THE YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
POLICY ON THE USE OF THE INTERNET, THE YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS INTRANET,
ELECTRONIC MAIL, AND COMPUTER ACCESS BY AUTHORIZED USERS
User Agreement Form
(Teachers, Staff, Consultants, Volunteers,
etc.)
PURPOSE:
This policy sets forth the standards governing
Yonkers Public Schools (YPS) authorized users access to local, state, national
and international sources of information through the Internet, the YPS Intranet,
and computer and electronic mail access. This policy also sets forth the rules
under which authorized users may continue their access to and use of these
resources. This policy promotes the ethical, legal, and work-related use of the
Internet, Intranet, electronic mail and computer access.
Pursuant to this policy, use of information
resources must be consistent with the purposes for which these resources have
been provided. Access to the Internet, Intranet, and computer and electronic
mail access is a privilege that is provided to authorized users to help transact
YPS business through job related functions. These resources provide the means
with which users may communicate effectively with schools, central service
center departments, region offices, the public, other government entities, and
the business sector. These resources are to be used to respond to work-related
inquiries, to research YPS related information, and to inform the public about
district programs and services. They are to be used in a manner which does not
violate the public trust, and which is in accordance with this policy and
regulations established from time to time by the Board of
Education.
The purpose of the system is not merely to provide
students and employees with general access to the Internet. The school district
system has a limited educational purpose, which includes use of the system for
classroom activities, professional or career development, and limited high
quality, self-discovery activities. Users are expected to use Internet access
through the district system to further educational and personal goals consistent
with the mission of the school district and school policies. Uses that might be
acceptable on a user’s private personal account on another system may not be
acceptable on this limited purpose network.
I. GENERAL
PROVISIONS
All authorized users (defined as YPS employees,
consultants, parent or community volunteers under the supervision of a school
principal and non-Board employees such as interns) are to adhere to the
provisions of this policy. Use of Internet, Intranet, computer access, and YPS
electronic mail must be in compliance with federal and state laws, City
ordinances, and Yonkers Board of Education Board Rules, policies, and procedures
including, but not limited to, the Ethics Policy, personnel procedures, and
policies prohibiting discrimination in all forms.
The Internet, Intranet, computer access, and
electronic mail resources are to be used only for business pertaining to the
Yonkers Public Schools.
Users are responsible for
appropriate behavior on the school's computer network. Communications on the
network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and
communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with district
standards and the specific rules set forth in this document. The use of the
network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. The user is
personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the
school's computer resources.
Department supervisors, the principals of
schools, the Region Education Officers, and the Assistant to the Superintendent
for Technology of the Yonkers Public Schools have the authority to enroll and
terminate use privileges of the Internet, Intranet, computer access, and
electronic mail.
II. ACCESSIBILITY
Access to e-mail and the Internet will enable staff to
explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other repositories of
information and to exchange personal communication with other Internet users
around the world. Users should be aware that some material accessible via the
Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or
potentially offensive. While the purposes of the school are to use Internet
resources for constructive educational goals, users may find ways to access
other materials. The YPS believe that the benefits to the user from access to
the Internet in the form of information resources and opportunities for
collaboration exceed the disadvantages.
III. SECURITY
The YPS Board of Education shall establish rules
and regulations governing the use and security of the district's computer
network. Failure to comply with district policy and regulations for use of the
network may result in disciplinary action, as well as suspension and/or
revocation of computer access privileges.
Security issues which impact use of these
resources include, but are not necessarily limited to, the
following:
All authorized users are to report promptly any
breaches of computer security and violations of acceptable use to their
supervisor, the principal of the school or the Assistant to the Superintendent
for Technology of the Yonkers Public Schools.
Users shall not use a modem to dial into any
online service provider or Internet Service Provider (I.S.P.) while connected to
the Network, as this poses a security risk to the Network through these
connections.
Users shall not disclose the contents or
existence of YPS computer files, electronic mail, or other information to anyone
other than authorized recipients.
Users shall not distribute their password(s) or
information regarding other users’ passwords or security
systems.
Users shall not distribute confidential
documents, files, or correspondence without taking appropriate steps such as
encryption to prevent unauthorized access.
Users are not to engage in “hacking” of any kind,
including, but not limited to, the unlawful entry into an electronic system to
access information.
IV. USE OF INTERNET, COMPUTER ACCESS, AND ELECTRONIC MAIL
A. ACCEPTABLE USES
Acceptable uses of the Internet, computer access, and
electronic mail include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
Use of these resources shall not disrupt service
to other authorized users.
Users may access appropriate technologies related to
job-related functions, such as effective communications with schools, central
service center departments, region offices, the public, other government
entities, and the business sector. These resources are to be used to respond to
work-related inquiries, to research YPS related information, and to inform the
public about authorized programs and services.
Materials, including Public Domain materials, may
be downloaded or uploaded using the network as long as these materials are
related to business functions only. Users may distribute authorized materials in
the Public Domain. The user assumes all responsibility regarding the
determination of whether the materials are in the Public Domain; further, the
user assumes all responsibility regarding his or her decision to place
unauthorized materials in the Public Domain. The Board of Education is not
liable for copyright violations that may occur.
Due to system-wide standardization, users may not
be able to download stand-alone applications from the
Internet.
Some materials on the global Internet are termed
“Shareware.” These materials may be downloaded and used, but they are
copyrighted materials. The copyright holder usually gives permission to use the
material for examination. If users choose to continue using these materials, the
copyright holder often requests that the user registers his/her usage and may
ask that a license fee be paid. The user assumes responsibility for all license
fees charged for the utilization of Shareware materials. No employee,
consultant, volunteer or other user is permitted under any circumstance to incur
fees or charges on behalf of the Yonkers Board of Education for any goods or
services through the use of the Internet, Intranet or E-mail.
B. UNACCEPTABLE USES
Unacceptable uses of the Internet, Intranet,
computer access, and electronic mail include, but are not necessarily limited
to, the following:
No outgoing message on the Internet, Intranet, or
via electronic mail may purport to make a statement of policy, either expressly
or by implication, except for messages that quote policies, Board Rules,
procedures, documents published by the YPS, or other official
sources.
Non-work related uses - - including but not
limited to games, wagering, gambling, junk mail, shopping, chain letters, jokes,
private business activities, raffles, fundraisers, political lobbying, or
religious activities - - are prohibited under this policy.
Unauthorized advertising of YPS projects or
programs is prohibited.
Soliciting or distributing information with the
intent to cause personal harm, bodily injury, harassment, or which describe or
promote the use of weapons or devices associated with terrorist activities, or
which is likely to or intended to incite violence, is
prohibited.
Accessing information which may contain sexually
explicit images or information in violation of generally accepted social
standards for use of a publicly-owned and operated communication vehicle, or
which could be considered to be harassing or disparaging of others on the basis
of, but not necessarily limited to, race, national origin, sex, sexual
preference, marital status, age, disability, religion, ancestry, parental
status, military discharge status, or lawful source of income is
prohibited.
Use of the Internet, Intranet, computer access,
or electronic mail for the purpose of intentionally spreading computer viruses
or programs which loop repeatedly, or for the purpose of infiltrating a computer
system without authorization, or for damaging or altering without authorization
the software components of a computer or computer system is
prohibited.
Seeking to gain or gaining unauthorized access to
information contained in students’ records is prohibited.
Destruction, alteration, dismantlement,
disfigurement, prevention of rightful access to or interference with the
integrity of critical computer-based information and/or information resources,
without authorization, is prohibited.
Interference with the privacy rights of
individuals or entities who are creators, authors, users, or subjects of the
information resources, without authorization, is
prohibited.
Providing or permitting access to unauthorized
individuals is prohibited.
Use of copyright or proprietary information
without permission of the author is prohibited. As provided by federal law and
international treaties, copyrighted materials shall not be uploaded without
prior permission of the copyright holder. Except as expressly permitted,
copyrighted materials shall not be distributed to others. Copyrighted materials
shall not be altered, nor shall the author’s attribution or copyright notices be
modified.
V. USER CONDUCT
User conduct while on the Internet, Intranet, or
the electronic mail system should reflect standards of use for public
interaction with other users.
Users are to conduct themselves in a professional
manner, as representatives of the Yonkers Public Schools. Users are to be clear
and cogent in all communications, and are to read and spell-check all documents
before sending.
Users are to respect privacy and are not to
represent themselves as another user, unless explicitly authorized to do so by
that user.
VI. ASSUMPTION OF RISK
The Yonkers Public Schools will make a good faith
effort to keep the system and its available information accurate. However,
authorized users acknowledge that there is no warranty of any kind, either
express or implied, regarding the accuracy, quality, or validity of any of the
data or information available. For example, and without limitation, the YPS does
not warrant that the network will be error free or free of computer viruses. In
making use of these resources, the user agrees to release the Board of Education
of the City of Yonkers from all claims of any kind, including claims for direct
or indirect, incidental, or consequential damages of any nature, arising from
the user’s use or inability to use the network, and from any claim for
negligence in connection with the operation of the Network, provided,
however, that claims for legal defense and /or indemnification pursuant to
Education Law Secs. 3023, 3028, or other statute or contractual provision, are
not released herein and are reserved to the user.
The user further acknowledges that the
information available through interconnecting networks may be inaccurate. The
Network has no ability to maintain such information and has no authority over
these materials. The YPS makes no warranty of any kind, either express or
implied, regarding the accuracy, quality, or validity of the data and/or
information residing on or passing through the network from outside networks.
Use of the Network is at the risk of the authorized user.
VII. POLICY MODIFICATIONS
The Yonkers Public Schools reserves the right to
amend this Acceptable Use Policy and will notify users of the amendments, when
such amendments are made. Use of
the network shall constitute acceptance of this policy and acceptance of all
future amendments that may be adopted. Any user who determines that he or she
cannot comply with all terms and conditions of this policy must request in
writing that a Network Administrator of the YPS Technology Department terminate
his or her access.
VIII. INDEMNIFICATION
The authorized user indemnifies and holds
harmless the Board of Education of the City of Yonkers from any claims,
including attorney’s fees, resulting from the user’s activities while utilizing
the Network that cause direct or indirect damage to the user, the Yonkers Public
Schools, the Yonkers Board of Education or third parties. Provided, however, that this
indemnification and hold harmless provision shall not apply to any claims, including attorney’s
fees, resulting from activities of the user taken during the discharge of his
duties within the scope of his employment or authorized volunteer
duties.
IX. PRIVACY, MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT
Users do not have a personal privacy interest in
anything created, received or stored on the Internet, Intranet, or electronic
mail systems, as these systems are neither secure nor private. The YPS has the
right to monitor Internet, Intranet, and electronic mail use to ensure that
these resources are being used for appropriate purposes, consistent with this
policy. An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion
that a user has violated this policy, the YPS disciplinary code or the law. Searches may include computer hard
drives, related discs and other data storage media belonging to the school
district or used in district owned computers.
When the supervisor of an authorized user
determines inappropriate use, the supervisor will notify, in writing, a Network
Administrator of the YPS, who is authorized to terminate the user’s access
privileges. An employee may appeal this decision through the Superintendent of
schools; a consultant may appeal this decision directly to his or her
supervisor; and a parent- or community-volunteer may appeal this decision
directly to the school principal.
The Yonkers Public Schools will cooperate fully
with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any
illegal activities conducted through the Network. Inappropriate use of these
resources in violation of this policy may subject the user to corrective action
consistent with YPS personnel rules, Board Rules, policies, and the discipline
policies for employees. Corrective actions may range from suspension of access
privileges up to and including discharge and criminal
prosecution.
Tips
to Protect Against Internet Viruses
q
Use
an antivirus program and update it at least once a week.
q
Check
the Web-site to your operating system maker – like Microsoft – frequently for
free security updates.
q
Don’t
let your guard down just because an e-mail came from someone you know. Some
viruses will pick your name from your friend’s mailbox and automatically send
you a copy.
q
If
in doubt about whether the attachment is a virus, DON’T OPEN IT. Instead, e-mail or call the sender to
see if they sent it to you on purpose.
q
Look
at the text of the message. If it’s not in English, and/or bad capitalization,
it may be a virus.
q
The
attachment is frequently the dangerous part. Look at it closely, especially the part
that comes after a period. If it
ends in: .pif, .ink, .com, or .exe, then it may be a
virus.
q
Although
you might trust file names that end in .doc, the extender for Microsoft Word
documents, the attached file may actually read ‘document docInk.’
This is not a Word document;
it is most likely a virus.
q
When
choosing a computer password, don’t use ‘password, your name or birthdate, or
any word found in a dictionary.
Pick something that means something only to you. Misspelled words can work, or a
combination of letter and numbers.
q
To
avoid spreading viruses, please refrain from sending or receiving chain letters,
jokes, etc. Sending these chain
letters exposes your e-mail address to thousands of people and could mean
viruses in the future.
Yonkers
Public Schools Network Policies
User
Agreement Form
Name: ______________________________________
Position/Title: ________________________________________
School/Department:
____________________________________________
As a user of the Yonkers
Public Schools computer network, I have read and agree to abide by the
District's network, Internet, Intranet and e-mail policies. I understand that my
use of the District’s Internet and e-mail accounts are for a limited educational
purpose.
I agree to limit
my use of my account to activities to job-related functions. As a user on an
educational system, I understand that my use of the system is a privilege and
that free speech rights are limited.
I hereby release the district, its
personnel, and any institutions with which it is affiliated from any and all
claims and damages of any nature arising from my use of, or inability to use,
the Network, including, but not limited to, claims that may arise from the
unauthorized use of the system to purchase products or services provided,
however, that claims for legal defense and /or indemnification pursuant to
Education Law Secs. 3023, 3028, or other statute or contractual provision, are
not released herein and are reserved to the user. I understand that I can be held liable
for damages caused by my misuse of the system.
I understand my account
may be terminated as follows:
I may terminate my account at any time by
notifying the Yonkers Public Schools
Technology Department.
My account may be terminated at any time upon
written notice to me. In this event, I will be given the opportunity to remove
my personal files.
If my account is unused for more than 90 days, it may
be terminated and my personal files removed without notice.
Signature: _____________________________
Date: _________________
THE YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
POLICY ON THE USE OF THE INTERNET, THE YONKERS PUBLIC SCHOOLS INTRANET,
ELECTRONIC MAIL, AND COMPUTER ACCESS BY AUTHORIZED USERS
User Agreement Form
(Students, Parents, and
Guardians)
The Yonkers Public
Schools are pleased to offer students access to a computer network for
electronic mail and the Internet. To gain access to e-mail and the Internet, all
students must obtain permission as verified by the signatures on the form
following. Should a parent prefer
that a student not have e-mail and Internet access, use of the computers is
still possible for more traditional purposes such as word
processing.
What is
possible?
Access to e-mail
and the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries,
databases, museums, and other repositories of information and to exchange
personal communication with other Internet users around the world. Families
should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet might contain
items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. While
the purposes of the school are to use Internet resources for constructive
educational goals, students may find ways to access other materials. We believe
that the benefits to students from access to the Internet, in the form of
information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed the
disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible
for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when
using media and information sources. Therefore, we support and respect each
family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.
What is
expected?
Students are
responsible for appropriate behavior on the school's computer network just as
they are in a classroom or on a school playground. Communications on the network
are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications
apply. It is expected that users will comply with district standards and the
specific rules set forth below. The use of the network is a privilege, not a
right, and may be revoked if abused. The user is personally responsible for
his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school's computer resources. The
students are advised never to access, keep, or send anything that they would not
want their parents or teachers to see.
What are the
rules?
Privacy -- Network
storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators, who
may review communications to maintain system integrity, will insure that
students are using the system responsibly.
Storage capacity --
Users are expected to remain within allocated disk space and delete e-mail or
other material, which takes up excessive storage space.
Illegal copying --
Students should never download or install any copyrighted material, including
movies, television programs or sound recordings, commercial software, shareware
or freeware onto network drives or disks, unless they have written permission
from the Network Administrator. Nor should students copy other people's work or
intrude into other people's files.
Inappropriate
materials or language -- No profane, abusive or impolite language should be used
to communicate, nor should materials be accessed which are not in line with the
rules of school behavior. A good rule to follow is never view, send, or access
materials, which you would not want your teachers and parents to see. Should
students encounter such material by accident, they should report it to their
teacher immediately.
Advice
These are
guidelines to follow to prevent the loss of network privileges at
School:
1. Do not use a
computer to harm other people or their work.
2. Do not damage
the computer or the network in any way.
3. Do not interfere
with the operation of the network by installing illegal
software, shareware, or
freeware
4. Do not violate
copyright, including the unauthorized sending or receiving
on the Internet, files of
movies, television programs or sound recording. This
also includes the
unauthorized copying of these files.
5. Do not view,
send or display offensive messages or pictures.
6. Do not share
your password with another person.
7. Do not waste
limited resources such as disk space or printing capacity.
8. Do not trespass
in another’s folders, work, or files.
9. Do notify an
adult immediately, if by accident, you encounter materials, which
violate the rules of
appropriate use.
10. BE PREPARED to
be held accountable for your actions and for the loss of
privileges if
the Rules of Appropriate Use are violated.
11. Students may not
use computers to make purchases of any kind. The School District retains sole
discretion to revoke usage privileges in any case where District policies or
guidelines are violated.
PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION FORM & USER
AGREEMENT
As
a parent or guardian of a student at School, I have read the above information
about the appropriate use of computers at the school and I understand this
agreement will be kept on file at the school. Please return this completed form
to the school. (Questions should be directed to the principal for
clarification.)
Check
one:
My child may use
e-mail and the Internet while at school according to the rules outlined.
__
I would prefer that
my child not use e-mail and the Internet while at school.
________
Parent Name
(print)
Parent
Signature
date:
PARENT/GUARDIAN
PERMISSION FOR THE PUBLICATION OF STUDENT WORK/PICTURES
I understand that
from time-to-time the school may wish to publish examples of student projects,
photographs of students, and other work on an Internet accessible World Wide Web
server.
Check
one:
My child's work can
be published on the Internet and photographs of my child can be published
__________
I would prefer that
my child's work and picture not be published on the Internet
__________
Parent/Guardian
Name (print)
Parent/Guardian
Signature
date:
STUDENT AGREEMENT
FORM
As a user of the
School computer network, I agree to comply with the above stated rules and to
use the network in a constructive manner.
Student’s Name
(print)
Student’s
Signature
Teacher
date: