District-Provided Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks for Students
Telecommunications and other new technologies have transformed the way that information may be accessed and communicated. The Board generally supports access by students to rich information resources and believes it incumbent upon students to use this privilege in an appropriate and responsible manner. The Board encourages the development of appropriate electronic information research skills and expects the instructional staff to provide guidance and instruction to students in the use of the Internet throughout the curriculum. As much as possible, access from school to Internet resources should be structured to guide students to those sources suited to the learning objectives. The network is provided for students and staff to conduct research, explore the world, and communicate with each other. While students will be able to move independently through resources, they shall be provided with guidelines defining acceptable use.
Students utilizing school-provided Internet access are responsible for the same standard of behavior "on-line" as they are in a classroom or other areas of the school. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply in using the networked communications system.
Access to the system's telecommunications and electronic information sources will be permitted upon submission of agreement forms by students and parents. Violations of the terms and conditions stated in the agreement may result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students.
The Board authorizes the superintendent to develop and implement procedures to provide guidance for students in the appropriate and ethical use of telecommunication networks such as the Internet.
Students utilizing district provided Internet access must receive permission from and be supervised by Shelby County Schools' staff. Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on-line just as they are in a classroom or other area of the school.
A written Student Agreement & Parent/Guardian Permission Form will be required prior to the student being granted independent access to the Internet. The Acceptable Use Agreement document containing the required permission/agreement form, shall specify acceptable uses, rules of on-line behavior, access privileges and penalties for policy/procedural violations. The permission form must be signed by the parent/legal guardian of minor students (those under 18 years of age) and also by the student. This document will be kept on file as a legal, binding document. In order to modify or rescind the agreement, the student's parent/guardian (or the student who is at least 18 years old) must provide the superintendent with a written request. Permission is not transferable, may not be shared, and is contingent upon student use consistent with the educational objectives of Shelby County Schools. Access is a privilege, not a right and entails responsibility.
Electronic Media Storage is subject to inspection by school officials in order to maintain electronic media integrity and ensure that students are using the system responsibly. Network administrators, school site administrators, and teachers may review files and communications under the same standards as inspection of school lockers. Network users should not expect that files stored on district servers will always be private or maintained indefinitely.
Access to telecommunications will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards. The Board believes that the benefits to students from such access exceed the disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards their children should follow when using media and information sources. The District supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for independent access.
Outside of school, families bear responsibility for the same guidance of Internet use as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, radio, movies, and other possibly offensive media.
Protection of Electronic Data
Due to the critical dependence on electronic data for normal classroom and school administrative operation, any student who willfully destroys or otherwise alters such data will be in violation of Federal Statute 18 U.S.A. 1030 and T.C.A.§39-14-601, §39-14-602, §49-6-3401, and §37-101, et seq. and subject to prosecution thereunder. Penalties to include but not limited to a mandatory Juvenile Court summons as well as appropriate disciplinary action by the school.