F.+Policies+and+Procedures

Link to ET-IL 2009-2012 = = = = =F. Policies and Procedures=

//District policies and procedures protect not only the user, but also the integrity of the network and data. While some policies remain static, others need to be revisited to determine their utility in the face of changing technologies and changing information literacy needs.//
 * Increased Access for All Students and Teachers.
 * Data and Network Security.
 * Internet Safety and Children's Internet Protection Act Compliance (CIPA).
 * Student and Staff Acceptable Use Policies.
 * District Policies Regarding Student Use of Personal Technologies

CIPA requires a school to have an Internet Safety Policy that protects minors from pornography or activities that could harm them. CIPA compliance is required for E-Rate and Title II Part D of No Child Left Behind programs. Under CIPA, the Internet Safety Policy must also contain a “technology protection measure” that prohibits access to graphic images considered pornography or harmful to minors.

Guiding Questions:
//1. Describe the policies/procedures in place for the areas required/recommended. What are some of their key components?  2. Describe the district’s filtering and security measures. 3. Describe the district’s procedure for renewal of acceptable use policies. 4. How are school staff, parents and students kept updated on these policies?  5. Have you conducted a security audit of your network? What type of security is used to secure your network and safeguard the privacy of data? 6. Describe your district’s compliance with the Safe Schools Act and how it includes technology related infractions. 7. Explain the district’s policy on ensuring equitable access to all students and teachers.//

The Thompson School District has many policies and procedures in place to promote increased access for students and staff, ensure data and network security, and provide for Internet safety and compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The primary document addressing these policies and procedures are: Guidelines for Thompson School District Web Sites, Student and Staff Acceptable Internet/Network Use Agreements, Thompson R2-J Technology Guidelines and Processes, and the Technology Planning document. All of these documents are available one the district website and at the individual school sites.

Security and Internet Filtering are provided by dual Firewalls manufactured by Secure Computing, in the form of their SideWinder Product, and SmartFilter Product. Desktop computers are protected by software provided by Sophos, that protects against viruses, malware, and spyware.

The Guidelines for Thompson School District Web Sites are designed to guide safe website development. The document details general acceptability standards including copyright compliance, staff and student privacy and security through password protection. This document also outlines the procedure for obtaining approval for outside links.

Every student and staff member in the Thompson School District must sign the Internet/Network Use Agreement on an annual basis. This document is the primary source of ensuring that the use of the Internet and network resources and digital content is consistent with the district mission, goals and objectives. The district has taken precautions to restrict access to inappropriate or offensive materials with filtering software that meets CIPA mandates. Ethical and legal utilization of network resources are identified in this document to make users aware of their responsibilities. Violation of these guidelines can result in the denial of access to the network and/or other disciplinary or legal action.

The Technology Planning document provides the primary guidance to ensure equitable access to all students and teachers. Each school’s technology committee uses this document to create their building technology plan and to gather and evaluate data that is used in guiding their annual equipment replacement cycle purchases. The details of our student-to-computer (5-1) and staff-to-computer (1-1) ratios are outlined in the Technology Planning document. This document also requires technology committees to look at current electrical and network drop status in their buildings, as well as electrical safety impacts, before adding new hardware.

The Thompson R2-J Technology Guidelines and Processes document goes more in depth to ensure a stable network throughout the district. It sets the guidelines for accepting technology donations, handling replaced computers and purchasing requirements (including infrastructure considerations such as bandwidth, electrical and HVAC), and minimum supportability requirements. This document also addresses general guidelines and standards such as approval for additions to the network, the use of person devices on the network, and unique logins.

The Thompson School District will be conducting a security audit during this calendar year. Every fall semester the Thompson School District receives a report from CBOCES describing how our filters and regulations meet CIPA requirements. This report is presented to the Board of Education at one of their executive meetings. Our intent is to request that this report be presented at one of the public BOE meetings as an agenda item that would be open for discussion by board members as well as for the general public. Our plan entails making this agenda item posted for public hearing by placing it on our school website, calendars and also in the local newspapers.

The Thompson School District Internet/Acceptable Use Agreement is revised annually to reflect the changing nature of technology infrastructure, web-based applications, email enhancements, social networking applications, and personal technology use. The Technology Steering Committee is responsible for evaluating the policy described in the Internet/Acceptable Use Agreement. The Technology Integration Coordinator regularly networks with other school districts, regional organizations, and Colorado Department of Education personnel to keep informed regarding important policy changes.

The Thompson School District regularly informs parents of the annual changes to the Acceptable Internet/Network Use Agreements during the fall registration process. Students and their parents must sign the Acceptable Internet/Network Use Agreements during school registration. The Thompson Acceptable Internet/Network Use Agreements are located on the district website for parents, families and community access. The Thompson School District informs staff of the annual changes in the Acceptable Internet/Network Use Agreements in the fall during the beginning of each school year. School-based personnel are informed by their principal, immediate supervisor and/or school secretary. Each school must have a process to inform, document and maintain signed copies of the Student and Staff Acceptable Internet/Network Use Agreements on site. The Thompson School District informs nonschool-based personnel of the annual changes in the Acceptable Internet/Network Use Agreements through department lead personnel. Each department must have a process to inform, document and maintain signed copies of the Staff Acceptable Internet/Network Use Agreements on site. 