Acceptable Computer Network Use Policy for Students

This information has been prepared as a resource for students. Please take a few minutes to read it so that you may take proper advantage of this important educational resource.
High School District 211 provides access to educational and informational resources for students via computers in classrooms, laboratories, media centers, and offices. These computers are part of a local and wide area network designed to assist students in the learning process. High School District 211 owns and operates the computer network and, therefore, reserves the right to search and examine any district-owned storage media.
High School District 211 provides no assurance of privacy for information transmitted via the network or contained in district-owned storage media including, but not limited to, electronic mail. Use of the services provided by District 211 is a privilege that can be revoked.

Student Network Access

Access to the district's computer network is controlled through user identification names and passwords. This information will be provided to you by your teachers and/or media staff in your school.

Acceptable Use

The District 211 Network exists for students to access educational and informational resources for, and in support of, educational and research purposes related to their coursework. The network may only be used for lawful, non-commercial activities in support of these purposes. Students may use the network in conjunction with assigned classroom activities or assignments consistent with these purposes.

Unacceptable Use

Unacceptable uses prohibited by District 211 policy include the following:
• actions which violate District 211 policy; the policies of organizations operating other computers or networks accessed via the Network; or local, state or federal laws;
• interference with, or the disruption of, Network use by other users;
• Creation and/or propagation of unsolicited advertising, political lobbying, chain letters, pyramid schemes, computer worms, viruses, or other vandalism: (Vandalism is defined as an attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet or any other network.) This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
• attempt to circumvent security measures on or unauthorized entry to school or remote computers, networks, information, or communications devices;
• unauthorized use or distribution of user passwords, copyrighted material, or material protected as a trade secret;
• use of abusive or otherwise objectionable language;
• transmission of inaccurate, threatening, harassing, or obscene material;
• forgery of electronic mail messages;
• unauthorized examination, modification, deletion, transmission, or duplication of files and/or data belonging to another user; and
• Accessing information unsuitable in the educational setting. Any expenses incurred by virtue of violations of this policy are the sole responsibility of the individual.
Any unacceptable use, as described above, will result in cancellation of student network privileges and will subject the student to appropriate disciplinary action ranging from admonition and warning to suspension and/or expulsion.

Internet Access

Most all District 211 computers are capable of providing Internet access. Independent access (not under direct supervision of a teacher) is only allowed with parent permission. Permission forms are provided with initial school registration materials. School identification cards are coded accordingly, and you may be asked to show your I.D. card when doing independent Internet research. When signing the Internet access card, you are giving permission to High School District 211 to copy student-authored work for electronic or physical display.

Electronic Lockers

Through the computer network, each student has storage space on a district server for his/her own work. This is called an e-locker. You are able, through this process, to maintain a portfolio of past and current projects.

Standard Software Suite

In addition to specific curriculum-related software, a standard suite of Microsoft Office software consisting of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is available for all students.

Student Responsibilities

• Students are responsible at all times for the proper use of a system account issued in the student's name.
• Students shall immediately notify the system administrator or other authority of any security problem on the Network known to, or identified by, the student. Further, students are not to act on, take advantage of, or share with other students any information about such security problems.
• By using the Network, students acknowledge the potential for access to inaccurate and/or objectionable material among resources provided by others. District 211 does not condone the use of such materials.

Disclaimer

District 211 makes no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, for the opinions, advice, services, merchandise, or other information provided by system users, information providers, service providers, or other third parties on the Network. District 211 is not responsible for any damages suffered by users including, but not limited to, loss of data resulting from unacceptable use, delays, non- or mis-delivery of information, or service interruptions of any kind or for any reason. Use of information or services provided on the Network is at the user's own risk. District 211 specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of information or materials of any sort obtained through the use of the Network. District 211 provides no assurance of privacy for information transmitted via the Network or contained in District-owned storage media including, but not limited to, electronic mail. District 211 reserves the right to search and examine, any District-owned storage media or storage media owned by others used with District-owned equipment. Users deemed a security risk may be denied access to the Network.

Deletion of Student Stored Computer Information

All data and information which is received or stored by a student on district computer space may be downloaded and deleted from the district's computers. Any information or data, which a student receives or obtains by unacceptable use, may be downloaded and deleted by the District immediately upon its discovery.