The Keystone School computer network and computer use program is established for the educational and professional use of Keystone students, faculty, and staff in ways consistent with mission and values of Keystone. Users of the computer network and other technology programs are expected to act ethically and courteously. Access to the computer network is a privilege, not a right. The privilege of access to and use of the computer network and other technology programs at Keystone may be revoked and disciplinary action may be instituted in the event of inappropriate use. It is not feasible or possible to supervise and guide students closely at all times. Therefore, a student must have parental permission to access the network and Internet through school assets.

The following standards have been established for access to the network, Internet, computer use, and all other related technology assets at Keystone School:

1. Users are defined as faculty, staff, students and anyone granted access to the school’s network. Users will be issued varying levels of access to the network, including the Internet, by the director of technology. Certain users may also be issued an e-mail account.

2. Users may access only those resources they are authorized to use and must use them only for purposes specified in this document. Any attempt to gain unauthorized access (hacking) to systems, network resources, or another person or entity’s data is strictly prohibited. Questions about appropriate use can be addressed to the division heads or the director of technology.

3. All users are responsible for the usage of their accounts (including use by other persons). Passwords must NOT be given to others. If a password is compromised, change it immediately and report the incident to the director of technology. Lost or forgotten passwords should also be reported to the director of technology.

4. Although the school makes every attempt to backup and make available files saved by users, all users are ultimately responsible for backing up their own files kept on the school’s system network drives (documents, e-mail, and shared folders).

5. Users are prohibited from engaging in any activity on the network which violates local, state, or federal law.

6. Users may not access, download, or copy data or software belonging to others or the school without prior authorization.

7. Users may not install any software on school computers. If a user needs software for educational purposes, they must submit a “Specialty Software Installation Request” form with proper approval signatures to the director of technology.

8. Users may not transport or use software or data provided by the school to another site or computer without written authorization.

9. E-mail correspondence is governed by the same standards as Internet usage (see below). Intimidation or harassment by e-mail, as well as the perpetuation or initiation of electronic chain letters, is prohibited. Users should remain alert to the possibility e-mail virus invasions and forward any concerns to the director of technology.

10. Use of E-mail or the school’s technology resources for outside business concerns must be approved by the office of the head of school.

11. Internet use should generally be limited to scholarly research, and educational exploration. Users may not access or exchange inappropriate materials including but not limited to games, sexually explicit material, or hate-related material. If an inappropriate web site is accessed accidentally, it should be reported to the director of technology.

12. Users should respect the rights of others. A user may neither hamper nor deprive another of access to resources or encroach on another’s use of computer resources. Users must consider the impact of their conduct on others. The highest priority for use of technology on Keystone School’s campus is for educational endeavors.

13. Users may not modify or disconnect any hardware, or disable or delete any software provided by the school. Computer areas are to be kept clean and computers are to be used responsibly. Any damage to equipment or software may result in appropriate disciplinary action.

14. Users should exhibit extreme caution in divulging any personal information (name, address, telephone number, credit card information, age, etc.) to online sources.

15. Users are responsible for adequately researching and complying with applicable copyright law as it pertains to writing, research, or project development done while using the school’s technology resources.

16. Users may be allowed to use personal laptop computers on the Keystone School network through wireless connections. All personal laptop computers must be registered and inspected by the director of technology before they will be permitted on the network. Users who use personal laptop computers on the school’s network are subject to all provisions of the Technology and Computer Network Acceptable Use Policy.

17. The school monitors all Internet usage on a regular basis. Access to information considered inappropriate as stated in this policy, and the frequency and duration of this access will be reported to the assistant head of school.

18. Student’s full names are not to be published on documents that are publicly accessible from the Internet. This includes both the school’s website and any teacher-sponsored web pages which may or may not reside on the school’s computer network. When publishing student information, only the student’s first name and last initial should be used.

19. Posting of pictures on any Internet web site which include the Keystone School logos, mascots, campus or other identifiable items is prohibited without the consent of the head of school.

20. The school actively views, investigates, and otherwise inspects all electronic files and data transmissions on the school’s network.

21. Any violation of these policies by Keystone students or faculty may result in disciplinary action.