Internet, Technology & Publications

Students must be able to use technology effectively in a complex, information-rich society. District 63 provides students in grades K-8 with many opportunities to incorporate technology into their learning activities. Educational technology software and hardware, such as digital cameras, tablets, scientific probes, Chromebooks, and computers, are used in classrooms, mobile labs, MakerSpaces, and libraries across District schools to support student learning and achievement. All computers are networked, have Internet filtering, and have access to learning resources on the World Wide Web. The District maintains a comprehensive website that provides District and school information along with curriculum projects and links to educational resources. 

Before using the District's computer system and related technologies, all students, along with their parents, must review and sign-off on the Student Authorization for Electronic Network Access 6:235- AP1.E1 form which is available through our online registration process. Parents may contact the Technology Department or their principal with questions about the guidelines for acceptable computer system use. 

Internet access is limited to only those acceptable uses as detailed in these procedures. Internet safety is almost assured if users will not engage in unacceptable uses. Staff members supervise students while they are using District Internet access to ensure that the students abide by the Terms and Conditions for Internet access contained in this Authorization. Each District computer with Internet access utilizes a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by the Children's Internet Protection Act and as determined by the Superintendent or designee. Each year students participate in grade-level appropriate units of study on Internet Safety. Student Internet activity is logged and actively monitored by staff both visually and with software applications.

Acceptable Use of the District’s Electronic Networks

All use of the District’s electronic networks shall be consistent with the District’s goal of promoting educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. These procedures do not attempt to state all required or prohibited behavior by users. However, some specific examples are provided. The failure of any user to follow these procedures will result in the loss of privileges, disciplinary action, and/or legal action.
Terms and Conditions

The term electronic networks includes all of the District’s technology resources, including, but not limited to:

1. The District’s local-area and wide-area networks, including wireless networks (Wi-Fi), District-provided Wi-Fi hotspots, and any District servers or other networking infrastructure; 
2. Access to the Internet or other online resources via the District’s networking infrastructure or to any District-issued online account from any computer or device, regardless of location;
3. District-owned and District-issued computers, laptops, tablets, phones, or similar devices. 

Acceptable Use - Access to the District’s electronic networks must be: (a) for the purpose of education or research, and be consistent with the District’s educational objectives, or (b) for legitimate business use.

Privileges - Use of the District’s electronic networks is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges, disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action. The system administrator or Building Principal will make all decisions regarding whether or not a user has violated these procedures and may deny, revoke, or suspend access at any time. His or her decision is final. 

Unacceptable Use - The user is responsible for his or her actions and activities involving the electronic networks. Some examples of unacceptable uses are:

• Using the electronic networks for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other intellectual property rights or contracts, or transmitting any material in violation of any State or federal law;
• Using the electronic networks to engage in conduct prohibited by board policy;
• Unauthorized downloading of software or other files, regardless of whether it is copyrighted or scanned for malware;
• Unauthorized use of personal removable media devices (such as flash or thumb drives);
• Downloading of copyrighted material for other than personal use;
• Using the electronic networks for private financial or commercial gain;
• Wastefully using resources, such as file space;
• Hacking or attempting to hack or gain unauthorized access to files, accounts, resources, or entities by any means;
• Invading the privacy of individuals, including the unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, and use of information about anyone that is of a personal nature, such as a photograph or video;
• Using another user’s account or password;
• Disclosing any network or account password (including your own) to any other person, unless requested by the system administrator;
• Posting or sending material authored or created by another without his/her consent;
• Posting or sending anonymous messages;
• Creating or forwarding chain letters, spam, or other unsolicited messages;
• Using the electronic networks for commercial or private advertising;
• Accessing, sending, posting, publishing, or displaying any abusive, obscene, profane, sexual, threatening, harassing, illegal, or knowingly false material; 
• Misrepresenting the user’s identity or the identity of others; and
• Using the electronic networks while access privileges are suspended or revoked.

Network Etiquette - The user is expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Be polite. Do not become abusive in messages to others.
• Use appropriate language. Do not swear, or use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
• Do not reveal personal information, including the addresses or telephone numbers, of students or colleagues.
• Recognize that the District’s electronic networks are not private. People who operate District technology have access to all email and other data. Messages or other evidence relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
• Do not use the networks in any way that would disrupt its use by other users.
• Consider all communications and information accessible via the electronic networks to be private property.

No Warranties - The District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be responsible for any damages the user suffers. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, missed-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its negligence or the user’s errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

Indemnification - By using the District’s electronic networks, the user agrees to indemnify the District for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, incurred by the District relating to, or arising out of, any violation of these procedures.

Security - Network security is a high priority. If the user can identify or suspects a security problem on the network, the user must promptly notify the system administrator or Building Principal. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Keep user account(s) and password(s) confidential. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log on to the network as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk may be denied access to the networks.

Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any other network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of malware, such as viruses and spyware.

Telephone Charges - The District assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges or fees, including telephone charges, texting or data use charges, long-distance charges, per-minute surcharges, and/or equipment or line costs.

Copyright Web Publishing Rules
Copyright law and District policy prohibit the re-publishing of text or graphics found on the Internet or on District websites or file servers/cloud storage without explicit written permission.

• For each re-publication (on a website or file server) of a graphic or a text file that was produced externally, there must be a notice at the bottom of the page crediting the original producer and noting how and when permission was granted. If possible, the notice should also include the web address of the original source.
• Students engaged in producing web pages must provide library media specialists with email or hard copy permissions before the web pages are published. Printed evidence of the status of public domain documents must be provided.
• The absence of a copyright notice may not be interpreted as permission to copy the materials. Only the copyright owner may provide the permission. The manager of the website displaying the material may not be considered a source of permission.
• The fair use rules governing student reports in classrooms are less stringent and permit limited use of graphics and text.
• Student work may only be published if there is written permission from both the parent/guardian and student.

Use of Email
The District’s email system, and its constituent software, hardware, and data files, are owned and controlled by the District. The District provides email to aid students in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities, and as an education tool.

• The District reserves the right to access and disclose the contents of any account on its system, without prior notice or permission from the account’s user. Unauthorized access by any student to an email account is strictly prohibited.
• Each person should use the same degree of care in drafting an email message as would be put into a written memorandum or document. Nothing should be transmitted in an email message that would be inappropriate in a letter or memorandum.
• Electronic messages transmitted via the District’s Internet gateway carry with them an identification of the user’s Internet domain. This domain is a registered name and identifies the author as being with the District. Great care should be taken, therefore, in the composition of such messages and how such messages might reflect on the name and reputation of the District. Users will be held personally responsible for the content of any and all email messages transmitted to external recipients.
• Any message received from an unknown sender via the Internet, such as spam or potential phishing emails, should either be immediately deleted or forwarded to the system administrator. Downloading any file attached to any Internet-based message is prohibited unless the user is certain of that message’s authenticity and the nature of the file so transmitted.
• Use of the District’s email system constitutes consent to these regulations.

Internet Safety
Internet access is limited to only those acceptable uses as detailed in these procedures. Internet safety is supported if users will not engage in unacceptable uses, as detailed in these procedures, and otherwise follow these procedures.

Staff members will supervise students while students are using District Internet access to ensure that the students abide by the Terms and Conditions for Internet access contained in these procedures.

Each District computer with Internet access has a filtering device that blocks entry to visual depictions that are: (1) obscene, (2) pornographic, or (3) harmful or inappropriate for students, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act and as determined by the Superintendent or designee.

The system administrator and Building Principals shall monitor student Internet access.

Guidelines for Student Distribution of Non-School- Sponsored Publications

A student or group of students seeking to distribute more than 10 copies of the same material on one or more days to students must comply with the following guidelines:

• The student(s) must notify the Building Principal of the intent to distribute, in writing, at least 24 hours before distributing the material. No prior approval of the material is required.
• The material may be distributed at times and locations selected by the Building Principal, e.g., before the beginning or ending of classes at a central location inside the building.
• The Building Principal may impose additional requirements whenever necessary to prevent disruption, congestion, or the perception that the material is school-endorsed.
• Distribution must be done in an orderly and peaceful manner, and may not be coercive.
• The distribution must be conducted in a manner that does not cause additional work for school personnel. Students who distribute material are responsible for cleaning up any materials left on school grounds.
• Students must not distribute material that:
  • Will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities;
  • Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to, material that is libelous, slanderous or obscene, invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;
  • Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to the students’ maturity level, including but not limited to, material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, contains indecent and vulgar language, or sexting as defined by School Board policy and Student Handbook;
  • Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use;
  • Is distributed in kindergarten through eighth grade and is primarily prepared by non-students, unless it is being used for school purposes. However, material from outside sources or the citation to such sources may be allowed, as long as the material to be distributed or accessed is primarily prepared by students; or
  • Incites students to violate any Board policy.
• A student may use the School District’s Uniform Grievance Procedure to resolve a complaint.
• Whenever these guidelines require written notification, the appropriate administrator may assist the student in preparing such notification.

A student or group of students seeking to distribute 10 or fewer copies of the same publication on one or more days to students must distribute such material at times and places and in a manner that will not cause substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities and in compliance with paragraphs 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Access to Non-School Sponsored Publications

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed On Campus - Creating, distributing, and/or accessing non-school sponsored publications shall occur at a time and place and in a manner that will not cause disruption, be coercive, or result in the perception that the distribution or the publication is endorsed by the School District. 

Students are prohibited from creating, distributing, and/or accessing at school any publication that:

• Will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities;
• Violates the rights of others, including but not limited to material that is libelous, slanderous or obscene, invades the privacy of others, or infringes on a copyright;
• Is socially inappropriate or inappropriate due to maturity level of the students, including but not limited to material that is obscene, pornographic, or pervasively lewd and vulgar, contains indecent and vulgar language, or sexting as defined by School Board policy and the Student Handbook;
• Is reasonably viewed as promoting illegal drug use; 
• Is distributed in kindergarten through eighth grade and is primarily prepared by non-students, unless it is being used for school purposes. However, material from outside sources or the citation to such sources may be allowed, as long as the material to be distributed or accessed is primarily prepared by students; or
• Encourages or incites students to violate any Board policies.

Accessing or distributing on-campus includes accessing or distributing on school property or at school-related activities. A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for: (1) accessing or distributing forbidden material, or (2) for writing, creating, or publishing such material intending for it to be accessed or distributed at school.

Non-School Sponsored Publications Accessed or Distributed Off-Campus

A student engages in gross disobedience and misconduct and may be disciplined for creating and/or distributing a publication that: (1) causes a substantial disruption or a foreseeable risk of a substantial disruption to school operations, or (2) interferes with the rights of other students or staff members. 

Annual Notice to Parents about Educational Technology Vendors Under the Student Online Personal Protection Act

School districts throughout the State of Illinois contract with different educational technology vendors for beneficial K-12 purposes such as providing personalized learning and innovative educational technologies, and increasing efficiency in school operations.

Under Illinois’ Student Online Personal Protection Act, or SOPPA (105 ILCS 85/), educational technology vendors and other entities that operate Internet websites, online services, online applications, or mobile applications that are designed, marketed, and primarily used for K-12 school purposes are referred to in SOPPA as operators. SOPPA is intended to ensure that student data collected by operators is protected, and it requires those vendors, as well as school districts and the Ill. State Board of Education, to take a number of actions to protect online student data.

Depending upon the particular educational technology being used, our District may need to collect different types of student data, which is then shared with educational technology vendors through their online sites, services, and/or applications. Under SOPPA, educational technology vendors are prohibited from selling or renting a student’s information or from engaging in targeted advertising using a student’s information. Such vendors may only disclose student data for K-12 school purposes and other limited purposes permitted under the law.
In general terms, the types of student data that may be collected and shared include personally identifiable information (PII) about students or information that can be linked to PII about students, such as:

• Basic identifying information, including student or parent/guardian name and student or parent/guardian contact information, username/password, student ID number
• Demographic information
• Enrollment information
• Assessment data, grades, and transcripts
• Attendance and class schedule
• Academic/extracurricular activities
• Special indicators (e.g., disability information, English language learner, free/reduced meals or homeless/foster care status)
• Conduct/behavioral data
• Health information
• Food purchases
• Transportation information
• In-application performance data
• Student-generated work
• Online communications
• Application metadata and application use statistics
• Permanent and temporary school student record information

Operators may collect and use student data only for K-12 purposes, which are purposes that aid in the administration of school activities, such as:

• Instruction in the classroom or at home (including remote learning)
• Administrative activities
• Collaboration between students, school personnel, and/or parents/guardians
• Other activities that are for the use and benefit of the school district

Use of Artificial Intelligence

“Artificial intelligence” or “AI” is intelligence demonstrated by computers, as opposed to human intelligence. "Intelligence" encompasses the ability to learn, reason, generalize, and infer meaning. Examples of AI technology include ChatGPT and other chatbots and large language models.
AI is not a substitute for schoolwork that requires original thought. Students may not claim AI-generated content as their own work. The use of AI to take tests, complete assignments, create multimedia projects, write papers, or complete schoolwork without permission of a teacher or administrator is strictly prohibited. The use of AI for these purposes constitutes cheating or plagiarism. 

In certain situations, AI may be used as a learning tool or a study aid. Students who wish to use AI for legitimate educational purposes must have permission from a teacher or an administrator. 

Students may use AI as authorized in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students may not use AI, including AI image or voice generator technology, to violate school rules or school district policies.
In order to ensure academic integrity, tests, assignments, projects, papers, and other schoolwork may be checked by AI content detectors and/or plagiarism recognition software.