Information Technology Home FCPS Home Site Index Contact Us Schools and Centers
Search: 
   

Please read the Acceptable Use Policy below and click your approval at the bottom to continue with your password change.
The information systems and Internet access available through FCPS are available to support learning, enhance instruction, and support school system business practices.

Employees should read and comply with FCPS policies and regulations regarding use of its information systems including:
The Employee E-Mail Handbook and the current versions of
Regulations 1505, 4293, 4429, 6220, 6222, and 6410 (PDF documents).

FCPS information systems are operated for support of the educational mission of the school system. The use of the FCPS network is a privilege, not a right. Users should not do, or attempt to do, anything that might disrupt the operation of the network or equipment, interfere with the learning of students, or impair the work of other FCPS employees.

The FCPS network is connected to the Internet, a network of networks, which enables people to interact with millions of networks and computers. The principal or program manager determines who may have access to the FCPS network, and he or she may restrict or terminate any user's access, without prior notice, if such action is deemed necessary to maintain computing availability, ensure appropriate use, or protect security. The principal or program manager may discipline any individual who violates this policy or school system regulations regarding the network.

Property Ownership
FCPS computers, systems, and network resources are the property of the school system. They may not be altered in any way, unless authorized by a school-based technology specialist (SBTS), technology support specialist (TSSpec), or program manager. Any work prepared on or with the assistance of FCPS information systems or network resources is the property of FCPS. It cannot be licensed or sold for the benefit of any individual employee or user.

Software instructions and license agreement terms must be strictly followed. Duplicating copyrighted software, without fully complying with license agreement terms, is a serious federal offense and will not be tolerated. Having a copy of a piece of software does not constitute authorization for modifications or additional copies the software to be made; most licenses prohibit such uses. Installing unlicensed software is not permitted. Users should:

Check with an SBTS or a TSSpec on software license agreement terms.
Not install personal software on school system equipment unless authorized by an SBTS, a TSSpec, or a program manager.
Contact an SBTS or a TSSpec for assistance with modifying, removing, or rearranging keyboards, individual key caps, monitors, printers, or any other peripheral equipment.
Report equipment problems immediately to an SBTS, a TSSpec, or a program manager.
Respect for Others

Respect the rights of others using the FCPS computers and network by:
Using assigned workstations as directed.
Being considerate when using scarce resources.
Always logging off workstations after finishing work.
Not disrupting system performance or interfering with the work of other users.
Leaving equipment and room in good condition for the next user or class.
Ethical Conduct and Appropriate Use

Users should observe the following rules:
Use FCPS systems and network resources for school system business. Keep personal use of such resources to a minimum.
Only use assigned accounts or passwords. Do not provide passwords to anyone unless directed by an SBTS, a TSSpec, or a program manager. Never share an account or password with students or those outside the school system. If a password must be shared with another employee because of an emergency, notify an SBTS or a TSSpec, and change the password within 24 hours.
Recognize and honor the intellectual property of others. Do not plagiarize. Comply with legal restrictions regarding the use and citation of others' work.
Do not read, modify, disclose, or remove files owned by other users without their permission or the authorization of an SBTS, a TSSpec, or a program manager.
Do not use the FCPS network or resources illegally to access, tamper with, or experiment with systems outside FCPS.
Do not use offensive, obscene, libelous, or harassing language when using any FCPS network system.
Do not post or send information that violates the privacy of others, jeopardizes the health and safety of others, disrupts school or office activities, or is inconsistent with the school system’s mission. Remember that anything sent or posted on a school system computer is identifiable as originating from FCPS and reflects on the school system.
Use real-time messaging and online chat only with the permission of a principal or a program manager and only for school system business.
Users are responsible for all material maintained on their systems and in their accounts. If inappropriate or unsolicited material is received, it should be deleted immediately. If it is repeatedly received and cannot be stopped, contact an SBTS or a TSSpec for assistance.
Do not use FCPS networks or systems to access portions of the Internet that do not promote the instructional mission of FCPS.
All web pages should reflect the mission and character of the school system. Creation of web pages should be in compliance with Regulation 1505 and with the approval of a principal or program manager.
E-Mail is not confidential or private; it is the property of the school system. FCPS may review all e-mail sent or received by employees, including deleted messages. E-mail should be used primarily for FCPS business; personal use should be incidental and minimal. E-mail may not be used to solicit or proselytize for commercial ventures, religious or political causes, outside organizations, or other non-FCPS purposes. "Spamming" is prohibited by law as well as by FCPS policy.

I have received this policy, read it, and understand the consequences
of not complying with it. >>Next

Last Update: 10/10/06 - Curator: Pamela.Martin@fcps.edu 703-503-7551