SVMS TECHNOLOGY POLICY

DEFINITION OF TECHNOLOGY AND THE INTERNET:

Technology is any form of electronic equipment or media designed to support the productivity of the students, staff, and patrons of USD 400, as well as enhancing the learning process. This equipment includes, but is not limited to: desktop computers, laptops, printers, networking equipment, the Internet, e-mail, other forms of telecommunications, telephones, all forms of software, and other peripherals.

Specifically, the Internet is an electronic communications network which provides vast, diverse, and unique resources. Our goal in providing this service to teachers, staff, patrons, and students is to promote educational excellence in USD 400 by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE:

All of the guidelines and procedures outlined in this document pertaining to the acceptable use of technology are intended to make that technology more useful to students, staff, and patrons of USD 400. These guidelines are also intended to maximize the learning environment and process. Access to these technologies is a privilege, that comes with responsibility.

USD 400 views information gathered from various technological resources, including the Internet, in the same manner as reference materials identified by the schools. Specifically, the district supports resources that will enhance the learning environment with directed guidance and supervision from the faculty and staff. Exploration and manipulation of resources is encouraged. Filtering software is in place in USD 400; however, it is impossible to control all materials on a global network and an industrious user may discover inappropriate information that is not consistent with the educational mission, goals and policies of the school district.

Parents who do not wish their student to have individual access to the Internet should contact the school administrator.

GUIDELINES:

1. Acceptable Use:Informal rules of behavior have evolved for the use of technology and communication on the Internet and other online services. All users of Smoky Valley USD 400's computers and networks are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of technology usage and etiquette. Collectively, they help to identify a level of acceptable use of the technology in USD 400. Rules for acceptable use are included below.

2. State Law and Local Policy:Violations of the policies and procedures of Smoky Valley USD 400 and/or Kansas Law concerning the use of technology will result in disciplinary action.

3. Penalties:Any user violating these provisions, state and/or local policies, applicable state and federal laws, or posted classroom and district rules is subject to loss of technology privileges and any other district disciplinary options, including criminal prosecution. School and district administrators will make the final determination as to what constitutes unacceptable use and their decision is final.

Three levels of punishment may be enforced by the administration. While the levels may be implemented in order, nothing prevents the administration from selecting any step depending on the facts and the severity of the violation.

  • Level 1: Loss of privileges for one month and written notice of the offense and punishment sent home to the parent.

  • Level 2: A student who, after a Level 1 loss of privileges, continues to engage in serious or persistent misbehavior by violating the district's previously communicated written standards of conduct may be removed from any computer/internet privileges for the remainder of the school year or remaining school years and recommended for suspension.

  • Level 3: A student could be expelled from school if he/she engages in conduct on the internet that contains the elements of the offense of criminal mischief, as defined by state and federal law. Any student expelled for misuse of technology will also lose computer privileges for the remainder of the school year or school years.

A copy of the Student Technology Use Agreement is located in the SVMS Student Handbook. <insert doc here>