TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR STUDENTS

PURPOSE

This policy provides the procedures, rules, guidelines and codes of conduct for the use of the
technology and information networks at Socorro Consolidated Schools (SCS). Use of such
technology is a necessary, innate element of the SCS educational mission, but technology is
provided to staff and students as a privilege, not a right. SCS seeks to protect, encourage and
enhance the legitimate uses of technology by placing fair limitations on such use and
sanctions for those who abuse the privilege. The reduction of computer abuse provides
adequate resources for users with legitimate needs.

SUMMARY

Public technology that includes but is not limited to computers, wireless & LAN access,
electronic mail, Internet access, Telephone/Voice Mail systems, printing devices and all other
forms of instructional, networking and communication tools are provided as a service by SCS
to students. Use of these technologies is a privilege, not a right. Students are expected to
observe the following:

All users are required to be good technology citizens by refraining from activities that
annoy others, disrupt the educational experiences of their peers, or can be considered
as illegal, immoral and/or unprofessional conduct.

The student is ultimately responsible for his/her actions in accessing technology at SCS. Failure
to comply with the guidelines of technology use (as stated either in this document or in the
SCS Board Policy Manual) may result in the loss of access privileges and/or appropriate
disciplinary action. Severe violations may result in civil or criminal action under the New
Mexico Revised Statutes or Federal Law.

GUIDELINES

1. Access to computers, computer system, information networks, and to the information

technology environment within the SCS system is a privilege and must be treated as
such by all students.

2. The SCS system will be used solely for the purpose of research, education, and school-
related business and operations.

3. Any system which requires password access or for which SCSD requires an account,
such as the Internet, shall only be used by the authorized user. Account owners are
ultimately responsible for all activity under their account and shall abide by this Policy.

4. The Districts technological resources are limited. All users must respect the shared use
of SCS resources. The District reserves the right to limit use of such resources if there are
insufficient funds, accounts, storage, memory, or for other reasons deemed necessary
 by the system operators, or if an individual user is determined to be acting in an
irresponsible or unlawful manner.

5. All communications and information accessible and accessed via the SCS system is
and shall remain the property of the District.

6. Student use shall be supervised and monitored by system operators and authorized
staff. Student use must be related to the school curriculum.

7. Any defects or knowledge of suspected abuse in SCS systems, networks, security,

hardware or software shall be reported to the system operators.

UNACCEPTABLE USE

The Socorro Consolidated School District (SCS) has the right to take disciplinary action, remove
computer and networking privileges, or take legal action or report to proper authorities, any
activity characterized as unethical, unacceptable, or unlawful. Unacceptable use activities
constitute, but are not limited to, any activity through which any user:

1. Violates such matters as institutional or third party copyright, license agreements or

other contracts. The unauthorized use of and/or copying of software is illegal.

2. Interferes with or disrupts other network users, services, or equipment. Disruptions

include, but are not limited to, distribution of unsolicited advertising, propagation of
computer viruses or worms, distributing quantities of information that overwhelm the
system (chain letters, network games, etc.) and/or using the network to make
unauthorized entry into any other resource accessible via the network.

3. Attempts to disable, bypass or otherwise circumvent the SCS content filter that has
been installed in accordance with the federal Childrens Internet Protection Act. This
includes but is not limited to the use of proxy servers.

4. Seeks to gain or gains unauthorized access to information resources, obtains copies of,
or modifies files or other data, or gains and communicates passwords belonging to
other users.

5. Uses or knowingly allows another to use any computer, computer network, computer
system, program, or software to devise or execute a scheme to defraud or to obtain
money, property, services, or other things of value by false pretenses, promises, or
representations.

6. Destroys, alters, dismantles, disfigures, prevents rightful access to, or otherwise interferes
with the integrity of computer-based information resources, whether on stand-alone or
networked computers.
 7. Invades the privacy of individuals or entities.

8. Uses the network for commercial or political activity or personal or private gain.

9. Installs unauthorized software or material for use on District computers. This includes, but
is not limited to, downloading music, pictures, images, games, and videos from either
the Internet or via portable drives.

10. Uses the network to access inappropriate materials.

11. Uses the District system to compromise its integrity (hacking software) or accesses,
modifies, obtains copies of or alters restricted or confidential records or files.

12. Submits, publishes, or displays any defamatory, inaccurate, racially offensive, abusive,
obscene, profane, sexually oriented, or threatening materials or messages either public
or private.

13. Uses the District systems for illegal, harassing, vandalizing, inappropriate, or obscene
purposes, or in support of such activities is prohibited. Illegal activities are defined as a
violation of local, state, and/or federal laws. Cyber-bullying and harassment are slurs,
comments, jokes, innuendos, unwelcome comments, cartoons, pranks, and/or other
verbal conduct relating to an individual which: (a) has the purpose or effect of
unreasonably interfering with an individuals work or school performance; (b) interferes
with school operations; (c) has the purpose or effect to cause undue emotional stress or
fear in an individual.

14. Vandalism is defined as any attempt to harm or destroy the operating system,
application software, or data. Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of the
purpose and goal of the network. Obscene activities shall be defined as a violation of
generally accepted social standards in the community for use of a publicly owned and
operated communication device.

15. Violates the District Acceptable Use Policy.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Monitor all activity on the Districts system.

2. Determine whether specific uses of the network are consistent with this Acceptable Use
Policy.

3. Remove a users access to the network at any time it is determined that the user is
engaged in unauthorized activity or violating this Acceptable Use Policy.
 4. Respect the privacy of individual user electronic data. The District will secure the
consent of users before accessing their data, unless required to do so by law or policies
of SCS.

5. Take prudent steps to develop, implement, and maintain security procedures to ensure
the integrity of individual and SCS files. However, information any computer system
cannot be guaranteed to be inaccessible by other users.

6. Attempt to provide error-free and dependable access to technology resources

associated with the District system. However, the district cannot be held liable for any
information that may be lost, damaged, or unavailable due to technical or other
difficulties.

7. Ensure that all student users complete and sign an agreement to abide by the Districts
acceptable use policy and administrative regulation. All such agreements will be
maintained on file in the school office.

VIOLATIONS/CONSEQUENCES

Students who violate this Policy will be subject to revocation of SCS system access up to and
including permanent loss of privileges, and discipline up to and including expulsion.

Violations of law will be reported to law enforcement officials.

Disciplinary action may be appealed by parents and/or students in accordance with existing
SCS procedures for suspension or revocation of student privileges.
UNACCEPTABLE USE OF THE DISTRICTS COMPUTER SYSTEMS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT
LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING:

1. Altering any computer configuration including screensavers, desktop settings, network

settings, passwords, etc.
2. Installing or downloading any executable files from the Internet or portable drives.
3. Using chat rooms or social web sites except for teacher-directed educational purposes.
4. Installing or using instant messenger programs.
5. Downloading MP3s or other music files.
6. Accessing online radio stations and television programs.
7. Writing, downloading, or printing files or messages that contain inappropriate language.
8. Accessing or transmitting pornographic or other inappropriate material.
9. Violating the rights to privacy of students and employees of the District.
10. Reposting personal communications without the authors prior consent.
11. Copying commercial software in violation of copyright law.
12. Attempting to hack, crack, or otherwise degrade or breach the security of the Districts
network, other networks, or individual computers.
13. Attempting to bypass the districts content filter, including the use of proxy servers.
14. Developing or passing on programs that damage a computer system or network, such
as viruses.
15. Plagiarism.
16. Modifying or copying files of other users without their consent.
17. Giving out personal information such as address and phone numbers over the Internet
without staff permission.
18. Accessing or transmitting material which promotes violence or advocates the
destruction of property including information concerning the manufacture of destructive
devices (explosives, bombs, fireworks, incendiary devices, etc.)
19. Accessing or transmitting material which advocates or promotes violence or hatred
against particular individuals or groups of individuals.
20. Accessing or transmitting material which advocates or promotes the use, purchase, or
sale of illegal drugs.
21. Conducting or participating in any illegal activity.
22. Any act that is determined as Cyber-bullying, harassment, or a violation of good Digital
Citizenship.
23. Any inappropriate use as determined by the Superintendent, Director of Technology
and/or building administrators.
 ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY AGREEMENT FORM
Sign and return this page only. Do not return the entire policy.

I have read and will abide by the Socorro Consolidated School Districts Acceptable Use
Policy. I understand that I am responsible for my actions while using the Districts academic
computer systems and the Internet. I understand that my Internet activities will be monitored
by the District, and any violation may result in the loss of computer privileges, discipline as per
the District Discipline Policy, and/or appropriate legal action.

Printed Name of Student: ___________________________________________________________

Student Location:
Socorro High School AIM High School
Sarracino Middle School Zimmerly Elementary
Parkview Elementary San Antonio Elementary
Midway Elementary

STUDENTS
(For students under the age of eighteen, a parent or guardian must also sign the agreement.)

I have read and understand that my child must abide by the Socorro Consolidated School
Districts Acceptable Use Policy. I understand that some materials on the Internet may be
objectionable, but I absolve the Socorro Consolidated School District and its employees from
any liability resulting from my childs activities on the Internet. I understand that my childs
Internet activities will be monitored by the District, and any violation may result in the loss of
computer privileges, discipline as per the District Discipline Policy, and/or appropriate legal
action.

Signature of Student: ___________________________________________ Date ______________

Printed Name of Parent or Guardian: _________________________________________________

Signature of Parent or Guardian: ___________________________________Date______________