The Montpelier Public Schools Wide Area Network

Acceptable Use Policy

Effective August 28, 2006

Online information access is an integral part of the education for all 21^st century learners.

The Montpelier Public Schools Wide Area Network (“The Network”) has been established for educational purposes. The term "educational purposes" includes classroom activities, career development, and research. Products or services may not be offered or purchased through “The Network.” “The Network” may not be used for political lobbying. However the system may be used to communicate with elected representatives and to express opinion on political issues.

“The Network” has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. The Montpelier Public School District has the right to place restrictions on the material accessed or posted via the system. Computers are considered a means of communication, and the rules addressing bullying and harassment apply.

Individuals who bring in their personal computer for use in the Montpelier Public Schools or on “The Network” must comply with the Acceptable Use Policy. The individual is also responsible for having an anti-virus protection program installed on the machine that is up to date. The Montpelier School District reserves the right to ban any personal computer from our buildings and/or our network.

Students, while on the Montpelier School District computer network, may not access any external e-mail accounts. Students may only use an account provided to them by the district. Teachers may approve specific exceptions for educational purposes.

Meetings arranged online must have an educational purpose and must be arranged with the knowledge and approval of teachers.

Students may not post personal contact information about themselves or other people, including address, telephone, school, address, or any other information that identifies an individual or group.

Students must promptly disclose to their teacher or other school employee any message they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Individuals may not attempt to gain unauthorized access to “The Network” or to any other computer system through “The Network.” This includes attempting to log in through another person's account or access another person's files. Individuals are responsible for their own accounts and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to access their accounts.

Individuals will not use “The Network” to engage in any illegal act, including making deliberate attempts to damage or disrupt computers or the computer system or destroy data.

Individuals will not use “The Network” to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). A special exception may be made for student access of hate literature if the purpose of that access is to conduct research and both the student's teacher and parent have approved. If inappropriate information is mistakenly accessed, students will immediately tell their teacher or another supervising adult. This will protect them against a claim that they have intentionally violated this Policy.

Individuals should expect only limited privacy with the contents of personal files and e-mail on the District system. Maintenance and monitoring of “The Network” may lead to discovery of Policy violations.

The District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the District system will be error-free or without defect. The District will not be responsible for any damage suffered, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system.

Parents or Guardians who do not wish their student to have access to these resources in whole or in part must submit a request in writing to have the student’s access restricted.