These rules accompany Board policy IJNDB (Student Computer and Internet Use). Each student is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving school unit computers, networks and Internet services, and for his/her computer files, passwords and accounts. The rules provide general guidance concerning the use of the school unit’s computers and examples of prohibited uses. These rules do not attempt to describe every possible prohibited activity by students. Students, parents and school staff who have questions about whether a particular activity is prohibited are encouraged to contact a building administrator or the Technology Coordinator.

A. Consequences for Violations of Computer Use Policy and Rules
Student use of the school unit computers, networks and Internet services is a privilege, not a right. Compliance with the school unit’s policies and rules concerning computer use is mandatory. Students who violate these policies and rules may have their computer privileges limited, suspended or revoked. Such violations may also result in disciplinary action, referral to law enforcement and/or legal action.

The building principal shall have final authority to decide whether a student's privileges will be limited, suspended or revoked based upon circumstances of the particular case, the student’s prior disciplinary record and any other pertinent factors.

B. Acceptable Use
Cape Elizabeth School District computers, networks and Internet services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with Cape Elizabeth’s educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals.

All Board policies, school rules and expectations concerning student conduct and communication apply when students are using computers.

Students are also expected to comply with all specific instructions from the teachers and other school staff or volunteers when using the school unit’s computers.

C. Prohibited Use
Examples of unacceptable uses of the school unit computers that are expressly prohibited include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Accessing Inappropriate Materials - Accessing, submitting, posting publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning, or displaying defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal materials.

2. Illegal Activities - Using Cape Elizabeth School District’s computers, networks and Internet services for any illegal activity or in violation of any Board policy or school rules. The school unit assumes no responsibility for illegal activities of students while using school computers.

3. Violating Copyrights – Copying, downloading or sharing any type of copyrighted materials (including music or films) without the owner’s permission (see Board policy/procedure EGAD – Copyright Compliance). The school unit assumes no responsibility for copyright violations by students.

4. Copying Software – Copying or downloading software without the express authorization of the Technology Coordinator. Unauthorized copying of software is illegal and may subject the copier to substantial civil and criminal penalties. The school unit assumes no responsibility for illegal software copying by students.

5. Plagiarism - Representing as one's own work any materials obtained on the Internet (such as term papers, articles, music, etc.). When Internet sources are used in student work, the author publisher, and web site must be identified.

6. Non-School-Related-Uses - Using the Cape Elizabeth School District’s computers, networks, and Internet services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain, commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes; or any other personal use not connected with the educational program or assignment.

7. Misuse of Password/Unauthorized Access - Sharing passwords, using other users' passwords and accessing or using other users' accounts.

8. Malicious Use/Vandalism - Any malicious use, disruption or harm to the Cape Elizabeth School District’s computers, networks and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creating/uploading of computer viruses.

9. Unauthorized Access to Blogs/Chat Rooms - Accessing chat rooms or news groups without specific authorization from the supervising teacher, supervisor, or administrator.

10. Use of E-Mail as a Forum - Any use as a forum for communicating by mass e-mail or any other medium with other school users or outside parties to solicit, proselytize, advocate or communicate the views of an individual or non-school sponsored organization; to solicit membership in or support of any non-school sponsored organization; or to raise funds for any non-school sponsored purpose, whether profit or not-for-profit. No student shall knowingly provide school e-mail addresses to outside parties whose intent is to communicate with school employees, students and/or their families for non-school purposes. Students who are uncertain as to whether particular activities are acceptable should seek further guidance from the building principal or other appropriate administrator.

D. No Expectation of Privacy
Cape Elizabeth School District computers remain under the control, custody and supervision of the school unit at all times. Students have no expectations of privacy in their use of school computers, including e-mail, stored files and Internet access logs.

E. Compensation for Losses, Costs and/or Damages
The student and his/her parents are responsible for compensating the Cape Elizabeth School District for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the school unit for violations of Board policy and school rules while the student is using school unit computers, including the cost of investigating such violations. The school unit assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or costs incurred by a student while using school unit computers.

F. Student Security
A student is not allowed to reveal his/her full name, address, telephone number, social security number or other personal information on the Internet without prior permission from a teacher. Students should never agree to meet people they have contacted through the Internet without parental permission. Students should inform their teacher if they access information or messages that are dangerous, inappropriate or make them uncomfortable in any way.

G. System Security
The security of the Cape Elizabeth School District’s computers, networks and Internet services is a high priority. Any student who identifies a security problem must notify the his/her teacher, supervisor, or system administrator immediately. The student shall not demonstrate the problem to others or access unauthorized material. Any user who attempts to breach of system security, causes a breach of system security or fails to report a system security problem shall be subject to disciplinary and/or legal action in addition to having his/her computer privileges limited, suspended or revoked.

H. Additional Rules for Laptops Issued to Students

1. At some grade levels laptops are loaned to students, similar to textbooks, as an educational tool and are only authorized for use in completing school assignments.

2. Before a laptop is allowed to be taken home, a parent/guardian must:

a. attend an informational meeting about laptop program and its guidelines;
b. sign and return the “Take Home Permission” form.

3. Students are responsible for the proper care of laptops at all times, whether on or off school property, including costs associated with repairing or replacing the laptop. Cape Elizabeth School District offers an optional insurance program for parents to cover replacement costs and/or repairs costs for damages not covered by the laptop warranty. Parents who choose not to purchase insurance should be aware that they are responsible for any costs associated with loss, theft or damage to a laptop issued to their child.

4. If a laptop is lost or stolen, this must be reported to the teacher and/or building administrator. If a laptop is stolen a report should be made to the Cape Elizabeth Police Department the building administrator and Technology Coordinator.

5. The Board’s policy and rules concerning computer and Internet use apply to the use of laptops at any time or place, on or off school property. Students are responsible for obeying any additional rules concerning care of laptops issued by school staff.

6. Violations of policies or rules governing the use of computers, or any careless use of a laptop my result in a student’s laptop being confiscated and/or a student only being allowed to use the laptop under the direct supervision of school staff. The student will also be subject to disciplinary action for any violations of Board policies or rules.

7. Parents may have access to their child’s login password. Parents are responsible for supervising their child’s use of the laptop and Internet access when in use at home.

8. The laptop may only be used by the student to whom it is assigned.

9. Laptops must be returned in acceptable working order at the end of the school year or whenever requested by school staff.

Cross-Reference:

• IJNDB - Student Computer and Internet Use