Policy Level: BOARD POLICY
Descriptor Code: ISBGA
Rescinds Code:
 
Descriptor Code: INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
 
Effective Date: August 28, 1995
 
 
Internet access has been made available to students and teachers.

This access offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. The goal of providing this service is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, production, innovation and communication.
 
With international access to computers and people also comes the availability of material considered to be of little educational value in the school setting. Each Internet user is personally responsible for, and expected to restrict access to controversial materials.
 
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies as well as regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided herewith so that users are aware of pursuant responsibilities. In general, this responsibility requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of network resources. If a Fayette County School System user violates any of these provisions, access to the Internet will be terminated and future access jeopardized.
 
INTERNET-TERMS AND CONDITIONS
 
1. Acceptable use-Internet use must be in support of educational endeavors and research consistent with the objectives of the Fayette County School System. Use of other networks or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited.
 
2. Privileges-The use of Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges.
 
3. Netiquette-Be polite, use appropriate language, respect confidentiality, and respect other users of the network.
 
4. The Fayette County School System makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the Internet service it provides. The school system is not responsible for any damages suffered by users. This includes the loss of data resulting from delays, nondeliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused for any reason. Use of information obtained is at the user's risk. The school system specifically denies responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its Internet services.
 
5. Commercial services are available on the Internet. If a user chooses to access these services, the individual is liable for any incurred costs.
 
6. Security-If any security problem on Internet is identified the responsible lab supervisor, teacher, media specialist or administrator must be notified.
 
7. Vandalism-Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or networks connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
 
8. Accountability-Teachers will not be held accountable for what the student may access through the Internet or other technology beyond instructional directives.
 
9. PeachNet Acceptable Use Policy-Fayette County adopts the PeachNet Acceptable Use Policy as part of its policy. The PeachNet policy is included as Addendum A.
 
10. A permission form must be signed by each participating student and their parent or guardian. A suggested permission form is included as Addendum B.

 
Page 2 - INTERNET USER REQUIREMENTS
 
 
ENFORCEMENT:
 
Violating any of the guidelines above can result in
 
1. Restricted access to computing facilities.
 
2. Temporary or permanent loss of access to computing facilities and equipment.
 
3. Disciplinary or legal action including, but not limited to, criminal prosecution under appropriate state and federal laws. Violations of state law will be reported to proper enforcement authorities.
 
4. Financial responsible for damage incurred.
 
Principals of each school shall be responsible for placing this policy in their school's student-parent handbook as evidence of notice.
 
State Ref: Georgia board of Education Policy IFAA(1) (Rule 160-4-4-.10)
Legal Ref: O.C.G.A. 20-2-168(b)(3); 20-2-1010 et seq.; 16-9-90 et seq.
Cross Ref; Policy IFBEA or Policy JCDC and IFBEA-R
 
 
 
Fayette County Board of Education
Board Policy ISBGA
Addendum A
 
PeachNet Acceptable Use Policy http://www.peachna.edu/BOR WEB/OIIT/Policies/PNAcceptable.htm
 
PeachNet Acceptable Use Policy
Revised August 1, 1995
 
The Board of Regents Office of Information and Instructional Technology (OIIT) supports the mission of instruction, public service, and research of all the institutions of the University System by providing backbone networking support through PeachNet.
 
PeachNet. the communications network of the University System, exists for the purposes of transmitting and sharing information among the units of the University System, transmitting and sharing information between the units of the University System and external organizations that provide benefit to or derive benefit from any of those units, and extending network connectivity services to other educational entities, schools, and libraries.
 
PeachNet users may engage in communications related to programs and services of the University System and other educational institutions and their contracting entities, which may include communications with commercial entities.
 
Basic PeachNet services are provided at no charge to University System units. Requirements beyond the basic service incur a fee-payable by the requesting unit-and must be requested through a representative of the University System Administrative Committee for Information Technology. Non-University System entities whose mission and purpose are compatible with that of the University System may contract for PeachNet services based on a fee structure established by the Office of Information and Instructional Technology.
 
The OIIT does not own or control all of the various facilities and communications lines through which network access is provided. Connections to outside networks are subject to interruption beyond control of the OIIT. However, every effort is made to ensure continuous service among PeachNet locations.
 
PeachNet is interconnected to many other networks worldwide; therefore, PeachNet users must observe the acceptable use policy of any other network accessed through the PeachNet connection. Appropriate Office of Information and Instructional Technology personnel will assist in network security breach detection and identification and in the establishment of limited Internet access when requested. The Southeastern Universities Research Association network (SURAnet) and other networks may have special usage policies, which may be obtained from those network providers.
 
Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state laws or regulations is prohibited. Users of PeachNet are expected to be responsible in their use of the network and should avoid actions that cause interference to the network or cause interference with the work of others on the network.
 
 
Last Updated: August 19, 1996
 

 
 
FAYETTE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Board Policy ISBGA
Addendum B
 
INTERNET USE PERMISSION FORM
 
USER:________________________________________________
 
I,___________________ , understand and will abide by the above policies and conditions of the Acceptable Use Policy. I accept full responsibility and liability for the results of my actions with regards to the use of the Internet. I release my school, the Fayette County Board of Education, and related organizations from any liability relating to consequences resulting from my use of the Internet. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked and the proper authorities will be notified if I violate state or federal laws.
 
USER NAME (PLEASE PRINT): ____________________________________________
 
SCHOOL: ________________________________________________
 
SIGNATURE: ______________________________________________
 
PARENT OR GUARDIAN: ____________________________________
 
DATE: _______________________________________
 
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Internet Acceptable Use Policy and understand that access is designed for educational purposes only. I also recognize that it is impossible for the School or the Fayette County Board of Education to restrict access to controversial materials, and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. I agree to accept all financial and legal liabilities which may result from my son/daughter's use of the School's Internet connection and hereby give my consent for my child to use the Internet.
 
PARENT (PLEASE PRINT): _______________________________________________
 
SIGNATURE: ___________________________________________________________
 
DATE: _________________________________________________________________