• ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR USERS OF HINDS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMPUTER NETWORK

    Access to the HCSDNET and the Internet is provided for educational purposes and research consistent with the Hinds County School District’s educational mission and goals.

    The Internet is a fluid, global environment in which information is constantly changing, thereby making it impossible to predict, with certainty, what information students might locate. Availability of information to students on the Internet does not imply endorsement by this school district. This board makes no assurances of any kind, whether expressed or implied, regarding any Internet services provided. Neither the individual school nor school district is responsible for any damages the student/user suffers. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the student’s own risk. This board and school district specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information or software obtained through its services. The HCSDNET is a filtered network that seeks to limit the access of users to inappropriate content.

    Use of the HCSDNET and Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use may result in cancellation of that privilege. The superintendent, or designee(s) shall make all decisions regarding whether or not a student has violated these procedures, and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time.

    All communications and information accessible via the network would not be assumed to be private property.

    1. Unacceptable Use – The student is responsible for all of his/her actions and activities involving the HCSDNET and the Internet. Examples of prohibited conduct includes, but are not limited to:
    2. Accessing materials or communications that are:

    1) Damaging to another’s reputation

    2) Abusive

    3) Obscene

    4) Sexually oriented

    5) Threatening

    6) Contrary to the school/district policy

    7) Harassing

    8) Illegal

    1. Sending or posting materials or communications (to include email, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications) that are:

    1) Damaging to another’s reputation

    2) Abusive

    3) Obscene

    4) Sexually oriented

    5) Threatening

    6) Contrary to the school/district policy

    7) Harassing

    8) Illegal

    1. Using the Internet for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts or transmitting any material in violation of U.S. and State of Mississippi regulation.
    2. Copying or downloading copyrighted material on any system connected to the school or district system hardware/software without the owner’s permission. Copying or downloading copyrighted material for the student’s own use without the owner’s permission. Students may redistribute copyrighted programs only with the owner’s permission. Such permission must be specified in the document or must be obtained directly from the owner in accordance with applicable copyright laws, school board policies, and administrative procedures.
    3. Failing to comply with resource quotas or disk usage quotas (memory) as set by the superintendent, principal, or designee/designees or other identified staff. A student who is not in compliance of disk space quotas after five (5) calendar days of written notification may have his/her file removed by the superintendent, principal, or designee/designees or other identified staff.

     

    1. Using the Internet for private financial or commercial gain.
    2. Wastefully using resources.
    3. Utilizing any software having the purpose of damaging the school/district system or other user’s system.
    4. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities.
    5. Invading the privacy of individuals.
    6. Using another student’s password.
    7. Posting material authorized or created by another person without his/her consent.
    8. Posting anonymous messages.
    9. Using the Internet for commercial or private advertising.
    10. Forgoing of electronic mail (email) messages.
    11. Attempting to read, delete, copy, or modify the electronic mail of other system users and deliberately interfering with the ability of other system users to send/receive mail.
    12. Using the network while access privileges are suspended or revoked.
    13. Using the network in a manner inconsistent with the directions from teachers and other staff and generally accepted network etiquette.
    14. Revealing personal addresses, telephone numbers, or other personal information of self, other students, or staff.
    15. Illegally installing copyrighted software for use on personal computers.
    16. Not conforming to the “Acceptable Use” policies of other sources accessed beyond the HCSDNET.
    17. Downloading or installing software on the HCSDNET. The MIS department is responsible for determining if a product is compatible with the network and installing it after purchase.
    18. Compensation – The student and/or the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) shall be responsible for compensating the school/district for any losses, cost, or damages incurred by the school district relating to, or arising out of, any student violation of these procedures.
    19. Security – Network security is a high priority. If the student identifies or perceives a security problem or a breech of these responsibilities on the Internet, the student must immediately notify the principal or designee or other identified staff. The student must not demonstrate the problem to other students.
    20. Student Usage – Student Usage of any kind, including under a teacher’s user name, is only permitted after the student and parent/guardian sign-off on the Hinds County School District Student Handbook receipt.
    21. Visitor Usage – Visitor usage of any kind, including under a teacher’s user name, is only permitted after the visitor signs off indicating that they will abide by this policy.

     
    AFFIRMATION

    I have read, understand and accept the ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FOR USERS OF HINDS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMPUTER NETWORK and will abide by the contents there in as a legal and binding document.

     

    Signatures:

     

     

    ________________________________________________________________________
    Student

     

    ________________________________________________________________________ 

    Parent or Legal Guardian

     

    ________________________________________________________________________

    HCSD Employee Signature                                                                            Title

     

    ______________________________________

    Guest              

     
Last Modified on July 30, 2017