Athens City Schools (ACS) is pleased to offer students access to a networked computer environment that provides access to a variety of instructional software and to the Internet. In order for the school system to be able to continue to make its computer network and Internet access available, all students must take responsibility for appropriate and lawful use of this access. Access to technology resources is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. Access entails responsibility.

The following pages describe the provisions of your agreement regarding computer network and Internet use. Students violating these rules will lose computer privileges and/or receive punishment as defined in the Student Code of Conduct. Misuse of the school system’s technology will result in the student’s computer usage being revoked, monetary charges for repairing damaged equipment, detention, suspension, and/or expulsion. Violation of civil and/or criminal law relating to technology and its use can result in criminal prosecution and civil liability.

The school system’s technology network is a limited forum, similar to the school newspaper, and therefore the school system may restrict your speech while using the network. Students should expect no privacy in the contents of personal files or records of web research activities on the network. The school system reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store at any time and without prior notice any and all usage of the computer network and Internet access and any information transmitted or received in connection with such usage. If a user is believed to be in violation of any of the technology guidelines, a system administrator may review communications and provide documentation related to any violation. The school system does not guarantee the privacy, security, accuracy, truthfulness, or confidentiality of any information sent or received via the Internet.

With respect to student access to the Internet on electronic devices owned by the Board, the Superintendent (and his/her designee) will engage in reasonable efforts to modify/restrict such devices so that they limit Internet access by students to only age-appropriate subject matters and materials deemed age-appropriate by the Superintendent (and his/her designee). For example, these restrictions will be designed to thwart access to pictures that are obscene, that constitute child pornography, or that are otherwise harmful to minors. From time to time, the Superintendent (and his/her designee) will periodically engage in efforts to update and adjust such modifications/restrictions to continue their effectiveness.

The Internet is a global network made up of many smaller contributing networks connecting millions of users throughout the world. Through the Internet, students can explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other resources to enhance educational experiences. In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, signed into law December 21, 2000, Athens City Schools has established several measures to help protect Internet users.

Although ACS provides a reputable Internet blocking system in addition to teacher/staff supervision, it is not possible to screen all materials. It is important for families to discuss the appropriate use of the Internet and to set expectations for the kinds and types of materials that are acceptable for viewing. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using the Internet and the school’s technology resources.

Electronic mail access is intended to support only educational, instructional, and administrative functions. Students are not allowed to use instructional time and school resources to check personal email accounts via the Internet. The school system cannot guarantee the privacy, security, accuracy, truthfulness, or confidentiality of any information sent or received via electronic mail.

With respect to student access to the Internet on electronic devices owned by the Board, the Superintendent (and his/her designee) will engage in reasonable efforts to: (a) prioritize the safety and security of students when using email, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communication; (b) prohibit access by students to unlawfully obtained data or information, including hacking, or other unlawful online activity; and (c) prohibit access to websites, web applications, or software that exposes students to the disclosure, use, or dissemination of their personal information. To these ends, the Superintendent (or his/her designee) will ensure that each student handbook includes Board-approved rules and regulations concerning Internet Safety & Acceptable Use of Computer Technology, which set out rules related to the foregoing items and note the disciplinary consequences to students for failing to abide by such rules.

Students are prohibited from accessing social media platforms on electronic devices owned by the Board, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for an educational purpose.

ACS websites are limited to usage associated with activities of the school district. The web site(s) cannot be used for profit, for commercial purposes, to express personal opinions, or to editorialize.

The school system’s web sites are publications designed to inform students, parents, and the community about school activities.

The following rules and policies govern the use of ACS technology resources:

It is the obligation and intent of ACS to comply with the copyright laws of the United States – including those pertaining to computer software and peer-to-peer file sharing. You will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, you should follow the expressed requirements. If you are unsure whether or not you can use that work, you should request permission from the copyright owner.

You are not authorized to make copies of any software owned by ACS without the knowledge and permission of the System Technology Coordinator. In addition, you are prohibited from using school equipment to make illegal copies of personal software or to download copyrighted materials. Illegal, unauthorized, or unlicensed copies of software or files must not be used on school system equipment and will be removed if identified.

Routine maintenance and monitoring of the network may lead to discovery that you have violated school policies or the law. The school system will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted while using school technology resources. In the event there is a claim that you have violated any of these policies, you will be provided due process rights and will be subject to criminal prosecution and civil liability. In addition, you will be subject to punishment as defined in the Student Code of Conduct.

ACS expressly denies all warranties of any kind, either express or implied, in connection with its provision of access to and use of its computer networks and the Internet provided under this Policy. It shall not be responsible for any claims, losses, damages, or costs (including attorney's fees) of any kind suffered, directly or indirectly, by any user or his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) arising out of the user’s use of its computer networks or the Internet under this Policy. By signing this Policy, users are taking full responsibility for his or her use. The user who is 18 or older or, in the case of a user under 18, the parent(s) or guardian(s) are agreeing to indemnify and hold the Athens City Schools Board, the Athens City School System, and all of their administrators, teachers, agents, and staff harmless from any and all loss, costs, claims or damages resulting from the user’s access to its computer network and the Internet, including but not limited to any fees or charges incurred through purchases of goods or services by the user. The user or, if the user is a minor, the user’s parent(s) or guardian(s) agree to cooperate with the school Board in the event of the Board’s initiating an investigation of a user’s use of his or her access to its computer network and the Internet, whether that use is on a school computer or on another computer outside the school system’s network.