Overview:
Internet
access is available to students, administrators, and staff (network users) in
Karnes City Independent School District (KCISD). The Internet is an electronic highway
connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual
subscribers. Network users have access to hardware, software, electronic mail, and
internal and external data, etc. KCISD also provides Internet access to promote
educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and
communication.
With
access to computers and people all
over the world also comes the availability of material that may not contain
educational value in the context of the school setting. However, on a global network it is impossible
to control all materials, and an industrious user may discover controversial
information. KCISD firmly believes that the valuable information and
educational interaction available on the worldwide web is necessary in
achieving educational goals.
The smooth
operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the network users
who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided so all network
users will be aware of the responsibilities they are about to acquire. In
general this requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of technology
resources. If a network user violates any of these provisions, his/her account
will be immediately suspended and future access could possibly be denied. Each
user will be required to abide by the KCISD Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Before receiving a network account or allowed
to use technology resources, each user must:
sign and return a KCISD Acknowledgement/Release Form (including
parent/guardian signature).
Terms
and Conditions:
1. Basic
Guidelines:
- Access to technology resources, including e-mail, is a privilege -
not a right, and should be used for educational purposes.
- Adhere to all federal and/or state laws while using KCISD
technology resources.
- Use appropriate Network/Internet Etiquette:
1)
Be polite.
2)
Use appropriate
language for a school setting.
3)
Do not reveal
personal data of self or others, ie:
last name, home address, phone number.
4)
Remember that the
other users of KCISD technology resources and other networks are human beings whose
culture, language, and humor have different points of reference from your own.
2. User
Responsibilities:
- The student in whose name a network account
and/or technology resource is issued will be responsible at all times for
its appropriate use.
- Student use of computers, other technology
hardware, software, and computer networks,
including the Internet, is only allowed when supervised by a staff member.
- All users are expected to follow existing
copyright laws. Copyright guidelines
are available in each campus library.
- Although KCISD has an Internet Safety Plan
(Policy CQ) in place, students
are expected to notify a staff
member whenever they come across information or messages that are inappropriate, dangerous,
threatening, or make them feel uncomfortable.
- Students who identify or know about a security
problem are expected to convey the
details to their teacher/staff member without discussing it with other
students.
3. Unacceptable
conduct includes, but is not limited to:
- Using the network for illegal activities: including copyright, license, contract,
or confidentiality violations; or hacking; or downloading/uploading inappropriate data, and/or software (such
as but not limited to viruses and host file sharing software).
- Using the network for financial or commercial gain, advertising,
or political lobbying.
- Accessing or exploring
on-line locations or materials that do not support the curriculum and/or
are inappropriate for school assignments, including but not limited to: pornography, gaming, chat rooms, and unauthorized
e-mail.
- Vandalizing and/or tampering with equipment, files, software, system
performance, or other components of the network. Use or possession of
hacking software is strictly prohibited.
- Intentionally wasting finite resources and/or causing congestion
on the network, ie: chain letters
or broadcasting non educational messages, streaming music/video, paper, and
toner.
- Gaining unauthorized access anywhere on the network, or coaching,
helping, observing, or joining any unauthorized activity on the network.
- Invading the privacy of other individuals.
- Using another user's account, password, or allowing another user to
access your account, or password.
- Posting anonymous messages or unlawful information on the system.
- Engaging in sexual harassment or using objectionable language in
public or private messages, ie: racist, terroristic, abusive, sexually explicit, threatening, demeaning, stalking, or
slanderous.
- Falsifying permission, authorization, or identification documents.
- Obtain copies of or modify files, and/or data belonging to other network
users without appropriate permission.
- Knowingly placing a
computer virus on a computer or network.
4. Service:
KCISD
makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied,
for the service it is providing. KCISD,
individually or as a whole, will not be responsible for: loss of data, or service interruptions caused
by the system or user errors. KCISD
specifically disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy of information
obtained through its services, ie:
Internet sites.
5. Security:
KCISD
uses an Internet filtering system for blocking Internet access to restricted
sites that are not in accordance with the policy of the Child Internet
Protection Act (CIPA). KCISD also
utilizes content filtering on student e-mail accounts as stipulated and
outlined by CIPA.
6. Consequences:
Noncompliance with the AUP and Board Policy CQ may result
in suspension or termination of technology privileges and disciplinary actions. Use or possession of hacking
software is strictly prohibited and violators will be subject to Phase III
consequences of the Code of Conduct. Violations of applicable
state and federal law, including the Texas Penal Code, Computer Crimes, Chapter
33 will result in criminal prosecution, as well as disciplinary
actions by KCISD.
Electronic
mail, network usage, and all stored files shall
not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by
designated staff to ensure appropriate use.
KCISD cooperates fully with local, state, or federal officials in any
investigation concerning or relating to violations of computer crime laws. Contents of e-mail and network communications
are governed by the Texas Open Records Act; proper authorities will be