604.06 Acceptable Use of Technology Policy

 

The district recognizes the importance of developing students into agile learners who are capable of addressing the complex needs of our future workforce. For this reason, the district has prioritized making available technology and programs that teach students to embrace modern technology and tools while fostering a secure learning environment for students to the extent reasonable. Because technology is a vital part of the school district curriculum, the Internet will be made available to employees and students. Appropriate and equitable use of the Internet will allow employees and students to access resources unavailable through traditional means.

Students will be able to access the Internet. Individual student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issued to students. Students may be permitted to use district-issued email addresses and Internet-based collaboration software to send and receive messages at school. 

The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees. It is a global network which makes it impossible to control all available information. Because information appears, disappears and changes constantly, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet. It is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network. Some students might encounter information which may not be of educational value. Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records. Students’ Internet activities will be monitored by the school district to ensure students are not accessing inappropriate sites that have visual depictions that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors. The school district will use technology protection measures to protect students from inappropriate access, including sites that include obscenity, child pornography or are harmful to minors. 

The school district will monitor the online activities of students and will educate students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting on social networking sites and chat rooms. Students will also be educated on cyberbullying, including awareness and response. Employees will provide age appropriate training for students who use the Internet. The training provided will be designed to promote the school district’s commitment to: 

  • The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the  this policy and regulation;
  • Student safety with regard to:

​​​​safety on the Internet;

appropriate behavior while online, on social networking websites, and in chat rooms; and

cyberbullying awareness and response.

  • Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act

Employees and students will be instructed on the appropriate use of the Internet. Parents will be required to sign a permission form to allow their students to access the Internet. Students will sign a form acknowledging they have read and understand the Internet Acceptable Use policy and regulations, that they will comply with the policy and regulations, and that they understand the consequences for violation of the policy or regulations.

In compliance with federal law, this policy will be maintained at least ten years beyond the termination of funding under the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) or E-rate. 

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Approved: 6/12/95

Reviewed:

Revised: 10/8/12; 6/10/13; 5/13/19; 8/11/25; 11/17/25

604.06E1 Internet and Device Access

Name:__________________________________________________                                 Date:_______________

Computer and/or Tablet Serial #______________________________

Computer Equipment Description and Serial #______________________________

I hereby certify that I have received, read, understand and agree to all of the terms and conditions in the Spirit Lake Community School District’s Appropriate Use of Technology Policy.

I understand that the laptop computer, tablet, and related equipment I am being issued is the property of the Spirit Lake Community School District. I will return the laptop computer and/or tablet and any related equipment I am issued in the same condition in which I receive it, excluding normal wear and tear and unforeseen system breakdowns, i.e. hard drive failure, etc. I understand that I may be responsible for any damage or loss of any component of the laptop computer, tablet, and/or related equipment I am issued. In case of damage or loss, I agree that I may be required to reimburse the District for any damaged or lost component and/or equipment with components.

I accept full responsibility for my use of the district’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet through the District in accordance with the terms, conditions, and guidelines as stated by the District in its policies and regulations and as set out in federal and state law. I understand that violation of these provisions will result in the restriction and/or termination of my ability to use the District’s computers, computer-like equipment (such as tablets), computer network systems, and internet access and may result in further discipline up to and including termination of my employment with the District and/or other legal action.

I will not hold the District responsible in any way for materials accessed through the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and/or the District’s internet access. I relieve the Spirit Lake Community School District and its officers and employees from any and all financial responsibility that may be incurred by my use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet.

 

______________________________________________________________________________    __________________________________                                                            Signature                                                                                                                                  Date

_______________________________________________________________________________                                                                                                                                                 Printed Name

604.06E2 Student Internet and Device Access Permission Form

Name:                                                                                           Graduation Year:

User Name:                                                                                  User Password:

Equipment-  Check-In                                                                Check-Out

Computer Asset Tag #:                                       Serial #:                                      Carrying Case          Power Supply & Cord

 

_______________________________________________________________   ______________________________________________                                                         Parent/Guardian Signature                                                                                      User Signature

________________________________________________________________.   _________________________________                                                                                 AdministratoSignature                                                                                         Date 

I understand that the laptop computer, tablet, and related equipment the above-referenced student is being issued is the property of the Spirit Lake Community School District. My student will return the laptop computer and/or tablet and any related equipment he/she is issued in the same condition in which he/she receives it, excluding normal wear and tear and unforeseen system breakdowns, i.e. hard drive failure, etc.

I understand that the District has insurance coverage that may cover the cost of repairs to the laptop. I understand that my student and/or I may be responsible for and/or assessed a fee for any damage or loss of any component of the laptop computer, tablet, and/or related equipment. In case of damage or loss, I agree that my student and/or I may be required to reimburse the District for and/or pay a fee for any damaged or lost component and/or equipment with components.

I recognize that although the Spirit Lake Community School District has taken measures to restrict access to controversial materials, it cannot guarantee that students will be protected from accessing any controversial materials during the student’s use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet. I accept full responsibility for my student’s use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet through the District in accordance with the terms, conditions, and guidelines as stated by the District in its policies and regulations and as set out in federal and state law. I relieve the Spirit Lake Community School District and its officers and employees, from any and all financial responsibility that may be incurred by my student’s use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and the internet.

If a student already has an electronic mail address, he/she will not be permitted to use the address to send and receive mail at school, without permission from the technology department.

 

  • My student may take his/her computer home with him/her.: _____ Yes _____ No
  • My student may have access to internet.: _____ Yes _____ No
  • My student may be issued or create an account for internet services, including but not limited to, a Google account.:_____ Yes ____ No
  • I hereby give the District permission to publish my student’s work, picture, and/or first name on the internet through the District’s web site and/or other online forums._____ Yes ____ No

I am the parent or guardian of the above named student. I hereby certify that I have received, read, understand and agree to the Spirit Lake Community School District's Appropriate Use of Technology Policy.

____________________________________________________________________      __________________                                                                                                            Parent/Guardian Signature                                                                           Date

If you have consented to your child’s use of the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and internet access, please have your child review and sign the following:

I have read the Spirit Lake Community School District’s Appropriate Use of Technology Policy and agree to abide by its provisions. I understand that violation of these provisions will result in the restriction and/or termination of my ability to use the District’s computers, computer-like equipment, computer network systems, and internet access and may result in further discipline up to and including expulsion and/or other legal action. I agree to be responsible for payment of costs incurred by accessing any internet services that have a cost involved.

I understand that the laptop computer, tablet, and related equipment I am being issued is the property of the Spirit Lake Community School District. I will return the laptop computer and/or tablet and any related equipment I am issued in the same condition in which I receive it, excluding normal wear and tear and unforeseen system breakdowns, i.e. hard drive failure, etc.

I understand that the District has insurance coverage that may cover the cost of repairs to the laptop. I understand that I may be responsible for and/or assessed a fee for any damage or loss of any component of the laptop computer, tablet, and/or related equipment. In case of damage or loss, I agree that I may be required to reimburse the District for and/or pay a fee for any damaged or lost component and/or equipment with components.

 

____________________________________________________________________    __________________                                                                                                              Student Signature                                                                                        Date

604.06R1 Acceptable Use of Technology Policy

Prior to device and internet access, students and/or parents and staff must read and accept the acceptable use of technology use form.

I. Responsibility for Internet Appropriate Use

    A. The authority for appropriate use of electronic Internet resources is delegated to the licensed employees. 

    B. Instruction in the proper use of the Internet will be available to licensed employees who will then provide similar instruction to their students.

    C. Employees are expected to practice appropriate use of the Internet, and violations may result in discipline up to, and including, discharge.

II. Internet Access.

     A. Access to the Internet is available to teachers and students as a source of information and a vehicle of communication

     B. Students will be able to access the Internet. Individual internet-based collaboration software student accounts and electronic mail addresses may be issues to students.

  1. Making Internet access available to students carries with it the potential that some students might encounter information that may not be appropriate for students.  However, on a global network, it is impossible to control all materials.  Because information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not possible to predict or control what students may locate.
  2. It is a goal to allow teachers and students access to the rich opportunities on the Internet, while we protect the rights of students and parents who choose not to risk exposure to questionable material.
  3. The smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines which require efficient, ethical and legal utilization of network resources.
  4. To promote accountability users may use real-time conference features such as talk/chat/Internet relay chat only as approved by the supervising teacher.
  5. Transmission of material, information or software in violation of any board policy or regulation is prohibited.
  6. System users will follow district cybersecurity policy and procedures to ensure network security.
  7. The school district makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of information received on the Internet.    

III. Student Use of the Internet

A. Equal Opportunity - The Internet is available to all students within the school district through teacher access. 

B. On-line  Protocol.

  1. The use of the network is a privilege and may be taken away for violation of board policy or regulations.  As a user of the Internet, students may be allowed access to other networks.  Each network may have its own set of policies and procedures.  It is the user's responsibility to abide by the policies and procedures of these other networks.

  2. Students should adhere to on-line protocol:

  • ​​​​Apply the same privacy, ethical and educational considerations utilized in other forms of communication.

  • Remain on the system long enough to get needed information, then exit the system.

  • Cite all quotes, references and sources.

  • Respect all copyright and license agreements.

​       3.  Student access for electronic mail will be through their school issued google account.  Students should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Always sign messages
  • Use of objectionable language is prohibited
  • Delete unwanted messages immediately.
  • Others may be able to read or access the mail so private messages should not be sent.

C.Restricted Material - Students will not intentionally access or download any text file or picture or engage in any conference that includes material which is obscene, libelous, indecent, vulgar, profane or lewd; advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law; constitutes insulting or fighting words, the very expression of which injures or harasses others; or presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or the manner of distribution, it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities, will cause the commission of unlawful acts or the violation of lawful school regulations.

D. Unauthorized Costs - If a student gains access to any service via the Internet which has a cost involved or if a student incurs other types of costs, the student accessing such a service will be responsible for those costs.

IV. Student Violations--Consequences and Notifications

Students who access restricted items on the Internet are subject to the appropriate action described in board policy or regulations or the following consequences:

A verbal notice will be issued to the student for a violation of the policy. The student may lose internet access and/or computer privileges at the discretion of the building administration. 

If internet access and/or computer privileges are restricted or revoked, parents will receive written notification from building administration regarding the incident and the restriction/revocation.

 


Approved:  8/11/25                          Reviewed:                                          Revised: