CROTON-HARMON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Rules and Code of Ethics Agreement
Staff Network and Internet Users
All users should understand that the network is not private and the District may monitor files and e-mail messages to maintain system compliance, ensure that all users are using the network responsibly and in compliance with these Rules and the Code of Ethics, and to investigate claims or complaints of violations of these Rules and the Code.
The District provides many computing and networks resources for use by students, faculty, and staff. Members of the school community are encouraged to use these technology resources for school-related activities and to facilitate the efficient exchange of useful information. Access is a privilege and certain responsibilities accompany that privilege. Users are expected to be ethical and responsible in their use.
Responsible uses of modern information resources are essential to the pursuit and achievement of excellence at the Croton-Harmon school district. The district encourages appropriate use of its technical resources to enhance productivity through the efficient exchange of information in furtherance of education and research. Use of these resources must be consistent with these goals. As a responsible member of the school community, you are expected to act in accord with the following general guidelines based on common sense, common decency, and civility applied to the networked computing environment. If there is reason to believe that the network is being used inappropriately, it is the district’s responsibility to monitor and investigate such activity.
Be sensitive to the inherent limitations of shared network resources. No computer security system can absolutely prevent a determined person from accessing stored information that they are not authorized to access. The district cannot guarantee the privacy or confidentiality of electronic documents. Good judgment dictates the creation only of electronic documents that may become available to the public.
A. I understand and agree to abide by the following Rules and Code of Ethics of use:
- Education, curriculum and school-related activities are the first priorities of network and Internet use in the Croton-Harmon School District. All other authorized uses are secondary.
- All use of the District Network/ Internet system or personal cell phones or other digital devices used by staff while on campus is subject to the provisions of the Disciplinary Code. Staff may not share or post personal information about or images of any student or staff member without written permission from that student or staff member.
- Network accounts are to be used only by the authorized owner of the account for authorized purposes. Using or sharing another person’s log-in name and password is prohibited. Students should never be allowed to use a Staff member’s account. Staff are responsible for all use of their account while they are logged onto the network.
- The District prohibits accessing chat rooms, gambling sites and gaming sites.
- Users shall not post photographs, addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers or other personal identifying information, on the school district system, without that individual’s express, written consent.
- Users shall not seek information on, obtain copies of, or modify files, other data, or passwords belonging to other users.
- No use of the network shall serve to disrupt the use of the network by others. Hardware or software shall not be destroyed, modified, copied, damaged, monopolized, or abused in any way.
- Malicious use of the Internet or the network to develop programs that harass other users or infiltrate a computer or computer system and/or damage the software components of a computer or computer system (i.e. create viruses) is prohibited.
- Hate mail, harassment, profanity, obscenity, discriminatory remarks, misrepresentation, impersonation, and other antisocial behaviors are prohibited on the Internet or the network.
- Use of the Internet or the network to access or process pornographic material, inappropriate text files, illegal activities, or files dangerous to the integrity of the local area network and users are prohibited.
- Any use of the Internet or the network for commercial or for-profit purposes is prohibited.
- Any use of the Internet or the network for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited.
- No personal messages will be posted on bulletin-boards or “list serves.”
- Users have the responsibility for their actions while using the Internet or the network.
- Teachers are responsible for any computers in their classrooms, when covering the computer lab and the mobile lab. If you are using your own personal laptop on the campus, it must be checked for up-to-date virus protection by the technical support staff before being connected to our network. Be aware that if your laptop is damaged in any way, misplaced or stolen, the district is not responsible and does not offer any restitution for loss. Your personal equipment is not insured by the district nor will the district provide repairs or maintenance.
- District technical resources are provided for instructional and administrative use.
- During teaching time the use of the district network is for instructional purposes only.
- District e-mail is provided for each staff member. Appropriate use of this e-mail is communication among staff members, administration and parents. The system will automatically purge each user’s inbox of any items older than thirty days (30) and will empty the trash at least every seven (7) days.
B. I understand and agree to abide by the following Rules and Code of Ethics regarding copyright or other intellectual property right material:
- I recognize that the material received via a computer network is owned by the author or the person holding the copyright or other intellectual property right, and I will give credit for all materials received electronically.
- I recognize that software is protected by copyright or other intellectual property right laws. Therefore, I will not make copies of software found on school computers, either by copying them onto my own diskettes or onto other computers through electronic mail or bulletin boards.
- I will not give, lend or sell copies of software to others unless I have the written permission of the copyright owner or the original software is clearly identified as “shareware” or in the public domain. Attributions of authorship will follow the same copyright rules for material obtained via the network.
4. I will not install additional software or utilities on any District computer, or make any modifications to District software or hardware.
C. I understand that I have responsibility for my actions while using the network or the Internet. Examples of consequences of violations include but are not limited to:
- Financial responsibility for willful damage to the network
- Legal action and prosecution by the authorities
- Employee discipline, in accordance with New York State law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
CROTON-HARMON SCHOOL DISTRICT
RULES AND CODE OF ETHICS AGREEMENT
FOR NETWORK AND INTERNET USERS
Section 1: To be signed by staff members
I understand that Croton-Harmon School District reserves the right to:
- log Internet use and monitor file server space utilization by users
- review files, internet activity, etc.
- remove a user account on the network
I understand that violations of the Rules and Code of Ethics described above will be dealt with seriously. Violator’s risk:
- Financial responsibility for willful damage to the network
- Legal action and prosecution by the authorities
- Employee discipline, in accordance with New York State law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
I have read the Croton-Harmon School District Rules and Code of Ethics for Network and Internet Users and agree to abide by its terms. I further understand that violation of the regulations may lead to my access privileges being revoked, school disciplinary action, academic sanctions, and/or appropriate legal action.
User’s name (please print) __________________________________________ School ______
Signature _______________________________________________________ Date _______
Please Return to Your
Building Computer Aide