BELLVILLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Network/Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Network/Internet access is
available to students, teachers and staff in Bellville ISD. The Internet is a
network connecting millions of computer users all over the world. The Internet
enables worldwide connection to electronic mail, discussion groups, databases,
software, and other information sources, such as libraries and museums.
Bellville ISD provides Network/Internet access to promote educational
excellence in the District by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and
communication. Bellville ISD firmly believes that the valuable information and
interaction available on the Network/Internet far outweighs the possibility
that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational
goals of the District.
District Philosophy
Risk.
Sites accessible via the Network/Internet may contain material that is illegal,
defamatory, inaccurate or controversial. Although the District will attempt to
limit access to most of this objectionable material, controlling all materials
on the Network/Internet is impossible. With global access to computers and
people, a risk exists that students may access material that may not be of
educational value in the school setting. The district does provide filtering
software, but no filtering program is 100% effective
User
Responsibilities. Network/Internet users, like traditional library users,
are responsible for their actions in accessing available resources.
Mandatory
training. To educate new users on proper Network/Internet conduct, a
mandatory training session is required before access will be allowed.
Network/Internet - Terms and
Conditions
Acceptable
Use. Network/Internet access may be used to improve learning and teaching
consistent with the educational goals of Bellville ISD. Bellville ISD's
network has been established for limited educational purpose. The term
"educational purpose" refers to classroom activities and limited
high-quality self-discovery activities. The District's network has not been
established as a public access service or a public forum. The District has the
right to place reasonable restrictions on the material users access. Users are
also expected to follow the rules set forth in the District's Discipline
Handbook. The District expects legal, ethical and appropriate use of the
Network/Internet
Privilege.
Access to the Bellville ISD Network/Internet is a privilege, not a right.
Assignments of Accounts: Network/Intemet accounts will only be issued to
approved Bellville ISD teachers and staff. Students may be allowed to use the
local network with campus permission, but may only use the Internet with
parent permission. Student Internet access will be through a teacher/staff
member account, and under the direction and guidance of the teacher or staff
member. Any other means of access to the Network/Internet is not acceptable.
Voluntary.
Use of a District Network/Internet account is voluntary on the part of the
student or teacher.
Publishing
on the Internet. With parental permission, student work may be
"published" on the Internet so that other users around the world can
view it.
Subject
to Administration. All Bellville ISD Network/Internet account usage is
subject to the Administrator or designee's perusal for inappropriate use. This
perusal may include activity logging, virus scanning, and content scanning.
Inappropriate
Use. Inappropriate use includes, but is not limited to, those uses that
violate the law, that are specifically named as violations in this document,
that violate the rules of network etiquette, or that hamper the integrity or
security of this or any networks connected to the Network/Internet. The use of
the Network/Internet for purposes other than educational (classroom activities)
or high quality self-discovery activities as determined by the administrator or
designee is considered inappropriate use.
Violations
of Law.
Transmission of any material in violation of any US or state law is
prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted material;
threatening, harassing, or obscene material; or material protected by
trade
secret. Any attempt to break the law through the use of a Bellville ISD
Network/Internet account may result in litigation against the offender
by the
proper authorities. If such an event should occur, Bellville ISD will
fully
comply with the authorities to provide any information necessary for
the
litigation process.
Commercial
Use. Use for commercial, income-generating or "for-profit"
activities, product advertisement, or political lobbying is prohibited. Sending
unsolicited junk mail, or chain letters, is prohibited.
Vandalism/Mischief.
Vandalism and mischief are prohibited. Vandalism is defined as any malicious
attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Network/Intemet, or any
networks that are connected to the Network/Intemet. This includes, but is not
limited to, the creation or propagation of computer viruses. Any interference
with the work of other users, with or without malicious intent is construed as
mischief and is strictly prohibited. Any physical damage of the computer
system is considered vandalism/mischief.
Electronic
Mail. Students may not check, send, or receive electronic mail on BISD
computers. The use of
e-mail is
limited to staff..
File/Data
Violations. Deleting, examining, copying, or modifying files and/or data
belonging to other users, without their permission, is prohibited.
System
Interference/Alteration. Deliberate attempts to exceed, evade or change
resource quotas are prohibited. The deliberate causing of network congestion
through mass consumption of system resources is prohibited.
Consequences of Agreement
Violation. Any attempt to violate the provisions of this agreement may
result in revocation of the user's access to the Network/Internet, regardless
of the success or failure of the attempt. In addition, school disciplinary
actions, IBS, suspension, withdrawal of network privileges for the remainder of
the year, and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
Final
determination. The administrator or designee will make the final
determination as to what constitutes inappropriate use.
Denial,
Revocation, or Suspension of Access Privileges. With just cause, the
administrator or designee, may deny, revoke, or suspend Network/Internet access
as required, pending an investigation.
Security.
Reporting
Security Problems. If a user identifies or has knowledge of a security
problem on the Network/Intemet, the user should immediately notify an
administrator or designee. The security problem should not be shared with
others.
Impersonation.
Attempts to log on to the Network/Internet impersonating an administrator or
designee or Bellville ISD employee will result in revocation of the user's
access to Network/Internet.
Other
Security Risks. Any user identified as having had access privileges revoked
or denied on another computer system may be denied access to the Bellville ISD
Network/Internet.
Disclaimer.
This agreement
applies to stand-alone computers as well as computers connected to the
Network/Intemet. Bellville ISD makes no warranties of any kind, whether
expressed or implied, for the services it is providing and is not responsible
for any damages suffered by users. This includes loss of data resulting from
delays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its
negligence or user errors or omissions. Bellville ISD is not responsible for
phone/credit card bills or any other charges incurred by users. Use of any
information obtained via the Network/Internet is at the user's own risk.
Bellville ISD specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or
quality of information obtained through its services.