Legal Notices and Policy Information

In that Palmetto Scholars Academy offers Internet access to students, this document contains the Acceptable Use Policy for use of the school’s computer system. Each student must have a signed Acceptable Use Policy on file in order to use any technology at Palmetto Scholars Academy. This policy is in place to do the following:

1. prevent user access over its computer network to, or the transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications;
2. prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity;
3. prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”).

Educational Purpose

The system has been established for a limited educational purpose. The term “educational purpose” refers to career development activities and classroom activities assigned by teachers. The system has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. Palmetto Scholars Academy has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system. You are also expected to follow the rules set forth in the disciplinary code and the law in your use of the system.
 

Student Internet Access

All students have access to Internet World Wide Web information resources through their classroom and the school computer lab.
 

Unacceptable Uses Related to Personal Safety

• A student will not post personal contact information about him/herself or other people.  Personal contact information includes address, telephone, school address, work address, and photos.
• A student will not agree to meet with someone he/she has met online without parent approval.  The student’s parent should accompany the student to this meeting.
• A student will promptly disclose to his/her teacher or other school employees any message he/she receives that is inappropriate or makes the student feel uncomfortable.

Unacceptable Uses Related to Illegal Activities

• A student will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to PSA’s server or to any other computer system while using school equipment. This includes attempting to log in through another person’s account or access another person’s files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purpose of “browsing.”
• A student will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are illegal.
• A student will not use the system to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging for a drug sale or the purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal gang activity, threatening the safety of others, etc.
• Students may not use the system for political lobbying, but may use the system to communicate with elected representatives and to express opinions on political issues.

Unacceptable Uses Related to System Security

• A student will immediately notify a teacher or the system administrator if he/she has identified a possible security problem. Do not search for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.
• A student must avoid the inadvertent spread of computer viruses by following the district virus protection procedures for downloading software. Students will not install any programs on any computer. If programs are needed to view a specific site, the software can only be installed by authorized staff.

Unacceptable Uses Related to Inappropriate Language

• Restrictions against inappropriate language apply to public messages, private messages and material posted on web pages.
• A student will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening or disrespectful language.
• A student will not post information that could cause damage or a danger of disruption.
• A student will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory statements .
• A student will not harass or bully another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If a student is told by a person to stop sending them messages, he/she must stop.
• A student will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.

Unacceptable Uses Related to Respect for Privacy

• A student will not re-post a message that was sent to him/her privately without permission of the person who sent the student the message.
• A student will not post private information about another person.

Unacceptable Uses Related to Respecting Resource Limits

• A student will use the system only for educational and career development activities and limited, high-quality, self-discovery activities.
• A student will not download any files without permission.
• A student will not post chain letters or engage in “spamming.” Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people.

Unacceptable Uses Related to Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

• A student will not plagiarize works found on the internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours.
• A student will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when a student inappropriately reproduces a work that is protected by copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, the student should follow the expressed requirements. If a student is unsure whether or not he/she can use a work, then he/she should request permission from the copyright owner. Copyright law can be very confusing. Students who have questions should ask a teacher.

Unacceptable Uses Related to Inappropriate Access to Material

• A student will not use the school’s technology 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 student access is to conduct research, and both teacher and parent have approved.
• If a student mistakenly accesses inappropriate material, he/she should immediately tell a teacher or other school employee. This will protect the student against a claim of intentionally violating the policy.