Acceptable Use of Computer Network(s)/Computers and Resources
2361
ACCEPTABLE USE OF COMPUTER NETWORK(S)/COMPUTERS AND RESOURCES
The Board of Education recognizes as new technologies shift the manner in which information is accessed, communicated, and transferred; these changes will alter the nature of teaching and learning. Access to technology will allow pupils to explore databases, libraries, Internet sites, and bulletin boards while exchanging information with individuals throughout the world. The Board supports access by pupils to these information sources but reserves the right to limit in-school use to materials appropriate for educational purposes. The Board directs the Superintendent to effect training of teaching staff members in skills appropriate to analyzing and evaluating such resources as to appropriateness for educational purposes.
The Board also recognizes technology allows pupils access to information sources that have not been pre-screened by educators using Board approved standards. The Board therefore adopts the following standards of conduct for the use of computer networks and declares unethical, unacceptable, or illegal behavior as just cause for taking disciplinary action, limiting or revoking network access privileges, and/or instituting legal action.
The Board provides access to computer networks/computers for educational purposes only. The Board retains the right to restrict or terminate pupil access to computer networks/computers at any time, for any reason. School district personnel will monitor networks and online activity to maintain the integrity of the networks, ensure their proper use, and ensure compliance with Federal and State laws that regulate Internet safety.
Standards for Use of Computer Networks
Any individual engaging in the following actions when using computer networks/computers shall be subject to discipline or legal action:
B. Using the computer networks/computers to violate copyrights, institutional or third party copyrights, license agreements or other contracts.
1. Intentionally disrupts network traffic or crashes the network;
2. Degrades or disrupts equipment or system performance;
3. Uses the computing resources of the school district for commercial purposes, financial gain, or fraud;
4. Steals data or other intellectual property;
5. Gains or seeks unauthorized access to the files of others or vandalizes the data of another person;
6. Gains or seeks unauthorized access to resources or entities;
7. Forges electronic mail messages or uses an account owned by others;
8. Invades privacy of others;
9. Posts anonymous messages;
10. Possesses any data which is a violation of this Policy; and/or
Internet Safety Protection
As a condition for receipt of certain Federal funding, the school district shall be in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and has installed technology protection measures for all computers in the school district, including computers in media centers/libraries. The technology protection must block and/or filter material and visual depictions that are obscene as defined in Section 1460 of Title 18, United States Code; child pornography, as defined in Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code; are harmful to minors including any pictures, images, graphic image file or other material or visual depiction that taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; or depicts, describes, or represents in a patently offensive way, with respect to what is suitable for minors, sexual acts or conduct; or taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.
This Policy also establishes Internet safety policy and procedures in the district as required in the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act. Policy 2361 addresses access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web; the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online; unauthorized disclosures, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors.
Notwithstanding blocking and/or filtering the material and visual depictions prohibited in the Children’s Internet Protection Act and the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Board shall determine other Internet material that is inappropriate for minors.
In accordance with the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Superintendent of Schools or designee will develop and ensure education is provided to every pupil regarding appropriate online behavior, including pupils interacting with other individuals on social networking sites and/or chat rooms, and cyber bullying awareness and response.
The Board will provide reasonable public notice and will hold one annual public hearing during a regular monthly Board meeting or during a designated special Board meeting to address and receive public community input on the Internet safety policy - Policy and Regulation 2361. Any changes in Policy and Regulation 2361 since the previous year’s annual public hearing will also be discussed at a meeting following the annual public hearing.
The school district will certify on an annual basis, that the schools, including media centers/libraries in the district, are in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act and the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act and the school district enforces the requirements of these Acts and this Policy.
Consent Requirement
No pupil shall be allowed to use the school districts’ computer networks/computers and the Internet unless they have filed with the Principal or designee a consent form signed by the pupil and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s).
Violations
Individuals violating this Policy shall be subject to the consequences as indicated in Regulation 2361 and other appropriate discipline, which includes but are not limited to:
- Use of the network only under direct supervision;
- Suspension of network privileges;
- Revocation of network privileges;
- Suspension of computer privileges;
- Revocation of computer privileges;
- Suspension from school;
- Expulsion from school; and/or
- Legal action and prosecution by the authorities.
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY 2361
STUDENT SUMMARY VERSION
This is a summary of the Union City School District’s Acceptable Use Of Computer Network(s), Computers and Resources Policy.
Full version is available on the District website www.ucboe.us and all school websites.
The District requires all pupils and their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to review the entire policy, which is posted on District and School web sites and is available from any school principal. The Board of Education recognizes that as telecommunications and other new technologies shift, the manner in which information is accessed, communicated and transferred will alter the nature of teaching and learning. Access to telecommunications will allow pupils to explore databases, libraries, Internet sites, bulletin boards and the like while exchanging information with individuals throughout the world. The Board supports access by pupils to information sources but reserves the right to limit in school use to materials appropriate to educational purposes. While the Board provides access to computer network/computers for educational purposes only, it retains the right to restrict or terminate pupil access to the computer network/computers at any time, for any reason. The Board retains the right to have district personnel monitor network activity, in any form necessary, to maintain the integrity of the network and ensure its proper use. Prior to a pupil accessing any District computer, the Board requires each student to have a consent form signed by the pupil and his/her parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The Board also recognizes that telecommunications will allow pupils access to information sources that have not been pre-screened by educators using Board approved standards. The Board has adopted standards of conduct for the use of computer networks and declares unethical, unacceptable or illegal behavior as just cause for taking disciplinary action, limiting or revoking network access privileges and/or instituting legal action. These standards are fully stated in Policy and Regulation available at www.ucboe.us. This Policy also establishes Internet safety policy and procedures in the district as required in the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act. Notwithstanding blocking and/or filtering the visual depictions prohibited in the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Board shall determine other Internet material that is inappropriate for minors. The Board will provide reasonable public notice and will hold one annual public hearing during a regular monthly board meeting or during a designated special board meeting to address and receive public input on Policy 2361.
Violations of Policy 2361 include but are not limited to suspension or revocation of computer privileges, suspension or expulsion from school or prosecution by authorities.
My signature indicates that I have read and agree to the terms of the Union City Board of Education. The Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and School District Provided Devices Policy will be in effect for all years enrolled in Union City Public Schools.
Student Name (Print)___________________________________________
Parent Name (Print)____________________________________________________
Parent Signature_____________________________________________
Date:_______________School:________________________________
N.J.S.A. 2A:38A-3
Federal Communications Commission: Children’s Internet Protection Act
Federal Communications Commission: Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act
Adopted: 26 July 2005
Revised: 31 July 2008
Revised: 21 October 2010
Revised: 25 October 2012
Revised: 27 July 2017