Program Implementation

The Hamburg Central School District (HCSD hereafter) recognizes that effective use of technology is

important to our students and will be essential to them as adults. Consequently, the School System

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 “Internet.” The District shall provide personnel support for such usage.

Parents are strongly encouraged to review the HCSD Acceptable Use Policy and Regulations for use of technology

with their son/daughter. This document is available at http://www.hamburgschools.org/aup

In order for student to continue as a user of the Hamburg Central School District’s computer facilities, equipment,

and Internet accounts, it is necessary to comply with District policy and regulations for the use of technology as

presently in force and as may be amended from time to time. A violation of the District’s policy and/or regulations

regarding use of computerized information resources (“Acceptable Use Policy”) may result in the loss of computer

access, disciplinary action and/or prosecution in accordance with law, regulation and/or the District Code of Conduct.

During school, teachers will guide students toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, parents/guardians bear

responsibility for such guidance as they do with information sources such as television, telephones, movies, radio and

Individuals and families may be liable for violations of District policies and regulations/procedures for such use.

While every reasonable effort will be made by School District personnel to monitor proper usage and provide Internet

filters to questionable materials, parents must accept responsibility for guidance of Internet use by setting and

conveying standards for students to follow when selecting, sharing or exploring information and media. Students who

abuse the acceptable use of technology on the Internet may be removed from access in accordance with applicable due

Request To Deny Computer Usage

In order to achieve the career development and technical education (occupational) learning standards articulated by

the New York State Department of Education, student access to the DCS will automatically be provided unless the

parent / guardian has submitted written notification to the District that such access not be permitted. If the Parent /

guardian does not request, in writing, that a child is not to use computers, an account will be created to facilitate such

access. Parent / guardian requests to deny student use of District computers will be considered in accordance with law

Ethical Guidelines for Acceptable Use of Computer Networks in Schools

The District will make available a variety of technological resources to support learning and enhance instruction.

The goal is to provide access to diverse, state of the art technology tools to facilitate resources sharing innovation and

communication. The users of these tools, defined as any student, teacher, administrator, staff member, or community

member utilizing a District computer, take on certain responsibilities, including the use of technology in an ethical

manner.

comes responsibility. Since network communication is often public, students are responsible for behaving

appropriately on the network, as they are in the school. The network is provided for students and faculty to conduct

research and communicate with others concerning school work. Violations of the following guidelines may result in a

loss of access as well as other disciplinary or legal action. A responsible user will follow rules of proper etiquette

Legal and ethical implications of technology use and Internet Safety will be taught to students of all levels where

there is such access is offered. In addition, the building principal or his/her designee and/or classroom teacher will be

responsible for informing HCSD students of rules and regulations governing student access to the technology network.

Inappropriate use of the technology network may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or cancellation

of access. Prior to suspension or revocation of access to the technology network, students will be afforded applicable

due process rights. Each student who is granted access will be responsible for that usage. The technology network is

provided for students in support of their educational program and to conduct research and communicate with

others. Student access to external computer networks not controlled by the HCSD is provided to students

who act in a considerate and responsible manner. Individual users of the HCSD' computerized

information resources are responsible for their behavior and communications over the HCSD

computer network. It is presumed that users will comply with HCSD standards and will honor terms of

Student data files and other electronic storage areas will be treated like school lockers. This means that such areas

shall be considered to be HCSD property and subject to control and inspection. The Director of Technology or his/her

designee may access all such files and communications without prior notice to insure system integrity and that users

are complying with the requirements of HCSD policy and regulations regarding student access to the technology

Prohibitions

It is not the intention of this regulation to define all inappropriate usage. However, in addition to the general

requirements of acceptable behavior by authorized users, activities which shall be prohibited by authorized users who

access the technology network include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Using the technology network to obtain, view, download, send, print, display or otherwise gain access to or to

transmit materials that are unlawful, obscene, pornographic or abusive.

2) Transmitting material, information or software in violation of any HCSD policy or regulation, the school

behavior code, and/or federal, state and local law or regulation.

3) Revealing personal information about oneself or of other students including, but not limited to, disclosure of

home address and/or telephone number.

4) Using the technology network which in any way results in unauthorized charges or expense to the HCSD.

5) Damaging, disabling or otherwise interfering with the operation of computers, computer systems, software or

related equipment through physical action or by electronic means.

6) Using unauthorized software on the technology network including unauthorized encryption software or other

software designed to circumvent district safety or content filtering software.

7) Changing, copying, renaming, deleting, reading or otherwise accessing files or software not created by the

student without express permission from the supervising teacher.

8) Violating copyright law.

9) Disclosing an individual password to others or using others' passwords.

10) Using obscene or vulgar language.

11) Harassing (Cyberbullying), insulting or attacking others.

12) Engaging in practices that threaten the technology network (e.g., loading files that may introduce a virus).

13) Use of the technology network for other than school related work or activities, including commercial purposes,

product advertisement or political lobbying.

14) Assisting another student to violate HCSD policy and/or regulation, or failing to report knowledge of any

student violations of HCSD' policy and regulation on student use of computerized information resources.

15) Use which violates any other aspect of HCSD policy and/or regulations, as well as local, state or federal laws

or regulations.

16) Network accounts are to be used only by the authorized owner of the account

HCSD makes no warranty as to the accuracy, appropriateness, or quality of information accessed on the Internet.