ARLINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

     The Arlington School Board supports the integration of technology to reach educational goals, including
     those defined by the Virginia Standards of Learning, the Arlington curricula, and the Technology
     Standards for Instructional Personnel.  In support of these goals, the Arlington School Board provides
     access by students, faculty and staff to a variety of technology-supported information resources.

     All school system users are expected to retrieve, evaluate, and apply information skills and
     technological tools in thoughtful, responsible ways that enhance learning across the curriculum.  Users
     of technology are responsible for appropriate behavior on school computer networks just as they are in
     a classroom or a school library.  General school rules for behavior and communications apply;
     consequences for inappropriate behavior also apply.  Access to these electronic resources is provided
     in order for students and staff to conduct research and communicate with others. Technology users are
     expected to act in a considerate and responsible manner.

     In order to match electronic resources as closely as possible to the curriculum, instructional staff will
     guide students in utilizing electronic information resources.

     Users are expected to abide by the following:
 
     >   Use school facilities and equipment only for school-related, educational activities. This
          includes but is not limited to the use of the Internet, E-Mail, FTP, TelNet, Newsgroups, and
          the local school and county networks.
     >   Be courteous and use appropriate language. Do not harass or attack others or use
          expressions of bigotry, racism and/or hate. Do not send, display or use profanity,
          obscenities, sexually explicit or offensive materials.
     >   Protect privacy and safety by not disclosing such personal information as telephone
          numbers, addresses or passwords.
     >   Use only assigned passwords. The use of others passwords is forbidden.
          Recognize and respect the intellectual property of others, e.g., do not tamper with files,
          copy nor download without permission.
     >   Adhere to Federal copyright laws and vendor licensing agreements.
     >   Install only APS-owned software on APS computer systems.
     >   Respect the integrity of the network system. Enter authorized systems only. Do not attempt
          to circumvent or subvert system security measures. Do not tamper or alter the system in
          such a way that would disrupt the network.
     >   Report suspected computer viruses or other problems immediately so that action can be
          taken and damage can be minimized.
     >   Use equipment responsibly.  Do not damage in any form or manner hardware, electronic
          systems or networks.
     >   Conserve resources including but not limited to file storage space, band-width, on-line time,
          toner and paper.
     >   Do not sell merchandise or operate a business. 

     APS recognizes that users may encounter materials that could be viewed as inappropriate and
     non-educational. Therefore, reasonable efforts will be made to provide direction and to monitor student
     use.  However, it is the responsibility of the individual user not to initiate access to inappropriate
     material.  If such material is encountered, the user is expected to exit immediately.

     Areas of Responsibility

      >  All technology users are responsible for reviewing and abiding by the above guidelines
      >  APS is not responsible for any unauthorized access, damages resulting from the loss of
          data, delays, service interruptions or the accuracy or quality of information obtained
          through its electronic resources.
      >  Authorized APS personnel may review files and communications to maintain system
          integrity. All users should assume that electronic communications and storage are neither
          private nor permanent nor necessarily secure.
      >  APS is responsible for remaining in compliance with State and Federal telecommunication
          rules and regulations.
      >  APS is not responsible for student or staff use of technology resources outside of school.
          However, staff or students may be disciplined for any technology use whatsoever that
          negatively affects the Arlington Public Schools or that negatively affects the ability or
          fitness of any staff person to effectively serve the schools.

           Consequences for Inappropriate or Illegal Use of Computer-Based Resources

     Violations of the Code of Ethics will result in loss of access; additional disciplinary action consistent
     with existing practice and policy; and/or, if appropriate, referral to the police.
 

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