Network Access Policy

South Burlington School District Policy 5.9

Approved 9/22/99

The South Burlington School Board recognizes that access to telecommunications and other information technologies is critical to the preparation of South Burlington students for life in the 21st century. We believe that students must have the opportunity to learn how to responsibly use resources available on the South Burlington School District network and the broad array of resources available on the Internet. Therefore, the Board is committed to continued enhancement of the District’s network services and to ongoing staff development to ensure that South Burlington students master the skills necessary to effectively tap into these vast information resources.

There is a wealth of information available on the Internet—ranging from on-line databases and libraries to extremely current web pages on specialized topics. Unfortunately, many of the resources available on the Internet have not been screened for use by students. The District believes, however, that the benefits to students of access to such information and of the opportunities for collaboration afforded by the Internet greatly exceed the disadvantages. Parents and guardians and District educators must work together to ensure that students use these resources responsibly. Parents and guardians play an especially important role in setting the standards that their children should follow when using the Internet.

Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to the preparation of citizens and future employees. The Board expects that District staff will blend thoughtful use of Internet information resources throughout the curriculum and that the staff will provide guidance and instruction to students in the analysis, evaluation, and appropriate use of such resources.

Electronic mail is an extremely powerful tool that enables students to communicate with and collaborate with people around the world. We believe that responsible use of electronic mail can greatly enrich student learning opportunities. On the other hand, we realize that the two-way communication that electronic mail makes possible introduces risks unique to this communication medium. Therefore, we offer electronic mail services to all students, but only after submission of a "Letter of Permission" signed by the student and, if the student is a minor, his or her parent or guardian.

Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. The network is provided for students to conduct research and communicate with others. Access to network services will be provided to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner.

The Board looks forward to the educational opportunities that the District’s network services afford our students.

Student Access to Networked Information Resources

Administrative Procedures and Guidelines

1. Program Development

Staff will provide developmentally appropriate guidance and supervision to students as they make use of telecommunications and electronic information resources to conduct research and other studies related to the District curriculum. Parents need to be advised that there is inherently some risk that students may accidentally or deliberately view objectionable material on the Internet. All students will be informed by staff of their rights and responsibilities as users of the district District network prior to gaining access to that network, either as an individual user or as a member of a class or group.

2. Guidelines for Student Behavior

  1. Students are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communication apply.
  2. Every use of the network must be in support of the educational goals of the District. Access to network services is provided to students who act in a considerate and responsible manner. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.
  3. Individual users of the District computer networks are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. It is presumed that users will comply with District standards.
  4. Users will follow all laws and FCC regulations pertaining to the use of computer bulletin boards, networks, modems, and phone lines.
  5. Electronic storage and electronic mail files may be treated like school lockers and/or desks. Network administrators may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and ensure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private.
  6. Students will keep personal addresses and phone numbers private.
  7. Having access to telecommunications and the Internet is an exciting opportunity. The Internet is a largely unregulated system, however, and contains material that may be considered inappropriate in the context of the school setting or offensive to some people. If a student mistakenly gains access to inappropriate material or receives information or a message that makes him or her uncomfortable in any way, the student will immediately tell the supervising teacher or staff person.
  8. The following are not permitted:

Students should be aware that pranks, even if intended to be harmless, are considered serious offenses.

3. Sanctions

  1. Violations of any posted guideline, rule, policy, or regulation will result in the suspension or termination of the user’s account.
  2. Additional disciplinary action may be determined at the building level in line with existing practice regarding inappropriate language and behavior.
  3. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be notified.

4. Letters of Permission for Student Electronic Mail Accounts

  1. All students may be granted personal electronic mail accounts for use in educationally-related projects. Before such accounts are established, parents of students under the age of 18 and the students themselves must sign a "South Burlington School District Letter of Permission for Student Electronic Mail Account."
  2. Elementary school students must submit a "Letter of Permission" when they first apply for an electronic mail account for use in grades K to 5. Middle school and high school students must submit a "Letter of Permission" when they first apply for an electronic mail account for use in grades 6 to 12. (For some students this may be a second letter.)
  3. Parents should review the "Student Access to Networked Information Resources—Administrative Procedures and Guidelines" with their children and explain the importance of using electronic mail responsibly.

To the Information Technology Education Home Page

To the SBSD District Technology Committee Page (Username and password required)

Problems or Concerns?  Email Steve Webster
Last updated 06/25/03