Acceptable Internet Use Policy

The administration and instructional staff Lauderdale County School District believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network represent educational benefits too important to forego due to the possibility of a few users procuring material that is not consistent with educational goals.  The Lauderdale County School District is compliant with all requirements of the CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) and COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998).  The LCSD access to the Internet is filtered as mandated by the CIPA and COPPA.  Here are some of the guidelines provided to establish the responsibilities you are about to acquire.  If any user violates any of these provisions, his or her access may be terminated, appropriate disciplinary action may be taken, and all future access could be denied.  The Internet service is for use by instructional staff and students in the Lauderdale County School District only.

 ACCEPTABLE USE: The use of Lauderdale County School District’s provision of access to the Internet is to support research and education in and between schools and academic institutions in the U.S. by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work.  The use of the Internet must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of Lauderdale County School District.  Use of other organizations’ network or computing resources must comply with rules appropriate for the network.  A transmission of any materials in violation of any U.S. or state organization is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted materials, threatening or obscene materials or materials protected by trade secret.  Use for commercial activities by for-profit institutions is generally not acceptable.  Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited. 

 PRIVILEGES:  The use of Lauderdale County School District services is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in cancellation of those privileges.  The site and/or system administrator(s) will deem what is inappropriate use, take appropriate action, and determine consequence.  Also, the site and/or system administrator(s) may deny access at any time as required.

 ETIQUETTE (NETWORK ETIQUETTE): The use of access requires that you abide by accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include, but are not limited to the following:

*BE POLITE.  Do not send abusive or harassing messages to ANYONE.

 *USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE.  In all messages, do not swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.  Anything pertaining to illegal activities is strictly forbidden.  (Note that E-mail is not guaranteed to be private.  People who operate the e-mail appropriate system do have access to all e-mail.  Messages relating to or in support of illegal or violent activities must be reported to authorities and appropriate action will be taken.)

 *PRIVACY.  Do not reveal or provide the personal address, phone number, or other information about yourself or any other person.  All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed private property.  Do not forward/distribute an E-mail message without permission from the author.  Users will not post chain letters or engage in “spamming” (that is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to large numbers of people). User shall not access, transmit, or retransmit:  threatening, harassing, or obscene material, pornographic material, or material protected by trade secret, and/or any other material that is inappropriate to minors.  User shall not transmit or retransmit copyrighted materials unless authorized.  User shall not plagiarize copyrighted materials.  The LCSD will not disclose any personal information about students.  Any user will immediately report to the LCSD any attempt by other internet users to engage in inappropriate conversations or personal contact. 

 *CONNECTIVITY.  Do not use the network in such a way that would disrupt the use of the network by others.

 SERVICES: Lauderdale County School District will not be responsible for any damages you may suffer.  This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by our own negligence or your errors or omissions.  Use of any information obtained via Lauderdale Count School District network services, is at your own risk. Lauderdale County School District denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through network services.

 SECURITY:  Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users.  If you feel you can identify a security problem within the Lauderdale County School District network, you must notify a system administrator either in person or via the network.  Do not demonstrate the problem to other users.  Do not use forged messages or post anonymous messages.   Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to Lauderdale County School District network services.  Under no conditions should a user provide his/her password to another person or use another person’s password.

 VANDALISM: Vandalism may result in cancellation of privileges and/or criminal prosecution.  This includes, but is not limited to, contamination, deletion or reconfiguration of data or degradation of system performance in any way.

 NOTE:  The Lauderdale County School District will fully cooperate with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to illegal activities conducted through the user’s internet account or access to the district network.  

 (Revised and Adopted on Nov. 20 2003)

  I have read the Lauderdale County School District Internet Appropriate Use Agreement.  I understand and will abide by the terms and conditions as stated above in this policy.  I understand that some Internet violations are unethical and may constitute a criminal offense resulting in legal action.  I understand that access to the Internet will be supervised by the Lauderdale County School District personnel and provided to the users.  I further understand that the Lauderdale County School District is not responsible for the actions of individual users or the information they may access.

  

                                                                                                              (Signature)                                                                    (Date)

Note:  All students, staff, and community members must accept the terms and limitations of the acceptable use policy every time they go on the internet by way of our district web page or as viewed on the district network by pressing the Ok button.