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Policy IJNDB-R
Student Computer And Internet Use Rules
All students are responsible for their actions and activities involving school department technology devices, network and Internet services, and for their digital files, passwords and accounts. These rules provide general guidance concerning the use of the school department’s computers and examples of prohibited uses. The rules do not attempt to describe every possible prohibited activity by students. Students, parents and school staff who have questions about whether a particular activity is prohibited are encouraged to contact a building administrator. These rules apply to all school devices and all school provided devices wherever used, and all uses of school servers, Internet access, networks and other services regardless of how they are accessed.
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.
Computer use is a privilege, not a right. Student use of the school department’s computers, electronic devices (including personally owned devices used at school), networks, school provided accounts, Internet and other services is a privilege, not a right. Unacceptable use/activity may result in suspension or cancellation of privileges as well as additional disciplinary and/or legal action. Violations of the school department’s policies and rules may also result in referral to law enforcement. A building administrator, Director of Technology or other designee shall have final authority to decide whether all or some of a student’s privileges will be denied or revoked.
South Portland School Department is committed to the education of minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms, cyberbullying awareness and response, and digital citizenship as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
Acceptable Use
South Portland School Department’s devices, network, Internet and other services are provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the school department’s educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals.
Board policies, school rules and expectations concerning student conduct and communications apply when using school devices, services or networks, whether on or off school property.
Students also must comply with all specific instructions from school staff and volunteers when using the school department’s devices, services or networks.
Prohibited Use
Examples of unacceptable uses that are expressly prohibited include but are not limited to the following:
Accessing or Communicating Inappropriate Materials – Students may not access, submit, post, publish, forward, download, scan or display defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, bullying and/or illegal materials or messages.
Illegal Activities – Students may not use the school department’s devices, network and/or Internet services for any illegal activity or in violation of any Board policy/procedure or school rules. The school department assumes no responsibility for illegal activities of students while using school devices, or services.
Violating Copyrights or Software Licenses – Students may not copy, download or share any type of copyrighted materials (including music, images or films) without the owner’s permission (see policy EGAA-R); or copy or download software without the express authorization of the Director of Technology. Unauthorized copying of software is illegal and may subject the copier to substantial civil and criminal penalties. The school department assumes no responsibility for copyright or licensing violations by students.
Plagiarism – Students may not represent as their own work any materials obtained on the Internet (such as term papers, articles, music, etc.). When Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher and web site must be identified.
Non-School-Related Uses – Students many not use the school department’s computers, networks, Internet and other services for non-school-related purposes such as private financial gain, commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes.
Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access – Students may not share passwords; use other users’ passwords; access or use other users’ accounts; or attempt to circumvent network security systems.
Malicious Use/Vandalism – Students may not engage in any malicious use, disruption or harm to the school department’s devices, network, Internet or other services, including, but not limited to, physically marking, damaging, or altering computers, hacking activities, creation/uploading of computer viruses.
Avoiding School Filters – Students may not attempt to or use any software, utilities, firewalls, VPNs or other means to access Internet sites or content blocked or limited by the school filters. If a student believes filtering should be less restrictive on a temporary basis for specific bona fide research or educational purposes, he/she should discuss the matter with a teacher or contact the Director of Technology.
Unauthorized Access to Blogs/Social Networking Sites, Etc. –Students may not access blogs, social networking sites, etc. to which student access is prohibited.
Compensation for Losses, Costs and/or Damages
The student and his/her parents are responsible for compensating the school department for any losses, costs or damages incurred for violations of Board policies/procures and school rules while the student is using school department devices, including the cost of investigating such violations. The school department assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or costs incurred by a student while using school department devices.
Student Security
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