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Bradford Elementary School

Information Technology Acceptable Use and Safety Policy

Adopted 12/12/01

Information technology is available to the Bradford Elementary community in many forms through the use of computers and software throughout the building. Our goal in providing information technology access to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating worldwide information and resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

The Internet is just one of the technologies accessible to students and teachers at Bradford Elementary School. We believe the Internet offers vast, diverse and unique resources. With access to computers and people all over the world comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. Through close supervision, Bradford Elementary School has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials; however, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials. We, at Bradford Elementary School, believe that the benefits to be gained from the information and interaction available on the Internet far outweigh the risks involved in procuring material that may not be consistent with the educational goals of the school.

Supervising teachers have the right to monitor all student activity using information technology. The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the users who must adhere to the following guidelines.

Access: The use of our information technology is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The Principal, after consulting with the technology coordinator, will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Loss of information technology privileges means loss of privileges throughout the school, regardless of where the violation occurred

Free Speech: The Internet is considered a limited forum, similar to a school newspaper. The school district may restrict your right to free speech for valid educational reasons, but will not do so on the basis of its disagreement with the opinions you express.

Privacy: You should expect no privacy of the contents of your personal files on the school system or the Internet. Routine maintenance and monitoring of the system may lead to discovery of violations of this policy, the school's rules or state or federal laws. The principal or technology coordinator may view files when reasonable suspicion of violation exists.

Due Process: The district will cooperate fully with local, state or federal officials in any investigation related to illegal activities conducted through the school's computer system.

User Responsibilities

  • Use of school information technology must be in support of educational goals.
  • Users will show respect for equipment and school community members.
  • Users will not knowingly cause damage to any hardware, software, files, or the network.
  • Users will comply with all school rules regarding appropriate language and behavior.
  • Users will comply with copyright laws.
  • Users will not reveal or share personal accounts or passwords.
  • Users will respect other people's privacy regarding mail or files and will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to them.
  • Users will not use any software except that provided by the school without the express permission of the technology coordinator.
  • Students will not use information technology without the permission of classroom teachers and/or teachers/staff responsible for the equipment being used.
  • Students will not access the Internet without a responsible staff member in the room.
  • Web use for students below grade 4 will be limited to teacher-selected sites.
  • Any student who accesses material on the Internet which is inappropriate or harmful will 1) immediately return to the previous page, and 2) inform a teacher.
  • Students will not reveal any personal contact information about themselves or others on the Internet. Students will not communicate directly with anyone online (e.g., email, chat rooms, Instant Message) without prior permission of her/his parents.
  • Food and liquids are prohibited in the vicinity of information technology.
  • School computers may not be used for any illegal activity, commercial purpose, or any other activity which is prohibited by school policy or that deters a user from her/his responsibilities as a teacher or student.
  • School computers may not be used to post chain letters or to engage in "spamming."
  • Users should notify a teacher or administrator immediately upon identifying a possible security problem or other violation of this policy.

Warranties: Bradford Elementary School makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, that the service it is providing will be error-free or without defect. The school will not be responsible for any damages users suffer including, but not limited to, the loss of data or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via Bradford Elementary School information technologies is at the user's risk. Bradford Elementary School denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

Consequences for Violation of the Acceptable Use Policy: Per administrative procedures. Consequences may range form loss of privileges to possible suspension from school.

Whenever there is a malicious attempt to harm or destroy Bradford Elementary Information Technology or data of another user, the student will immediately lose all access privileges for at least 90 school days. If appropriate, the student will also be obligated to replace any Information technology knowingly destroyed.