal online accounts with school equipment for non-academic purposes is not allowed.

4.  Students may not utilize school equipment or networks to participate in non-academic chat sessions.

5.  Students may not use e-mail unless authorized to do so for academic related purposes.

6.  Students may not communicate their name, address, telephone number, picture or other personal information while using the Internet or an online service.

7.  Students may not violate the rules of common sense or "netiquette."  They are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette: be polite; do not use vulgar or obscene language; do not reveal your address or phone number or those of others; do not disrupt the network or the data of others.

8.  The use of district telecommunication services and equipment for cyberbullying will not be tolerated.  Any such cases must be reported to the building administration for disciplinary action.

9.  DBS Code: 6141.32, Curriculum: Computer Usage, is an integral part of the Student Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy and is in effect at all times.

Cross Reference:  DBS Code: 6141.32 - Curriculum - Computer Usage

DBS Code: 4118.5 - Business - Staff Telecommunication Acceptable Use Policy

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes

53a-182b. Harassment in the first degree: Class D felony. (as amended by PA 95-143)

20 U.S.C. Section 6777, No Child Left Behind Act

20 U.S.C. 254 Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000

47 U.S.C. Children's Online Protection Act of 1998

Adopted:  March 24, 2014

Revised May 24, 2021

   ADMIN. REG:  6141.321

INSTRUCTION:

Student Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy:

1.  All students and parents must sign DBS Code 6141.321, Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy, to use any of the Somers Public Schools telecommunications services (Internet access) or computer equipment.

2.  A student/parent signature will be valid for the career of the student in any given building.  When a student moves from one building to another a new student/parent signature will be required.

3.  A student/parent signature on DBS Code 6141.321 encompasses Board of Education policy 6141.32, Computer Use.

4.  All staff must sign DBS Code 3541.1.  The signature is valid for the staff member’s career in the Somers Public Schools.

5.  One person in each building will be designated to monitor and keep a record of who has signed the Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy.  That person will supply the staff with a list of students who have not signed the policy.  That person will also update the list as needed.

6.  When a student violates, or is suspected of violating, the Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy the building principal or designee shall commence an effective, thorough, and objective investigation within five school days of the incident.  The investigation shall make a written report summarizing the results of the investigation and proposed disposition of the matter to the Superintendent and the Director of Technology and Information Services, who shall keep the report on file as long as the student is enrolled in the Somers Public Schools.

7.  Intentional violation of or refusal to sign the Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy will result in the suspension of computer/telecommunication services privileges for the remainder of the school year.  Suspension of these privileges will result in the student being withdrawn from courses that rely heavily upon the use of computer services of telecommunications services for learning to be achieved.  At the end of the school year the situation will be reevaluated and if privileges are reinstated the Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy will need to be re-signed.

SOMERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Student Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy

I have read and understand the above Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy.  I have been advised that any violation of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. 

User Signature:________________________________             Date:____________________

Parent or Guardian (If student is under the age of 18 a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement.)

As a parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Telecommunications Acceptable Use Policy.  I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes.  Somers Public Schools has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material.  However, I also recognize it is impossible for Somers Public Schools to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network.  I have reviewed these responsibilities with my child.

Parent/Guardian Signature:_______________________             Date:____________________

Signature does not necessarily mean concurrence, only awareness of the policy.

Use of computer resources and facilities owned by or under the supervision of the Somers Public Schools are governed by the Policy on Computer Use (DBS Code: 6141.32, adopted 10/11/95).

Adopted:  March 17, 1997

November 2, 1999

October 23, 2006