Policy Manual

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Policy IJNDB

As used herein, the terms “computer[s]” or “device[s]” refer to any desktop, laptop, server,  chromebook, tablet or other mobile computing device, including cellular phones and wearables,  owned or issued by the South Portland School Department to any student, or any privately owned  devices used in school or used to access school department networks, Internet or services.  

The school department provides computers, networks, electronic devices, and Internet access to  support the educational mission of the schools and to enhance the curriculum and learning  opportunities for students and school staff. Students are allowed to use privately-owned computers and  electronic devices at school and on school networks with the prior authorization, provided that they  comply with this policy and the accompanying rules. The Board believes that the resources available  through the Internet are of significant value in the learning process and preparing students for future  success. At the same time, the unregulated availability of information and communication on the  Internet requires that schools establish reasonable controls for lawful, efficient, and appropriate use of  this technology.  

Student use of school computers, networks, and Internet services is a privilege-not a right. Students are  required to comply with this policy and the accompanying rules whether the equipment and accounts  are used at school or off school premises (IJNDB-R). Students who violate the policy and/or rules may  have their computer and network privileges revoked and may also be subject to further disciplinary  and/or legal action. Violations of the school department’s policies and rules may also result in referral  to law enforcement.  

All school department computers remain under the control, custody, and supervision of the school  department. The school department reserves the right to monitor all student computer, network, and  Internet activity. Students have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers, whether  they are used on or off school property.  

South Portland School Department utilizes filtering technology designed to block materials that are  obscene or harmful to minors and child pornography in accordance with CIPA regulations.  

While reasonable precautions will be taken to supervise student use of the Internet, the school  department cannot reasonably prevent all inappropriate uses, including access to objectionable  materials and communication with persons outside of the school, in violation of Board  policies/procedures and school rules. The school department is not responsible for the accuracy or  quality of information that students obtain through the Internet.  

In the interest of student safety (“cyber safety”), students will receive training on appropriate online  behavior. This training will include education on appropriate online behavior, proper interactions with  individuals on social networking sites and chatrooms, cyberbullying, and appropriate responses to  cyberbullying.  

Before a student is allowed to use school computers and Internet services, the student and the student’s  parent/guardian must read and understand this policy and rules IJNDB-R which are posted online and  available in student handbooks. 

The Superintendent or his/her designee(s) shall be responsible for overseeing the implementation of  this policy and the accompanying rules and for advising the Board of the need for any future  amendments or revisions to the policy/rules. The Superintendent may develop additional  administrative procedures/rules governing the day-to-day management and operations of the school  department’s computer system as long as they are consistent with the Board’s policy/rules. The  Superintendent may delegate specific responsibilities to building administrators and others as he/she  deems appropriate.  

Cross Reference:  

EGAA-R – Reproduction of Copyrighted Material - Guidelines  

GCSA/GCSA-R – Employee Computer and Internet Use  

IJNDB-R – Student Technology Device and Internet Use Rules  

JICK – Bullying  

Revised: 12/12/16

*Please excuse any formatting errors.