Acceptable Use Policy (2008-09)
Milford Public School System Acceptable Use of the
Computers and the Internet/Intranet Agreement
Computers and Internet access are available to students and
teachers in the Milford Schools. The Board of Education is pleased to bring
this access to Milford and believes the Internet offers vast, diverse and
unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this
service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in
schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication. To
ensure that only authorized staff and students who understand the bounds of
permitted use will have access to the Internet/Intranet, Milford Public
Schools must obtain the documented permission of a student’s parent or legal
guardian before the student may access the computers.
1. The use of the computers is a privilege. As the owner of
both the hardware and software that is available, the Milford Public Schools
may withhold this privilege. Failure to adhere to the established guidelines
may result in the loss of Internet access, disciplinary action and/or referral
to legal authorities.
2. Use of the Internet/Intranet must be in support of
education and research consistent with the educational goals and objectives of
the Milford Public Schools.
3. Users must not reveal personal information about
themselves or others, including, but not limited to, the following: home
address, telephone numbers, password, social security number or credit card
number.
4. Users will comply with all state, federal and local
laws, including copyright laws and laws prohibiting harassment by computer and
any other electronic media. Use for commercial activities by for-profit
organizations, product promotion, political lobbying, or illegal activities is
strictly prohibited.
5. Users must not interfere with others’ work or with the
performance of the computer(s), both hardware and software. Prohibited actions
include, but are not limited to, the following: attempting to illicitly obtain
or use passwords or screen names, entering closed areas of the network,
introducing computer viruses or committing acts of vandalism and/or any
attempt to harm or destroy data of another user. Users will not introduce
portable devices (wireless included) to the Milford Public Schools Network.
These devices include, but are not limited to: portable gaming consoles,
wireless cell phones (including iPhones), and personal laptops. The use of
storage devices, i.e. thumb drives, is permissible by both students and staff.
Their use is limited to the transfer of school related work. All portable
storage devices must be scanned for viruses before use.
6. Users may not establish any official representation of
the school or school district (i.e., Internet home page) without obtaining
prior approval of school administration.
7. Each user will abide by the generally accepted rules of
etiquette and applicable school policies, which include, but are not limited
to, the following: · Use appropriate language. Do not write or send abusive
messages or those which contain vulgarities. · Chain letters and pyramid
schemes (chain letters with money) are illegal. (please see other side for
more) · Bulk posting to individuals or groups to overload the system (i.e.,
“spamming”) is prohibited. · Using the Internet to harass or embarrass someone
is prohibited. All blogspaces will be treated as classroom spaces and include
appropriate use of language and be created and maintained in accordance with
all school rules and Board of Education policies. · The Milford Public Schools
forbids cyberbulling. Cyberbullying is the use of computers to bully others.
Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to the following misuses of
technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing
another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful email messages,
instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, Web site
postings, including blogs or other social networking sites.
8. Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private. People
who operate the system have access to all email activity. Inappropriate
messages can result in suspension of privileges and may result in other
disciplinary or legal actions.
9. Student users must always get permission and follow
instructions before accessing the network. Student users must sign in each
time they use the network. Student users must be supervised when accessing the
network.
As amended: October 10, 2008 Milford Public Schools