The Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD) strongly believes in the value of technology and recognizes the potential of such to support the curriculum and student learning. The use of technology is an educational privilege, not a personal right. Technology is designed to enhance communications between teachers, students and parents. However, the HBUHSD expects all users of technology to abide by the policies set forth by federal and state statutes, Board of Trustees and school discipline policies.

Acceptable Use and Freedom of Speech

Students are expected to comply with the terms of this policy and the use of assigned accounts, the Internet, and Google Apps. Users of the District's computer network are responsible for their behavior and communications over those networks. Network managers or designee may review files and communications on our server and student information systems to maintain system integrity and ensure ethical usage. Users should recognize that files stored on District computer systems are NOT private. Within reason, freedom of speech and access to educational information will be honored. The District supports a bring your own device (BYOD) environment. Students have the option of using such devices during class at the teacher's discretion and must comply with the schools Acceptable Use Policy. During school hours, teachers will guide students on the appropriate use of technology and Internet searches, as outlined in Board policies and procedures on student rights and responsibilities (5144.1 and 6163.4), copies of which are available on the district website, activities not permitted include but are not limited to:

• Using another’s password to login through that person’s account, pretending to be another user or forging an e-mail to make it appear as if it came from somewhere or someone other than the actual source.
• Posting anonymous messages or using fake names.
• Using obscene language.
• Harassing, insulting, or bullying others.
• Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures.
• Intentionally visiting pornographic, racist or otherwise objectionable Web sites.
• Sending threats of violence toward persons or property.
• Trespassing in or vandalizing the data or files of another user.
• Violating copyright laws, or material protected by trade secrets.
• Using the computer or network for commercial purposes, personal business, or for religious or political lobbying.
• Damaging, degrading or disrupting computer hardware, networks or system performance.
• Uploading or creating computer viruses.
• The downloading, installation or distribution of any unauthorized or illegal software.
• Using the network to access peer to peer file sharing networks.
• Engaging in the act of Cyberbullying (a.k.a. "Bullying") as defined by AB 1156 (effective July 1, 2012) and HBUHSD Board Policy 5144.3

Legal Issues

It is a felony to maliciously access, alter, delete, damage, or destroy any computer system, computer network, computer program, or data. Users committing acts of this kind will face disciplinary action by the school and legal action by the authorities.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is “taking ideas or writings from another person and offering them as your own.” Cutting and pasting ideas into a document from electronic sources is very easy to do, but could be unethical and illegal. When using someone else’s work, be sure that the author is given credit. Users will face disciplinary action for academic dishonesty as listed in the Academic Honor Code.

Enforcement of Policy

In accordance with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act, the district has put in place protection measures which blocks Internet access to some Internet sites that are not in accordance with the Acceptable Use Policy.  District staff will monitor students’ use of the Internet through either direct supervision, or by monitoring Internet use history, to ensure enforcement of the policy. It may be necessary for authorized personnel to immediately suspend a user’s access to all district computing resources for violations of this policy, pending final resolution by the site or district administrator.

Privacy Policy

The HBUHSD respects the electronic privacy of all users and all student files on HBUHSD computer systems are considered “educational records” under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Title 20 U.S.C. section 1232[g]). However, the district may monitor and review users’ information to ensure that all materials are in compliance with district policies. In addition, the district reserves the right to disclose any electronic files or message to law enforcement officials, and under some circumstances, may be required to disclose information to third parties.

Consent and Waiver

HBUHSD makes no warranties and assumes no responsibilities for:

1. The content of any advice or information received by a student from a source outside the district, or any costs or charges incurred as a result of seeing or accepting such advice;
2. Any costs, liability or damages caused by the way the student chooses to use his/her district network access;
3. Any consequences of service interruptions or changes;
4. The accuracy of information obtained through its services.

**Parents/Guardians:

1. If you do NOT want your student to have access to the Internet, you must notify the school in writing within 30 calendar days of receipt of written notification, which will be distributed each year.
2. If you do not want your child’s personal identifiable information such as pictures or video clips to be recorded and displayed you must notify the school office in writing so a notation can be placed in their electronic record. Please be advised that social media can happen quickly and without school staff knowledge such as at athletic events, so communications of concerns need to be made to the school administration.