Student Acceptable Use Policy

The Toms River Regional School District provides its students and approved guests with information technology resources for enhancing and facilitating teaching and learning. These resources include, but are not limited to, hardware, application software, library and information resources, and Internet resources.

This access to resources requires users to act responsibly and adhere to legal and ethical standards. Users should be considerate of the needs of others, do nothing purposefully or carelessly to impede anyone else's ability to use the computer, and observe all relevant laws and regulations. All users are expected to follow the guidelines of this policy.

Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the school's computer network just as they are in a classroom or while attending an after school activity or athletic event. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with district standards and the specific rules set forth below. The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. The user is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school's computer resources. The students are advised never to access, keep, or send anything that they would not want their parents or teachers to see. Network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators may review communications to maintain system integrity and to insure that students are using the system responsibly.

The following list, though not covering every situation, specifies some of the conduct that violates the acceptable use of technology policy:

• Intentional damage to hardware or software, or the creation or distribution of viruses, worms or other forms of electronic mayhem
• Creating, displaying or transmitting threatening, racist, sexist, obscene, or abusive or harassing language or materials
• Unauthorized use of a computer account or distribution of a password
• Copying other people’s work or intruding into other people's files
• Using electronic mail (e-mail) to harass or threaten others, including sending repeated, unwanted email to another user
• Giving your name, address, or phone number to anyone over the Internet
• Unauthorized Internet access - only students, faculty and staff and approved guests are permitted Internet access
• Downloading and/or installation of any software including, but not limited to, executable files, games, MP3 files or players, video files, zip files
• Connecting personal electronics to the network whether through an Ethernet connection or wireless. This includes, but is not limited to, laptops, cell phones, PDA's, or other devices not provided for use by the Toms River Regional School District.

The resources provided by the district are intended for school-related, educational purposes only. Failure to comply with the guidelines for acceptable use will result in disciplinary action, which may include suspension of computer privileges.