For the use of computers, email, mobile devices, the internet, and internet applications.
Definitions
“User” includes anyone, including employees, students, and guests, using CVCHS technology, including, but not limited to, computers, networks, internet, email, chat rooms, and other forms of technology services and products.
"Network" is a wired and wireless technology network including school networks, cellular networks, commercial, community, or home-based wireless networks accessible to students.
"Mobile Devices" are cell phones, 'Blackberry' [smartphone] type devices, PDAs, MP3 players, iPod type devices, and portable computers such as laptops, iPads, desktops, tablets, and netbooks, as well as portable storage devices.
Background
Technology provides students with unique and powerful ways to enhance their learning. CVCHS supports the use of technology to enhance and support learning and is pleased to offer Users access to the Network so that they can access school-supplied technology to enhance learning.
It is one of the technology goals of CVCHS to ensure that each User's interactions with technology contribute positively to the learning environment both at school and in the community. Negative use of technology through CVCHS-owned devices inside or outside of our schools that degrades or defames other Users or members of our community is unacceptable. CVCHS also recognizes that Users have widespread access to both technology and the internet; therefore, the use of personal devices and connectivity is considered to be included in the Responsible Use Policy (RUP).
Access to CVCHS's Network is a privilege, not a right. The use of technology whether owned by CVCHS or devices supplied by the Users entails personal responsibility. It is expected that Users will comply with CVCHS rules, act responsibly, and will honor the terms and conditions set by the classroom teacher and CVCHS. Failure to comply with such terms and conditions may result in temporary or permanent loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action as necessary. In particular, students will be held accountable for their actions and are encouraged to report any accidental use immediately to their teacher or school administration.
With the increased usage of free educational applications on the internet, digital storage areas, containing less sensitive User information, may or may not be located on the property of the school or county. In some cases, data will not be stored on local servers. Therefore, Users should not expect that files and communication are private. CVCHS reserves the right to monitor Users' online activities and to access, review, copy, and store or delete any electronic communication or files and disclose them to others as it deems necessary. Users should have no expectation of privacy regarding their use of CVCHS property, Network, and/or internet access or files, including email.
CVCHS has a private and secure system for sensitive school records, which will be managed by CVCHS Information Technology Staff.
Best Practices for Use
These are examples of inappropriate activity on the CVCHS Network, but CVCHS reserves the right to take immediate action regarding activities 1) that create security and/or safety issues for the CVCHS Network, Users, schools, or computer resources; 2) that expend CVCHS resources on content it determines lacks legitimate educational content/purpose, or; 3) other activities as determined by CVCHS as inappropriate.
- Violating any state or federal law or municipal ordinance, such as: Accessing or transmitting pornography of any kind, obscene depictions, harmful materials, materials that encourage others to violate the law, confidential information or copyrighted materials
- Criminal activities that can be punished under the law
- Selling or purchasing illegal items or substances
- Obtaining and/or using anonymous email sites, spamming, spreading viruses
- Causing harm to others or damage to their property
- Using profane or abusive language; threatening, harassing, or making damaging or false statements about others; accessing, transmitting, or downloading offensive, harassing, or disparaging materials
- Sharing and/or sending confidential information such as, but not limited to, testing materials
- Deleting, copying, modifying, or forging other Users' names, emails, files, or data, disguising one's identity, impersonating other Users; sending anonymous emails
- Damaging computer equipment, files, data, or the Network in any way, including intentionally accessing, transmitting, or downloading computer viruses or other harmful files or programs, or disrupting any computer system performance
- Using any CVCHS computer/Mobile Devices to pursue "hacking", internal or external to CVCHS, or attempting to access information protected by privacy laws.
- Accessing, transmitting, or downloading large files maliciously including "chain letters" or any type of "pyramid schemes"
- Using websites, email, Network, or other technology for political uses or personal gain
- Intentionally accessing, creating, storing, or transmitting material that may be deemed to be offensive, indecent, obscene, intimidating, or hostile; or that harasses, insults, or attacks others
- Advertising, promoting non-CVCHS sites or commercial efforts and events
- Using the Network for non-academic related bandwidth-intensive activities such as network games or transmission of large audio/video files or serving as a host for such activities
Cybersafety and Cyberbullying
Staff shall provide age-appropriate instruction regarding safe and appropriate behavior on social networking sites, chat rooms, and other internet services. Such instruction shall include, but not be limited to, the dangers of posting personal information online, misrepresentation by online predators, how to report inappropriate or offensive content or threats, behaviors that constitute cyberbullying, and how to respond when subjected to cyberbullying.
All Users
Despite every effort for supervision and filtering, all Users and Students' parents/guardians are advised that access to the Network may include the potential for access to content inappropriate for school-aged students. Every User must take responsibility for his or her use of the Network and make every effort to avoid such content. Every User must report security or Network problems to a teacher, administrator, or system administrator.
Personal Safety
In using the Network and internet, Users should not reveal personal information such as home address or telephone number.
Confidentiality of User Information
Users should never give out private or confidential information about themselves or others on the internet.
Active Restriction Measures
CVCHS will utilize filtering software or other technologies to prevent Users from accessing visual depictions that are (1) obscene; (2) pornographic, or; (3) harmful to minors. Attempts to circumvent or “get around” the content filter are strictly prohibited and will be considered a violation of this policy. CVCHS will also monitor the online activities of Users through direct observation and/or other technological means.
Online Tools
Technology provides an abundance of opportunities for Users to utilize interactive tools and sites on public websites that benefit learning, communication, and social interaction.
Users may be held accountable for the use of, and information posted on these sites if it detrimentally affects the welfare of individual Users or the governance, climate, or effectiveness of the school. From time to time, teachers may recommend and use public interactive sites that, to the best of their knowledge, are legitimate and safe. As the site is "public", the teacher and CVCHS are not in control of it; therefore, all Users must use their discretion when accessing information, storing, and displaying work on the site. All terms and conditions in this RUP also apply to User-owned devices utilizing the CVCHS Network.
Student Use of Online Tools
Online communication is critical to the students' learning of 21st Century skills, and tools such as blogging, podcasting, and chatting offer an authentic, real-world vehicle for student expression. Student safety is the primary responsibility of teachers.
Therefore, teachers need to ensure the use of Google Docs, classroom blogs, student email, podcast projects, email chat features, or other online tools follow all established internet safety guidelines including:
Students using online tools such as, but not limited to, Google Docs, blogs, podcasts are considered an extension of the classroom. Therefore, any speech that is considered inappropriate in the classroom is also inappropriate in all uses of blogs, podcasts, or other online tools. This includes, but is not limited to, profane, racist, sexist, or discriminatory remarks.
Students using Google Docs, blogs, podcasts, or other web tools are expected to act safely by keeping ALL personal information out of their posts.
Students should NEVER post personal information on the web (including, but not limited to, last names, personal details such as address or phone numbers, or photographs).
Students should NEVER, under any circumstances, agree to meet someone they have met over the internet.
Any personal blog a student creates in class is directly linked to the class blog, which is typically linked to the student profile and therefore must follow these blogging guidelines. In addition to following the information above about not sharing too much personal information (in the profile or any posts/comments made), students need to realize that anywhere they use the blog login it links back to the class blog. Therefore, anywhere that login is used (posting to a separate personal blog, commenting on someone else's blog, etc.), the account should be treated the same as a school blog and should follow these guidelines.
Students should NEVER link to websites from their blog or blog comments without reading the entire article to make sure it is appropriate for a school setting.
Students using such tools agree to not share their username or web posting spaces as classroom spaces. Speech that is inappropriate for class is also inappropriate for a blog.
Students who do not abide by these terms and conditions may lose their opportunity to take part in the project and/or be subject to consequences appropriate to misuse.
Student Supervision and Security
CVCHS provides content filtering controls for student access to the internet using the CVCHS Network as well as reasonable adult supervision. But, at times, inappropriate, objectionable, and/or offensive material may circumvent the filter, as well as staff supervision, and be viewed by students. Students are to report the occurrence to their teacher or the nearest staff member. Students will be held accountable for any deliberate attempt to circumvent CVCHS technology security and supervision.
Students may not record or videotape within the classroom or on campus without first receiving permission from their teacher or administration.
Students using mobile and cellular devices while at school and during school-sponsored activities are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in this document and are accountable for their use.