Network & Internet Acceptable Use Policy
The Horseheads Central School District Board of Education considers computer access to the Internet to be a valuable tool for education. Staff and student uses of the Internet must be in support of education and consistent with the purposes of the Horseheads Central School District. This access, through the District network, should be used to support and enhance instruction and professional development.
Because access to the Internet provides connections to systems located all over the world, staff, students, and parents of students must understand that neither the Horseheads Central School District nor any individual District staff member controls the content available on these systems. Some of the information is controversial and may be offensive. The Horseheads Central School District does not condone the use of such material.
The Horseheads Central School District Board of Education considers network and Internet use to be a privilege not a right and that use entails responsibility. Staff Internet use is currently available via individual accounts. Student Internet use may be available as well. CIPA compliant Internet filtering software will not eliminate the requirement to act responsibly. All District users have a responsibility to use the network in an appropriate and responsible manner following the rules set forth in this policy.
Failure to adhere to the regulations accompanying this policy will result in revocation of access privileges and may result in disciplinary action.
Users should expect only limited privacy in the contents of their personal files on the District system. Routine maintenance and monitoring of the system may lead to the discovery that users have violated this policy, the District / Building Discipline code or the law.
An individual account search may be conducted to determine if a user has violated this policy, the District Code of Conduct, or the law. The investigation will be reasonable and related to the suspected violation.
Cross Ref.: Policy 4526.1, Email Acceptable Use
Approved: July 1, 2001
Revised and Approved: November 26, 2001; August 4, 2003; April 2, 2007; April 24, 2019
Board of Education
Horseheads Central School District
Network & Internet Acceptable Use Policy - Regulations
All uses of the network and Internet must be in support of education and consistent with the purposes of the Horseheads Central School District. This includes use of district equipment whether on district premises or off premises.
All users will adhere to the following rules:
- Staff and students must keep their password confidential and use only their own password.
- Staff and students will only use the system for lawful, educational, and ethical purposes.
- Staff and students will understand and follow the rules of computer etiquette. Examples would include avoiding using inflammatory E-mail, avoiding vulgar or obscene language, making ethnic or racial slurs, acting in any manner that is perceived as harassment or remaining on-line for extended periods of time.
- Staff and students will only access material that is related to educational expectations and refrain from profane or obscene material, any that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination toward other people. If you mistakenly access inappropriate information, you must immediately tell your teacher, supervisor, or the District Technology Coordinator. This will protect you against a claim that you have intentionally violated this policy.
- Staff and students will obtain the owner's permission before changing any electronic files.
- Staff and students will not plagiarize (see building guidelines).
- Staff and students will use their account for educationally related purposes only. This means you must refrain from offering, providing, or purchasing non-educational products or services during the normal work day or school day.
- Students will download files only with permission from a supervising teacher.
Approved: July 1, 2001
Revised and Approved: June 19, 2003; February 9, 2007; January 10, 2008
Administrative Council