Public Schools of the Tarrytowns
Internet and Network Student Acceptable Use Policy

The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns provides technology resources to its students and staff for educational and administrative purposes.  The goal in providing these resources is to promote educational excellence in the Public Schools of the Tarrytowns by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication with the support and supervision of parents, teachers, and support staff. 

It is important to note that computer use in the district is not private, and that the school district will monitor activity on the computer system. The use of these technology resources is a privilege, not a right.

With access to computers and people all over the world comes the potential availability of material that may not be considered of educational value in the context of the school setting.  The Public Schools of the Tarrytowns firmly believes that the value of information, interaction, and research capabilities available outweighs the possibility that users may obtain material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the district.

Proper behavior, as it relates to the use of computers, is no different than proper behavior in all other aspects of district related activities.  All users are expected to use the computers and computer networks in a responsible, ethical, and polite manner.  This document is intended to clarify those expectations as they apply to computer and network usage and is consistent with district policy.

This district acceptable use policy governs what you may and may not do while using computers in school, and you will be held accountable for your actions if the rules of acceptable use are violated. Your teachers will guide you toward appropriate materials and resources.  Using the network in violation of the acceptable use policy will result in a loss of access as well as other possible disciplinary or legal action after an opportunity to be heard and due process is followed.

District Network, Internet, and E-Mail Rules

You are responsible for good behavior on school computer networks just as you are in a classroom or a school hallway.  Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications, as outlined in your handbook, apply.  Access is a privilege - not a right.  Access entails responsibility.  The TUFSD computer system shall not be used for personal activities unrelated to district goals.

Users should not expect that files stored on district servers will be private.  The school district reserves the right to monitor web site visits, e-mail, and files in order to ensure compliance with the acceptable use policy.

Users should also understand that their Internet site visits are recorded and are monitored from time to time.

Users should realize that if their passwords are used by others, the password holder will be held accountable for inappropriate network use – DO NOT SHARE PASSWORDS.

Considering reasonable standards of student rights and responsibilities, the following are not permitted:

• Accessing inappropriate websites, such as those containing sexually explicit material, hate group sites, and content not related to coursework

• Using chat rooms unless specifically directed by a teacher as an integral part of a unit of study

• Using or attempting to use any software or website to circumvent district safeguards

• Using or attempting to use web based e-mail services not specifically permitted in writing by the district

• Installing any software.  This includes shareware, freeware, illegal software, screensavers, Real Audio components, Napster, and other utilities.

• Revealing any personal information (your own or anyone else’s) such as social security numbers, addresses, and photographs

• Impersonating others

• Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures

• Using obscene language

• Harassing, insulting or attacking others

• Damaging computers, computer systems or computer networks

• Violating copyright, trademark or other laws

• Using another’s password or sharing one’s own password

• Trespassing or attempting to trespass in another’s folders, work or files

• Wasting limited resources intentionally, including disk space, printing capacity, and network bandwidth

• Employing the network for commercial purposes

• Tampering or alteration of computer, computer systems, programs or files

• Modifying or destroying programs or data (other than your own personal files)

• Unauthorized access or attempted unauthorized access to a computer or network, including those accessible via the internet

• Causing denial of computer services (ex. running a virus which damages the network)

• Stealing computer services

• Copying licensed software

• Saving MP3 or video files unless approved in writing by the director of technology.  The servers are scanned regularly and all mp3 and video files on the network will be deleted.

Notify an adult immediately if you encounter materials that violate the rules of acceptable use.