The Internet is a vast, global computer network that provides access to important recourses that can enhance learning and teaching activities. In its continued efforts to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act, the Board has adopted a policy for Internet safety that incorporates the use of technologies designed to block or filter Internet access for minors and adults to images and/or content considered inappropriate.  However, the nature of the Internet makes it extremely difficult to catalog all controversial materials in order to restrict or completely block access to them.

 The St. Mary Parish School Board has established the following guidelines so that Internet users are aware of the responsibilities they are about to assume. Each computer user shall be held responsible for his/her actions and activities.  

• Acceptable Use – The St. Mary Parish Network supports research and education by providing access to unique resources and opportunities. Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S., state, local or School Board regulations is prohibited.  Investigations of topics being studied in schools, as well as investigation of opportunities outside of school related to community service, employment or further education, are considered examples of acceptable computer use. 
  
  
• Privileges ‑ Use of the St. Mary Parish Network is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges and may result in disciplinary action. School Board personnel conduct routine monitoring of the system and can track student navigation on the Internet. No information on the network is guaranteed to be private. This includes correspondence sent through the district provided email service. 
  
  

• Security ‑ Any suspected security problem with the St. Mary Parish Network or the Internet shall be immediately reported to the teacher, building technology coordinator, or the principal. The problem shall not be demonstrated to other users.  Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems shall be denied access to the Internet through the Network. 
  
  
• Vandalism – Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy hardware or software data shall result in cancellation of privileges and or other disciplinary actions. No software, programs, or files may be installed or downloaded by any user without permission.
  
  
• Consequences of Misuse ‑ School principals may suspend from school any student who accesses, sends, receives, or configures electronically any profane language or pictures, or violates any regulations for computer use, or any rules contained in the policy. Students may also be disciplined for off-campus speech, Internet activities, or use of off-campus computer and/or electronic systems that may cause a substantial disruption to the educational environment, interfere with the rights of others, or can be considered a threat.  Consequences for violations of these standards may range from loss of Internet privileges to expulsion from school depending on the nature and severity of the act. Inappropriate use of the Mary Parish Network may also result in legal action and/or prosecution, and may require restitution for costs associated with system restoration, hardware, or software. 
  
  

 Regulations for participation by anyone using technology equipment, the St. Mary Parish Network, or on the Internet include the following: 

• Users must demonstrate honesty, integrity, and respect for others at all times. Appropriate manners and language shall be required.
• The Internet may not be used for financial or commercial gain.
• Illegal activities, including copyright or contract violations, shall not be permitted.
  • When information, graphics, sounds, or other resources located through Internet or taken from electronic sources are used for educational activities, sources must be documented or cited to avoid plagiarism.
  • School Board equipment shall not be used to make illegal copies of software. Only programs purchased by the School Board shall be used in Board owned or leased computers.
• The following actions or activities are not permitted:
  • Degrading or disrupting equipment or system performance.
  • Attempting to alter, harm or destroy the data of another user.
  • Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities.
  • Using an account owned by another user.
  • Posting personal communications without the author's consent.
  • Invading the privacy of individuals, sending of hate mail, harassing or making a disparaging remark or other anti-social behavior.
  • Accessing, creating, or transmitting obscene, pornographic, threatening or abusive material.
  • Accessing information on manufacturing bombs or other incendiary devices.
  • Uploading or creating any form of computer virus.
    
    

If a student has questions about whether a specific activity is permitted, he or she should ask a teacher or administrator.  If a student accidentally accesses inappropriate material, she or he should back out of that information at once.

This document summarizes guidelines established by the St. Mary Parish School Board for exploring and using Internet resources within the school district. The complete policy document (IFBGA) is available at the following location: http://www.stmaryk12.net/policies

Reviewed 07/19/2021
Kevin Derise