Internet and Technology
Acceptable Use and Safety Policy
12/23/04 Revision
I. Overview of Project
A. Introduction
A.
Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. is making Internet access available to its staff and students. The Internet is a vast, global network, linking computers at universities, public and private schools, science labs, libraries, commercial, government and other sites. The Internet provides access to the libraries and data archives of many universities, as well as many real-time information services such as weather data, NASA video broadcasts and news on current events. One can also communicate with people all over the world through a number of discussion forums and electronic mail. Because of its enormous size, the Internet's potential is boundless. The Internet expands classroom resources dramatically by making many resources from all over the world available to students, teachers, and media specialists, including original source materials. It brings information, data, images, and even computer software into the classroom from places otherwise impossible to reach, and it does this almost instantly. Access to these resources can yield individual and group projects, collaboration, curriculum materials, and idea sharing not found in schools without Internet access. It encourages the kind of independence and autonomy that many educators agree is important for students to achieve in their learning process.
Because the Internet consists of connections between many networks spanning across the entire globe, it provides access to an unparalleled quantity of resources. However, with such great potential for education also comes some potential for abuse. The very size and nature of the Internet prevents any business or government agency from controlling all the material available on the Internet. A user may discover material controversial in nature. Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. will take every precaution (including Internet filtering) to assure that the district adheres to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) that became law on April 20, 2001. The purpose of these guidelines is to make sure that all who use the N.C.C.I.S.D. Internet connection, both students and faculty, use technology and the Internet in an appropriate and safe manner consistent with the CIPA and local district guidelines
B. Connection
Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. is connected to
the Internet via SBC by way of
C. Mission
Our mission in establishing this service is to promote educational achievement in Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. and to support the goals outlined in our local technology plan. Part of the District's responsibility in preparing students for the 21st century is to provide them access to the tools they will be using as adults. We believe that use of this global information network is one of those tools.
II. Terms and Conditions
A. Appropriate Use
Acceptable Activities:
•Student centered activities and research in support of Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. Educational objectives. A trained teacher must direct access at the elementary level. Access at the secondary level must be under the supervision of a sponsoring educator or under the supervision of another qualified staff member.
•Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. staff members that have fulfilled training requirements and have been granted access may conduct research and communications.
Prohibited Activities:
•Transmission or access of any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulations, including, but not limited to, obscene or threatening material, copyrighted material, or material protected by trade secret
•Use for commercial activity, product advertisement or political lobbying
•Installing or running Internet client applications not provided by or approved by Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. Technology Services
•The use of electronic communication to send abusive, threatening or profane messages
•Students may not incur or attempt to incur any financial liability. This includes, but is not limited to, accessing any fee-based services.
•Elementary student access without the direction of a qualified staff member
•Secondary student access without supervision by a qualified staff member and a completed and approved Student Application for Access on file in campus office
•Chatting on the Internet is not permitted due to the inability to control dialogue and with whom the students interact.
•Students may be issued e-mail accounts only if the curriculum requires it. If an e-mail account is required, the account must be located on the school e-mail server, which contains a filtering mechanism for e-mail. Free e-mail such as Hotmail or Yahoo Mail cannot be used.
•Research and communications by Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. Staff members that have not fulfilled training requirements and been granted access
B. Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
Access to the Internet is provided on an as is basis. The Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D., its Board of Trustees, agents and staff members make no representations or warranties, whether expressed or implied, of any kind with respect to the Internet, SBC, the N.C.C.I.S.D. Network, or any information or software accessed or received by the applicant. Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. will not be responsible to or liable to the applicant for any claims, losses, or damages the applicant may suffer as a result of these Terms and Conditions or access to the Internet, including without limitation any losses, claims, or damages arising from Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D.'s negligence or the applicant's own errors or omissions. The applicant agrees that this limitation releases Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. from any claims; damages or losses suffered arising from the use of this system. Use of any information obtained over this network is at the applicant's own risk.
C. Security
Users will always log onto Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. networks using his/her own account. Users will not allow others to log in with their account. Users must log off all when they are finished.
D. Safety
When communicating on the Internet, as with any other medium, it is necessary to teach children to safeguard themselves against potentially dangerous situations. Parents are requested to discuss this with their child. Teachers are to carefully monitor student Internet activities to ensure the safety.
D. Vandalism
Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges and will require restitution for costs associated with system restoration, hardware and software costs. Vandalism is defined here as any malicious attempt to physically harm a computer system, destroy data, or access without permission the data of another user on any computer attached to the N.C.C.I.S.D. Network, the Internet or any other network. This includes the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
E. Forgery
Forgery or attempted forgery of electronic mail messages is prohibited. Attempts to read, delete, copy, or modify the electronic mail of other system users or deliberately interfere with the ability of other system users to send or receive electronic mail messages is prohibited.
F. Privileges
The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. Access may be denied, revoked or suspended for violation of N.C.C.I.S.D. Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy, or as a result of other disciplinary actions. Furthermore, violation of this policy may result in additional disciplinary action by Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. and/or legal action by law enforcement agencies when state or federal law is broken.
Finally, all users should keep in mind that when they use
the Internet, they are entering a global community. Any actions taken by
them will reflect upon the
G. Student and Staff Information Disclosure
Students and staff will be involved in projects during the school year that may include photographs, digital video and basic student information. These items may be presented in a public performance such as a presentation of a project or posting to a website. By signing this document and requesting access, you are agreeing to allow the use of photos, digital video, audio, student artwork, student intellectual property, and basic student/staff information by N.C.C.I.S.D. in such projects. Not divulging student identities will be a priority.
III. Measures Designed to Restrict Minors’ Access to Objectionable Material on the Internet and Other Information Technologies
Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. will make every effort to protect its constituents from material deemed “harmful to minors” as per the Children’s Internet Protection Act of April 20, 2001. These measures follow:
· Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. will employ Internet filtering technologies to protect children and adults from obscene and inappropriate material from the Internet and E-mail services.
· Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. will monitor the use of the Internet by polling access reports generated by filtering software, responding to staff observations of inappropriate use, and responding to student observations of inappropriate use.
· Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. will require a staff member to supervise the use of Internet and information technologies at all times.
IV. Consequences
Individuals who do not follow the rules and regulations set forth in this document are subject to disciplinary action by the district that can include loss of access privileges and/or appropriate legal action.
V. Requesting Access
The Applications for Access form can be obtained from the campus office. Please complete the form and returned it to the appropriate campus office. Central office personnel should submit applications to the technology coordinator. All requests for access by students and campus personnel should be submitted to the campus technology facilitator.
Student Application for Access
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Student's Full Name (please print) _________________________________
Grade ______ Year of high school graduation ___________
Age ______
Campus ______________________________
I understand and will abide by the N.C.C.I.S.D. Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy. I further understand that any violation of the regulations and guidelines is inappropriate and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked with or without notice and school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
Student Signature: ______________________________ Date: _____________
* If you are under age 18, a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement
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Parent or Guardian: As the parent or guardian of the above, I have read the NCCISD Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy. I understand that this access to the Internet is designed for educational purposes and Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. staff will make a best effort in directing students toward appropriate materials as specified in the Children’s Internet Protection Act of (CIPA) of April 20, 2001. I also recognize that it is impossible for Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. to restrict access to all controversial materials and I release the District, its operators, and any institution with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from use or inability to use this system. I agree to accept all financial and legal liabilities which may result from my son’s/daughter’s inappropriate use of the Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. Internet Connection. I hereby give permission for Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. to provide access to the Internet for my child. I understand that these access privileges will remain in effect as long as this child attends NCCISD unless terminated in writing by parent or guardian, or terminated by Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. staff.
Parent or Guardian (please print) _______________________________
Signature __________________________________ Date ____________
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Campus Approval (Principal or Designee):
Approved By __________________________ Date __________
Employee Application for Access
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I have read the attached Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy. I agree to abide by its provisions. I agree to help the Nueces Canyon C.I.S.D. protect children from inappropriate material on the Internet and other information technologies as described in this document in accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act of (CIPA) of April 20, 2001.
In consideration for the privilege of using the District's electronic communications system and in consideration for having access to 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 policies and administrative regulations.
Name (please print) ____________________________
Campus/ Department ___________________________
Signature ____________________________________ Date __________