Acceptable Use Policies are in place for all users of the Portland Public Schools’ network. Policies are designed with the premise of protecting personal security and safety, system and data integrity and safeguarding all hardware and software that is used at Portland Schools. In addition, Acceptable Use Policies are developed in compliance with The Child Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and MSBO. Acceptable use policies in conjunction with server software and hardware reinforce Internet safety for our staff, students and community members by restricting the use of outside email, chat rooms and inappropriate material. A firewall client runs on the server protecting the district from outside attacks on our network. Internet filtering software (DansGuardian and SquidGuard) is installed on the Internet server to filter websites by content, and subject matter. DansGuardian and SquidGuard also allow system administrators to block sites by specific URLs. The District also uses a Spam filter (Spam Assassin) to block inappropriate and malicious email. All formal policies relating to technology use in the district are formally approved by the Portland Board of Education.

Acceptable Use Policy: Section 4500: Technology
4500 Technology (Cf. 8940, 2810) 4500
The Board encourages the application of technology to any District function where efficiency, reliability, or student learning will be improved.
New Programs
New technologies or new applications of technology within the District shall be implemented only after careful and thorough planning on the part of administrative and certified staff. Whenever possible, the administrative and certified staff should establish pilot project(s) and evaluate their effectiveness prior to implementing a new technological program on a school-wide or District-wide level. District support shall be given only to those new technologies that substantively improve efficiency, reliability, or learning beyond current or “traditional” practice.
Whenever the Board or the Director of Technology allocates funds for the purchase of new technological hardware or software, an appropriate portion of the funds allocated should be designated for the training of staff and the development of necessary supplementary materials and documentation.
Upgrades
The Board recognizes the need for ongoing upgrading of technological resources within the District, and should implement a plan and a budgeting process that ensures the regular replacement of aging equipment and software.
The Superintendent shall develop and submit to the Board annually a plan for upgrading the District's technology resources based on a replacement cycle of 5 years or less. The plan should include recommendations for expansion of resources where appropriate, based on the evaluation of pilot programs, and shall include provisions for staff training and curriculum/materials development. The plan shall be considered by the Board as a part of the annual budgeting process.
Data Management
The Superintendent shall provide for the orderly acquisition of data base software, information processing equipment, networks, and support materials to best use computer technology in support of District administrative functions. A student database shall be maintained which contains student administrative and instructional information.
The Superintendent shall establish procedures, which ensure the security, safety, and confidentiality of District or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) data. Access to District or PII data in any form, including use of the database by students, staff, and volunteers, shall be limited in accord with the Board policies on District and student records. District databases shall be implemented in such a way as to facilitate access to subsets or aggregates of the data, which are not confidential.
Education and Instruction
The Superintendent shall ensure that all staff and students are informed and instructed on the ethical uses of data and computer technology.
Approved: LEGAL REF: MCL 15.231 et seq.

4500-R Technology 4500-R
New Programs
Pilot technology programs may be generated by students, teachers, administrative staff, Board members, or members of the community at large. Prior to consideration of a pilot project, the person(s) desiring to lead the project must submit to the Director of Technology and the building Principal a detailed project proposal and plan, which must include the following:
· The need for the project, its rationale, and goals.
· A description of the project, including participants and anticipated benefits or outcomes.
· An itemized list of District support required (financial and otherwise), including hardware and software needs, classroom requirements, staffing, parent(s)/ guardian(s) support, in-service and training expenses.
· A list of other Districts, schools, or business that have implemented a similar project successfully and who may be used as a resource.
· A plan for evaluation and monitoring of the project.
· A preliminary plan for expanding the pilot project into a regular District program or offering, including cost estimates.
Upon submission of a pilot proposal, the administrator shall review the proposal and its alignment with District goals and objectives as stated in the “District Technology Plan” and aligned with the curriculum, suggest modifications, and make a recommendation to the Superintendent, who may in turn make a recommendation to the Board.
· A plan for evaluating the program’s effectiveness within the first year to a year and a half according to:
o The goals and objectives of the pilot program stated at its onset
o The rationale for starting the project
o The actual versus the estimated costs
o The benefit to student learning and alignment with the curriculum
In establishing pilot programs, cooperation with outside agencies, especially local universities, is encouraged. Project leaders should consider the cost-effectiveness of using outside consultants for in-service training and support.
When a project is substantially in place and has been demonstrated successful at another school or District, the Superintendent may choose to recommend the implementation of the program without an in-District pilot, provided substantive and complete materials from the other school or District are available along with consultation and support.
Upgrades
District computer equipment should be depreciated over no longer than a 5-year schedule. Each year, the District should replace at least one-fifth of its computer hardware by installing new equipment in critical areas requiring current hardware, and moving older equipment to other applications in the District as appropriate. Additional funds may be allocated to expand computer resources in accord with pilot studies.
District computer software shall be depreciated over no longer than a 3-year schedule. Each year, the District shall order upgrades of software as appropriate and necessary for school operations, and shall allocate funds for the purchase of new software in line with District objectives.
Generally, a third of the funds allocated to technology upgrades and improvement should go to hardware and a third to software; the remainder should be allocated for training and development of curriculum and support materials.
The technology plan for the current year must provide flexibility to deal with rapid changes in the field, and should project District needs for 3-5 years into the future.
Data Management (Cf. 2810, 8940)
The acquisition, upgrade, and necessary support of District data management facilities shall be included in the development of the technology plan. Any new database software or hardware must provide for appropriate security, and must offer a simple mechanism for the export of subsets and summaries of the data in a text format, in accord with Board policies on records. Where possible, the person(s) setting up a database should offer preset forms for excising confidential information fields from records during export, to facilitate District responses to requests for records. Student records database(s) maintained by the District shall include record fields that allow for the recording of non-District personnel requesting access to a student’s records, in accord with Board policy on student records and Michigan law.
The Director of Technology or his/her designee is the custodian for electronic records. All District database records shall be secured by a multi-level password system or equivalent, which allows the Director of Technology or his/her designee to control who has read-only, read-write, and full control over records and/or features in the database. Persons authorized to access a database shall be informed of proper security procedures with regard to passwords, and shall be required to change their password on a regular basis. Requests by a staff member for access to specific data outside of what is required for that staff member’s day-to-day job must be directed to the system administrator. At no time shall a person who is not a regular employee of the District be given a password or otherwise allowed to access any District database directly. Persons who knowingly allow non-employees, including volunteers or students, to use their password for database access may be subject to discipline.
The Director of Technology shall be responsible for making and maintaining back-up copies of the data on an ongoing basis. Data, which is updated frequently, should be backed up at the end of each day, and the daily backups made should be retained for two weeks before being re-used to insure against data corruption, which is not detected immediately. In addition to the daily backups, two full backups should be made on a weekly or biweekly basis, with one backup stored off-site to guard against fire or theft loss. Automatic server-based backup systems are encouraged where practical.
Education and Instruction
All computer orientations shall include instruction on the ethics of computer use as an integral part of the curriculum or orientation. Such instruction shall include explanation and familiarization with the District's policy on computer and network use, and may include a computer code of ethics or other statement of ethical expectations of students. Examples or ethical case studies are highly recommended to help students develop good judgment when confronted by choices during their use of District technology.
Games
Commercial arcade-style games where success is substantially related to physical skill, coordination, and reaction time are not permitted on school computer equipment. Students who as a personal or class programming assignment write an arcade-style game, however, may use school equipment for programming, testing, and debugging at the discretion of the system administrator. Games written by students, or commercial games that are substantially dependent on reasoning skills, problem solving, strategy, critical thinking, or knowledge may be allowed on school equipment as long as their use is not disruptive to the learning environment.
At all times, students and staff who have need of school technology for work related to a class assignment or other curricular project shall have priority over all other users. Staff, and students who are pursuing personal academic research, shall have priority over persons using games.
A Technology Code of Ethics
1. I shall never copy and use software, videos, music, or anyone else’s work, which is normally sold for money unless it has justly been paid for. I shall never copy or use anyone else’s work (including software, videos, etc.) without his or her permission.
2. I shall never use technology to distort the truth, to lie, or to misrepresent someone else.
3. I shall never use technology intentionally to harm or harass anyone.
4. All of my e-mail, my electronic drawings, photographs, videos and music, and everything I publish on the web will be things to which I am proud to sign my name and show to my parent(s)/ guardian(s) and teachers.
5. I shall never use my skills for unjust personal gain, to access the private files of others, or to illegally access or damage any computer system.
6. I shall abide by the rules of those whose systems and equipment I use.
7. When I discover an error, a bug, or a weakness in any system, I will report it to my teacher so that it may be corrected.
8. I shall be patient and helpful toward those who do not understand a technology as well as I do, and I shall never take advantage of their lack of understanding.
9. I shall work diligently to guard the rights and freedoms of all technology users, and shall report and attempt to stop anyone who would use technology unjustly.
10. I shall be mindful of the needs of other users, and refrain from monopolizing equipment, bandwidth, storage space, or any other shared resource.
11. I will not use the system for political lobbying. I may use the system to communicate with my elected representatives.

4500-R Technology Portland Public Schools Programs Request Form

Portland Public Schools
Programs Request Form

Name: _______________________________ Phone: __________________
Building/Program/Department: _____________________________________
Application Date: ___________ Proposed Implementation Date: ___________
Initial Meeting date with principal or supervisor: __________________________
Initial Meeting date with Technology Services: ___________________________
Please check one:
q New program q Expansion of existing program q Continuation of existing program

Instructional Considerations:
Please work with your principal or supervisor to complete this section.
1. Describe below the proposed technical program or application:
2. Describe the need for the proposed program in instructional or departmental terms (include anticipated outcomes and benefits):
3. List the specific departmental goals to be achieved by this project (i.e. SIP goal, module, standard, benchmark, etc.):
4. Identify the research and agencies supporting this proposal: (i.e. professional journals, conference information, use in “best practice” programs, etc.):
5. List the staff development plan necessary for implementation of this proposal: (Include: participants, details of staff development, and who will do the training. i.e. vendor, contractor, etc.) If no training is needed, please explain.
6. Define the timeline and process for assessment of this program:
Infrastructure Considerations
I have checked with the Technology Director to ensure there is sufficient infrastructure to support this program. q Yes q No
Total Cost of Project:
List below the total costs of this program. Attach additional sheets as necessary to itemize the components of this project. Please work with your supervisor and Technology Services to complete this section:



Funding Sources:
Please list below the funding source(s), which will be used to fund this program.





Signatures:
The following signatures are required before purchase any component of this program:



_____________________ _________ ______________________ ________
Applicant date Principal or Supervisor date


_____________________ _________ ______________________ _______
Technology Director date Curriculum Director date


4510 Computer Network (Cf. 4520)
The Board authorizes the Superintendent to develop services linking computers within and between buildings in the District, and to provide access to the international computer network (Internet) for students, staff and, if requested, members of the Board of Education. All computer network implementation shall be in line with the Board policy on technology and the District's educational goals.
Use of the computer network(s) as a part of any class or school assignment shall be consistent with the curriculum adopted by the District. The District's general rules for behavior and communications shall apply when using any computer equipment.
Personal Accounts
The Board authorizes the Superintendent to provide personal accounts for students, staff, and, if requested, members of the Board, access to the District computer network and the Internet, including electronic mail (except for students) and file server space for developing and publishing material on the world wide web or other networked computer media. Such access shall be provided in furtherance of the District's educational mission, to enhance student knowledge of and familiarity with technology, and to facilitate communication, innovation, and sharing of resources. To ensure the integrity of the educational process and to guard the reputation of the District, student and staff expression in public electronic media provided by the school may be subject to review, comment, editing, and/or removal by school officials.
Personal accounts and all use of District computer resources are considered a privilege, not a right, and are subject to the District's rules and policies. Electronic communications and stored material may be monitored or read by school officials. Electronic mail in personal accounts may be inspected by school officials without the consent of the sender or a recipient. The Director of Technology is required to investigate complaints that allege a violation of the District's rules and policies and to protect the District’s network from spam, viruses, etc. Student electronic mail and electronic storage space, that does not contain material made public by the student, shall be subject to the District's policy and rules on student records.
A fee may be charged by the District to defray the cost of personal accounts.
Privacy
The School District may collect and store Personally Identifiable Information (PII). In the event PII is collected, all information shall be secured in accordance with Board policies 5180 - Unauthorized Release of Information and 8940 - Student Records.
The public does not have the right to inspect a student's personal record files.
Directory Information
District websites may post student Directory Information. Directory information includes the student's name, weight, height, participation in and eligibility for officially recognized activities and sports; photographs or video taped images of the student for media coverage or District promotional purposes; dates of attendance or grade placement; honors and awards received; major field of study and the most recent educational agency or school attended by the student. Pictures of the student may be used District-affiliated Internet websites.
Public notice of the categories of information designated as directory information must be given on an annual basis. Parent(s)/guardian(s) or eligible students have the right to object to the posting of a student’s directory information on District affiliated web pages without their consent. If a parent/guardian or eligible student objects to the release any or all directory information available for release, written notice must be given to the Building Principal or Program Administrator by September 30th of each school year or in
the case of new students who enroll throughout the school year, within 10 school days after the receipt of notice of directory information. See Board Policy 8940 –Student Records, pages 8940-R-12 and 8940-R13 for prototype letters of objection.
Requests for Directory Information for Commercial Purposes
Student names and addresses shall not be disclosed to businesses or organizations that plan to use the information for commercial purposes. Exceptions may be made where the purpose has been approved in advance by the Superintendent and where parent(s)/guardian(s) have given, in writing, express permission for this information to be disclosed.
Non-Directory Information
The custodian may disclose student's education records to the following persons without the prior consent of the parents:
● Other school officials, including teachers within the district who have legitimate educational interests;
● Officials of other schools or school systems in which the student intends to enroll upon the condition that the student's parents will be notified of the transfer, receive a copy of the records if desired and have an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of the record;
● Authorized persons to whom a student has applied for or from whom a student has received financial aid;
● State and local officials or authorities to whom such information is specifically required to be reported or disclosed pursuant to state statute;
● Organizations conducting studies for educational agencies for the purpose of developing, validating or administering student tests or programs;
● Accrediting organizations; and
● Appropriate persons if knowledge of any information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other persons in an emergency.
Permission for access will be granted to a third party if the student or his/her parents/guardian request it. Any such request must be in writing to the official custodian of the student's record file.
· No personally identifiable information contained in personal school records shall be furnished to any person other than those listed herein and only under the following conditions: when there is written instruction from the student's parents or the eligible student specifying the records, the reasons and the person(s) to whom the release is to be made, with a copy of the records to be released to the student and/or parents if so desired; or when such information is requested in compliance with a judicial order, or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena, upon condition that parents and the student are notified of all such orders or subpoenas in advance of the compliance.
· Nothing contained in this policy shall preclude authorized representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States, the Secretary and an administrative head of an educational agency or state authorities from having access to student or other records which may be necessary in connection with the audit and evaluation of federally supported education programs or the enforcement of the federal legal requirements which relate to such programs, provided that, except as the collection of personally identifiable data is specifically authorized by federal law, the data collection by such official with respect to individual students shall not include information (including social security numbers) which would permit the personal identification of such students or their parents after the data so obtained has been collected.
· With respect to the above, all persons, agencies or organizations desiring access to the records of a student shall be required to sign a written form which shall be kept permanently with the file of the student, but only for inspection by the parents/guardian, student or a school official and his/her assistants responsible for record maintenance, indicating specifically the legitimate educational or other interest of each person, agency or organization has in seeking this information. Such forms shall be available to parents and to the school official and his/her assistants responsible for record maintenance as a means of auditing the operation of the system.
· Personal information shall only be transferred to a third party on the condition that such party shall not permit any other party to have access to such information without the written consent of the parents of the student or the student if age 18 or older.
· The board and staff shall protect the rights of privacy of students and their families in connection with any surveys or data-gathering activities conducted, assisted or authorized by the board or administration.
· Parents may investigate the contents of their child(ren)'s e-mail files. Parents may request the termination of their child(ren)'s individual account at any time.
System Integrity
The Superintendent shall designate the Director of Technology to implement the District's rules and regulations and to provide computer support for students, staff and Board members. The Superintendent in concert with the Director of Technology shall employ hardware and software security to ensure the integrity of the system and to prevent unauthorized access to District and school records.
Users will immediately notify the system administrator if they have identified a possible security problem. Users will not go looking for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.
Network Use
The Superintendent shall develop rules and procedures for computer and network use, and shall see to it that rules are published annually for students, parent(s)/ guardian(s), staff, and Board members.
The District's computer and network use rules shall be consistent with the following requirements:
· Users may not use District equipment to perform or solicit the performance of any activity that is prohibited by law.
· Users will not use the District system to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging for a drug sale or the purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal activity, threatening the safety of a person, etc.
· Users may not use the system to transmit or publish information that violates or infringes upon the rights of any other person, or information that is abusive, obscene, or sexually offensive.
· Users will not post information that, if acted upon, could cause damage or a danger of disruption.
· Users will not repost a message that was sent to them privately without permission of the person who sent them the message.
· Users will not post private information about another person.
· Users will not post personal contact information about themselves or other people. Personal contact information includes address, telephone, school address, work address, etc.
· Users will not agree to meet with someone they have met online without their parent's approval and participation.
· District computer equipment shall not be used for commercial purposes by any user, or for advertisement or solicitation without prior written approval from the Superintendent.
· Users may not use the system for political lobbying. Employees and students may use the system to communicate with their elected representatives.
· Except with prior authorization from the Director of Technology or the owner of the record in question, users may not access or attempt to access the records or files of other users, or of the District, nor delete, alter, or otherwise interfere with the integrity of computer-based information or resources.
· Users may not use the electronic mail facility to send unsolicited, bulk, chain, harassing, anonymous, or other messages which are an annoyance to the recipient or which may cause a degradation of system performance.
· Users will promptly disclose to their teacher or other school employee any message they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
· Users may not use the network facility to access or bring into the school environment material that is inconsistent with the educational goals of the District, including but not limited to material which is defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually explicit, threatening, racially offensive, illegal, or which aids or advocates illegal activity other than non-violent civil disobedience.
District Web Page(s)
Any and all Web pages representing the District shall be carried and posted only on the District's server and shall be designed and published in accordance with rules promulgated by the Superintendent.
Limiting Access
The District may make use of technology, which attempts to block access by individual users to networked computers, data, or services that provide content, which, in the opinion of the District, is not in keeping with the educational aims of the District pursuant to state statute.
Complaints about content of networked information or access to blocked sites shall be handled in accord with the District's policy and procedures for complaints about library and instructional materials.
Use of Computers in a School District Library
The Board, pursuant to state statute, requires when a school District library offers use of the Internet or a computer, computer program, computer network, or computer system to the public, that access to minors be restricted by the District by utilizing a system or method that is designed to prevent a minor from viewing obscene matter or sexually explicit matter that is harmful to minors. To accomplish this, a library may use passwords and/or filters that restrict Internet access for those less than 18 years of age.
The Superintendent will develop rules concerning library Internet access in compliance with state law.
Approved:
LEGAL REF: MCL 397.606
4510-R Computer Network 4510-R
Planning and funding for computer networking in the District shall be handled in accord with the District's policy and rules on technology as detailed in the District Technology Plan.
Supervised Use
Teachers are encouraged to use the District network in researching material for classes, collaborating with colleagues, developing innovative approaches, or otherwise enhancing their background, skills and teaching. Teachers are encouraged to make use of the District network in their classes when the use of this resource enhances the education of students, is appropriately supervised, and is consistent with District goals and objectives.
When using the Internet for class activities, teachers will select material that is appropriate in light of the age of the students and that is relevant to the course objectives. Whenever practical, teachers will preview the materials and sites they require or recommend students access, to determine the appropriateness of the material contained on or accessed through the site. Teachers will provide guidelines and lists of resources to assist their students in channeling their research activities effectively and properly. Teachers will assist their students in developing the skills to ascertain the truthfulness of information, distinguish fact from opinion, and engage in discussions about controversial issues while demonstrating tolerance and respect for those who hold divergent views.
School administrators shall monitor technology use in the curriculum to ensure its effectiveness and develop ideas for further in-service instruction of staff. The building principal or designee will serve as the building-level coordinator for the District system, approve building-level activities, ensure teachers receive proper training in the use of the system and the requirements of this policy, establish a system to ensure adequate supervision of students using the system, maintain executed user agreements, and be responsible for interpreting the Acceptable Use procedures at the building level.
School libraries and media centers will provide networked computers for students and staff to use for research purposes. Library/media center staff shall make every attempt to assist users in the operation of the network and to monitor the content of material being accessed. Academic assignments have priority over personal research.
The District Technology Committee shall be composed of a staff representative from each school building and a board member. The Superintendent shall serve on an ex-officio basis.
Any staff member who becomes aware of student network use in violation of the District's acceptable use rules shall refer the incident to the system administrator for action, and may remove the student from the computer.
Personal Accounts
No student, staff, or Board member network account shall be activated until the individual has submitted a District request for network access contract and been notified of the District rules for acceptable use of the network. Upon receipt of the contract, the system administrator will provide account, password, and other log-on information and instruction, including an initial disk space allocation where appropriate. Users may request additional disk space, which may be provided by the system administrator according to availability and priority of the use.
The District Technology Committee shall establish a process for setting-up personal accounts, set quotas for disk usage on the system, and establish a retention schedule.
Violations of Conditions
Due Process
· The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning to or relating to any illegal activities conducted through the District system.
· In the event there is an allegation that a student has violated the Internet Access policy, the student will be provided with a written notice of the alleged violation and an opportunity to appeal as per the Discipline Code.
· Employee violations of the Internet Access policy will be handled in accord with district policy and master agreements.
Search and Seizure
· System users will have limited privacy in respect to the contents of their personal files on the District system.
· Routine maintenance and monitoring of the system may lead to discovery that the user has or is violating the Internet Access policy, the school's discipline code, or the law. An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that a user has violated the law or the discipline code. The nature of the investigation will be related to the context of the nature of the alleged violation.
· District employees should be aware that their personal files may be discoverable under state public records laws.
The Acceptable Use procedures will govern all use of the District system. Penalties for student misuse of the system will be governed by the Portland Public Schools' Discipline Code.
Upon receiving notification of a violation of District rules or policies, the Director of Technology and/or the building principal may suspend or terminate a staff member or student's personal account. The administration may access all relevant files of the user in attempting to determine the veracity and/or the extent of the violation.
Prior to a suspension or termination, or as soon after as is practicable, the Director of Technology will inform the student or staff member user of the suspected violation and provide an opportunity for explanation. If the alleged violation should involve a member of the Board of Education, the Director of Technology shall relay that information to the Superintendent who shall relay the complaint to the President of the Board, or, in the case of a complaint against the President, to the Vice-President of the Board. A Board member's personal account shall not be terminated unless by a majority vote of the Board. Student or staff users may request a review hearing with the building Principal and/or a different system administrator than the one who imposed the suspension or termination within seven business days of the action, if the user feels the action was unjust.
System Integrity and Security
Computer file servers containing student records, employee records, or other sensitive administrative documents shall be maintained on an independent network separated by an electronic “firewall” from unauthorized access by outside entities, including student users. If dial-in access is permitted to this equipment, that number will not be published.
All users, particularly staff, shall be instructed in password security. Staff passwords should be changed at least once a year. Users are responsible for the use of their individual account and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their account. Under no conditions should a user provide their password to another person.
No user in a District building should leave a computer that is logged on to the network unattended, and all users should promptly report any suspected breach of security or data integrity to the system administrator.
Note: Generally, the District's arrangements for system integrity and security will be a local matter, dependent on the District network configuration and the Internet service provider used. The above language is provided as a sample of things, which should commonly be considered.
District Web Page(s)
Guidelines for Construction of Portland Public Schools WWW pages:
Purpose: District web pages should promote a positive image of the District and its programs. Web pages should facilitate and enhance the communication and educational goals of the District in a timely and professional manner.
Responsibility: The Director of Technology is responsible for overseeing the content and design of all District web pages. The building Principals and/or their designees are responsible for developing web pages and content for their buildings and programs. The building Principals and/or their designees are responsible for entering data and uploading web pages. The Extracurricular Activities Coordinator and/or their designees are responsible for uploading, entering data, and the general upkeep of any athletic team or High School Club’s web pages.
Guidelines: These guidelines have been developed to ensure consistent quality and appropriate content of Portland Public Schools’ web pages.
1. District web pages will be posted only on the District's server providing Internet access to the District as negotiated by the Director of Technology. No "personal" or private web pages representing the District shall be allowed. Any staff member or students violating this rule shall be subject to disciplinary action under the student code of conduct or applicable collective bargaining agreements.
2. Upon approval of the building Principal, students may establish personal Web pages. The District Technology Committee will establish a process and criteria for the establishment and posting of material, including pointers to other sites, on these pages. Material presented in the student's Web site must be related to the student's educational and career preparation activities. Student Web pages must include the following notice: "This is a student Web page. Opinions expressed on this page shall not be attributed to the Portland Public School District."
3. The home page of each school and/or school program will present a consistent appearance. Contents, menus, background colors, heading styles, fonts, point sizes, buttons, icons, page sizes, and other graphic and design elements, should create unity within the array of the District's building and program pages.
4. Web pages will strive for high standards of professionalism with current and accurate information; correct grammar and spelling; and with no inappropriate reference to race, sex, religion, politics, alcohol, drugs, or firearms.
5. District web pages shall be free of all advertising and/or promotion of causes inappropriate to a public school educational setting.
6. No copyrighted text, graphics, or sound files will be used on District web pages without the express consent of the originator. It must be assumed that everything is copyrighted unless otherwise stated.
7. All updated and new pages must be proofread by someone other than the author/typist prior to uploading. Making sure the information is proofread is the responsibility of the person doing the uploading.
8. All links must be verified by someone other than the author/typist prior to uploading. This verification is the responsibility of the person doing the uploading.
9. Web pages linked from District web pages must have educational or school related value and be free of inappropriate references as stated in 3 and 4 above.
10. Personal student information posted on any District affiliated web page shall be limited to Directory Information and picture as defined in Board Policy 8940 – Student Records and restated on page 4950-2 of this policy. Parental/guardian or eligible student objection to the posting of this type of information on District affiliated web pages will be respected as stated in the relevant policy.
11. District pages that provide links to off-site web sites will include a disclaimer:
"The Portland Schools make every effort to provide a high quality web site with information and links that facilitate the accomplishment of our educational mission. Because of the unpredictable nature of the Internet however, we cannot be responsible for the content of pages not directly linked to this web site."
Limiting Access
School servers may incorporate blocking and filtering software. Additional sites may be blocked by the Director of Technology in response to a complaint by a student, staff member, Board member, or parent(s)/guardian(s) in accord with the District's procedures on controversial material.
E-mail sites, which deposit unsolicited, bulk, chain, or offensive messages on the District server, will be blocked. System administrators may also block e-mail following a complaint from any user. Time permitting; an effort will be made by the system administrator to notify the offending system operator of the violation and the District's desire not to be contacted in the future. The system administrator shall refer repeated violators, along with any case of solicitation for child abuse or other illegal act, to the Superintendent for action in concert with law enforcement authorities.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF COMPUTER NETWORK RESOURCES
Use of the computer network is a privilege, not a right. The fundamental rule for use of District computer network resources is that all use must be consistent with the District's educational goals and behavior expectations. Because electronic communications are so varied and diverse, these rules do not attempt to enumerate all required or proscribed behavior by system users. Users are expected to use common sense and adhere to the norms of behavior in the school community. In particular, users should:
· Be polite and courteous in all communications and language.
· Assist others in the use of the system, and help others who are looking for ideas or information.
· Post and share information, which is interesting and helpful to other users.
· Always use the network as a resource to further their education and that of others.
· Be mindful of network security, and immediately report any bugs, errors, or security problems to the system administrator.
Users may not:
· Use the District equipment for anything contrary to law, or to solicit others to break any law.
· Illegally copy, send, or distribute any copyrighted software, work, or other material.
· Send, publish, download, access, or retrieve any communication or material that may be defamatory, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually explicit, threatening, racially or ethnically offensive, harassing, or illegal, or anything that violates or infringes on the rights of any person.
· Use the network for any commercial purpose or financial gain.
· Use the network for any advertisement or solicitation without approval from the Superintendent.
· Access, attempt to access, modify, or delete any record or file without permission or authorization.
· Make any attempt to harm or destroy the data of any other user or any system on the network, including creating or sending computer viruses, Trojan horses, or similar computer code.
· Use electronic mail to send unsolicited, bulk or chain messages which degrade system performance.
· Use of electronic mail to send harassing, anonymous, or other messages, which are commonly considered an annoyance to recipients or degrade system performance.
· Use vulgarity, obscenity, or swearing in messages or electronic postings, or send e-mail/message “flames” or other attacks.
· Attempt to access material or sites, which are blocked by the District, or attempt to use the network while access privileges are suspended.
Directory Information
District web sites may post student Directory Information. Directory Information includes the student's name, weight, height, participation in and eligibility for officially recognized activities and sports; photographs or video taped images of the student for media coverage or District promotional purposes; dates of attendance or grade placement; honors and awards received; major field of study and the most recent educational agency or school attended by the student. Pictures of the student may be used District-affiliated Internet websites.
Public notice of the categories of information designated as directory information must be given on an annual basis. Parent(s)/guardian(s) or eligible students have the right to object to the posting of the information on District affiliated web pages without their consent. If a parent/guardian or eligible student objects to the release any or all directory information available for release, written notice must be given to the Building Principal or Program Administrator by September 30th of each school year or in the case of new students who enroll throughout the school year, within 10 school days after the receipt of notice of directory information. See Board Policy 8940 –Student Records, pages 8940-R-12 and 8940-R13 for prototype letters of objection.
Copyright and Plagiarism
District policies on copyright will govern the use of material accessed through the District system. Because the extent of copyright protection of certain works found on the Internet is unclear, employees will make a standard practice of requesting permission from the holder of the work if their use of the material has the potential of being considered an infringement. Teachers will instruct students to respect copyright and to request permission when appropriate.
Users will not plagiarize works that they find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were original to the user.
Users will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when an individual inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies acceptable use of that work, the user should follow the expressed requirements. If the user is unsure whether or not they can use a work, they should request permission from the copyright owner.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE OF COMPUTER NETWORK FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS
The District provides access to our computer network to students and staff to promote and enhance the learning of our students through communication, innovation, and sharing of resources. Access to the network is a privilege, not a right, and the District may restrict, suspend, or terminate any staff or student user’s account with or without cause at any time. In requesting an account for access to the network, the user agrees to the following terms and conditions. Failure to abide by these terms and conditions, or any of the District's rules and regulations for computer network use, may result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal action.
1. Use of the network must be for the purpose of education and research consistent with the goals of the District.
2. All use of the network must be in accord with the District's rules on acceptable use of network resources, as updated from time to time by the District.
3. The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages the user suffers, including but not limited to the loss of data, delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or the users’ errors or omissions.
4. The network provides access to third-party data and information over which the District has no control. Though the District may make efforts to block inappropriate material, users may be exposed to defamatory, inaccurate, or otherwise offensive material. Use of the network or any information obtained via the network is at the user’s own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or content of information obtained through its services.
5. The user is solely responsible for all charges and fees, including outside telephone, printing, and merchandise purchases made through the network. The District is not a party to such transactions and shall not be liable for any costs or damages, whether direct or indirect, arising out of network transactions by the user.
6. The user agrees to indemnify the District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by the District relating to or arising out of any breach of the terms of this request for network access.
7. The user acknowledges that the District's computer network belongs solely to the District and that any files, records, electronic mail, or other communication may be examined, edited, or deleted by the District at any time, in accord with District policy or regulations. In general, electronic mail in personal accounts may be inspected without the consent of the sender or a recipient, to protect the District’s Network from spam, viruses, etc.
8. The User acknowledges that the school District may collect and store Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
9. The user is responsible for regular and prompt payment of any fees charged by the District for network use.
All District employees and students will have access to the World Wide Web through the District's computers.
The District will notify the parents about the District network and the policies governing its use. The “Technology Use Agreement” shall be signed by the student and their parent(s)/guardian(s) each time the student progresses from school building to school building i.e. Kindergarten, Third, Sixth and Ninth grades. The completed Technology Use Agreement will be required for student access. Parents may specifically request that their child(ren) not be provided such access by refusing to sign or return an Internet Consent and Waiver form. Students will be granted e-mail access only through a classroom or lab account. Parents may request alternative activities for their child(ren) that does/do not require Internet access. District employees and retirees will be provided with an individual account and will have dial-up access to the system.

4510-R Computer Network Portland Public Schools’ Technology Use Agreement - Students

PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS’
TECHNOLOGY USE AGREEMENT
This form must be signed and returned to the school office before any school technology can be used.
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In keeping with its educational mission and in order to enhance students’ access to educational resources, the Portland Public School District permits its staff and students collaborating on educational endeavors access to technologies including the Internet.
STUDENT
I have read and hereby agree to comply with the Portland Public Schools’ Acceptable Use, Terms and Conditions of Use of Computer Network for Students and my school’s Handbook/Discipline Code. I further understand that any violation of these policies is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation of the policy, my access privileges may be revoked, and school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
FULL NAME:
FIRST _____________________MIDDLE IN. _____ LAST
BUILDING* ________________________ GRADE ______ TODAY’S DATE
STUDENT SIGNATURE

PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S)
As parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student signing above, I have read and agree to the conditions set forth in the Portland Public Schools’ Acceptable Use, Terms and Conditions of Use of Computer Network for Students and my student’s school’s Handbook/Discipline Code. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. I also recognize it is impossible for the Portland Public Schools to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if my child’s use is not in a school setting. I hereby give permission for my child to access school technology and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.
PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) NAME (Please Print) ___________________________________
SIGNATURE __________________________________________________ DATE _________
(Must be signed if student is under 18 years of age)
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DISTRICT AUTHORIZATION
Account Name: ____________________ Password:
*This form must be completed at least once during the student’s attendance in each District school building (i.e. Oakwood, Westwood, Middle, and High School) to gain access. We must receive a separate form for each student. Internet access shall not be granted without a signed form.


4510-R Computer Network Portland Public Schools’ Technology Use Agreement - Staff

PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS’
TECHNOLOGY USE AGREEMENT
This form must be signed and returned to the school office before any school technology can be used.
*************************************************************************************
In keeping with its educational mission and in order to enhance students’ access to educational resources, the Portland Public School District permits its staff and students collaborating on educational endeavors access to technologies including the Internet.
STAFF
I have read and hereby agree to comply with the Portland Public Schools’ Acceptable Use, Terms and Conditions of Use of Computer Network for Staff. I further understand that any violation of these policies is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation of the policy, my access privileges may be revoked and disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
FULL NAME:
FIRST _____________________MIDDLE IN. _____ LAST
BUILDING/DEPARTMENT ________________________ TODAY’S DATE
STAFF SIGNATURE

4510-R Computer Network
Terms and Conditions for Board Member Use of Computer Network
The District provides access to our computer network to members of the Board of Education to promote and enhance the work of the Board as a public body through communication, innovation, and sharing of resources. Access to the network is a privilege, not a right, and the Board, by majority vote, may restrict, suspend, or terminate any Board member user’s account for proven violations of Board policy or these rules. In requesting an account for access to the network, the Board member agrees to the following terms and conditions.
1. Use of the network must be for the purpose of legitimate Board business consistent with the goals of the District and the laws of the State of Michigan.
2. All use of the network must be in accord with the District's rules on acceptable use of network resources, as updated from time to time by the District.
3. The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages the user suffers, including but not limited to the loss of data, delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or the users’ errors or omissions.
4. The network provides access to third-party data and information over which the District has no control. Though the District may make efforts to block inappropriate material, users may be exposed to defamatory, inaccurate, or otherwise offensive material. Use of the network or any information obtained via the network is at the user’s own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or content of information obtained through its services.
5. The user is solely responsible for all charges and fees, including outside telephone, printing, and merchandise purchases made through the network. The District is not a party to such transactions and shall not be liable for any costs or damages, whether direct or indirect, arising out of network transactions by the user.
6. The user agrees to indemnify the District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney’s fees, incurred by the District relating to or arising out of any breach of the terms of this request for network access.
7. The user acknowledges that the District's computer network belongs solely to the District and that any files, records, electronic mail, or other communication may be examined, edited, or deleted by the District at any time, in accord with District policy or regulations. In general, electronic mail in personal accounts will not be inspected without the consent of the sender or a recipient, except as necessary to investigate a complaint.
8. The User acknowledges that the school District may collect and store Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
9. The user acknowledges and understands that correspondence sent or received over the District's network may be subject to retrieval under the State of Michigan Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 - 246.

4520 Filtering Software (Cf. 4510) 4520
The Superintendent shall be responsible for directing appropriate District technology staff, or technology consultant staff, to bring all computers used by students into full compliance with all federal requirements regarding Internet filtering software to assure that District discounts under the federal e-rate program are not jeopardized.
Student Internet activities will by monitored by the District to ensure that students are not accessing inappropriate sites. No student shall be allowed unsupervised access to the District’s Network. Each District computer with Internet access shall have a filtering device or software program that blocks access to visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, inappropriate for students, or harmful to minors.
Approved:
LEGAL REF: H.R. 4577, December 2000 Omnibus Spending Bill; 47 U.S.C. Section 254(h)

4520-R Filtering Software 4520-R
Any District computer used by students shall have Internet filtering software in place either on the computer itself, or on the server through which the computer accesses the Internet.
District staff shall not allow students to use any computer in the District with Internet capability that does not have Internet filtering software. This includes any computer, laptop, or desktop, in the District’s Libraries or media centers, classrooms, laboratories, or offices where students are, for any reason, allowed to use a computer, or any other such device, with Internet access.
Staff members violating these rules are subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.