The Muscogee County School District recognizes the importance of accessing information through new technologies. As resources permit, Internet services will be made available to students and staff. The following general guidelines will apply to Internet use in the school district.

   I.    Definition of the Internet

The Internet is a worldwide collection of computer networks that serves as a conduit for the transfer of messages and files. The Internet is not a single network; rather, it consists of thousands of individual networks that allow information to pass among them.

 II.     Purpose

The purpose of providing Internet access to this school/building is to facilitate communications in support of research and education by providing access to unique resources. Users may have access to
• Electronic mail Internet resources
• Public domain software annd shareware
• Discussion groups that support the instructional program

III.     User Responsibilities

Users are responsible for good behavior on the Intemet just as they are in all school activities. Users have an obligation to be responsible participants in this unique system and must adhere to the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Illegal activities of any kind are strictly forbidden. The rules include, but are not limited to, the following standards:
 

A.	GOOD MANNERS. Users should be polite. For example, users should never send, or encourage others to send, abusive messages.
B.	APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE. Users are representatives of their school and district on the Internet system. Even though a user may be alone with a computer, what he or she says and does can be viewed globally. Users should never use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
C.	PRIVACY. Users should not reveal any personal home addresses or phone numbers.
D.	ELECTRONIC MAIL. Electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities must be reported to the appropriate authorities.
E.	DISRUPTIONS. Users may not use the network in any way that would disrupt the use of the network by others.
F.	DOWNLOADING INTERNET FILES. Users must be aware that downloaded files may contain potential computer viruses . Downloading large documents may monopolize the system or may disrupt service.

 IV.    Privilege

The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right; inappropriate use may result in disciplinary action or cancellation of that privilege. Use of the Internet is contingent upon compliance with state and federal laws, school/building regulations, and the user responsibilities outlined above.

  V.    Ethical and Legal Issues

The purpose of providing Internet access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education by providing access to unique resources. Use by any student or staff member must be in support of and consistent with the objectives of the Muscogee County School District.
 

A.	TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING MATERIALS. Using the Internet to transmit or receive any materials in violation of United States or Georgia laws is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene materials, or material protected by patent (See attached copies of PL 104-104 and OCGA 16-90 et.seq.)
B.	SECURITY. Security on the Internet is a high priority because there are so many users. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of Internet abuse will be denied access to the Internet. Users are expected to Notify the system administrator of any suspected security problem Use and protect their own password Access authorized files only
C.	VANDALISM. Vandalism on the Internet is any malicious attempt to harm or destroy the data of another user. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses. Vandalism will result in the loss of Internet privileges.
D.	COPYRIGHT. Users of the Internet are expected to follow copyright laws and “fair use” guidelines.
E.	ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS. Internet users are prohibited from  Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures  Using obscene language  Harassing, insulting, or attacking others  Using another’s password  Trespassing in another’s folders, work, or files  Intentionally wasting limited resources  Employing the network for commercial purposes  Sharing passwords
F.	UNAUTHORIZED PURCHASES. Unauthorized purchases through the use of the Internet are prohibited. Any charges incurred through such misuse will be the responsibility of the user.
G.	SANCTIONS FOR MISUSE OF THE INTERNET.  Violations may result in a loss of access to the Internet Specific, disciplinary actions involving student misuse will be determined at the school/building level in accordance with Board of Education Policies and the Muscogee County School District Behavior Code. Employees of the School District who are in violation of this Standard for Acceptable Use of the Internet are subject to possible disciplinary sanctions in accordance with Board of Education Policies and Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Anyone who defaces or injures property shall make restitution for damages.
H.	LOCAL MODIFICATIONS. All locally developed modifications to this Standard for Acceptable Use of the Internet will be consistent with Board of Education Policies and the Muscogee County School District Behavior Code and Discipline Policy.

 VI.    Acceptable Use Agreement

All students granted independent access to the Internet must have an Acceptable Use Agreement form on file in a known location at the school or building site. A copy of the Muscogee County School District Acceptable Use Agreement Form follows.
 

ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE INTERNET AGREEMENT FORM