School City of Hobart
Technology Department

Acceptable Use Policy

School City of Hobart
Policy on District-Provided
Access to Electronic Information, Services, and Networks


Freedom of expression is a constitutional right and the foundation for self government. Freedom of expression encompasses the right to freedom of speech and the corollary right to receive information. Such rights extend to minors as well as adults. Schools facilitate the exercise of these rights by providing access to information regardless of format or technology. In a free and democratic society, access to information is a fundamental right of citizenship.

In making decisions regarding student access to the Internet, the School City of Hobart considers its own stated education mission, goals, and objectives. Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to preparation of citizens and future employees. Access to the Internet enables students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, bulletin boards, and other resources while exchanging messages with people around the world. The District expects that faculty will blend with thoughtful use of the Internet throughout the curriculum and will provide guidance and instruction to students in its use. As much as possible, access from school to Internet resources should be structures in ways which point students to those which have been evaluated prior to use. While students will be able to move beyond those resources to others that have not been previewed by staff, they shall be provided with guidelines and lists of resources particularly suited to learning objectives.

Students utilizing District-provided Internet access must have permission of and be monitored by the School City of Hobart's professional staff. Students utilizing school-provided Internet access are responsible for good behavior on-line just as they are in a classroom or other area of the school. The same rules for behavior and communication apply.

The purpose of District-provided Internet access is to facilitate communications in support of research and education. To remain eligible as users, students' use must be in support of and consistent with the educational objectives of the School City of Hobart. Access is a privilege, not a right. Access entails responsibility.

Users should not expect that files stored on school-based computers will be private. Electronic messages and files stored on school-based computers may be treated like school lockers. Administrators and faculty may review files and messages to maintain system integrity and insure that users are acting responsibly.
The following uses of school-provided Internet access are not permitted:
a. to access, upload, download, or distribute pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit material;
b. to transmit obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language;
c. to violate any local, state, or federal statute;
d. to vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another individual or organization
e. to access another individual's materials, information, or files without permission; and,
f. to violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission.

Any violation of District policy and rules may result in loss of District-provided access to the Internet. Additional disciplinary action may be determined at the building level in keeping with existing procedures and practices regarding inappropriate language and behavior. When and where applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.

The School City of Hobart makes no warranties of any kind, neither expressed or implied, for the Internet access its providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages users suffer, including---but not limited to---loss of data resulting from delays or interruptions in service. The District will not be responsible for the accuracy, nature, or quality of information stored on District diskettes, hard drives, or servers; nor for the accuracy, nature, or quality of information gathered through District-provided Internet access. The District will not be responsible for unauthorized financial obligations resulting from District-provided access to the Internet.