Martha's Vineyard Public Schools
Network Acceptable Use Policy For Students
Definition of Networks and Systems Covered Under This Policy
There are three basic levels of networks that are covered under this policy. The Local Area Network (LAN) consists of all networked computers at the Martha's Vineyard Public Schools (MVPS). The Wide Area Network (WAN) consists of the network connecting all Island schools, and in the future other Island institutions. The third level is our connection to the Internet. Within each of these networks, all hardware, software, and related peripherals used in connecting to or as a part of the network are included in this policy. In addition, all computers owned or leased by the Martha's Vineyard Public Schools shall be included under this policy.
Guidelines
Access to the Martha's Vineyard Public Schools networks is for educational purposes only. This access includes connections made on any Island public school, through a dial up or other provided access, or through the Internet. Below are categories of acceptable and unacceptable activities for these networks.
A. GENERAL
- All users of these networks are representatives of the Martha's Vineyard Public Schools and should present themselves accordingly.
- Access is for educational use only.
- All users are expected to exercise responsible and ethical behavior when using these networks.
- Students may only access the Internet under the supervision of a teacher or staff member.
- Student use of the Internet should be for approved educational purposes only.
- Activity on all network levels is subject to Martha's Vineyard Public Schools regulations, as well as all applicable local, state, federal, and international law.
- Even though security measures are in place, be aware that sometimes information on networks can be accessed. Do not put information online that you do not want others to have access to (i.e. credit card, bank account numbers, etc.)
- Unauthorized use of copyrighted materials is prohibited.
- Do not subscribe to any mail or listservs, or any service that will download large numbers of email messages to your mailbox without prior permission from a system administrator or Technology staff person.
- Access to chat groups, video teleconferences, and the like are only to be done with the permission of a teacher or staff member and under their direct supervision.
- If an email account is provided to a user, that person will use it for educational purposes only.
- The MVPS reserves the right to examine, modify or remove any or all data stored in computers that are part of these networks to make sure that all users are in compliance with these regulations.
B. SECURITY
- Use only account(s) assigned to you.
- All users with an account will be given a password - do not give your password to anyone else or use another user's password at any time - You will be responsible for all activities taking place on your account.
- If you think someone has accessed your account, or has information about your account, notify the system administrator or technology staff immediately.
- If you identify any security problems, notify a system administrator, technology staff, or Martha's Vineyard Public Schools administrator only. Do not show or identify a security problem to other users.
C. VANDALISM/DESTRUCTION/UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS OF DATA OR FILES/HARASSMENT
- Do not upload, download, or use any computer programs or hardware that will record or otherwise give access to passwords or other information to allow unauthorized access to a computer or account.
- Do not upload or download any malicious program or other program designed to destroy or in any way compromise the operation of any computer, server, Network system or data.
D. RESPONSIBILITIES
- All users are responsible for their user accounts and activities on those accounts
- Users are subject to all applicable laws when using these networks. Violation of any rules may result in disciplinary or legal action from within the Martha's Vineyard Public Schools as well as from outside legal authorities.
- Users will not search for or participate in any activity on any network that is obscene, threatening, or contrary to educational pursuits.
E. PENALTIES
- Any user violating these provisions may lose network privileges temporarily or permanently.
- Users are subject to all other rules and laws applicable when using these networks, and may be punished under Martha's Vineyard Public Schools regulations, as well as criminally prosecuted.
- Users may be held responsible for any financial costs incurred as a result of malicious or intentional actions that cause damage to any aspect of the networked system.
- School and district administrators will make the final determination on what constitutes unacceptable use. They will handle all punishments covered under this policy and school regulations.
The Martha's Vineyard Public Schools makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The Martha's Vineyard Public Schools will not be responsible for any damages a user may suffer, including loss of data. The Martha's Vineyard Public Schools will not be responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the Internet or other network connections.
I understand and will abide by the Martha's Vineyard Public Schools' Network Acceptable Use Policy. I further understand that any violation of this policy is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, I may be financially responsible for damages I have caused by malicious or deliberate actions, and district disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
Click here to download this policy as a PDF.