Quincy Public School District
QPS Home News and Events Webmail School Directory Faculty and Staff Employment
Home
School Board
Instructional Services
Teacher Resources
Mentoring Information

Quincy Public Schools

Acceptable Use Policy

AUTHORIZATION FOR ELECTRONIC NETWORK ACCESS AND COMPUTER USAGE

All use of the Internet shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.  These rules do not attempt to state all required or prohibited behavior by users.  However, some specific examples are provided.  The failure of any user to follow the terms of the Authorization for Electronic Network Access and Computer Usage will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action.   The signature (s) at the end of this document indicates the party who signed has read the terms and conditions carefully and understands their significance.

 Terms and Conditions

  1. Acceptable Use - Access to the District’s network and Internet must be for the purpose of education or research, and be  consistent with the educational objectives of the District.

 

  1. Privileges - The use of the District’s network  and Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. The Superintendent (or his/her designee) will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these rules and will make the appropriate recommendations. Students and staff should have no expectations of privacy regarding use of the network. By nature of the network, system administrators have access to all files associated with electronic communication.

 

  1. Unacceptable Use – Users are responsible for their actions and activities involving the network.  Some examples of unacceptable uses include but are not limited to the following: 

a. Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any US or State regulation;

b. Unauthorized uploading or downloading of software, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or devirused;

c. Downloading copyrighted material for other than personal use;

d. Using the computer system for private financial or commercial gain (this includes buying or selling on the Web); 

e. Wastefully using resources, such as file space, chain letters, flaming, etc; Students user directories should not exceed 15 MB without permission of the Technology Coordinator (or his/her representative).  Staff directories should not exceed 20 MB.

f. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities;

g. Trespassing in others’ folders, work, files or changing computer files not belonging to the user;

h. Invading the privacy of individuals;

i. Using another user’s account or password or sharing passwords with others;

j. Posting material authored or created by another without his/her consent;

k. Posting anonymous messages;

l. Using the network for commercial or private advertising;

m. Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing or displaying any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening (including weapons & bombs), racially offensive,   harassing, or illegal messages, pictures, or other material;

n. Using the network or Internet while access privileges are suspended or revoked;

o. Using chat rooms without permission.

  1. Network Etiquette - Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Being polite.  Not becoming abusive in  messages to others.

b. Using appropriate language.  Not swearing, or using vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.

c. Not revealing ANY personal addresses or telephone numbers.

d. Recognizing that electronic mail (E-mail) is not private.  People who operate the system have access to all mail, files and activity logs.  Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities must be reported to the authorities.

e. Not using the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.

f. Considering all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property.

  1. No Warranties - The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing.  The District will not be responsible for any damages  suffered by the user.  This includes loss of data  resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or your errors or omissions.  Students and staff are responsible for backup of their personal files.  Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s risk.  The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

 

  1. Indemnification - To the extent permitted by law, the user agrees to indemnify the School District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any breach of these rules.

 

  1. Security - Network security is a high priority.  If the user can identify a security problem on the network or on the Internet, he/she   must notify the system administrator, the building technology facilitator or building principal. The problem should not be described or demonstrated to other users.  Accounts and passwords should be kept confidential.  Users should  not use another individuals account. Attempts to log-on to the network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges.  Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the network.

 

  1. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action.  Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware or data of another user, the Internet, or any computer system.  This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creating of computer viruses and any attempts to disrupt network resources or communication.

 

  1. Telephone Charges - The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.

 

  1. These rules may be amended from time to time by posting amendments in the main office of the school. Amendments become binding upon posting.  No further signature is required.

Students and employees need only sign this Authorization for Electronic Network Access and Computer Usage once while enrolled or employed by the School District.

 Agreement to Authorization for Electronic Network Access and Computer Usage:

I understand and will abide by the above Authorization for Electronic Network Access and Computer Usage.  I further understand that should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, and school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.  In consideration for using the District=s network and Internet connection and having access to public networks, I hereby release to the extent permitted by law the School District and its Board members, employees, and agents from any claims and damages arising from my use, or inability to use the network or the Internet.

 DATE: _________________________, 20____

 

 _________________________________________

USER NUMBER (student id / employee number)

 

________________________________________

USER NAME (please print)

 

 _________________________________________

SCHOOL / BUILDING

 

 _________________________________________

USER SIGNATURE

 
School Lunches
School Closings
Transportation
New to the District
District Calendar