**IJNDB - ELECTRONIC INFORMATION ACCEPTABLE USE** **Last Updated Date:** 04/29/2014 **Adoption Date:** 01/10/2006 #### Introduction and Mission The mission of South Hadley Public Schools Electronic Information System is to provide students, faculty, and staff access to information and learning opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally.  Further, South Hadley Public Schools believes that the educational benefit of electronic information is paramount to the future success of students, and to the overall success of the educational process. For this reason, South Hadley Public Schools believes that the potential benefits of electronic information far exceed any disadvantages of access of materials inconsistent with the educational goals of South Hadley Public Schools. This policy includes but is not limited to classroom and lab computers, Internet, electronic mail, satellite transmissions, and telecommunications use. The policy outlines appropriate use. It is not meant to discourage use of the Internet and other sources of electronic information. South Hadley Public Schools recognizes and supports each family’s right to decide whether to allow their student to have access to the Internet. The student and his/her parent(s) or guardian(s) should discuss these rights and responsibilities. Ultimately, parents(s) and guardian(s) are responsible for setting and conveying the standard that their child should follow. In order to use the South Hadley Public Schools Electronic Information System students must sign an Acceptable Use Contract agreeing to act within the guidelines of this policy.  Parents or guardians must also sign to confirm their understanding of the provisions of the policy (see IJNDB-E-1 and IJNDB-E-2 ). Regulation of Use The use of the information system is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The administration, staff, or faculty of South Hadley Public Schools may request that an individual’s privilege be revoked or suspended in response to a violation.  Discipline will be handled through the existing individual school policies and the South Hadley Public Schools Policies and Procedures. On a global network such as the Internet, it is impossible to effectively control the content of information.  South Hadley Public Schools will make every effort to protect students and teachers from misuse and inappropriate materials. However, it is each user’s responsibility not to initiate access to material that is not consistent with the educational goals of South Hadley Public Schools. Unacceptable use of the Electronic Information System will result in the suspension or revoking of these privileges and could further cause school discipline action to be pursued. Some examples of such unacceptable use are: 1.         Using the system for any illegal activity, including violation of confidentiality, copyright or other contracts.   2.         Using the system for financial or commercial gain. 3.         Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance. 4.         Vandalizing the data of another user. 5.         Wastefully using finite resources. 6.         Gaining unauthorized access to data, resources or entities. 7.         Invading the privacy of individuals. 8.         Using the password owned by another user. 9.         Posting another individual’s communication without the author’s consent. 10.       Posting anonymous messages. 11.       Violation of school district policies. 12.       Violation of local, state or federal laws. Misuse may take various forms, but specifically includes any message sent or received that indicates or suggests pornography, unethical or illegal solicitation, racism, sexism, inappropriate language, and other issues described above. #### Disclaimer South Hadley Public Schools makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the electronic information service it is providing. South Hadley Public Schools will not be responsible for any damages suffered while on the system. These damages can include loss of data as a result of delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by the system and user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the information system is at the user’s own risk.  Further, South Hadley Public Schools specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of the information obtained through its electronic information services.