605.08 – Internet-Appropriate Use

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.

Internet access is regulated by classroom teachers.  Google domain accounts are created for all students K-12.  Access to the Internet is controlled by the teacher.  Email accounts become available in 4th grade under the guidance of the teacher.

[Note: Students can only use emails within our domain]

The Internet can provide a vast collection of educational resources for students and employees.  It is a global network that 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.  Although students will be under teacher supervision while on the school network, it is not possible to constantly monitor individual students and what they are accessing on the network.  Some students might encounter information that may not be of educational value.  Student Internet records and access records are confidential records treated like other student records.  While accessing the school network student’s 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 district will not monitor student activities while using district-owned equipment through networks other than the Colfax-Mingo School network.

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 internet Appropriate Use Policy and related regulations;
  • Student safety with regard to:
    • Safety on the Internet;
    • Appropriate behavior while online, on social networking Web sites, and in chat rooms;
    • 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 of students who do not wish to grant their student permission to use the internet should use the Internet Access Denial Form (608.08a) to deny Internet access.

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 understand the consequences for a violation of the policy or regulations.  These forms will be signed at grades kindergarten, sixth, and 9th grade, and by any new student to the district.

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

Date of Adoption: August 18, 2014

Reviewed & Revised: June 17, 2019

605.8a Internet Access Denial form.docx

605.8b Student Internet Network Acceptable Use Agreement.docx

605.8c Network Internet Appropriate Use Violation Notice.docx