The District uses computers to support learning and to enhance instruction. Computer networks in the schools allow students and staff to interact with many computers. The Internet, a network of networks, allows people to interact with hundreds of thousands of networks and computers. Internet access is now available to designated students in the District. This resource offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to students that will allow them to communicate with people from around the world, visit electronic libraries, perform research on a variety of subjects, and participate in special projects with students from all points on the globe. The goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. This technology will benefit all students as they prepare for work in a global marketplace.

Students should have no expectation of privacy in any communication sent or received by e-mail, or in regard to the Internet or network access. This also applies to e-mail or other documents that are archived or otherwise recoverable.

Students are expected to follow all procedures stated below, as well as those given orally by the appropriate staff, and to demonstrate ethical behavior that is of the highest order in using the network facilities at the school.

The purpose of the Internet is to facilitate communication in support of research and education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of the student's account must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the District. When utilizing the Internet, all users must adhere to the provisions of this rule and the standards of conduct established in the Code of Student Conduct (both elementary and secondary). Use of other organizations' networks or computing resources on Board property must comply with all Board policies and procedures. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or State regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.

The use of the network/Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges and/or in other discipline.

Students are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette as stated in the Code of Student Conduct.

The District will not be responsible for any charges as a result of any unauthorized purchases made by students using the District's network without prior written approval being received from the District.

The District makes no warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or errors or omissions including any and all viruses. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the student's own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If the student can identify a security problem, the student must notify the school's network system administrator or the District-wide network system administrator and should not demonstrate the problem to other users. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the Internet.

Vandalism is defined as any deliberate or malicious attempt to harm or destroy computer hardware or peripherals, data of another user, the Internet, the District's network, or any other networks that are connected to the District. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Vandalism may result in the loss of computer privileges and/or other discipline.

Students who access the Internet/network while on Board property shall abide by the provisions of this policy and the Code of Student Conduct. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action under the Code of Student Conduct.

F.S. 1001.43, 1001.51
H.R. 4577, P.L. 106-554, Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000
47 U.S.C. 254(h),(1), Communications Act of 1934, as amended
20 U.S.C. 6801 et seq., Part F, Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965,
as amended
18 U.S.C. 2256
18 U.S.C. 1460
18 U.S.C. 2246