Internet access is now available to students and teachers in the Walnut Springs ISD through access to EDLINK12. Walnut Springs ISD is pleased to bring this access to its teachers and students. We believe that the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communications.
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to acceptable sites on the World Wide Web.
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. Walnut Springs ISD has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial material; however, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials. We firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the district.
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided so that you are aware of the responsibilities of using the network at Walnut Springs ISD. In general, this requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of the network resources. If a user violates any of the guidelines outlined below, his or her account will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied. The signature(s) at the end of this document is/are legally binding and indicates the party(ies) signature's has/have read the terms and conditions carefully and understand their significance.
Walnut Springs users will avoid inappropriate and illegal interaction.

Internet / Network - Terms and Conditions

1. Acceptable Use - The purpose of the network is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the U.S. by providing access to unique resources and opportunity for collaborative work. The use must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the district. Use of other organization's network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any US or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial is not acceptable. Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.
2. Privileges - The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation of those privileges. The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use. Also, the system administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and / or staff of Walnut Springs ISD may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.
3. Network Etiquette - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:a Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others
b Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
c Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
d Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of other studens.
e Students are not allowed access to electronic mail at this time.
f Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
g All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
4. Disclaimer - Walnut Springs ISD does not make warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the services provided. The district will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by it's own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. Walnut Springs ISD specifically deny any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
5. Security - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify a system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use the account of another person. Attempts to logon to the Internet as a system administrator or teacher will result in cancellation of privileges. Any user identified as a security risk will be denied access to the Internet. Please be aware that use of the district's network may be monitored and that this is not a violation of the user's privacy.
6. Vandalism - Vandalism may result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to the district's network. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

Students must have a copy of the agreement form signed before using the Internet at Walnut Springs ISD. The required signatures form is on the back of the handbook. Please sign and return to school.