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| Robstown ISD
Acceptable Use Policy |
User's Guidelines Purpose and Rights
All District guidelines and
procedures for acceptable use of technology are intended to
make the district's equipment, applications/programs and the
system network more efficient, accessible and reliable for
all "users."
The use of the District's computer equipment and the
participation in any online communication services (i.e.
Internet, e-mail, distance learning, Intranet and web pages)
is a privilege and not a right. User must also follow all
requirements and expectations of Student Conduct. User shall
understand RISD will periodically audit, inspect, and/or
monitor the user's Internet access as deemed appropriate.
"User" is defined as Robstown ISD students, employees,
volunteers, community members, and guests with access to a
computer, Internet, and other technological equipment and
software through the District.
Audits - Electronic auditing shall be implemented within all
unclassified networks that connect to the Internet or other
publicity accessible networks to support identification,
termination, and prosecution of unauthorized activity. These
electronic audit mechanisms shall be capable of recording:
- Access to the system, including successful and failed
login attempts, and logouts;
- Inbound and outbound file transfers;
- Terminal connections to and from external systems;
- Sent and received e-mail messages;
- Web sites visited, including uniform resource locator
(URL) of pages retrieved;
- Date, Time, and user associated with each event.
District Computer/Software Usage
Defining Computer/Software Usage Rights/Purposes:
The Computer/Equipment at Robstown Independent School
District is to be used for instructional and administrative
purposes. Instructional purposes include academic research,
completing class assignments, communication, publishing,
technology integration, technology proficiencies, software
training and any activities that support the District's
instructional objectives. The district has the right to
monitor, audit, and review any files stored in district
computers and any district electronic data devices as deemed
appropriate to support identification, termination, and
prosecution of unauthorized activity.
The following rights apply to all users:
1. District computers located in public areas (classrooms,
labs, media centers) will be available for all users. A few
computers may be restricted to certain user groups.
2. Some computers/equipment (i.e. software, digital cameras,
laptops, etc.) will be available for use on a check out
basis.
Acceptable Conduct
1. Users shall protect the security and privacy of
RISD's systems and network.
2. Users shall treat computers with care. Information in
proper computer care is provided by the Technology
Department upon request.
3. Users who check out equipment/software shall be
responsible and must make sure that equipment is operating
properly prior to being checked out. It is also the
responsibility of the user to return the equipment in the
same condition it was checked out. (Normal wear and tear
accepted).
4. The District has the right to monitor all computer usage.
5. Users shall obtain written permission before opening,
moving, deleting, or duplicating the computer files of
others.
Limitation of Uses
1. Users shall not hack or otherwise alter programs or
files belonging to other users.
2. Users shall not take actions that are harmful to the
district's equipment (vandalism).
3. Users shall not install software (i.e. games) not
approved by the Technology Department IT Coordinator.
4. Users shall not use the computer/equipment in any way
that may harass, defame or demean others with language,
image or threats.
5. Users shall not use computer/equipment for personal use
such as for commercial purposes, financial gain,
advertisement, and seeking/interacting with professional
unions, political lobbying, supporting illegal activities.
6. Users shall not use/download any peer-to-peer (PTP)
software such as Napster, Imesh, Morpheus, Kazza, etc.
7. Users shall not make any changes to the
computer/equipment configurations (i.e. network settings,
display settings including backgrounds and screen savers).
8. Users shall not use unauthorized administrative logins
and passwords without the written approval from the
Technology Department.
9. Users shall not write, produce, generate, copy,
propagate, or attempt to introduce any computer code
designed to self-replicate, damage, or otherwise hinder the
performance of any computer's memory, file system, or
software. Such software is often called a bug, virus, worm,
Trojan Horse, or similar name.
10. Users shall not use a diskette without initially running
district approved virus scan software.
11. Users shall not assemble or disassemble
computers/equipment without written permission from the
Technology Department Administrator.
12. Users shall not move computer/equipment from designated
areas without the written permission of the Technology
Mentor or administrator. (An Inventory Transfer Form must be
completed and turned in to campus designee before move is
made.)
13. Users shall not waste district resources (paper, ink,
disk space, diskettes, etc.).
Software Installation/Usage Policy
All software purchase or acquisitions must follow
outlined district policy.
- All software must be approved by the technology department
before purchase and checked for compatibility with District
equipment.
- Technician or Technology Mentor must install all software
with license attached to work order.
- Software must be purchased by grade level or department.
- Software may not be purchased solely for individual use
unless approved by technology administrator.
1. District technology staff has the right to remove any
unauthorized software on any District/Campus computers. This
includes but is not limited to:
- any peer-to-peer (PTP) software such as Napster, Imesh,
Morpheus, Kazza, etc.
- screen savers or desktop themes
- software without license or documentation
- unauthorized downloaded software
- software that has not been approved or was not obtained
through a purchase order
2. Restrict the use/listening of Internet radio stations or
streaming of internet video to preserve District bandwidth.
3. Stop the use of games for staff and students with the
exception of educational software that has been approved by
the District.
Internet Usage
Defining Internet Usage Rights/Purpose
Robstown ISD is providing access to the Internet with
the purpose to facilitate teaching and learning of the
curriculum in accordance with Robstown ISD educational
objectives. Therefore, Internet users must restrict their
activities to endeavors in support of district educational
and administrative objectives. The district has the right to
monitor, audit, and review user's Internet access in
district computers and any district electronic data devices
as deemed appropriate to support identification,
termination, and prosecution of unauthorized activity.
The following procedures will be applied at all campuses:
1. The Technology Mentor and/or Technology Department
personnel will provide training in the proper and ethical
use of the Internet and will provide all users with copies
of the Electronic Communication and Data Management
Guidelines.
2. The district shall monitor and/or review individual usage
of the Internet to ensure its proper use. The district uses
Lighspeed TTC (Total Traffic Control) to filter content and
sites that are considered inappropriate.
3. The district has the right to generate a User Access
Report detailing all violations. A report will be generated
if: the user abuses the privilege of Internet access, is
locked out by TTC, violates any of the guidelines, or is
suspected of misusing the Internet.
Acceptable Conduct
1. Users shall use the Internet for educational and
administrative purposes and as a tool to enhance teaching
and learning in the classroom.
2. Users shall use Internet resources in accordance with
copyright law. Copyright is implied in all cases whether or
not explicit reference to copyright is mentioned.
3. Users shall use the Internet in accordance with civic and
federal laws.
4. Users shall conserve district resources (paper in
printer, disk space, bandwidth, etc.).
Limitation of Uses
1. Users shall not use the Internet for non-educational
purposes.
2. System users shall not use or redistribute copyrighted
programs or data except with the written permission of the
copyright holder or designee. Such permission must be
specified in the document or must be obtained directly from
the copyright holder or designee in accordance with
applicable copyright laws, district policy, and
administrative regulations. Users will be held accountable
for the use of copyright protected material obtained from
third parties in the case where these parties are in
violation of copyright law.
3. Users shall not use the Internet unless they have
returned the appropriate agreement form signed and parents
have agreed to allow use of the Internet.
4. Users shall not distribute personal information about
themselves or others through the Internet.
5. Users shall not use the Internet in any capacity to gain
unauthorized access to resources or information, or to
maliciously attempt to harm or destroy district equipment or
data, or the equipment or data of any of the agencies or
other networks that are connected to the Internet.
6. Users shall not use District Internet access to conduct
buying, selling, or promotion of commercial items.
7. Internet users shall not purposefully access or post
materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented,
threatening, harassing, damaging to another's image, or
illegal. These items include but are not limited to the
following categories:
a) Adult -URLs with content intended for adults only.
Examples include: Images or text that are provocative,
suggestive, and erotic.
b) Sites which promote activities which are illegal for
minors (such as drinking alcohol)
c) Other contents which many people may find repulsive or
disgusting.
d) Crime -URLs which are intended to teach/instruct the
reader in skills which are generally only useful for
pursuing criminal activities, such as:
- Building bombs or explosives
- Hacking into computer systems
- Lock picking
e) Drugs -URLs which promote the use of illegal controlled
substances or instruct the reader how to grow/make/process
these substances.
f) Entertainment - URLs, which allow the playing or
downloading of games.
g) Gambling - URLs, which allow for on-line gambling or are
dedicated to gambling information and instructions.
h) Intolerance - URLs, which advocate intolerance or hatred
of a person or group of people.
i) Violence- URLs, which show or advocate violence. Examples
include: Images containing graphic violence (blood/murder),
promotion of violence or terrorist acts against others.
8. Users shall not gain unauthorized access to resources or
information.
9. Users shall not waste system resources while using the
Internet. Examples of resource waste violations are:
a) Printing items that not educational
b) Downloading large files, such as games, multimedia
programs, music and videos
Chat Rooms and Newsgroups Usage
Defining Chat and Newsgroup Usage Rights/Purpose
Users shall not participate in newsgroups or chat rooms.
With approval from the Technology Department, chat rooms and
newsgroups can be made available for educational use and
only for a limited time. Teachers may assign projects
requiring educational chats with other
students/professionals by completing a request form and
notifying their Technology Mentor in advance so arrangements
may be made.
1. The district has the right to block chats.
2. Even if user has district approval to use a chat
line/room, the district has the right to lock out any user
that uses chats excessively, in an inappropriate manner,
and/or in violation of the guidelines outlined below.
3. The district has the right to decide which chat lines are
educational.
Acceptable Conduct
1. With prior, written permission, users shall use
educational chat rooms, network chat, or newsgroup accessed
on the Internet for educational purposes.
Limitation of Uses
1. Users are prohibited from participating in any chat
room, without proper approval.
Electronic Mail Usage
Defining Certain Rights/ Purpose
The purpose of the school district's E-mail is to
facilitate communications in support of research and
education. Access to the district's E-mail system is a
privilege, not a right. Users of the district E-mail system
are required to comply with all District rules, regulations,
and policies governing appropriate use of the system. Users
should be mindful that use of school related electronic mail
addresses might cause some recipients or other readers of
that mail to assume they represent the District or school,
whether or not that was the user's intention.
The following procedures will be applied at all campuses:
1. The Technology Department will create e-mail accounts.
Therefore, campuses must provide proper documentation to the
Technology Department for the creation of e-mail accounts.
2. Users shall not share their login or password with
anyone.
3. E-mail transmissions sent and received by students and
employees are not private and may be monitored if suspicion
concerning inappropriate use exists.
4. District has the right to monitor and review sent or
received mail to ensure proper and ethical usage of E-mail.
5. The district has the right to access a User Content
Report detailing any violations through E-mail.
6. District has the right to deny the privilege of using
E-mail to any user who is in violation of any guideline
outline below.
7. Supervisors have the right to request, from the
Technology Department, copies of E-mail sent or received by
staff if suspicion concerning inappropriate use exists.
Acceptable Conduct
1. Users shall use E-mail for educational purposes and
must be consistent with the educational mission of the
Robstown Independent School District.
2. Users shall attend the district's training in order to
obtain an authorized E-mail account.
3. Users shall purge electronic mail on a regular basis to
ensure proper use of system.
4. Users shall report illegal or unauthorized use of the
E-mail or online systems to the Technology Mentor and/or
Technology Department.
Limitation of Uses
1. Users shall not use the E-mail system for any illegal
activity, including but not limited to violation of
copyright laws (plagiarism, forgery).
2. Users shall not transmit personal information about
students including, but not limited to student names, phone
numbers and addresses outside of the district's network
without written permission from the student (i.e.18+) or
his/her parents.
3. Users shall not use E-mail to sell or to solicit products
or services. Users shall not use Email for private or
commercial offerings of products or services.
4. Users shall not use and/or respond to E-mail in any way
that would be considered:
a) Damaging to another's reputation
b) Abusive
c) Obscene
d) Sexually oriented
e) Offensive
f) Threatening
g) Harassing
h) Illegal
i) Contrary to school policy
5. Users shall not attempt to read, delete, copy, or modify
the E-mail of any other user.
6. Users should not deliberately interfere with the ability
of other users to send/receive E-mail.
7. Users shall not use the E-mail system in a fashion that
is inconsistent with directions given during training.
8. Users shall not use the E-mail system to distribute
material or information on behalf of or with regard to
professional unions, collective bargaining, private
businesses or associations, or political campaigns or
organizations without the express written consent of the
Superintendent or designee.
9. Users shall not access private E-mail accounts such as
HOTMAIL, YAHOO MAIL, etc. when using the district's Internet
system.
10. User shall not use E-mail for the purpose of sending
unnecessary or junk mail.
11. Users shall not respond to unsolicited E-mail messages
from any source without the permission of the technology
department.
12. User shall not pretend to be someone else when
sending/receiving messages.
13. Users shall not use E-mail for any purposes that may
present a tangible cost to the school or interfere with the
operations of the computer network or with the performance
of the student or employees.
Developing and Publishing of Web Pages
Defining Web Pages Usage Rights/Purposes
Web sites should be primarily academic in nature. They
may also serve to support our educational programs by
informing our community about events and activities and
reflect the unique personality of each school. Users should
be mindful that publishing a web page on RISD's web server
might cause some recipients or other visitors of that web
site to assume they represent the District or school,
whether or not that was the user's intention.
1. The following criteria must be considered when creating
and/or posting material to a web page:
a) Requirement of the District's web administrator to upload
campus/district's web pages.
b) Maintenance includes (but is not limited to) timely
updating.
2. Roles and responsibilities of the developers in the web
creating/posting process:
a) Web Site Administrator: Responsible for all web sites
residing on RISD servers. Has the authority to add, edit,
and delete any web link, image, page, folder, and site.
Administrator had FINAL say on any and all content existing
on district web servers.
b) District Web Master: Responsible for all web pages placed
on the web server for Robstown ISD. The district web master
may shut down pages on any web site that uses excessive
system resources or network bandwidth.
c) Campus Web Master: Designated by the Technology
Department or campus administrator to act as managing editor
for the campus web site. Permission of originator is needed
to publish information, graphics and/or photographs on the
Internet. Web master will be responsible to gather all
Copyright Permission Letters from the Web team and turn them
in to the Web Site Administrator before publishing.
d) Web Team: Team of staff and/or students under the
direction of the web master and/or advisor, which includes
co-writers, designers and web editors. The team is
responsible for establishing, maintaining, and accommodating
the newly acquired pages for the school's web site. Periodic
checks of external links and the ongoing upkeep of the web
site are required.
3. Permission form must be signed by student (i.e., 18 yrs
+) and/or parent prior to the publishing of the student's
work. These forms must be turned in to the web site
administrator.
4. Web pages created by employees belong to the district
even if the employee is no longer in the district.
The following rights apply to all users:
1. The district has the right to deny publishing a school's
or a department's web page that does not follow the approved
districts web page template.
2. The district's web master or district web administrator
has the right to delete any web page that uses excessive
system resources or network bandwidth or that is in
violation of any of the guidelines outlined below.
Acceptable Conduct
1. Users shall publish school-related web pages. Web
pages' content and the intent shall be in accordance with
the Robstown Independent School District's Internet policies
and guidelines.
2. Users of web pages shall be in compliance with federal
copyright laws.
3. Users shall obtain permission from originator in order to
publish information, graphics or photographs on any school
related web page. All graphics, photos, and art must include
site references.
4. Users (students) shall obtain and file, with the web
administrator, a signed permission form prior to publishing
student's work in the Internet.
5. Users' web pages shall be appropriate in relation to the
objectives of the class/campus/district.
6. Users, who publish a school-related web page on the
Internet, shall use only the campus/district's web servers
to publishing their WebPages.
Limitation of Uses
1. Users shall not use excessive resources on web pages.
2. Users shall not create campus and departments' web pages
without using the district's approved template. Teachers and
students individual web pages do not need to follow the
approved district's web page.
3. Users shall not publish web pages for commercial or
private advertising, commercial offerings of products or
services for sale, or solicit products or services or to
raise funds for non-district related activities or
organizations.
4. Users of web pages shall not use the network to
disseminate material or information on the behalf of or with
regard to professional unions, collective bargaining,
private businesses or associations, or political campaign
organizations without the express written consent of the
Superintendent.
5. Users who create school-related web pages shall not
publish their work outside of the districts web server.
(i.e. local provider, geocities.com, etc)
6. Users shall not identify students on school's web pages.
Users shall follow these guidelines:
a) When appropriate, first initials and last names or first
name along with initial of last name shall be used. Complete
first and last name can be listed with parent permission.
b) Student work shall not reveal family or personal details
that may be construed as invasion of privacy for student or
family members.
c) Student pictures shall not be published unless written
parental permission or student (i.e., 18yrs +) permission is
obtained. Group pictures are recommended, with references to
teacher's class rather than individual names.
Distance Learning Videoconference Usage
Defining Certain Rights/Purposes
Distance learning is two-way communication between a
teacher and student separated by distance, using technology
for facilitating and supporting the curriculum.
Videoconferencing is one form of distance learning where two
or more distant groups communicate ?face-to-face?, in real
time, by using audio and video equipment. It brings people
in one location together with those in another-whether it be
from a university to a medical institution or from a junior
high to a library-allowing them to share their knowledge,
experiences, and backgrounds.
Note: Opinions, advice, services, and all other information
expressed by system users, information providers, service
providers, or other third-party individuals in the system
are those of the providers and not the District.
Only a district employee may request to use the distance
learning system and in doing so will be ultimately
responsible for use of the system.
The District's system is provided on an ?as is, as
available? basis. The District does not make any warranties,
whether express of implied, including, without limitation,
those of merchantability and fitness for a particular
purpose with respect to any services provided by the system
and any information or software contained therein. The
District does not warrant that the functions or services
performed by, or that the information or software contained
on the system will meet the system user's requirements, or
that the system will be interrupted or error free, or that
defects will be corrected.
Acceptable Conduct
1. Users shall be observant that the use of
school-related videoconference system might cause some
recipients to assume they represent the District or school,
whether or not that was the user's intention.
2. Users (students) shall follow all rules as specified by
the teacher.
Limitation of Uses
1. Users shall not use the system in any way that
violates copyright laws. Educational institutions and
organizations are not exempt from copyright laws. These laws
provide protection for literary works; musical works,
including accompanying words; dramatic works, including
accompanying music. In addition, pantomimes and
choreographic works; pictorial, graphic and sculptural work;
motion pictures and other audiovisual works; and sound
recordings are also protected. In the distance learning
setting, what may have been considered ?fair use? in the
traditional classroom may be transformed into a public
performance. Therefore, educators must have permission from
the owner of the copyright to use copyrighted materials
during the ?performance.?
2. Users in grades Pre-Kinder through twelfth shall not
participate in the District's videoconferencing system with
their teachers or facilitator without consent from their
parents.
3. Users shall not bring prohibited materials into the
school's electronic environment.
4. Users shall not say, send, post messages, or use hand
gestures that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented,
threatening, harassing, or damaging to another's reputation.
5. Users shall not maliciously attempt to harm or destroy
district's Distance Learning Videoconference system, or any
of the agencies or other networks that are connected to the
District's system.
6. Users shall not use the system for illegal purposes, in
support of illegal activities, or for any other activity
prohibited by District's policy or guidelines.
7. Any original work created by users shall not be included
in a videoconference session under the District's control
unless the District has received written consent from the
student and the student's parent.
8. Users shall not interfere with the teaching or learning
in the classroom.
Disciplinary Action
Electronic Communication and Data Management System
(Technology)
Students must follow all District's Electronic Communication
and Data Management Guidelines when using district computers
or when participating in a school-related activity.
Violations of the Student Code of Conduct with the use of
district's computers and networks will result in
disciplinary action as stated in the Student Code of Conduct
Handbook.
The severity of the violation committed using technology
will result in the severity of disciplinary action.
Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance
are violations of the District's Electronic Communication
and Data Management Guidelines and may constitute criminal
activity under applicable state and federal laws. The
district will cooperate fully with local, state, and federal
officials in an investigation concerning or relating to the
misuse of any electronic communication and data management
system.
The user causing the system's damage must reimburse any
costs that the district incurs due to the misuse or abuse of
the system.
Violation/Offense (Level I)
Any violations of the limitations of usage within these
guidelines will be considered a Level 1 violation; unless
the violation is classified as a Level II violation.
Recommended Consequences for Level I Violation/Offense
Student Offenders
1st time offense ? warning by teacher
2nd time offense ? loss of privilege to use computer until
conference held with parent and administrator or designee
3rd time offense ? loss of privilege to use computer for
time determined by principal or designee
District Staff Offenders
1st time offense ? warning by administrator
2nd time offense ? loss of privilege to use computer until
conference held with administrator or designee
3rd time offense ? loss of privilege to use computer for
time determined by principal or designee
Violation/Offense (Level II)
The following violations are immediately considered
level 2 offenses.
- Take actions that are harmful to the district's equipment
(vandalism).
- Use the computer/equipment in any way that may harass,
defame or demean others with language, image or threats.
- Attempt to use or discover any password used for
administrative software and hardware to gain illegal entry.
- Write, produce, generate, copy, propagate, or attempt to
introduce any computer code designed to self-replicate,
damage, or otherwise hinder the performance of any
computer's memory, file system, or software. Such software
is often called a bug, virus, worm, Trojan Horse, or similar
name.
- Assemble or disassemble computers/equipment without
written authorization from the Information or Instructional
Technology Director.
- Malicious attempts to harm or destroy district equipment
or data, or the equipment or data of any of the agencies or
other networks that are connected to the Internet.
- Purposely access or post materials that are abusive,
obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging
to another's image, or illegal. These items include but are
not limited to content filtering software categories under
the Internet Usage section (Limitations of usage, #7).
- Say, send, post messages, or use hand gestures that are
abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing,
or damaging to another's reputation which using the video
conferencing equipment.
- Hack or alter programs or files belonging to other users.
For example, erasing, renaming, or making unusable anyone
else's files, programs, email or disks.
Recommended Consequences for Level II Violation/Offense
Student Offenders
1st time offense - loss of privilege to use computer
until conference held with administrator or designee.
Parents will be notified of the offense. Reimbursement must
be made for any costs that the district incurs due to the
misuse or abuse of the system. Authorities may be notified
at administrators' discretion. All possible legal actions
will be taken against offenders.
2nd time offense - loss of privilege to use computer for
time determined by principal or designee and any consequence
determined by principal as appropriate for the violation.
Parents will be notified of the offense. Reimbursement must
be made for any costs that the district incurs due to the
misuse or abuse of the system. Authorities may be notified
at administrators' discretion. All possible legal actions
will be taken against offenders.
District Staff Offenders
1st time offense - loss of privilege to use computer
until conference held with administrator or designee.
Reimbursement must be made for any costs that the district
incurs due to the misuse or abuse of the system. Authorities
may be notified at administrators' discretion. All possible
legal actions will be taken against offenders.
2nd time offense - loss of privilege to use computer for
time determined by principal or designee and any consequence
determined by principal as appropriate for the violation.
Reimbursement must be made for any costs that the district
incurs due to the misuse or abuse of the system. Authorities
may be notified at administrators' discretion. All possible
legal actions will be taken against offenders.
Disclaimer of Liability
The District is not liable for inappropriate use of
electronic communication resources, violations of copyright
restrictions or other laws, mistakes or negligence, or costs
incurred by users. The District is not responsible for
ensuring the accuracy, age appropriateness, or usability of
any information found on the Internet. |
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