District Technology Acceptable Use Policy

 Technology Acceptable Use Agreement

Pavilion Central School District

updated 2019-2020

Access to our networked computer systems and the Internet are made available to all students and staff.  Our goal is to provide students and staff with network resources that promote educational excellence. We understand in this digital age our teachers and students will make use of many online resources to assist and enrich the student learning experience. With this, we also understand that the use of online content means connections to computers and people around the world.  

With access to computers and people around the world comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value within the Pavilion School District Setting.  PCS has taken precautions, which are limited, to restrict access to inappropriate materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control every aspect.  Our school technology specialists, teachers, support staff, administration, and families have a professional responsibility to work together to help students develop the intellectual skills needed to discriminate among information sources and identify information that is appropriate to their age and developmental level along with evaluating and using information that meets their educational goals.

In order to maintain our devices, prevent damage to computer hardware and software, and manage the operation of the Internet we rely on the proper conduct of the users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided so that you are aware of the responsibilities of device use within the Pavilion Central School District. Use of devices requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of network resources.

If a user violates any of these provisions, his or her access to the Internet and district programs may be terminated.

Terms and Conditions

  1. Acceptable Use

    1. The use of computer systems, including the internet, must be used to support education and consistent with the educational goals of our district.

    2. Transmission of (requesting, sending and/or receiving) any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation or contrary to accepted school standards is prohibited. This includes, but not limited to, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or protected material.

      1. General Public License for Free Software Use

    3. Student’s shall not participate in chats and/or personal email unless permission has been obtained from their supervising teacher.

    4. The use of personally owned technology equipment on the District Network is prohibited unless permission is obtained from the Technology Coordinator

  1. Privilege

The use of the computer network is a privilege not a right.  Inappropriate use, including violation of the conditions and rules may result in cancelation of the privilege.  Based upon the acceptable use guidelines outlined in this document, the Technology Coordinator, District Privacy Officer, and/or building principals will deem what is inappropriate use.

  1. Network Etiquette

All users are expected to abide by the accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include, but are not limited to,

    1. Be polite

    2. Use appropriate language

    3. Do not reveal personal identifiable information of self or others, such as, full name, address, phone number, photograph.

    4. Do not use the district networks for idle activities or play games with others

    5. Do not print without permission

    6. Do not download files without permission

    7. All communication and information through the network should be considered private property of the author

    8. Use your time effectively

  1. Security


    1. Network accounts are to be used only by the authorized user of the account.  Do not allow anyone access to a network station you are logged on to.

    2. Users shall not provide others with access to the network, district programs, or workstations

    3. Users shall not share and/or leave vulnerable usernames and/or passwords visible or accessible to others

    4. Personal devices used to access district information must be locked and/or logged off when not in use or personal possession.

  1. Safety

It is our policy to 

a. Prevent users access over the computer network to transmit or receive inappropriate material 

b.) prevent unauthorized  access and other unlawful online activity

c.) prevent unauthorized disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identifiable information of minors and to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act  (COPPA), Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and NYS Education Law Section 2D.

  1. To the extent practical, technological protection measures shall be used to block or filter Internet, electronic communication, and/or access to inappropriate information.

  2. To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the online computer network.

  3. It shall be the responsibility of all staff to educate, supervise, and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with policy.

  4. Students in grades K-12 shall be taught internet safety as part of their instruction. 

  5. Students, staff, and families shall be made aware of the Acceptable Use Policy and understand agreement when logging into a Pavilion Central School  device.

  1. Vandalism and Harassment

    1. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm, modify, or destroy data of another user, the Internet, network, or device.

    2. Harassment is defined as the persistent annoyance of another user, interference of another’s work.

    3. Vandalism and harassment will result in cancelation of privileges.

  1. Procedures for Use

All users have the same rights to the network resources.  Students shall not  be permitted to engage in non-academic activities on the network or internet.

  1. Controversial Material

Users may encounter material that is controversial, inappropriate, or offensive. On a global network it is impossible to effectively control the data that users may discover.  It is the user’s responsibility not to initiate access to such material. If controversial material is discovered it is the responsibility of the user to report it to the supervising teacher and/or Technology Coordinator.

  1. Penalties for Improper Use

    1. Any user violating these rules, state and/or federal laws, or district policies are subject to loss of network privileges and other district disciplinary actions.  The Technology Coordinator, Data Privacy Officer, and/or Administrators will determine the penalties for improper use.

    2. Accidental or intentional damage may result in a fee and will be determined on a case by case basis.