Internet Policy

 
The following rules and policies have been excerpted from Milford 
Public Schools 2004-2005 Elementary  Parent and Student Handbook, 
pages 10 to 11:


Computer Use. (6141.321) 
Computers: Acceptable Use of the Internet/Intranet

The Internet/Intranet, a global electronic information infrastructure, is a 
network of networks used by educators, businesses, the government, 
and numerous organizations. Intranet is a private Internet operating on 
the school district's internal network. The Board of Education believes 
that the Internet/Intranet is a valuable tool that should be used in 
schools to educate and inform students, much like books , magazines, 
video, CD-ROM and other informational sources. The Board endorses 
student use of the Internet/Intranet for the learning and research which 
enhances information available through other mediums. This includes 
participation in distance learning activities, asking questions of and 
consulting experts, communication with other students and individuals, 
and locating material to meet the educational needs of the students of 
the Milford Public Schools.

While the Internet/Intranet can provide students with a vast array of 
educational and informational resources, it can also be a window 
through which students can access information which is neither 
pertinent to nor appropriate for an educational setting. The availability of 
such electronic information does not imply endorsement by the Board of 
Education of its content nor of the use of such information by students 
and staff. It is important to give student assistance and guidance in 
accessing information which is beneficial to their education and equally 
important to recognize that total monitoring of students' access to the 
Internet/Intranet would be impossible. Therefore, individual users of the 
Milford Public School Network are responsible for their use of the 
network and are expected to use it responsibly.

To ensure appropriate usage, the administration will establish 
guidelines for student exploration and use of information with respect to 
intellectual property, illegal uses of the network and conditions of usage. 
The guidelines strive to preserve students' rights to examine and use 
information to meet the educational goals and objectives of the District. 
In addition, the district shall take steps, such as using filtering programs 
to block access to objectionaable material, access controls and 
supervision by staff to monitor and/or restrict access to the electronic 
informational resources.

In recognition of the potential for improper use of the Internet/Intranet in 
the educational setting, the Board requires that students and staff who 
use the Internet/Intranet comply with the following Policies, as well as 
comply with any guidelines for use promulgated by the administration:



1. The use of the Internet/Intranet is a privilege. As the owner of both the 
hardware and software that is available, the Milford Public Scools 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.

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 password 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.

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.
*	Bulk posting to individuals or groups to overload the system (i.e., 
"spamming") is prohibited.
*	Using the Internet to harass or embarrass someone.

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 written permission of a student's parent 
or legal guardians before the student may access the computers