Adopted: July 2013
Revised: January 2018
Download 503.7.2P - Permission for Student Access and Use of the Internet – (Electronic Signature)
Independent School District 196 offers students access to a variety of technology resources, including the Internet and email at approved grade levels. The curricular use of online Internet resources supports teaching and learning in our district schools. These tools could include, but are not limited to, email, online discussion boards, blogs, presentation creating/sharing technology and various other forms of cloud computing. The information shared on these sites can become the property of the hosting site depending on the site’s Terms of Service. In some cases, information posted to these sites by students and teachers is also available for public viewing or may be emailed to others. By signing below, you agree to allow your child to participate in the curricular use of online Internet resources and consent to the sharing of your child’s information on these sites and through email, even if the information would not otherwise be classified as public information. For specific information about online resources used in your child’s classroom, contact your child’s teacher.
Use of the Internet and other computer networks is a privilege which may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. In addition to the district’s standard consequences for student misbehavior (as described in Administrative Regulation 503.3AR, Student Behavior Expectations and Consequences for Misbehavior), any network misuse or illegal activities will result in temporary or permanent cancellation of network privileges, contact with the student’s parent or guardian and, if a violation of law has occurred, contact with law enforcement authorities. District-owned networks, servers and end-user devices are a shared resource which are the property of the district and, as such, may be subject to district-authorized search to ensure the integrity of the district network and said devices, and to ensure compliance with policies and laws. If there is reason to believe that there has been misuse of district resources, user accounts may be accessed by network administrators and other administrators. Students do not have an expectation of privacy with regard to district-owned networks, servers, computers and other devices. Students who are permitted to bring their own electronic devices to school will comply with school-specific guidelines for the use of personal electronic devices in school.
Students are expected to follow the guidelines listed in Administrative Regulation 503.7AR, Acceptable Use of Information Technology - Students, including those stated below.
- Access to the Internet will be for specific educational purposes only, such as researching a specific topic for a classroom project. While on the Internet, students are expected to remain focused on the topic they are researching and are expected to log off the system when the research is completed.
- Any information (including text, software, graphics and images) downloaded from the Internet should be classroom related.
- It is a privilege to access local area networks and the Internet in District 196. Only students who have completed their school’s requirements for Internet access may receive permission to go online.
- Students are not permitted to use abusive language or engage in cyberbullying behavior.
- Seek guidance from school staff when personal contact information is solicited by websites. Accessing social networking websites and chat rooms is not permitted without specific permission.
- Students are required to always tell a teacher if they come across any information that is obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit or offensive or if they feel bullied or unsafe due to something they encountered online.
- No reviewing or downloading of material that is obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit or offensive will be tolerated. (District policies regarding harassment, discrimination and similar issues also apply to the use of computer networks.)
Parents and guardians must understand that while Internet use in District 196 is a supervised activity, the Internet is also a wide-open system that does contain information and visual images that are not appropriate for school-aged students. In accordance with federal law, the district attempts to block Internet access to visual depictions that are obscene or child pornography (for students and adults) and that are harmful to minors (for students). However, students may encounter material that parents and guardians may consider inappropriate. The student is responsible for not pursuing material that could be considered offensive. Parents and guardians should feel free to call their child’s teacher to discuss any concerns they may have about their child’s access to Internet.
I have reviewed this document with my child(ren) and understand, support and agree to comply with the above guidelines.