Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) provides a full range of computer information systems, including Internet resources, for students and staff.  NPS strongly believes in the educational value of such computer information systems and recognizes their potential in support of our curriculum and student learning goals.

The Norfolk Public Schools School Board adopts this Acceptable Use Policy, which outlines appropriate uses, ethics and protocol for the School Board’s computer network.

A. School Board employees and students shall not use the division’s computer equipment and communications services for sending, receiving, viewing, downloading, uploading inappropriate and/or illegal material via the Internet and World Wide Web.

B. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall select and operate technology that protects against, filters or blocks access through school division computers to visual depictions that are –

1. child pornography, as set out in Virginia Code § 18.2-374.1:1 or as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 2256;
2. obscenity, as defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-372 or 18 U.S.C. § 1460;
3. material that Norfolk Public Schools deems to be harmful to juveniles, as defined in Virginia Code § 18.2-390, material that is harmful to minors, as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 254(h)(7)(G), and material that is otherwise inappropriate for minors; and

C. The technology protection measure shall be utilized and enforced during any use of the division’s computers by users.

D. The school administration shall monitor online activities of users.

E. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall select and operate technology and take administrative measures to protect the safety and security of users when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

F. Users shall not obtain unauthorized access, including “hacking” and other unlawful activities, while online.

G. The School Board, its employees, agents and students shall not disclose, use, or disseminate personal identification information regarding users.

H. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall ensure that Norfolk Public Schools include a component on Internet safety for students that is integrated in the division's instructional program. This program includes appropriate use of social networking websites and cyberbullying awareness and response.

NPS allow users access to electronic information systems while safeguarding them from potential hazard by filtering objectionable sites.  Students and staff are allowed access to Internet resources with the understanding that some material may be inaccurate or objectionable.  The use of inappropriate resources is not permitted.  NPS does not endorse and is not responsible for content associated with links outside of the NPS network.  Individuals using NPS electronic information systems are subject to monitoring by district personnel.

All use of the division’s computer system must be (1) in support of education and/or research or (2) for legitimate school business.

This resource, as with any other public resource, demands that those entrusted with the privilege of its use be accountable.  Along with rights comes responsibilities, all users of electronic information systems are responsible for obeying rules and procedures at all times.  Users are held personally accountable for any and all activities logged to their computer identification “userid” and password.  Any off campus activities that cause risk of disruption on campus are subject to school disciplinary action.  NPS reserves that right to block downloading from specific file extensions and/or specific sites.  NPS provides equitable access and encourages the use of electronic information systems, whenever and wherever possible and appropriate, to support the educational program.

The failure of any student, teacher or administrator to follow the terms of this Policy may result in the loss of Norfolk Public Schools’ computer network privileges, disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action.

Adopted May 1, 2007
Legal Reference: Code of Virginia § 22.1-70.2. Acceptable Internet use policies for public and private schools

Use of the electronic information systems provided by Norfolk Public Schools constitutes agreement to the standards and procedures set forth by this document.  All users are required to read this procedure and sign the agreement statement prior to use.  This AUP is in compliance with state and national telecommunications rules and regulations.

Download signature form