Technology & Services » Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Purpose and Scope

Dearborn Heights School District No. 7 (“the District”) provides access to Information Systems to authorized staff and students to enhance educational experiences and support District operations. “Information Systems” include all computer hardware, software, communication devices (such as telephones, computers, scanners, video cameras, and copiers), and any data transmitted or stored within these systems, including email and voicemail. The District’s Information Systems are intended to:


  • Facilitate collaboration and the exchange of information
  • Promote the development of technological proficiency
  • Enhance skills in information gathering and communication

 

This Acceptable Use Policy (“Policy”) applies to all students and staff using any of the District’s Information Systems.


Primary Use of Information Systems

The primary function of the District’s Information Systems is to support the academic mission of the District, enabling research, communication, and school-related activities. The District mandates that all Information Systems be utilized solely for educational, operational, and school-related purposes. All users must comply with this Policy at all times.


No Expectation of Privacy and Monitoring

All use of the District’s Information Systems, including any electronic data created, sent, received, or stored within the systems, is the property of Dearborn Heights School District No. 7. The District treats all electronic communications as business information and reserves the right to monitor and evaluate usage to ensure compliance with educational and operational objectives. Users should be aware that they have no expectation of privacy in their use of the District’s Information Systems. 


Safety, Security, and CIPA Compliance

The District is committed to safeguarding students and staff while ensuring compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). The District may access, review, copy, delete, or block any form of direct electronic communication to protect the safety of minors and the integrity of the District’s systems. Personal use of email and other electronic communication systems is subject to the same monitoring and review as educational and operational use.


Remote access to the District’s Information Systems is prohibited unless prior written approval is obtained. Any issues or unauthorized charges arising from the misuse of remote access are the responsibility of the user’s parent/guardian in the case of students or the user themselves in the case of staff. Dearborn Heights School District No. 7 provides GoGuardian content filtering service as required by the state of Michigan. Dearborn Heights School District No. 7 is in compliance with and is working within the guidelines of CIPA. 


Passwords and User Responsibilities

All passwords, IDs, and encryption methods are the property of the District. Users are strictly prohibited from using passwords, IDs, or encryption methods not specifically assigned to them by the District. Users are responsible for safeguarding their login credentials and must not share them with others without District authorization. Extreme caution is advised when transferring files, as this may introduce viruses or other harmful software.


Prohibited Uses, Filtering, and Enforcement

The District prohibits the use of its Information Systems for any communications that violate District policies or applicable laws. This includes, but is not limited to, accessing, transmitting, or posting defamatory, obscene, sexually explicit, offensive, or harassing content. To enforce these guidelines, the District has implemented filtering software to restrict access to inappropriate sites.


No Warranty and Limitation of Liability

The District does not guarantee that its Information Systems will meet specific requirements or provide uninterrupted service. The District is not liable for any damages incurred through the use of its systems. By using the District’s Information Systems, users agree to release the District from any claims arising from their use.


Modification of Policy

The District reserves the right to modify this Acceptable Use Policy as needed.