RCPS Acceptable Use Policy FAQ
Note: the Rockingham County Public Schools Acceptable Use Policy, Policy IIBEA, can be accessed by clicking here. The purpose of this document is to answer some commonly asked questions about the AUP.
1. What is an AUP?
2. What does it mean to be “consistent with and in support of educational objectives”?
3. What does the Virginia Code mean?
4. What Internet Safety requirements apply to the classroom teachers?
5. What are the guidelines for classroom teachers to model appropriate Internet Safety and use of technology?
6. What resources are available for the community stakeholders?
7. What if an inappropriate site gets through the filter or if I accidentally stumble upon an inappropriate site?
8. Why are so many good sites blocked?
9. How can I get a site unblocked?
10. How does a classroom teacher report a violation of the AUP?
11. My password may have been compromised, how can I get it changed?
12. Can other users see my files? How private are user files?
13. May I plug my Windows PC into the RCPS network?
14. Can I use external storage devices, such as USB drives, iPods, or external hard drives for transferring or storing data?
15. What are the guidelines for fair use and copyright in the classroom?
16. Is there a way to get a file that I accidentally deleted?
17. Why can't I download or install software on my classroom computer?
18. What are the guidelines for using student pictures, names, and/or work (in newsletters, on web pages, etc.)?
19. Is there a form I can use to obtain parent permission to use my students' names or photos in my newsletters and/or web pages?
20. How do I know whom I should contact for help?
21. Can I email my wife who is not a county employee?
1. What is an AUP?
An AUP (Acceptable Use Policy) is a legally-binding document designed to inform all stakeholders (students, teachers, and staff, including student teachers, part-time teachers, substitute teachers, and other non-instructional employees) of expected behaviors when they use Division technology.
2. What does it mean to be “consistent with and in support of educational objectives”?
The primary purpose of network resources is to benefit student learning and instruction.
3. What does the Virginia Code mean?
Virginia Code § 22.1-70.2 was established by the Virginia General Assembly. Click here for more information: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/OET/internet-safety-guidelines.shtml The actual Virginia Code can be found at: http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+22.1-70.2
4. What Internet Safety requirements apply to the classroom teachers?
As mandated by the Virginia General Assembly, ALL K-12 teachers are required to integrate Internet Safety into their curricula. Several grade-specific model curricula are available on the RCPS Internet Safety site http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/netsafety/netsafety.htm.
5. What are the guidelines for classroom teachers to model appropriate Internet Safety and use of technology?
| All grades |
Staff shall supervise students' use of technology. |
| K-5 |
Staff provides all Internet-based links for instruction including the use of age and topic appropriate portals. |
6-8 |
Staff will be supervise and guide student Internet and technology use. |
9-12 |
Staff will mentor, facilitate, and supervise appropriate technology use as students become independent users. |
The following resources are examples of effective Internet Safety practices:
http://hcpstraining.org/itrt/HCPSIsafe/Index.htm
http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listinternetne.html#cat1
6. What resources are available for the community stakeholders?
Teaching Internet safety to the community:
o Instructional Technology Resource Teachers can provide Internet safety programs for PTO's and civic groups.
o Information is provided for parental communications such as newsletters and online resources.
o What Parents Can Do: http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/netsafety/netsafety-parents.htm
o RCPS Efforts: http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/netsafety/netsafety-schools.htm
o Additional information about Internet safety from the DOE can be found at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Technology/OET/internet-safety-guidelines.shtml
7. What if an inappropriate site gets through the filter or if I accidentally stumble upon an inappropriate site?
Submit an email to Joe Hill to request that any inappropriate site be blocked.
8. Why are so many good sites blocked?
Many sites are blocked, because they contain elements that may cause the user's privacy and/or identity to be compromised, and/or allow access to unfiltered services. If you have a specific need/request, submit an email to RCPS Tech Staff to request a site be 'unblocked' for educational purposes.
9. How can I get a site unblocked?
Submit an email to Joe Hill to request a site be 'unblocked' for educational purposes. Please include the rationale for unblocking a site.
10. How does a classroom teacher report a violation of the AUP?
Report the issue to the principal with a discipline referral.
11. My password may have been compromised, how can I get it changed?
Teachers and staff members may change their own passwords. If students need to change their passwords, contact a technology staff member.
12. Can other users see my files? How private are user files?
Although each user has private storage on RCPS servers, all files remain the property of RCPS and can be accessed by the appropriate authority if deemed necessary.
13. May I plug my personal laptop into the RCPS network?
To preserve the security of the RCPS network, students are not allowed to bring their personal computers and connect them to the RCPS network.
Staff members are allowed to connect their Windows personal computers, but first need to get permission from a technology staff member and have their virus protection software verified as up-to-date. Staff-owned Macintosh computers do not need virus protection. Technology staff can assist with making the required configuration changes so these laptops can access the internet.
14. Can I use external storage devices, such as USB drives, iPods, or external hard drives for transferring or storing data?
Yes, when used appropriately. However, guest users do not have access to external storage devices. External devices are scanned when connected.
15. What are the guidelines for fair use and copyright in the classroom?
While copyright is an extensive legal issue, there are basic guidelines that staff and students are expected to follow. Students and staff are expected to follow fair use and copyright laws when creating and publishing any projects.
Visit this section on RCPS web page for more information: http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/HowTo/fairuse/fairuse.htm
16. Is there a way to get a file that I accidentally deleted?
The technology staff members will try to retrieve a version of the file from one of the network server backups. Staff and students are advised to save important data on external storage devices. Contact a technology staff member for assistance.
17. Why can't I download or install software on my classroom computer?
To ensure the integrity of our network and abide by copyright laws, staff and students and not permitted to download and install software. Contact a technology staff member for assistance.
18. What are the guidelines for using student pictures, names, and/or work (in newsletters, on web pages, etc.)?
A parent-signed Media Permission Form indicates that the parents understand that their children's names and/or pictures may appear in RCPS publications which include but are not limited to district/school/classroom web pages, video productions, and print productions. Before using student images or names in any publication, teachers should check to make sure that parents have not expressly denied such permission for use. Beginning in 2008, the Media Permission Form was included as part of the Student Handbook. The parent will have indicated on the form whether approval for publication is granted or not. If a teacher has any doubt at all, however, it's always a good idea to contact parents directly prior to use.
19. Is there a form I can use to obtain parent permission to use my students' names or photos in my newsletters and/or web pages?
Beginning in 2008, the Media Permission Form was included as part of the Student Handbook. Your school should have a signed copy on file of this permission form. The parent will have indicated on the form whether approval for publication is granted or not.
20. How do I know whom I should contact for help?
The following technology staff members are contact persons on the RCPS Technology Staff (this is not an all-inclusive list):
Issue |
Contact Person |
First Class email account questions |
Kym Garber |
Block/Unblock web pages |
Joe Hill |
Library/Media software |
Bryan Daniels |
New elementary teachers-to add to network |
Obe Hostetter |
New elementary students-to add to network |
Mary Moyers |
New middle school teachers & students-to add to network |
ITRT at middle school |
New high school teachers & students-to add to network |
Technician at high school |
Network issues |
Nevin Diener |
Windows computer issues |
School-based technician or Joe Lipscomb |
Student Information System questions |
Oskar Scheikl |
Instruction technology integration assistance |
ITRTs |
Technology issues and concerns (repairs, etc.) |
School-based technology representative or Joe Hill |
21. Can I email my wife who is not a county employee?
It's understood that using email for non-school communications or emergency issues can be necessary and is acceptable. On the other hand, it should be understood that using the email system for non-school marketing, business, or profit is unacceptable.
For additional technology contacts and information, visit the Technology Portal link on the RCPS web page:
http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/techportal.htm