Statement of Purpose

The efficient, legal, and safe operation of computer, network and Internet resources (hereinafter referred to as computer resources) depends on all users agreeing to and adhering to certain standards of proper conduct.

The use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. If any Aurora Public Schools user (whether student, staff or volunteer) violates any of these guidelines, he/she will be held responsible for the violation and may face disciplinary action and/or loss of access to these resources. Violations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Computer Resource Etiquette, Responsibility and Security Guidelines

1. Aurora public schools students will not be granted access to district-owned computer resources until the Internet Use Agreement has been properly completed and is on file with the school. If the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) deny Internet access for their student(s), that denial shall also be on file with the school.

2. The use of computer resources must be supportive of educational standards in Aurora public Schools and will be consistent with and enhance the overall mission and educational objectives of Aurora Public Schools.

3. Students do not have email accounts and are prohibited from using chat lines or similar resources while at school.

4. All users who have access to computer resources will abide by local, state and federal regulations, including copyright laws, licensing laws, privacy laws, school board policies, and local school and district guidelines.

5. Computers not owned or managed by Aurora Public Schools are NOT allowed to connect to the network in accordance with Aurora Public Schools policies and guidelines.

6. Use of computer resources will be made in accordance with generally accepted rules of etiquette and law. Violations include, but are not limited to, accessing, downloading, uploading, receiving, or sending defamatory, vulgar, sexually-explicit, racist, sexist, violent, or threatening content.

7. Users will be held responsible for malicious or intentional damage done to computer resources, software, data, user accounts, or hardware. Users are not allowed to make changes to the hardware and software configurations and settings.

8. Aurora Public Schools accepts no liability or responsibility for cost related to commercial services accessible on the Internet, or any other costs that may be related to online computer access.

9. Aurora Public Schools accepts no responsibility for material that is accessible on the Internet, or for the improper use of the Internet or the district network by anyone accessing the network at a district site or from a remote location. Parents are responsible for monitoring their student(s)' use of the Internet away from school.

10. Attempts to gain access to restricted-use computers, user accounts, software applications, or computer services by guessing at user names and passwords, or using software or hardware tools to reveal account and password information will be grounds for disciplinary action and possible denial of access to computer resources.

11. Any Aurora Public Schools user who becomes aware of a computer security violation is obligated to report it to their teacher or supervisor, to include access by an unauthorized user, sharing of passwords, software problems, etc.

12. Be polite. Do not write or send abusive or offensive messages. Do not spread untruths or rumors about individuals or groups of people. Use appropriate language. Messages sent using Aurora Public Schools computer resources reflect on the respective school and the district.

13. Downloaded materials should be scanned for viruses. Do not allow any unauthorized persons to use your user name and password to access computer resources. Do not create or share computer viruses, or in any way attempt to damage another person's data or files.

14. Users may not get from or put information that encourages illegal activity, infringes on the rights of others, or is disruptive to the educational process onto the network.

15. Users may not get from or put any copyrighted material, including software or material that is considered defamatory, obscene, lewd, vulgar, profane, sexually oriented, racists, or offensive onto the network.

16. Do not give out personal information, such as your home address, home telephone number, Social Security number, credit card number, etc., or those of another person.

17. Do not arrange a face-to-face meeting with a person or persons you only know from online contact.

Student acknowledgment/Parent or Guardian Approval