FRANKLIN ACADEMY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

CIPA and E-Rate required/approved

School Computer Systems and the Internet

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I.    Introduction & Scope

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Franklin Academy (FA) provides students with access to school computer systems, devices, networks, and cloud-based accounts (including Google Workspace for Education) for academic purposes. The academic benefit of accessing these vast resources must be balanced against the liability of objectionable materials.

 

Use of FA technology is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct. All students will be held accountable for their digital activity. No student shall be permitted to utilize school-issued devices, networks, or the Internet unless a completed FA/Student/Parent contract is on file for the current school year.

 

The rules outlined in this policy apply to school-issued Chromebooks and school accounts at all times (24/7), whether the student is on school grounds, at home, or utilizing a private network.

 

II.    Acceptable Use & Account Security

• Academic Focus: Student use of school technology resources is strictly reserved for academic purposes under the direction of authorized personnel. Students must follow specific classroom instructions and protocols at all times.

• Cloud Accounts & Email: Individual students will be provided with a school-issued cloud account (Google Workspace for Education) to access Chromebooks and academic materials. These accounts and school-affiliated email services are to be used strictly for academic purposes. Students are prohibited from using outside personal email providers on school-issued devices.

• Digital Etiquette: Students must use appropriate language and manners that demonstrate honesty, ethics, and respect for others.

• Privacy Protection: To ensure individual safety, students are forbidden from posting personal addresses, personal phone numbers, or photos with identification on the Internet.

• Credential Security: Students are responsible for maintaining the security of their assigned accounts. Sharing account passwords, using another user's account or screen name, or attempting unauthorized entry into other files or systems is strictly prohibited.

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III.    Data Privacy & Monitoring

• Data Protection and Consent: In compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), the school safeguards student data privacy. Franklin Academy may act as an authorized agent for parents to provide consent to approved educational software tools and third-party applications.

• No Expectation of Privacy: Students have no expectation of privacy when using school-issued devices or school-created accounts. The school reserves the right to monitor, review, and restrict all digital activity, emails, and cloud storage for safety and educational compliance.

• Proactive Safety Monitoring: To ensure student safety, school-issued accounts and devices are actively monitored for severe cyberbullying, safety threats, self-harm, and violence.

 

IV.    Digital Conduct & Anti-Bullying

The following behavioral uses of the network and Internet are strictly forbidden:

• Inappropriate Content: Accessing, retrieving, viewing, or distributing pornographic, obscene, objectionable, or controversial materials.

• Abusive Language: Sending or soliciting threatening, profane, harassing, inflammatory, vulgar, or abusive messages or language.

• Cyberbullying: Cyberbullying, harassment, and personal attacks are an unacceptable use of the network. In accordance with state anti-bullying mandates, any off-campus digital behavior that disrupts the school environment or interferes with educational operations will be subject to disciplinary action.

• Privacy Violations: Invading the privacy of another user, posting personal messages without the author’s consent, or sending anonymous messages.

• Non-Academic Activity: Using the network for commercial, political, financial, or religious purposes. Violations must be reported to a teacher or an administrator immediately.

 

V.    System Security & Hardware Integrity

Students are expected to protect the integrity of FA hardware, software, and networks. The following activities are prohibited and considered criminal activity under state and federal law:

• Hardware & Software Tampering: Unauthorized entry into computers and files, deleting or editing files outside the student’s parameters, or knowledgeable vandalism and destruction of equipment.

• Chromebook Care: Students are held fully accountable for the physical care of their assigned Chromebook. Modifying school asset tags, serial numbers, or altering physical hardware is prohibited.

• Security Restrictions: Students shall not install unauthorized software, malicious Chrome extensions, or third-party applications without prior administrative consent. The use of proxy websites, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), or any other method to bypass school web-filtering software is strictly forbidden.

• Malicious Code: Knowingly or inadvertently loading or creating a computer virus, or engaging in deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance, is prohibited.

• Copyright Infringement: All students must adhere to the Copyright Law of the United States (P.L. 94-553) regarding software, authorship, and copying information. Unauthorized copying or transfer of copyrighted materials may result in the loss of network privileges.

 

VI.    Enforcement, Liability, & Amendments

• Disciplinary Action: Any inappropriate use of the Internet or school computers will result in appropriate disciplinary action, which may include the immediate loss of technology privileges, suspension, or legal consequences.

• Financial Responsibility: Students and parents will be held financially responsible for any and all costs or expenses incurred from equipment damage, loss of equipment, unauthorized software use, or network abuse.

• Amendments: This policy may be amended by the school or its board to include further restrictions to meet special needs, provided that this current school policy is not violated or compromised in any way.

 

Approved June 2026