VOLUME III:  STUDENTS                                                    FILE:  JFBGC-R1

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY SCHOOLS

Guidelines for Use of Networked Information Resources and Electronic Mail

We are pleased to offer students of the Tuscaloosa County School System access to networked information resources (i.e., the Internet) and electronic mail (e-mail).  The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others.  Access to network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.  Parental permission is required.  Access is a privilege—NOT a right—and entails responsibility.

Access to the Internet and e-mail will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world.  However, families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people.  While our intent is to make access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well.  However, we believe the benefits to students from this access exceed any disadvantages.

Individual users of the Internet and e-mail are responsible for their behavior and communications over these networks.  It is presumed that users will comply with Tuscaloosa County School System standards and will honor the agreements they will be required to sign.  Beyond the clarification of such standards, the System is not responsible for restricting, monitoring or controlling the communications of individuals utilizing the networks.  Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources.  To that end, the Tuscaloosa County School System supports and respects each family’s right to decide whether or not to apply for access.

Students are responsible for good behavior on school networks just as they are in a classroom or a hallway.  Communications on the network are often public in nature.  Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers.  Administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the network responsibly.  Users should not expect that files stored on local servers will always be private.  Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored.

In utilizing the Internet and e-mail through the Tuscaloosa County School System’s networks, the following are not permitted:

1.      Sending, displaying or downloading offensive or threatening messages or pictures using any electronic format.

2.      Accessing or using non-approved Email services, such as AOL, MSN, dial-up or other personal email services.  Exceptions are allowed only when the purpose is intended for class projects. Access is only permitted only with direct teacher supervision

3.      Playing, downloading or using the Internet or computer games in a non-instructional purpose or without teacher supervision.

4.      Using obscene language.

5.      Harassing, insulting or attacking others.

6.      Damaging computers and components, operating systems, software or computer networks.

7.      Violating copyright laws (see TCSS Policy IFBGB).

8.      Plagiarizing materials found on the Internet.  Plagiarism is the act of taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as the user’s own.

9.      Using another person’s password.

10.    Trespassing in another person’s folders, work or files.

11.    Intentionally wasting limited resources such as paper, ink, toner, bandwidth, diskettes, etc.

12.    Employing the network for commercial purposes.

13.    Using or downloading of non-educational software or utilities such as, but not limited to hacking tools, spyware, mp3/music download programs or utilities, the Gnutella network, P2P (Peer to Peer), MIRC, ICQ, newsgroups and chat rooms, online chat (AOL, Yahoo or MSN Instant Messenger) except for class-specific teacher-supervised projects).

14.     Utilizing software that consumes large amounts of bandwidth; that is, streaming audio/video such as but not limited to Windows Media Player, Real Player, Shockwave, Quicktime, WeatherBug, Webshots, for non-instructional purposes.

15.     Viewing or attempting to view inappropriate web sites as defined under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) of 2000.