AUP

Permission Letter   Lesson Plan

RONDOUT VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AUP

P.O. BOX 9 122 KYSERIKE ROAD ACCORD, NEW YORK 12404 TEL: 845-687-2400 FAX: 845-687-9577

A,lan Baker Director of Technology Extension 4842 abaker@rondout.k12.ny.us

2010-2011 School Year

Dear Parent(s) and /Student: Welcome to the Rondout Valley Central School District. I hope your journey here will be fulfilling. We have many new and exciting technologies added and integrated into our curriculum each year.

As part of the Rondout experience students will be using computers and other technology across the curriculum. Students will be provided with access to various computerized information resources including but not limited to email, the Internet, and the Rondout network. Students’ use of the District’s computer system is conditioned upon students providing the District with a signed User Agreement and Waiver Form together with Parent/Guardian Consent and Waiver Forms. These forms are kept on file in the Computer Technology Department (in the District Office) for a minimum of 8 years. Parents are encouraged to read this letter


 * together **

with all of the attachments before signing the forms. Parents are further encouraged to review them with their student and stress their importance. The forms referenced above and referred to as “the AUP” (Acceptable Use Policy) comprise an agreement between the student and the District stating that the student will not

intentionally

abuse the privilege of using the computer. Should a student do so his/her privileges will be suspended and/or revoked. It is necessary for the student and you to understand that along with the privilege of using the networked computers throughout the district there is a responsibility to do so safely and ethically .  Plagiarism, copyright violation, inappropriate language, use of cell phones during class, online bullying or harassment, or other inappropriate or irresponsible behavior related to any District technology will not be  tolerated. Students are expected to follow these guidelines in accordance with the District Code of Conduct. The district computers are for instructional use and research. While it may appear that email is a private and personal messaging system, be aware it is not. The use of email equates to the use of a student locker. No one wants to read a student’s email, just as no one wants to look in a student’s locker. However, should there be a problem or suspicion, the Network Administrator together with the Director of Technology have the ability and right to read student email and to track where a student has been on the Internet. Therefore, students are advised not to say or do anything on the computer that they know is inappropriate and they would not want their parents and teachers to know about. Page 2 The Board of Education has adopted Policy 8271 pursuant to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). A copy of this policy is attached to this letter (following policy 8270) for your reference. This policy explains the filtering/blocking and monitoring measures the District has implemented in an attempt to filter out inappropriate Internet and email content. A copy of all Board Policies relating to computers are attached as well. Students are reminded when using a District computer:

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Make sure you save all of your files to your “R” drive; a personal storage space on the network that is backed up regularly and is inaccessible without your ID and password.

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While the District backs up the network every night it cannot be responsible for loss of  data caused intentionally by a hacker or by an act of nature.

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NEVER leave the computer without logging off. Doing so could allow someone else to  use the computer “in your name”.

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NEVER give your password to anyone. Your password represents you on the computer – you are responsible for any actions performed on the computer using your password.

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Observe copyright laws (such as not using another’s photographs, musical videos, mp3’s  and other files; intellectual works, etc. This list is just a sampling).

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Remember copyright laws when using any media that stores copied information from the Internet or from another user (including but not limited to “A” disks, DVD/CD burners, etc.)This refers to MP3’s as well.

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Observe computer etiquette and responsible computing.

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Do not load any personal programs or executable files on any District computers. Please sign the Please explain the seriousness of the responsibility to your student and have your student sign the ** USER ** AGREEMENT AND WAIVER FORM . Return both signed forms to the building secretary. Upon receipt of both forms by the Computer Technology Department a network and email account will be set up for your student. Your student’s ID will be his/her first initial last name, no caps, no spaces and the initial password will be “password”. (Students entering the 5  th
 * PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT AND WAIVER FORM. **

grade will use their student ID for their original password and not the word “password”.) When your student logs on to the network a message will appear stating the password has  expired. This allows your student to set his/her own password. We do not know student  passwords.  If you have any questions regarding these policies and or the use of computers please  feel free to contact the Computer Department and speak to Alan Baker, Director of  Technology (Ext. 4842). You may also email Alan Baker at

abaker@rondout.k12.ny.us

Respectfully yours, Alan Baker Director of Technology 4526.2-E.2

Print:

Last name of Student First Initial

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT AND WAIVER FORM

I have read and understand the Rondout Valley Central School District Acceptable Use Policy regarding student use of the Internet. By signing this consent and waiver form, I give my permission for my child to be permitted access to the Rondout Valley Central School District's computer network system and the Internet. I understand my child's in-school access to the Internet is designed solely for educational purposes. I also understand that a variety of inappropriate and offensive materials are available over the Internet and it may be possible for my child to access these materials inadvertently or if he or she chooses to behave irresponsibly. I further understand that it is possible for undesirable or ill-intended individuals to communicate with my child over the Internet and that there is no practical way for the Rondout Valley Central School District to completely prevent this from happening. I also understand that my child must take responsibility to avoid such communications if they are initiated

.  I am aware the Rondout Valley Central School District and the Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center employ several types of software to filter email and the Interne t  and I authorize the Rondout Valley Central School District staff to monitor any communications to or from my child on the Rondout Valley Central School District's computer network and Internet, I recognize that it is not possible for the Rondout Valley Central School District to monitor all such communications and have determined that the benefits of my child having in-school access to the Internet outweigh the potential risks, and I will not hold the Rondout Valley Central School District and the Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center, responsible for material acquired or contacts made on the Rondout Valley Central School District network or the Internet. I further understand that any violation of the provisions in the Acceptable Use policy including but not limited to copyright violation, online bullying, inappropriate use of any technological device, inappropriate email and/or use of the Internet, etc., by my child will result in suspension and/or revocation of his or her system access and related privileges, other disciplinary action, and possible legal action. Lastly I understand that this signed document will be kept on file for a minimum of 8 years.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _ Date: _ Building: (circle one) HS MS MES RES KES

Grade:

(circle one) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Date of Graduation 4526.2-E.1 PLEASE PRINT:

_ PLEASE PRINT: Last name of Student First Name

USER AGREEMENT AND WAIVER FORM

Please Print:

School/Building: _.

Grade: _

I have read and understand the Rondout Valley Central School District's Acceptable

Use Policy regarding Internet use of district-sponsored accounts. I agree to abide by its

provisions.

I understand that in-school access to the Internet is designed solely for educational

purposes. I also understand that a variety of inappropriate and offensive materials are

available over the Internet and it may be possible for me to access these materials

inadvertently. I agree to act responsibly and to refrain from viewing inappropriate and/or

offensive materials. I further understand that it is possible for undesirable or ill-intended

individuals to communicate with me over the Internet, that there is no practical way for the

Rondout Valley Central School District to prevent this from happening. I agree to take

responsibility for avoiding such individuals and to report any such attempts at communicating

with me.

I understand that I have no right to privacy when I use the Rondout Valley Central

School District's computer network and the Internet, including e-mail. I authorize the

Rondout Valley Central School District staff to monitor any communications to or from me on

the Rondout Valley Central School District's computer network and Internet. I have

determined that the benefits of having in-school access to the Internet outweigh the potential

risks, and I will not hold the Rondout Valley Central School District or the Internet Access

Providers; the Rondout Valley Central School District and the Mid-Hudson Regional

Information Center, responsible for material acquired or contacts made on the Rondout

Valley Central School District network or the Internet.

I further understand that any violation of the provisions in the Acceptable Use Policy

including but not limited to copyright violation, online bullying, inappropriate use of any

technological device, inappropriate email and/or use of the Internet, etc., by me will result in

suspension and/or revocation of my system access and related privileges, other disciplinary

action, and possible legal action.

Account Holder/User Signature: _ Date:

Please circle one: New Returning

Grade: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Date of Graduation

Office Use Only

Account _

R Drive _ Email _ Other ___ (yearbook, etc.)

Revised 2/11/08 2001 8270 Instruction

SUBJECT: INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

The Board of Education considers computers to be valuable tools for education, and encourages the use of computers and computer-related technology in District classrooms.

The designee will prepare inservice programs for the training and development of District staff in computer skills, and for the incorporation of computer use in appropriate subject areas. Applications may include instruction in computer programming and math skills; the use of work processing software in teaching reading/writing and other language skills; the use of drawing and composition programs in art, music and other fine arts classes; the charting of data in history/geography classes; the use of drill mastery programs in foreign language classes; and training in data management software in business education. The District will encourage computer use as an integral part of the curriculum, and not merely as a minor instructional resource or reward for completed classwork.

The Superintendent, working in conjunction with the appropriate administrator, will be responsible for the purchase and distribution of computer software/hardware throughout District schools. Adopted: 7/10/01 2001 8271 1 of 2 Instruction

SUBJECT: THE CHILDREN'S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT: INTERNET CONTENT FILTERING/SAFETY POLICY

In compliance with The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and Regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the District has adopted and will enforce this Internet safety policy that ensures the use of technology protection measures (i.e., filtering or blocking of access to certain material on the Internet) on all District computers with Internet access. Such technology protection measures apply to Internet access by both adults and minors with regard to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or, with respect to the use of computers by minors, considered harmful to such students. Further, appropriate monitoring of online activities of minors, as determined by the building/program supervisor, will also be enforced to ensure the safety of students when accessing the Internet. Further, the Board of Education's decision to utilize technology protection measures and other safety procedures for staff and students when accessing the Internet fosters the educational mission of the schools including the selection of appropriate teaching/instructional materials and activities to enhance the schools' programs; and to help ensure the safety of personnel and students while online. However, no filtering technology can guarantee that staff and students will be prevented from accessing all inappropriate locations. Proper safety procedures, as deemed appropriate by the applicable administrator/program supervisor, will be provided to ensure compliance with the CIPA. In addition to the use of technology protection measures, the monitoring of online activities and access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web

may

include, but shall not be limited to, the following guidelines: a) Ensuring the presence of a teacher and/or other appropriate District personnel when students are accessing the Internet including, but not limited to, the  supervision of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of  direct electronic communications. As determined by the appropriate building  administrator, the use of e-mail and chat rooms may be blocked as deemed  necessary to ensure the safety of such students;  b) Monitoring logs of access in order to keep track of the web sites visited by students as a measure to restrict access to materials harmful to minors. c) The dissemination of the District's Acceptable Use Policy and accompanying Regulations to parents and students in order to provide notice of the school's  requirements, expectations, and student's obligations when accessing the Internet.  Parental and/or student consent, as may be applicable, shall be required prior to  authorization for student use of District computers. In compliance with this  Internet Safety Policy as well as the District's  2001 8271  2 of 2  Instruction

SUBJECT: THE CHILDREN'S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT: INTERNET CONTENT FILTERING/SAFETY POLICY (Cont'd.)

acceptable Use Policy, unauthorized access (including so-called "hacking") and other unlawful activities by minors are prohibited by the District; and student violations of such policies may result in disciplinary action; and d) Appropriate supervision and notification to minors regarding the prohibition as to unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding  such students.  The determination of what is "inappropriate" for minors shall be determined by the  District and/or designated school official(s). It is acknowledged that the determination of such  "inappropriate" material may vary depending upon the circumstances of the situation and the  age of the students involved in online research.  The terms "minor," "child pornography," "harmful to minors," "obscene," "technology  protection measure," "sexual act," and "sexual contact" will be as defined in accordance with  CIPA and other applicable laws/regulations as may be appropriate and implemented  pursuant to the District's educational mission.  Under certain specified circumstances, the blocking or filtering technology measure(s) may be disabled for adults engaged in bona fide research or other lawful purposes. The power to disable can only be exercised by an administrator, supervisor, or other person authorized by the School District. The School District shall provide certification, pursuant to the requirements of CIPA, to document the District's adoption and enforcement of its Internet Safety Policy, including the operation and enforcement of technology protection measures (i.e., blocking/filtering of access to certain material on the Internet) for all School District computers with Internet access. The District has provided reasonable public notice and has held at least one public hearing or meeting to address the proposed Internet Content Filtering/Safety Policy prior to Board adoption. Furthermore, appropriate actions will be taken to ensure the ready availability to the public of the District's Internet Content Filtering/Safety Policy, as well as any other District policies relating to the use of technology. 47 United States Code (USC) Section 254(h) and (l) 47 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 54 Adopted: 7/10/01 2001 7314 1 of 2 Students

SUBJECT: STUDENT USE OF COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION RESOURCES

The Board of Education will provide access to various computerized information resources through the District's computer system ("DCS" hereafter) consisting of software, hardware, computer networks and electronic communications systems. This may include access to electronic mail, so-called "on-line services" and the "Internet." All use of the DCS, including independent use off school premises, shall be subject to this policy and accompanying regulations. Further, all such use must be in support of education and/or research and consistent with the goals and purposes of the School District. One purpose of this policy is to provide notice to students and parents/guardians that, unlike most traditional instructional or library media materials, the DCS will allow student access to external computer networks not controlled by the School District where it is impossible for the District to screen or review all of the available materials. Some of the available materials may be deemed unsuitable by parents/guardians for student use or access. This policy is intended to establish general guidelines for acceptable student use. However, despite the existence of such District policy and accompanying guidelines and regulations, it will not be possible to completely prevent access to computerized information that is inappropriate for students. Furthermore, students may have the ability to access such information from their home or other locations off school premises. Parents/guardians of students must be willing to set and convey standards for appropriate and acceptable use to  their children when using the DCS or any other electronic media or communications. The District respects the right of each family to decide whether or not to apply for independent computer access. Student use of the DCS is conditioned upon written agreement by all students and their parents/guardians that student use of the DCS will conform to the requirements of this policy and any regulations adopted to insure acceptable use of the DCS. All such agreements shall be kept on file in the District Office. Generally, the same standards of acceptable student conduct which apply to any school activity shall apply to use of the DCS. This policy does not attempt to articulate all required and/or acceptable uses of the DCS; nor is it the intention of this policy to define all inappropriate usage. Administrative regulations will further define general guidelines of appropriate student conduct and use as well as proscribed behavior. District students shall also adhere to the laws, policies and rules governing computers including, but not limited to, copyright laws, rights of software publishers, license agreements, and student rights of privacy created by federal and state law. (Continued) 2001 7314 2 of 2 Students

SUBJECT: STUDENT USE OF COMPUTERIZED INFORMATION RESOURCES (Cont'd)

Students who engage in unacceptable use may lose access to the DCS in accordance with applicable due process procedures, and may be subject to further discipline under the District's school conduct and discipline policy and the Student Discipline Code of Conduct. The District reserves the right to pursue legal action against a student who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damages or destroys property of the District. Further, the District may bring suit in civil court against the parents/guardians of any student who willfully, maliciously or unlawfully damages or destroys District property pursuant to General Obligations Law Section 3-112. Student data files and other electronic storage areas will be treated like school lockers. This means that such areas shall be considered to be School District property subject to control and inspection. The computer coordinator may access all such files and communications to insure system integrity and that users are complying with the requirements of this policy and accompanying regulations. Students should

expect that information stored on the DCS will be private. Regulations will be established as necessary to implement the terms of this policy Adopted: 7/10/01 2001 7315 Students
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SUBJECT: INTERNET POLICY

The Internet is a valuable resource tool for students and staff alike. However, recognizing the value of the Internet does not diminish the responsibility of the district to provide clear guidelines for its use. Student welfare is an integral responsibility of every employee in the district. Parents send students to school with the expectation that the district will exercise prudent control over what students are exposed to while under our charge. No staff member, student or other individual shall access the Internet for personal use. Internet access shall be limited to job function, related to curriculum documents and those extra-curriculum activities recognized by the Board of Education. The Superintendent, in conjunction with building administrators, will develop regulations for internet access. Employees and parents must complete the appropriate forms recognizing the intent of the policy prior to being given access to the Internet. Violations of the policy shall be reported first to the building administrator who will notify the Superintendent. The report shall include what action was taken to address the violation. Adopted: 710/01