BMRSD - Acceptable Use Policy

The Internet, a global network of computers communicating with each other, enables users to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and other educational resources. The Blackstone-Millville Regional School District is committed to providing members of the school community access to this rich and evolving set of resources.

Families should be warned that some material accessible via the Internet may contain material that is illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive to some people. While our intent is to make Internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, and despite the District's efforts to block inappropriate or objectionable material, students may find ways to access other materials as well. It is incumbent on all members of the Blackstone-Millville Regional School community to behave responsibly when using school facilities to access the Internet. It is, therefore, important for all parents and guardians to set and convey the standards of ethical and appropriate use of media and information sources.

The following standards of conduct and procedure shall be observed when utilizing the District computer network:

1. No user shall engage in any behavior that would be considered offensive, obscene, or harassing. This includes, but is not limited to, the following behaviors:

sending, receiving, or displaying messages or pictures containing obscene or abusive language.
using obscene, abusive, or impolite language.
willfully accessing on-line areas containing material that would be considered objectionable by the District or the community at large.

2. No user shall engage in activity that will incur financial and/or legal liability on the part of the District.

3. Users shall adhere to copyright laws when accessing material from the Internet, the citing of references when appropriate, and refraining from transferring commercial software in violation of copyright laws. No user shall copy software onto or from computers owned by the school. This keeps with copyright laws and helps to protect school-owned computer facilities from computer viruses.

4. No user shall alter desktop settings or trespass into another's files, folders, or work.

6. Users shall exercise good judgement and good manners when dealing with others via the Internet.

7. Communication services (e.g. chat lines, personal e-mail, on-line games) may be used by students only with the explicit permission and supervision of a staff member.

8. Students are responsible for good behavior on school networks just as they are in any other area of the school. General school rules for behavior and communication apply to computer use.

9. Access to the network services is given to students who agree to act in a considerate and responsible manner. Parent permission is required. Access is a privilege - not a right. Access entails responsibility.

10. Violations of any of the above standards of conduct and procedure may result in loss of computer privileges for any user, and/or other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the respective administrator, the Director of Instructional Technology, or the Superintendent of Schools. Unauthorized access to a computer system is in violation of MGL CH266 SEC 120F and may be subject to prosecution.

11. The production of the official District webpages may occasionally include pictures showing class or school activities.

Approved: Blackstone-Millville Regional District School Committee
Date: April 23, 1998; Revised: April 27, 2000