ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
MISD Network
Marion Independent School District
STATEMENT OF POLICY
In making decisions regarding student access to the school district computer network and to the Internet, the Marion Independent School District considers its own stated educational mission, goals, and objectives. Electronic information research skills are now fundamental to the preparation of citizens and future employees. Access to the school district computer network and to the Internet allows student access to thousands of libraries, databases, bulletin boards, and other resources while exchanging creative ideas and images with people around the world. The Marion Independent School District expects that faculty will blend thoughtful use of the school district computer network and the Internet throughout the curriculum and will provide guidance and instruction to students in their use.
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE
The Marion Independent School District provides students with access to the MISD Network including Internet access. The purpose of the network is not merely to provide students with general access to the Internet, rather an educational purpose which includes use of the network resources for classroom activities and high-quality, self-discovery activities. Users are expected to use Internet access through the MISD Network to further educational and personal goals consistent with the mission of the school district and school policies. Uses which might be acceptable on a user's private personal account on another system may not be acceptable on this network.
USE OF THE MISD NETWORK IS A PRIVILEGE
The use of the MISD Network and access to use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Depending on the nature and degree of the violation and the number of previous violations, unacceptable use of the MISD Network or the Internet may result in one or more of the following consequences: suspension or cancellation of use of access privileges; payments for damages and repairs; discipline under other appropriate school district policies, including suspension, expulsion, and civil or criminal liability under other applicable laws.
The Marion Independent School District will have a firewall in place that will monitor and log Internet activity as well as block unacceptable websites as reviewed by faculty, administration, or the Information Technology Department. In addition, any Internet activity will be monitored by a faculty member or other designated district employee to guarantee compliance with the Children's Internet Protection Act (2001). Although the Marion Independent School District is taking reasonable measures to ensure students do not acquire objectionable material, the Marion Independent School District cannot guarantee that a student will not be able to access objectionable material on the Internet.
REGULATIONS
The following uses of the MISD Network and Internet resources or accounts are considered unacceptable:
1. Users will not use the MISD Network to access, review, upload, download, store, print, post, or distribute pornographic, obscene, sexually explicit material or that use language or images that are inappropriate to the educational setting or disruptive to the educational process and will not post information or materials that could cause damage or danger of disruption.
2. Users will not use the MISD Network to access, review, upload, download, store, print, post, or distribute materials that use language or images that advocate violence or discrimination toward other people (hate literature) or that may constitute harassment or discrimination.
3. Users will not use the MISD Network to knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization, to harass another person, or to engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.
4. Users will not use the MISD Network to engage in any illegal act or violate any local, state, or federal statute or law.
5. Users will not use the MISD Network to vandalize, damage, or disable the property of another person or organization, will not make deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt equipment, software, or system performance by spreading computer viruses, or by any other means will not tamper with, modify, or change the MISD Network software, hardware, or wiring.
6. Users will not take any action to violate the MISD Network's security, and will not use the MISD Network in such a way as to disrupt the use of the system by other users nor gain unauthorized access to information resources or to access another person's materials, information, or files without the implied or direct permission of that person.
7. Users will not use the MISD Network to post private information about another person or to post personal contact information about themselves or other persons including, but not limited to, addresses, telephone numbers, school addresses, work addresses, identification numbers, account numbers, access codes, or passwords and will not repost a message that was sent to the user privately without permission of the person who sent the message.
8. Users will not use the MISD Network to violate copyright laws, usage licensing agreements, or another person's property without the person's prior approval or proper citation, including the downloading or exchanging of pirated software or copying software to or from any school computer, and will not plagiarize works they find on the Internet.
9. Users will not use the MISD Network for the conduct of a business, for unauthorized commercial purposes, or for financial gain unrelated to the mission of the school district. Users will not use the MISD Network to offer or provide goods, services, or product advertisement. Users will not use the MISD Network to purchase goods or services for personal use without authorization from the appropriate school district official.
If a user inadvertently accesses unacceptable materials or an unacceptable Internet site, the user shall immediately disclose the inadvertent access to an appropriate school district official. This disclosure may serve as a defense against an allegation that the user has intentionally violated this policy.
EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY
By authorizing use of the MISD Network, the school district does not relinquish control over materials on the network or contained in files on the network. Users should have no expectation of privacy in the contents of any files on the MISD Network. Routine maintenance and monitoring of the MISD Network may lead to a discovery that a user has violated this policy, another school district policy, or the law. An individual investigation or search will be conducted if school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover a violation of law or school district policy.
Parents have the right at any time to investigate or review the contents of their child's files. Parents have the right to request the termination of their child's individual account at any time. The school district will cooperate fully with local, state and federal authorities in any investigation concerning or related to any illegal activities and activities not in compliance with school district policies conducted through the MISD Network.
LIMITATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT LIABILITY
Use of the MISD Network is at the user's own risk. The system is provided on an "as is, as available" basis. The school district will not be responsible for any damage users may suffer including but not limited to loss, damage, or unavailability of data stored on school district diskettes, tapes, hard drives or servers, or for delays, changes in, or interruptions of service, delivery errors, or non-deliveries of information or materials, regardless of cause. The school district is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of any advice or information obtained through or stored on the MISD Network. The school district will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through unauthorized use of the MISD Network or the Internet.
INTERNET USE AGREEMENT
The proper use of the Internet, and the educational value to be gained from proper Internet use, is the joint responsibility of students, parents and employees of the school district.
1. This policy requires the permission of and supervision by the school's designated professional staff before a student may use a school account or resource to access the Internet.
2. The Internet Use Agreement form must be read and signed by the user and the parent or guardian. The form must then be filed at the school office.
INTERNET USE AGREEMENT
Marion Independent School District
STUDENT
I have read and do understand the school district policies relating to acceptable use of the school district computer system and the Internet and agree to abide by them. I further understand that any violation of the outlined policies is unethical and may constitute a violation of law. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken, and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.
________________________________________________________
User's Full Name (please print)
_________________________________________ ______________
User Signature Date
PARENT OR GUARDIAN
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the school district policies relating to acceptable use of the school district computer system and the Internet. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. However, I also recognize it is impossible for the school district to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold the school district or its employees or agents responsible for materials acquired on the Internet. I hereby give permission to issue an account for my child and certify that the information contained on this form is correct.
_________________________________________________________________
Parent or Guardian's Name (please print)
________________________________________________ ________________
Parent or Guardian's Signature Date