Appendix B – Acceptable Use Policies

Walnut Springs ISD Acceptable Use Policy

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 students

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 denies 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 admini- strator 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.
Please sign and return the form on the next page to school.
Internet Access will not be permitted until the required signatures are on file in the Technology Department.

Acceptable Use Policy - Required Signatures

This form must be completed and on file before a student may use the Internet at Walnut Springs ISD.

Student

I understand and will abide by the Walnut Springs ISD Acceptable Use Policy. I further understand that any violation of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken, and/or appropriate legal action. I also agree to report any misuse of the information system to a system administrator or teacher. I understand that Walnut Springs ISD retains the right to withdraw Internet privileges at any time for any reason.

Student Name:_____________________________ Signature:___________________________ Date:__________

(Please use a separate form for each student.)

Parent or Guardian

As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read and understand the rights and responsibilities mentioned in the Walnut Springs ISD Acceptable Use Policy. I understand that this access is made available for educational purposes. Walnut Springs ISD has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the district to restrict access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold the district responsible for the misuse of the information system.

Parent or Guardian’s Name:_____________________________________________________

Signature:_________________________________ Date:______________________

Non-participation Option

I would prefer that my student did not have access to the Internet at school through the district’s network.

Student Name:______________________________

Parent or Guardian’s Name:_____________________________________________________

Signature:_________________________________ Date:______________________

EMPLOYEE AGREEMENT FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

You are being given access to the District's electronic communications system. Through which, you will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations, and people around the world through the Internet and other electronic information systems / networks. You will have access to hundreds of databases, libraries, and computer services all over the world. With this opportunity comes responsibility. It is important that you read the District policy, administrative regulations, and agreement form and ask questions if you need help in understanding them. Inappropriate system use will result in the loss of the privilege of using this educational and administrative tool. Please note that the Internet is a network of many types of communication and information networks. It is possible that you may run across some material you might find objectionable. While the District will use filtering technology to restrict access to such material, it is not possible to absolutely prevent such access. It will be your responsibility to follow the rules for appropriate use.

RULES FOR APPROPRIATE USE

· The account is to be used mainly for educational purposes, but some limited personal use is permitted.

· You will be held responsible at all times for the proper use of your account, and the District may suspend or revoke your access if you violate the rules.

· Remember that people who receive e-mail from you with a school address might think your message represents the school's point of view.

INAPPROPRIATE USES

· Using the system for any illegal purpose.

· Disabling or attempting to disable any Internet filtering device.

· Encrypting communications to avoid security review.

· Borrowing someone's account without permission.

· Downloading or using copyrighted information without permission from the copyright holder.

· Intentionally introducing a virus to the computer system.

· Posting messages or accessing materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.

· Wasting school resources through improper use of the computer system.

· Gaining unauthorized access to restricted information or resources.

CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE USE

· Suspension of access to the system;

· Revocation of the computer system account; or

· Other disciplinary or legal action, in accordance with District policies and applicable laws.

I understand that my computer use is not private and that the District will monitor my activity on the computer system. I have read the District's electronic communications system policy and administrative regulations and agree to abide by their provisions. In consideration for the privilege of using the District's electronic communications system and in consideration for having access to the public networks, I hereby release the District, its operators, and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my use of, or inability to use, the system, including, without limitation, the type of damages identified in the District's policy and administrative regulations.

Signature _________________________________________________________________
Home address _____________________________________________________________
Date ___________________________ Home phone number ________________________

AGREEMENT FOR ACCEPTABLE USE OF THE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM BY A NONSCHOOL USER

You are being given access to the District's electronic communications system. Through this system, you will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations, and people around the world through the Internet and other electronic information systems/networks. You will have access to hundreds of databases, libraries, and computer services all over the world. With this opportunity comes responsibility. It is important that you read the District policy, administrative regulations, and agreement form and ask questions if you need help in understanding them. Inappropriate system use will result in the loss of the privilege to use this educational tool. Please note that the Internet is a network of many types of communication and information networks. It is possible that you may run across some material you might find objectionable. While the District will use filtering technology to restrict access to such material, it is not possible to absolutely prevent such access. It will be your responsibility to follow the rules for appropriate use. RULES FOR APPROPRIATE USE

· You will be assigned an individual account, and you are responsible for not sharing the password for that account with others.