Click Here to download the 2009-2010 Dyer County Acceptable Use Policy
Internet Safety
Dyer County School System
2009-2010
The Dyer County School System is a partner with Education Networks of America (ENA) in providing internet access, filtering, firewall and resources to the students and staff in our district. We continuously work to restrict offensive and illegal material while striving to educate our users on internet safety and appropriate computer and network behavior. The school system does everything possible to limit inappropriate material students and staff may encounter on the internet, however, the safety of the students ultimately depends on the teachers. Providing Internet Safety training for our teachers is a high priority.
- Development and implementation of a process for reviewing, evaluating, and revising the Internet Safety program.
Every two years in June, the technology committee will review the Internet Safety program and the Acceptable Use Policies for the students and staff and make revisions or updates that may be needed. Input will be collected each period from all stakeholders. Each year, the Technology Supervisor will send broadcast e-mails to remind faculty and staff of internet safety precautions and to introduce new internet safety precautions or materials.
- A method by which inappropriate use by the school district employees and students of the school district is prohibited.
Our internet filtering blocks sites that do not meet the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) standards. We have the option to override the filter for blocked educational resources. The filtering system is updated daily which ensures that our employees and students are well protected.
We also have a firewall in place which keeps unwanted traffic from entering or leaving the school district.
The technology department randomly checks computers for signs of exposure of inappropriate material or malicious intent. We also monitor the student’s live internet use occasionally. The teachers are ultimately responsible for monitoring student internet activity. Our Acceptable Use Policies (attached) address most of the issues concerning illegal and inappropriate activity using the internet, network and computers by both students and employees.
- Develop and implement a data and network security plan.
Our firewall blocks all unwanted incoming and outgoing traffic for the school district. The firewall is completely customizable and is randomly checked for any breaches.
Our internet filtering is updated daily to help ensure that all non CIPA compliant sites are blocked.
Our Acceptable Use Policy also covers items that would be considered breaches of security and appropriate security measures.
- Develop and implement procedures to address breaches of Internet security and protect student’s safety.
Potential breaches of internet security are broad and vary greatly in nature. The first procedure is always to determine exactly what the problem is and the source of the problem. Remedies are developed depending on the nature and source of the problem. Resources used to address any breach include, but are not limited to, stricter monitoring of the network security issue, adjustment of the firewall rules, and implementation of software for protection. If the problem originates within our school system, the offender is given further instruction on the ethics of hacking and the importance of security. We utilize all ENA and local resources to combat breaches.
- Establish appropriate measures to be taken against persons who violate the policy.
All violations are addressed on a case-by-case basis, with the age of the student and the nature of the violation being major considerations. Any violation is handled within the individual school and according to the rules set up by that school where the violation occurred, if possible. As stated in our Acceptable Use Policy (attached), employees and students can lose their right to internet access if the policy is violated.
- Integration of Internet safety in the K-12 curriculum and instruction
Students shall receive instruction on internet safety. Students will be taught responsible internet usage guidelines. The Acceptable Use Policy (attached) will be explained and discussed with the students. Students will be taught the importance of social, ethical and moral issues associated with internet usage.
- Outreach programs to parents, grandparents, caregivers, and community stakeholders.
Our stakeholders are included in the development and implementation of our internet safety program. The Acceptable Use Policy is included in the student handbook which is sent annually. Our internet safety program is available on our Dyer County Schools website. http://www.dyercs.net/
- Professional development opportunities for teachers and staff across the district.
Professional development on internet safety will be addressed at system wide staff development. Teachers will be instructed to insure that students’ internet usage is educational and safe. Ongoing professional development opportunities are offered throughout the year where emphasis is placed on internet safety.
- Safety, security, and ethics measures, including any that already exist.
Our internet safety program is comprehensive and ever evolving. It includes all safety and security measures provided by ENA and as well as local safety and security measures implemented at the district level. WE emphasize the ethical use of the internet as directed by our state curriculum standards, and we constantly consider any other measures that result from input from our stakeholders, including faculty, students and parents.
