Sumter County School System Staff Internet

Acceptable Use Policy Procedures

Terms and Conditions

Internet access is now available to teachers of the Sumter County School System. We are very excited about bringing this technology to our school system and believe that Internet access will greatly enhance the quality of education for our students. Our goal in providing this service to faculty is to promote educational excellence by facilitating communications for resource sharing and innovation.

With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. Efforts are being made by the Sumter County School System to restrict access of controversial materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial

information. It is believed that the valuable information and interaction on the worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may acquire material that is not consistent with the educational

objectives of the Sumter County School System.

Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. The successful use of the Internet relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who

must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here as that you are aware of your responsibilities. In general, this requires responsible, ethical and legal utilization of the Internet resources.

1) Acceptable Use - The purpose of the National Science Foundation Net, which is the backbone network to the Internet, is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the U.S. by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the Sumter County School System. Use of other organizations' network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities is not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is prohibited. Use by other family members is also prohibited.

2) Privileges - The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of those privileges. The system superintendent will be the ultimate

authority on what is inappropriate use.

3) Netiquette – The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include but are not limited to the following.

A. Be polite. Do not become abusive in messages to others.

B. Use appropriate language. Do not swear or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.

C. Do not reveal the personal addresses or telephone numbers of students.

D. Recognize that electronic mail (E-mail) is not private. People who operate the system have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.

E. Do not use the network in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.

F. Consider all communications and information accessible via the network to be private property.

4) We, the Sumter County School System, make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The Sumter County School System will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, misdeliveries, service interruptions caused by negligence, your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. The Sumter County School System, specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information through its services.

5) Security - Security of any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify your supervising administrator. To ensure security do not reveal your password to anyone. Unauthorized attempts to login to the Internet will result in immediate cancellation of user privileges.

Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the Internet.

For your own safety and privacy, it is recommended that you do not reveal your home address, phone number, or phone numbers of any other individuals.

6) Vandalism - Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or other networks that are connected to the NSFNET Internet backbone. This includes,

but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. No software from the Internet may be brought to be used in any school computer. Vandalism will result in immediate cancellation of privileges.

7) Copyright - It is not acceptable to use the Sumter County School System's Internet access for any purposes which violate U.S. or state laws. Staff members must adhere to all copyright laws.

8) Updating Your User Information - Internet use may require new registration and account information annually. It is the responsibility of the user to keep the account current.

9) Instructional Use - It is the responsibility of the teacher to plan and supervise instructional use of the Internet. Web sites must be previewed and documented in lesson plans. "Surfing the Net" is an

inappropriate technique for classroom instruction.  This signed agreement will be on file in your school's personnel file.

10) Acceptance of Terms and Conditions - All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to Sumter County staff members. These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement

and understandings of the parties. These terms and conditions shall apply to the laws of the State of Georgia and the United States of America.

If a Sumter County staff member violates any of the Internet access terms and conditions, his or her Internet privilege will be terminated, disciplinary action taken, and future telecommunication access denied.

AGREEMENT

I understand and will abide by the Sumter County School System Staff Internet Acceptable Use Policy Terms and Conditions. I further understand that any violation of the regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access

privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken and/or appropriate legal action may be initiated. I have received a copy of the Sumter County School System Staff Internet Acceptable Use Policy Terms and Conditions.