BOARD POLICY 363.2 

363.2 - Access to and Use of Electronic Communication and the Internet

Access to electronic communication and the Internet enables the exploration of countless libraries, databases, and other resources while exchanging messages with Internet users throughout the world.  The intent of the School District of Fort Atkinson is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives.  However, users and the students  and their parent/guardian should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some individuals. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian of a student to notify the school principal if they do not want their student to have access to school networks and the Internet.

Within the school setting, users of District technology resources are responsible for good behavior.  General school rules for behavior, communications, and use of equipment apply.  Technology resources owned by or on school premises will be treated as real property of the School District of Fort Atkinson.  Any abuse or destruction of electronic resources whether they are hardware, software, stored electronic data or displays of electronic data will be subject to the same consequences as abuse and destruction of other District property.

Accessing the Internet and the use of electronic communications using District technology is a privilege, not a right; this includes but is not exclusive to the use of Internet browsing, email, chat rooms, social networking and instant messaging.  Abuse or inappropriate use of this privilege will result in suspending or restricting access.  The nature of the violation could dictate other possible action (i.e. legal, criminal or professional consequences).

Users of the District instructional technology should not expect that electronic communication, Internet and other electronic storage files stored on District technology resources will be private.  Files brought on school premises are also subject to review.  Network administrators/supervisors may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and to insure that users are using the system responsibly.

Personal devices connected to District technology resources and their uses are subject to the same restrictions as District owned devices.  Any damage to hardware, software, or data caused by a personally owned device connected to District technology resources will be the responsibility of the person connecting the device. The use of personal wireless access points or other wireless network enabling equipment is prohibited on school premises. 

The District educates minors about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response.  The District implements Internet filtering and other means to restrict access by minors to inappropriate materials and materials harmful to minors. It is understood that such filters are not perfect and student access to inappropriate material is unintentional.  Devices shall not be used on District premises to obtain unfiltered access to Internet content.

Reference to this policy will be included in student handbooks and reinforced as necessary throughout the year. 

Legal Ref.:      Children’s Internet Protection Act

Cross Ref.:     Board Policy 443.5 – Electronic Devices/Electronic Communication Devices

Approved:      March 18, 1999

Revised:        May 16, 2002

Revised:        November 18, 2004

Revised:        April 17, 2008 

Revised:        March 19, 2009

Revised:        March 18, 2010

Revised:        March 17, 2011

Revised:        December 15, 2011

Revised:        March 21, 2013

Revised:         August 18, 2016 Pending Board Approval