Employee Acceptable Use Policy

Rights and Responsibilities

Graves County Schools provide computer resources in an effort to help support its primary objective, which is to enhance teaching and learning. This service is provided to assist employees in carrying out the educational business of the Graves County Public School system to conduct research, and communicate with others in regard to schoolwork. As responsible members of the Graves County community, all employees are expected to follow and adhere to the guidelines established below based on common sense, common decency, rules established in the schools of Graves County, rules established by the Graves County Board of Education, and laws of the City of Mayfield, County of Graves, State of Kentucky, and the United States of America. Strict adherence to the following guidelines will help ensure a positive and productive environment for all individuals. Since it is impossible to control all materials available through the global network, each employee is ultimately responsible for observing the Graves County Schools standards outlined below, as well as other applicable school and district rules for behavior and communications.

• Respect others’ rights to freedom from harassment and intimidation.
• Use the Internet for purposes that are legal and acceptable for Graves County employees.
• Respect and adhere to laws concerning copyright and other intellectual property rights.
• Follow security restrictions for all systems and information.
• Use and share computer resources courteously and efficiently.
• Recognize limitations to the privacy of electronic documents.
• Monitor and protect students using technology under your care.
  

Usage Guidelines

Graves County Public School employees are held responsible for their actions. Some examples of such unacceptable use are:

1. Using the network for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other contracts;
2. Using the network for financial or commercial gain;
3. Degrading or disrupting equipment, software or system performance;
4. Vandalizing the data of another user;
5. Wastefully using finite resource example: i.e. downloading software and files not related to educational purposes;
6. Gaining unauthorized access to resources or entities;
7. Invading the privacy of individuals;
8. Using an account owned by another user;
9. Posting personal communications without the original author’s consent;
10. Posting anonymous messages;
11. Downloading, storing or printing files or messages that are profane, obscene, or that use language that offends or tends to degrade others;
12. Creating or editing personal web pages using the school network;
13. Unauthorized e-mail or chatting;
14. Gaining access to, viewing or otherwise visiting pornographic web sites.

Software Usage

As a Graves County Schools employee I certify that I hold legal license for software, other than Graves County District provided software, installed on the school computer(s) under my care. If the computer under my care has illegally installed software, I will take full responsibility and Graves County Public Schools will not be held responsible. Software shall not interfere with the daily operation of the computer. If it is found that non-district software interferes with the computer(s), the software will be immediately removed.

• Copying and distribution of software owned and licensed to Graves County Public Schools is prohibited.
• Some software that is owned and licensed to Graves County Public Schools can be installed on a home computer, with permission from the GCPS technology department. Any software, installed on your home computer that is licensed to GCPS will be uninstalled upon termination of employment.

Electronic Mail Policy

• Do not send or attach pornographic, obscene, or sexually explicit messages or pictures.
• Do not use or transmit obscene, abusive, or sexually explicit language.
• Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
• Do not reveal your name or any personal information to anyone.
• Do not establish relationships with “strangers” on the network unless previous authorization has been acquired.
• Do not harass, insult or attack others.
• Do not access, copy, or transmit another’s messages without permission.
• Note that electronic mail is NOT guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
• Use of any electronic mail system other than that approved and implemented by the Kentucky Department of Education is prohibited.
  
  As a user of the Graves County District computer network, and as a condition of employment, I hereby agree to comply with the District’s policies. I further understand that violation of the regulations is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, school disciplinary and/or legal action may be taken.