Hickman County Schools
INTERNET/E-MAIL ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
We are pleased to offer students in Hickman County Schools access to the district computer network for electronic mail and the Internet. To gain access to e-mail and the Internet, all students must obtain parental permission and must sign and return the attached form to their school’s office. Access to e-mail and the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world. Pursuant to the Children's Internet Protection Act, HCS uses filtering software to screen internet sites for offensive material. Families should be warned that some materials accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of students are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the Hickman County Schools support and respect each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for access.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in the classroom. Communications on the network are often public in nature. The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a responsible manner. Parent permission is required and access is a privilege – not a right. Individual users of the district computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with district standards and will honor the agreements they have signed. Beyond the clarification of such standards, the district is not responsible for restricting, monitoring or controlling the communications of individuals using the network. Network storage areas will be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private. Within reason, access to information will be honored. During school hours, staff members will attempt to guide students toward appropriate materials.
As outlined in school policy and procedures on students’ rights and responsibilities, the following are not permitted:
1. Sending, accessing, or displaying offensive messages or pictures
2. Gathering information for potentially illegal or damaging activities
3. Using obscene language
4. Harassing, insulting or attacking others
5. Damaging computers, computer systems, or networks
6. Violating copyright laws
7. Using another’s password
8. Trespassing in another’s folder, work, or files
9. Intentionally wasting resources
10. Using the network for commercial purposes.
11. Revealing personal information or that of another student or staff member Violations may result in loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action.