Student Network Acceptable Use Policy/Laptop Damage/Loss Agreement

SECTION 1: Student Network Acceptable Use Policy

This section contains the Network Acceptable Use Policy for use of the Southridge School network system by students. The term “network” is defined here to include all computers, laptops, peripheral devices, network services and resources such as network storage and access to the Internet.

Vision

Our vision is to provide all students with the technology and the skills to enable them to construct knowledge and understanding by accessing information and by connecting with others in the community and around the world. ICT will enable students and teachers to create and participate in meaningful and authentic learning experiences that will enhance their love of learning and prepare them for leadership roles in a technology-rich future.

BC Ministry of Education

“Students will demonstrate an awareness of the protocols and ethics involved in the use of information technology… Students will demonstrate an understanding of ethics and acceptable use of information when accessing and processing information.” (Learning Outcome in the BC Ministry of Education IRP for Information Technology 1996)

Educational Purpose

  • The network system has been established for educational purposes such as classroom activities and limited high-quality self-discovery activities.
  • One purpose of the network is to assist in preparing students for success in life and work in the 21st century by providing them with electronic access to a wide range of information, the ability to communicate with people from throughout the world and the resources to learn and refine computer and technology skills.
  • Another purpose of the network is to provide staff and students with technology resources to enhance the implementation, delivery and learning of the School curriculum.
  • Additionally, the system is used to increase Southridge School’s intra-communication, enhance productivity, and assist staff and students in upgrading their skills through greater exchange of information with their peers. The network will assist staff in sharing information with others in the School, local community, and parents.
  • The network system has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. Southridge School has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system. Students are expected to follow the rules set forth in this document.
  • Students may not use the network system for commercial purposes. Students may not offer, provide, or purchase products or services through the network system.
  • Students many not use the network system for personal entertainment purposes. Games and other personal entertainment products are not to be run on the computer (this includes running them through a USB, off of a CD or DVD, from a website, or by other means).
  • Technology-enhanced projects (such as audio, video and other media) become the property of Southridge School; the School reserves the right to limit the distribution of this material.

Network Accounts

  • Each student, along with a respective parent/guardian, must sign a Network Account Agreement to be granted an individual or access to a classroom account on the Southridge School network system. The agreement is signed when the student enrolls at Southridge School and is valid through their enrolment.
  • Students enrolled will be granted an individual network account after returning the Network Account Agreement signed by their parent or guardian. Each student will be given a unique username and set a password (to be kept secret) that will permit the student to securely log on to the network system from only their personal laptop computer and selected computers within the School.
  • Students individual network accounts with all of the contained data and emails that have been accumulated during their time at Southridge, will expire upon graduation or upon leaving Southridge school.

Network Security

  • Students are responsible for their individual accounts and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use their account. Under no conditions should a student provide their password to another person.
  • Students are responsible to respect the rights of every other user on the network and the Internet. They are to act in accordance to the values of Southridge including acting with respect, integrity, compassion, honest and responsibility as outlined in the Junior School Promise and the Code of Ethics.
  • Students will log on to the network from only computers and laptops that have been configured and validated by IT SUPPORT. Students will not attempt to log on or connect to the network from an unauthorized computer, under any identity other than their prescribed username, nor will students attempt to connect to the network under a domain other than SRIDGE.
  • Students will use the same network password on all features of the laptop.
  • Students will protect the Southridge image that is loaded on the local drive of the laptop.
  • Students will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the network or to any other computer system through the School network system or go beyond their authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another person's account or access another person's files. These actions, even if only for the purposes of "browsing", will result in disciplinary action.
  • Students will immediately notify a teacher or the system administrator if they have identified a possible security problem. Do not go looking for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.
  • Students will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt or harm the computer system and its hardware or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are considered illegal and will result in disciplinary action.
  • Students will avoid the inadvertent spread of computer viruses by following network virus protection procedures. These procedures include that all computers connected to the network have installed and be running a current, up-to-date anti-virus program and/or the Deep Freeze program. Students will also ensure that disks, files and data drives connected to the School network are virus free.
  • Students will respond immediately to any critical Windows Update prompts.
  • Students will log into the Southridge network daily, as soon as they arrive to the campus. Students must also stay connected to the Southridge network (i.e. they cannot intentionally disconnect their wireless or wired connection) while the computer is in use at the School.
  • Students will not sabotage (physically or virtually) another user’s machine.

Respecting Resource Limits

  • Students will use the system only for educational and career development activities and limited, high-quality, self-discovery activities.
  • Students will not download, upload or transfer files that are solely of personal interest, and non-educational in nature.
  • Students will not use the network to engage in any type of networked gaming or other leisure activities.
  • Students will not browse webpages that are of personal interest, and non-educational in nature.
  • Unless absolutely required by a teacher, students will not browse webpages that include Internet games, audio and video streaming. If necessary, students will browse for these webpages during times when the network system is not being heavily used.
  • Students will not download, upload or transfer large files unless absolutely required by a teacher. If necessary, students will transfer the file at a time when the network system is not being heavily used and immediately remove the file from network storage and transfer the data to their personal computer.
  • Students will refrain from transferring large amounts of data across the School network. Specifically, peer-to-peer data programs (Bit Torrent, ITunes) are not allowed.
  • Students will maintain their google drive storage.
  • Students will use their personal server storage to store only files that are educational in nature and related to course work.
  • Students will use the School resources (e.g. printers, cameras, etc.) for only educational and course related purposes.
  • Students will not post chain letters or engage in "spamming". Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people.
  • Students must avoid paper waste when printing. The student’s name should appear on all printed documents to ensure any lost print jobs are returned promptly. Students must make use of the print preview feature and ensure that they have sent their print jobs to the correct printer. They must not resend print jobs.

Internet Access

  • All students will have access to the Internet and World Wide Web information resources through computers connected to the network.
  • Southridge School holds the right to block certain websites.
  • Students will not use the network system to engage in any illegal acts.
  • Students can expect their Internet behaviour to be periodically inspected and monitored for appropriate usage.

Cloud Computing

  • Southridge School utilizes web-based computing services provided by third-party internet companies for purposes which include data storage, web-based applications and communication services (collectively, “web-based services”). Southridge’s use of web-based services is of administrative and curricular value and enhances and supports the student’s ability to create, store and share curricular and co-curricular assignments.
  • When using web-based services, the school and all users are subject to the terms and conditions of use imposed by the service provider. (An internet link to those terms and conditions will be provided to parents upon request.) In addition, the servers used for data storage by the providers may be located outside of Canada and will be subject to the laws for the jurisdiction in which they are located.
  • Students use web-based services to create and store work products, including, for example, classroom and homework assignments, and will communicate with their teachers, other faculty and authorized school personnel through such services on a regular basis.

Use of School Hardware

  • Students will use the School hardware devises only for educational and career development activities. There is no limit on use for education and career development activities.
  • Students will exercise due care in handling and use of School hardware devices and agree to maintain the hardware in good condition while attending Southridge School.
  • Students must store their laptop safely and securely when at other classes, lunch and assemblies. Securely includes using an appropriate backpack.
  • Students must keep classroom walkways clear of computer bags and cords.
  • Students must maintain labels on their laptop, cords and backpack.
  • Students must carry only what they need. Laptops must be carried with two hands when not transported in the backpack. Books, binders, food and other items are not to be carried in a student’s hands along with a laptop.
  • In the event of any damage to School hardware at any time while it is in the student’s possession, the student agrees to inform the appropriate staff members so that repairs can be performed.
  • The School owns the laptop and all peripherals until the conclusion of the lease term period.
  • Students agree to report immediately any lost or stolen laptops or peripherals.
  • Parents agree to pay for any reasonable cost of repair or full replacement of the equipment caused by the user's lack of care, negligence (resulting in damage or theft) or misuse that is not covered under the warranty. The warranty covers such things as accidental breakage and drops but there are limitations on the coverage. The laptop supplier may charge for repeat incidents.
  • In the event of the laptop being lost and/or stolen the family will be required to pay a replacement cost for a new laptop. The cost will be determined by the accounting department based on the age and quality of the laptop used as a replacement and will typically be the same model as the one lost and/or stolen. In addition, the family will continue to pay the costs of the laptop program until the end of the lease period.

Installation, Duplication or Modification of Software and Hardware

  • Students will only install software listed on the SOFTWARE INSTALLS (IN SCHOOL ONLY) website. (Hyperlink available on their laptop); any other installed software not approved by IT SUPPORT will be considered a breach of this contract.
  • Students will not use the network system to download any versions of software or load into the network system any versions of software before gaining approval from IT SUPPORT.
  • Students will not attempt to duplicate any School-licensed software that is installed on any School computer. All license numbers are property of the School and using these license numbers to install software other than on the School computer is a breach of Canadian law.
  • Students will not attempt to personally uninstall or modify the settings of any School-licensed software installed on any School computer.
  • Students can expect their computers to be periodically inspected and monitored for appropriate usage. Possession of unlicensed or pirated software is a breach of Canadian law.

Personal Safety

  • Students will use appropriate strategies to prevent potential health and safety problems associated with computer use, such as posture problems, eyestrain, and musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Students will practice good ergonomics to promote health and wellness as a laptop user. This includes carrying the backpack over both shoulders and refraining from using the laptops unless seated at a desk or table.
  • Students will not post personal contact information about themselves or other people. Personal contact information includes addresses, telephone numbers, the School address, work addresses, photos, etc.
  • Students will not agree to meet with someone they have met online without their parent's approval. Parent should accompany students to this meeting.
  • Students will promptly disclose to their teacher or other School employee any message they receive that is inappropriate or makes them feel uncomfortable.
  • Students will not post photos, video or media to the Internet of other Southridge students. This includes sports teams and other places that the Southridge logo may appear.
  • Parents agree to accept responsibility for guiding their child’s Internet use if the Southridge laptop is used off site.
  • Parents agree to take all responsibility for home ICT connectivity including Internet usage, filtering devices and content.

Inappropriate Language, Images, Audio and Other Media

  • Restrictions against inappropriate language, images, audio and other media apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on webpages.
  • Students will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language, images, audio or other media.
  • Students will not post information that could cause damage or a danger of disruption.
  • Students will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.
  • Students will not harass another person (please refer to the Respectful School and Workplace Environment Policy revised February 2017).
  • Students will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.

Respect for Privacy

  • Students will not repost a message that was sent to them privately without permission of the person who sent them the message.
  • Students will not post private information about another person.

Plagiarism, Piracy and Copyright Infringement

  • Students 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 yours. Senior School students found plagiarizing will be disciplined in accordance with the Southridge School Academic Integrity Policy, Senior School.
  • Students must document electronic information in a bibliography or list of resources.
  • Students will not hand in or share electronic assignments, in part or in whole, with other students in any way that can be construed at plagiarism.
  • Students will not download, upload or install any music, video, software, games or files that infringe on Copyright laws.
  • Students will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, you should follow the expressed requirements. If you are unsure whether or not you can use a piece of work, you should request permission from the copyright owner. Copyright law can be very confusing. If you have questions, ask a teacher.

Inappropriate Access to Material

  • Students will not use the network system to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). A special exception may be made for hate literature if the purpose of your access is to conduct research and both your teacher and parent have given their approval.
  • If students mistakenly access inappropriate information, they should immediately tell their teacher or Head of Junior or Senior School. This will protect the student against a claim that they have intentionally violated this policy.

Search and Seizure

  • Students should expect only limited privacy in the contents of their personal files on the network system.
  • Routine maintenance and monitoring of the network system may lead to discovery that you have violated this policy or the law.
  • Students should expect routine monitoring of computer usage and Internet browsing while logged on to the network.
  • An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that you have violated this policy or the law. The investigation will be reasonable and related to the suspected violation.
  • Parents have the right at any time to request to see the contents of their child’s files.

Due Process

  • The School will cooperate fully with local officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the network system.
  • In the event there is a claim that a student has violated this policy in the use of the network system, the student will be provided with notice of the suspected violation and the opportunity to present an explanation before an administrator.
  • If a student is found to have violated this policy, the consequences will be, but not limited to, restrictions being placed on their network account. Disciplinary action within the School will be at the discretion of the Head of Junior or Senior School.

Limitation of Liability

  • Southridge School makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the system will be error-free or without defect. Southridge School will not be responsible for any damage you may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. Southridge School is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. Southridge School will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system.
  • Southridge School will not be responsible for any injuries due to inappropriate computer use, such as posture problems, eyestrain, and musculoskeletal injuries.

Personal Responsibility

When you are using the network system, it may feel like you can more easily break a rule and not get caught. This is not really true because whenever you do something on a network you leave little "electronic footprints," so the odds of getting caught are really about same as they are in the real world. But the fact that you can do something or think you can do something without being caught does not make it right to do so. Even if you don't get caught, there is always one person who will know whether you have done wrong -- and that person is you. Your use of the Internet can be a mirror that will show you what kind of a person you are.