Technology Policy

Content Filtering

In accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act, SPS uses technology protection measures to limit access by minors to (1) inappropriate matter on the internet and (2) visual depictions that are harmful to minors. Any attempt to circumvent these content filtering protections is prohibited. In the event that a student intentionally or inadvertently accesses inappropriate materials or material deemed harmful to minors despite the filtering technology, SPS and its individual school sites will not be liable.

For additional information on content filtering as prescribed by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and its associated guidelines, please see guidance from the Federal Communications Commission website.

Regulations of Access – 1. Important Consequences of Access

1. Internet access and use of SPS devices are privileges, and not a right. All users, including students, should be aware that SPS may restrict, revoke, or cancel access for any reason, with or without advance notice
2. Violations of this Policy will be addressed according to the Graduated Disciplinary Plan and federal or state law, if applicable.
3. SPS will cooperate fully with local, state, and federal officials in connection with any legal or regulatory investigation concerning or relating to any allegations of illegal activity conducted through the SPS technology.

Regulations of Access: 2. Privacy

1. By using SPS technology, students and other users acknowledge and agree that there is no expectation of privacy while using SPS technology.
2. SPS reserves the right to monitor and track usage of SPS technology.
3. SPS discourages the storage of personal data on SPS technology and is not responsible for the loss or damage of any data stored or transmitted on SPS technology.
4. SPS may collect and store information about usage which includes, but is not limited to, the date and time a user visits a website and information about the user’s activities while online.
5. The Children’s Internet Protection Act requires SPS to monitor and review online activities originating from SPS devices or SPS technology. If monitoring leads SPS to discover that a user has violated or may be violating SPS’s policies or federal or state law, SPS reserves the right to conduct an investigation and cooperate with law enforcement.
6. Users should be aware that files, including personal files, which are stored or transmitted through SPS technology may be subject to discovery requests and disclosure during legal, governmental or regulatory investigations, actions, suits or proceedings and in accordance with public records laws.

Regulations of Access: 3. Parental Notification and Responsibility

Parents are responsible for monitoring student use of SPS technology when students are at home. Parents should review this Policy and their obligation to reinforce the expectations included in the Policy. We also strongly encourage parents to engage in conversations about responsible online behavior with their children.

Regulations of Access: 4. Limitations on Usage

a) Personal Safety for Students

SPS strongly recommends that all students follow the guidelines below:

1. Students should not post or transmit photographs, videos, personal information, or contact information about themselves, fellow students, or other people over the internet.
2. Students should not agree to meet with someone they have met online.

Students should promptly disclose to their mentor or other school employee any electronic communications they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.

b) Inappropriate Behavior

Students are expected to uphold the highest level of digital citizenship at all times:

1. Students will not use or post inappropriate language in public or private communications.
2. Students will not engage in behavior or disseminate information that interferes with the educational process.
3. Students will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.
4. Students will not post personal information about another person.
5. Students will not repost a message that was sent to them privately without permission of the person who sent them the message.

c) Illegal Activities

The following activities are illegal and will be handled according to the Graduated Disciplinary Plan and engagement with the appropriate legal authorities:

1. Attempting to “hack” or gain unauthorized access to systems or data including through using others’ passwords or accounts
2. Transmitting malicious files or attempting to compromise SPS’s network infrastructure, including transmitting a large amount of data
3. Transmitting software or data that is copyrighted or belonging to others without permission
4. Recording others without their permission
5. Engaging in any other illegal activity online or with your Chromebook

d) Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying (e.g. using online systems to abuse, threaten, harass, impersonate, or otherwise denigrate others) is prohibited. Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to direct attacks (e.g. hurtful messages sent from the cyberbully to the target through email, social networking sites, instant messaging, or other forums); indirect attacks or campaigns (e.g. widespread messages that hurt the victim’s reputation); and invasions of privacy (e.g. the cyber bully going through the victim’s computer or cell phone in order to find private emails, text messages, or photos and then sharing those personal details or pictures with others).

SPS must comply with anti-bullying laws as defined by the California Education Code and Washington State Law. Any student who is a target of cyberbullying attempts or who notices cyberbullying should notify a teacher immediately.

e) Data

SPS has implemented Information Security measures in an effort to protect student data. However, users are responsible for taking precautions with their own accounts and information.

1. Users are responsible for their devices and accounts, if any, and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to access or user their account.
2. Under no conditions should a student provide their password to another person.
3. Students will immediately notify a teacher or school official if they identify a possible security issue (such as disclosure of their password to another person).
4. Users should not attempt to uncover security issues because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.

f) Respecting Resource Limits

1. Students will use the system for educational and professional activities.
2. Students will refrain from downloading large files.
3. Students will not post chain letters or engage in “spamming.” Spamming is sending an unsolicited message to many people.
4. Students will check their email frequently and delete unwanted messages.
5. Students will not send email containing commercial links except for educational purposes.

g) Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

1. Students will not plagiarize works that they find on the internet or elsewhere. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were original to the user.
2. Students will respect the rights of copyright owners and not infringe on those rights. 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.
3. Copyright ©, Trademark ™ and/or Registered ® laws must be adhered to at all times. All materials from the internet and other digital resources, including graphics, which are used in student projects or reports, must be properly cited. Copyrighted, trademarked or registered materials may not be placed on the internet without the permission of the author

h) Access to Inappropriate Material

1. Students will not use the SPS technology to access or disseminate material that is profane or obscene (e.g., pornography), that advocates illegal or dangerous acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (e.g., hate literature). A special exception may be made if the purpose is to conduct research and is approved by the teacher.
2. If students inadvertently access such information, they should immediately disclose the inadvertent access to a teacher. This will protect users against an allegation that they have intentionally violated this Policy.

i) Other Inappropriate Behavior

1. Students will not use SPS technology for advertising, promotional activity, or commercial purposes.
2. Students will not use the internet to conduct for-profit business activities or to engage in religious activities. Users are also prohibited from engaging in any non-governmental-related fundraising or public relations activities such as solicitation for religious purposes, lobbying for political purposes, or soliciting votes. SPS is not responsible for this or any other commercial activity users engage in.

Students are advised to consult with teachers and other staff officials if they are uncertain whether their behavior or activity is permitted.

j) Inappropriate Use

Students will not broadcast hotspots at any SPS school.

k) E-mail Usage

Email resources are available to all SPS users. Every individual assigned an SPS email address shall use this resource in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner. Acceptable email activities are those that conform to the purpose, goals, and mission of SPS and to each user’s responsibilities as a member of the SPS community.

l) Account Termination

Alumni (graduates) of Summit Public Schools will retain access to their SPS email account after graduation.

Accounts of students who withdraw from will be deactivated and the data will be retained by SPS.

m) Device Use

SPS devices are available to authorized students and parents for educational, research, and administrative purposes. Users must observe reasonable standards of behavior while using SPS technology property. SPS reserves the right to investigate any of system abuses, as well as any other interference with the proper functioning of the SPS technology infrastructure.

The following actions are specifically prohibited:

1. Attempting to modify or damage SPS’s devices or the software installed on them
2. Attempting to modify the original system configurations, policies, or security
3. Using device or equipment for anything other than its intended purpose
4. Intentionally abusing or compromising SPS technology infrastructure

Regulations of Access: 5. Chromebook User Manual

All students must adhere to the Chromebook User Manual (Google Doc) to ensure their device is working optimally.

Limitation of Liability

SPS makes no guarantee of any kind that the technology functions or services provided will be without defect. SPS is not responsible for any damage users may incur including, but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. SPS is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on our systems, and SPS will not be responsible for financial obligations arising from a user’s unauthorized use of the system.