I. Acceptable Use

The Internet is a global network linking computers around the world. Circle City Prep offers Internet access to scholars and staff. The primary purpose of providing access to the Internet is to support the educational mission of Circle City Prep. Circle City Prep expects that scholars and staff will use this access in a manner consistent with this purpose. While the Internet is a tremendous resource for electronic information, it has the potential for abuse. Circle City Prep makes no warranties of any kind, whether implied or expressed, for the service it is providing. Circle City Prep shall be held harmless from and against any responsibility, liability, damages or suit that may arise as a result of or related to a scholar’s or staff’s use of Circle City Prep’s Internet, school network, and/or computers. Circle City Prep makes no guarantees, implied or otherwise, regarding the factual reliability of data available over the Internet. Users of Circle City Prep’s Internet service assume full responsibility for any costs, liabilities, or damages arising from the way they choose to use their access to the Internet.

II. Unacceptable Use

The following is a list of prohibited behaviors. The list is not exhaustive but illustrates unacceptable uses of Circle City Prep’s Internet Service:

• Disclosing, using or disseminating personal identification information about self or others including, but not limited to, Internet account numbers, passwords, etc.;
• Accessing, sending or forwarding materials or communications that are defamatory, abusive, pornographic, obscene, profane, sexually explicit, threatening, harassing, racially or sexually offensive, or illegal;
• Using the Internet service for any illegal activities such as gaining unauthorized access to other systems, arranging for the sale or purchase of drugs or alcohol, participating in criminal gang activity, threatening others, transferring obscene material, or attempting to do any of the above;
• Vandalizing school computers by causing physical damage, reconfiguring the computer system, attempting to disrupt the computer system, or destroying data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means;
• Copying or downloading copyrighted material without authorization from the copyright holder, unless the copies are used for teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research as determined by school staff. Users shall not copy and forward or copy and upload any copyrighted material without prior approval of the Head of School, nor shall users violate any software license

agreements, or any applicable federal, state or local laws concerning copyright;

• Using the network or Internet while privileges are revoked or suspended; and
• Plagiarizing material obtained from the Internet. Any material obtained from the Internet and included in one’s own work must be cited and credited by name or by electronic address or path on the Internet.

Information obtained through E-mail or news sources must also be credited as to sources.

Any violation of the above policy may result in the loss of computer, Internet and network privileges, and possible disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action (See Violations below).

III.  Safety Issues

The following are basic safety rules pertaining to all types of Internet applications.

• Never reveal any identifying information such as last names, ages, addresses, phone numbers, parents’ names, parents’ employers or work addresses, or photographs.
• Use the “back” key whenever you encounter a site that you believe is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Immediately tell a teacher if you receive a message that you believe is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Never share your password or use another person’s password. Internet passwords are provided for each user’s personal use only. If you suspect that someone has discovered your password, you should change it immediately and notify a teacher.

Internet Safety Policy

It is the policy of  the School to : (a) prevent user access over the computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via internet, electronic mail or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

Access to Inappropriate Material

To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage

To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the School online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring

It shall be the responsibility of all members of the School staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21^st Century Act. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Head of School or designated representatives.

The Head of School or designated representatives will provide age-appropriate training for students who use the School’s internet facilities. The training provided will be designed to promote the School’s commitment to:

1. The standards and acceptable use of the Internet services as set forth in the School’s Internet Safety

Policy;

1. Student safety with regard to:
   1. Safety on the internet;
   2. Appropriate behavior while on online, on social networking web sites, and in chat rooms; and

• Cyberbullying awareness and response.

1. Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”)

Privacy

Users should not have an expectation of privacy or confidentiality in the content of electronic communications or other computer files sent and received on Circle City Prep computer network or stored in the user’s directory or on a disk drive. Circle City Prep reserves the right to examine all data involved in the user’s use of Circle City Prep’s Internet service. Internet messages are public communication and are not private. All communications including text and images may be disclosed to law enforcement or other third parties without prior consent of the sender or the receiver. Network administrators may review communications to maintain integrity system-wide and ensure that users are using the system responsibly.

Violations

Access to Circle City Prep’s Internet service is a privilege not a right.  Circle City Prep reserves the right to deny, revoke or suspend specific user privileges and/or to take other disciplinary action, up to and including suspension, expulsion (scholars), or dismissal (staff) for violations of this policy.  Circle City Prep will advise appropriate law enforcement agencies of illegal activities conducted through Circle City Prep’s Internet service.  Circle City Prep also will cooperate fully with local, state, and/or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the service.