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Internet Use Policy

INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Students and staff of the Chelsea Public Schools have the ability to pursue extraordinary opportunities by directly accessing the Internet. Students and staff can enhance instruction as they explore real world web sites containing information on any subject supporting curricular interests.

The Internet is an international linking of networks that will allow our school population access to a wide range of information from around the world. Using the Internet for educational projects will help to prepare our students for success in life and work in the twenty-first century.

Some information, however, is not appropriate for school age children. To help ensure that information received is age appropriate, we have installed filtering software designed to screen out objectionable material. It is impossible, however, to guarantee that all objectionable material will be made inaccessible. We have designed this Acceptable Use Policy to give guidance for proper Internet use.

Terms and Conditions of Internet Use

Acceptable Uses

1. Access to the Internet using school systems/networks is for school purposes only and not for personal or business use.
2. Users are encouraged to conduct research and communicate with others in an educational setting.
3. Users should limit themselves to information that is for administrative purposes or applies to the approved curriculum.
4. Students will have e-mail access only under their teacher's direct supervision using a classroom account. E-mail transmissions are not considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by authorized individuals to ensure appropriate use for instructional and administrative purposes.
5. Students should only download the information needed and which has been approved by a teacher.
6. Students and staff should immediately notify a teacher or administrator any time they receive an uncomfortable message that is threatening, obscene, or has suggestive material. It is very important not to respond to this type of information on the Internet.
7. Students and staff should use proper network etiquette on-line (i.e. be polite, use appropriate language).

Prohibited Uses

1. Students and staff will not offer, provide, or purchase products or services over the Internet.
2. Students and staff will not give out personal information about themselves or anyone else (i.e. home address, phone number, etc.).
3. Students and staff will not attempt to gain unauthorized access into files or computer systems.
4. Students and staff will not try to intentionally degrade or disrupt equipment or system performance.
5. Students and staff will not engage in the use of inappropriate language, profanity, discriminatory attacks, or harassment of others.

Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

Students and staff will not engage in plagiarism which is defined as "taking ideas or writings from another person and offering them as your own." Credit must be given to the appropriate sources of all material used. "Fair Use," according to the Copyright Act of 1976, means that one may have free use of any information one finds on the networks to use for educational purposes. One may not plagiarize or sell what one comes across. Any item with a commercial copyright or license may not be legally copied without the purchase of said item.

Limitation of Liability

The Chelsea School Department does not guarantee that the services provided by the district will be free from error or defect. The department will not be responsible if data is lost, if there are interruptions to the service, or for any damages that the user suffers. The user is responsible for any financial obligations which arise from unauthorized use of the system.

Privileges and Consequences

Use of the information network is a privilege, not a right. Students and staff are expected to act responsibly and honor the Acceptable Use policies and agreements. Violations will result in the loss of systems/network access and may also result in disciplinary actions including expulsion from the Chelsea Public Schools for students or termination of employment with the Chelsea Public Schools for staff.

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