Acceptable Computer Use Policy

Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District
Acceptable Computer Use Policy

General Information
The Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District provides computer equipment, computer services and Internet Access to its students and staff for educational purposes only. The purpose of providing technology resources is to improve learning and teaching through research, teacher training, collaboration, dissemination and the use of global communication resources. The "System Administrators," referred to herein, are employees of the Greater Egg Harbor Regional High School District. They are the administrators of the computer system and, as such, reserve the right to monitor all activity on network facilities.

Because of the complex association between so many governmental agencies and networks, the end user of these networks must adhere to strict guidelines. These are provided here so that staff, community, student users, and the parents/guardians of students are aware of their responsibilities. The District may modify these rules at any time by publishing modified rule(s) on the system. The signature of the students and/or parents on the district-approved permission form are legally binding and indicate that the parties have read the terms and conditions carefully, understand their significance, and agree to abide by the rules established under the policy.

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. 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 considerate and responsible manner. Parental permission is required. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility. 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 communication of individuals utilizing the network.

Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are working responsibly within the system. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers would always be private.

Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. During school, teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with any information source such as television, telephones, movies, radio and other potentially offensive media. As outlined in Board policy and procedures regarding student rights and responsibilities (copies of which are available in school offices), the following are not permitted:

· Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
· Using obscene language
· Harassing, insulting or attacking others
· Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks
· Violating copyright laws
· Using another's password
· Trespassing in another's folders, works or files
· Intentionally wasting limited resources
· Employing the network for commercial purposes

Violations may result in a loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal actions. Additional disciplinary actions may be determined at the building level, in line with existing practices regarding inappropriate language or behavior.

Information Content and Users of the System
Users agree not to publish on or over the system any information which violates or infringes upon the rights of any other person or any information which would be abusive, profane or sexually offensive to an average person or which contains any advertising or any solicitation of other members to use goods or services, without the approval of the system administrators. The user agrees not to use the facilities and capabilities of the system to conduct any business nor solicit the performance of any activity, which is prohibited by law.