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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.
