General Information Acceptable Use Policy for Technology
Technology Use
To access technology at Pioneer Regional School Corporation, students under the age of eighteen (18) must obtain parent permission. Use of all technology at Pioneer Regional School Corporation is a privilege, not a right. The Corporation’s technology, including its internet connections, is provided for educational purposes only. The use of unauthorized devices on school property is prohibited. Unauthorized and/or inappropriate use of any technology on Pioneer Regional School Corporation property will result in a cancellation of part or all technology privileges.
The Corporation has implemented technology protection measures which block/filter Internet access to visual displays that are obscene, pornographic or harmful to minors. The Corporation also monitors online activity of students in an effort to restrict access to pornography and other material that is obscene, objectionable, inappropriate and/or harmful to minors. Students may not display confederate flag for profile picture or background on school-issued devices.
Teachers and building principals are responsible for determining what is unauthorized or inappropriate use. The principal may deny, revoke or suspend access to individuals who violate the Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy and related Guidelines, and implement other disciplinary action as is appropriate under the Student Code of Conduct.
Students accessing the Pioneer Regional School Corporation technology, devices, networks, or other connections, assume personal responsibility and liability, both civil and criminal.
The Corporation has the right to monitor, review and inspect any directories, files and/or messages residing on or sent using personal devices or Corporation’s computers/mobile devices/networks, phones, etc. Messages, communications, or materials relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Parents/guardians are advised that determined users may be able to gain access to information, communication and/or services on the Internet which the School Board has not authorized for educational purposes and/or which they and/or their parents/guardians may find inappropriate, offensive, objectionable or controversial. Parents/Guardians assume this risk by consenting to allow their students to participate in the use of technology. Student’s using Pioneer Regional School Corporation technology assume personal responsibility and liability, both civil and criminal, for unauthorized or inappropriate use thereof.
Technology at Pioneer Regional School Corporation may be used at the teacher’s discretion in his/her classroom. Students will be required to follow the policy of each specific teacher for the use of electronic devices. If a student violates the teacher’s policy, the student will receive a disciplinary action.
No device, personal or otherwise, may be used to record, store, or transmit any type of image, sound, or video from Pioneer Regional School Corporation, except for approved projects with the express permission of the teacher.
Digital Citizenship
Pioneer Regional School Corporation believes that the Internet and digital devices offer vast, diverse, and unique resources to students, parents, faculty and staff. Our goal in providing Internet access and digital devices to students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating innovation, communication and collaboration. In order to meet our goal. Users are expected to abide by and model the accepted Digital Citizenship Agreement, which includes but is not limited to:
1. Respect Yourself. I will show respect for myself through my actions. I will select online names that are appropriate. I will consider the information and images that I post online. I will consider what personal information about my life, experiences, experimentation or relationships I post.
2. Respect Others. I will show respect to others. I will not use electronic mediums to flame, bully, or stalk other people. I will show respect for other people and myself in my choice of websites, I will not visit sites that are degrading to others, pornographic, racist or inappropriate. I will not abuse my rights of access and I will not enter other people’s private spaces or areas.
3. Respect for Property. I will respect the property of others including school IT property such as networks, hardware, software, or other user’s files and data. This includes, but is not limited to, the creation, uploading, or downloading of computer viruses or other malicious software.
4. Respect for Intellectual Property. I will request permission to use resources. I will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, and other media. I will only use software and media others produce with their permission. I will use free and open source alternatives rather than pirating software. I will purchase, license and register all software. I will purchase my music and media, and refrain from distributing these in a manner that violates their licenses. I will act with integrity.
5. Protect Yourself. I will ensure that the information, images and materials I post online will not put me at risk. I will not publish my personal details, contact details or a schedule of my activities. I will report any attacks or inappropriate behavior directed at me. I will protect passwords, accounts and resources.
6. Protect Others. I will protect others by reporting abuse and by not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.
No Expectation of Privacy.
Students have no expectation of confidentiality or privacy with respect to any usage of a iPad, Chromebook, Lab Computer, personal device, or any technology owned by or located at Pioneer Regional School Corporation regardless of whether that use is for district-related or personal purposes, other than as specifically provided by law. The District may, without prior notice or consent, log, supervise, access, view, monitor, and record use of student device at any time for any reason related to the operation of the District. By using any device, students agree to such access, monitoring, and recording of their use.
Failure to abide by the Acceptable Use Policy may result in one or more of the following:
• Disciplinary action by the Principal and/or Pioneer Regional School Corporation
• The notification to the appropriate legal authorities for prosecution, if required.
• Responsibility for damages to all IT equipment, networks, and hardware or software systems resulting from deliberate or willful acts of vandalism.
Junior/Senior/Career Center/Access for Online Classes Program
Pioneer Regional School Corporation would like to encourage and prepare our students for the next phase of their educational career. At the beginning of the second grading period, students who meet the requirements defined below will be granted permission to email outside the pioneer.k12.in.us domain for the purpose of communication with colleges and sources that will help them define future education and life objectives. In addition, they will be granted internet access with limited restrictions. Social media, inappropriate content, and websites that put undue stress on our network will continue to be restricted. While most sites will be accessible to students for research purposes, Pioneer will still monitor ALL sites for inappropriate content or harmful intent.