Computer Use and Data Management

Policy CQ

 

The district’s electronic communications systems, including its network access to email and the Internet, is to be used primarily for administrative and instructional purposes.  Electronic mail transmissions and other use of the electronic communications systems are not confidential and can be monitored at any time to ensure appropriate use.   Employees who are authorized to use the systems are required to abide by the provisions of the district’s communications systems policy and administrative procedures.  Failure to do so can result in suspension or termination of privileges and may lead to disciplinary action.  Employees with questions about computer use and data management can contact the technology coordinator.

 

District employees will have access to the District’s electronic communications system with limited personal use of the system if the use:

1.      Imposes no tangible cost on the District;

2.      Does not unduly burden the District’s computer or network resources; and

3.      Has no adverse effect on an employee’s job performance or on a student’s academic performance.

 

Following is copy of the HISD Electronic Communication and Data Management Agreement:

HILLSBORO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT’S

ADMINISTRATOR/TEACHER/STAFF/EMPLOYEE

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION & DATA MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT

 

Terms and Conditions of this Agreement:

These policies shall apply to:

1.      Users of electronic information resources that are utilized with equipment located in HISD.

2.      Users who obtain their access privileges through association with HISD.

3.      Electronic information resources includes (but in not limited to) CD-ROMs, videodiscs, multimedia, on-line services, software, videocassettes, and electronic mail.

 

Electronic Communication and Data Management

1.      The Superintendent or designee will oversee Hillsboro ISD’s elec­tronic communications system.

2.      Hillsboro ISD will provide training in proper use of the system and will provide all users with copies of acceptable use guidelines.  All training in the use of Hillsboro ISD’s system will emphasize the ethical use of this resource.

3.      Copyrighted software or data may not be placed on any system connected to Hillsboro ISD’s system without permission from the holder of the copyright.  Only the owner(s) or individual(s) the owner specifically authorizes may upload copyrighted material to the system.

4.      No original work created by any District student or employee will be posted on a web page under the District’s control unless the District has received written consent from the student (and the student’s parent) or employee who created the work.

5.      No personally identifiable information about a Hillsboro ISD student will be posted on a web page under the under Hillsboro ISD’s control unless the District has received written consent from the student's parent.  An exception may be made for "directory information" as allowed by the Family Education Records Privacy Act and Hillsboro ISD policy.

 

Access to Hillsboro ISD’s electronic communications system will be governed as follows:

1.      As appropriate and with the written approval of the immediate supervisor, Hillsboro ISD employees will be granted access to Hillsboro ISD’s system.

2.      Students in grades K - 5 will be granted access to the Hillsboro ISD’s system by their teachers, as appropriate.  Students in grades 6 – 12 will be assigned individual accounts.

3.      A teacher may apply for a class account and in doing so will be ultimately responsible for use of the account.

4.      Hillsboro ISD suggests that all passwords be changed every six weeks.

5.      Any system user identified as a security risk or as having violated Hillsboro ISD and/or campus computer use guidelines may be denied access to the District’s system.

The technology coordinator for the District’s electronic communication system (or campus technologist) along with each campus principal will:

1.      Be responsible for disseminating and enforcing applicable District policies and acceptable use guidelines for the District’s system.

2.      Ensure that all users of the District’s system complete and sign an agreement to abide by Hillsboro ISD policies and adminis­trative regulations regarding such use.  All such agreements will be maintained on file in the personnel manager’s office.

3.      Ensure that employees supervising students who use Hillsboro ISD’s system provide training emphasizing the appropriate use of this resource.

4.      Ensure that all software loaded on computers in Hillsboro ISD is consistent with District standards and is properly licensed.

5.      Be authorized to monitor or examine all system activities, including electronic mail transmissions, as deemed appropriate to ensure proper use of the system.

6.      Be authorized to establish a retention schedule for messages on any electronic bulletin board and to remove messages posted locally that are deemed to be inappropriate.

7.      Set limits for data storage within Hillsboro ISD’s system, as needed.

 

Individual User Responsibilities

I agree to report misuse of the network to the Campus Technologist.  Misuse can come in many forms, including but not limited to sending or receiving material that exhibits or suggests pornography, unethical or illegal behavior, using racist, sexist, or inappropriate language, or violating the guidelines set forth below.

 

The following standards for individual user responsibilities will apply to all users of Hillsboro ISD’s elec­tronic information/communications systems:

1.      Systems users agree that all computer systems belong to the District.

2.      The individual in whose name a system account is issued will be responsible at all times for its proper use.

3.      System users will be given a home directory on the H:\ drive of the network to save files instead of saving files on the C:\ drive.   Home directories may have file size limitations.

4.      The system may not be used for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any other activity prohibited by Hillsboro ISD policy or guidelines.

5.      System users may not use another person's system account without written permission from the campus administrator or Hillsboro ISD coordinator, as appropriate.

6.      System users may not use school resources for playing non classroom-related educational games.

7.      System users may not view, save, and modify files in any location on the network other than their own H:\ home directory and F:\mailbox.  Permission to access student home directories must be granted from the technology coordinator.

8.      System users’ use of email should have no adverse effect on employees’ job performances nor unduly burden the District’s network resources.  Before deciding to sending APB email or forwarding chain email, jokes, narratives etc. to groups, users must cautiously consider three things:  ·          the educational, District and/or campus-supported value of the message, ·          the amount of school time for all employees throughout the campus and/or district to read APB (All Points Bulletin) email, and ·          the amount of fileserver space required to send out large numbers of email messages at once.

9.      System users will only use email for broad-base communication (APB to groups) for school-related and district or campus supported announcements.  (For example, change of game start time, PTSO meetings, etc.)  When in doubt, contact the Technology Coordinator for clarification.

10.  System users will refrain from affecting job performance and unduly burdening system resources by sending forwarded chain email, jokes, narratives, etc. to APB groups. 11.  Signatures on email messages are a great idea but are subject to abuse; balance is the key to a good signature.  A signature is a small block of text appended to the end of your messages which usually contains your contact information. Pegasus can add a signature to your messages automatically.   Definitions of "offensive" vary widely: system users should avoid quotes that might offend people on the grounds of religion, race, politics or sexuality.

12.  Employee system users must purge electronic mail in accordance with established retention guidelines, which is to delete all email messages by summer break.

13.  System users may not redistribute copyrighted programs or data except with the written permission of the copyright holder or designee.  Such permission must be specified in the document or must be obtained directly from the copyright holder or designee in accordance with applicable copyright laws, District policy, and administrative regulations.

14.  System users may upload public domain programs to the system.  System users may also download public domain programs for their own use or may non-commercially redistribute a public domain program.  System users are responsible for determining whether a program is in the public domain.

15.  System users may not send or post messages that are abu­sive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, dam­aging to another's reputation, or illegal.

16.  System users may not purposefully access materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.

17.  System users should be mindful that use of school-related electronic mail addresses might cause some recipients or other readers of that mail to assume they represent the Hillsboro ISD or school, whether or not that was the user's intention.

18.  System users may not waste Hillsboro ISD resources related to the electronic communications system.

19.  System users may not gain unauthorized access to resources or information.

 

Acceptable Use Guidelines

The use of electronic information resources must be in support of education, research, and the educational goals and objectives of HISD.

·          I agree to promote acceptable use of the electronic information resources and network etiquette.  I agree to maintain supervision of students using electronic information resources.

·          I will take all reasonable precautions, including password maintenance and file and directory projection measures, to prevent the use of my account by unauthorized persons.

·          When using Hillsboro ISD’s WinSchool Query, I will use all student information professionally, and I agree to keep all obtained information confidential.

·          I understand that many services and products are available for a fee and acknowledge that I am responsible for any expenses incurred.  Failure to pay for expenses may result in denial of my privileges.

·          I agree not to submit, publish, display, or retrieve any defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, or illegal material.

·          I will abide by all copyright regulations.

·          I will not reveal home addresses or personal phone numbers of others.

·          I understand that electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private, and the District will apply filtering of email for objectionable content in an effort to prevent inappropriate junk mail.

·          I will not use the electronic information resources in any way that would disrupt use by others.

·          I will not use any software on my school computer other than that purchased by HISD.

·          I will not load school software in more than one location within the District without the approval of the Campus Teacher Technologist so that the District can track software licenses.

·          I will not use the electronic information resources for any commercial purposes.

·          I will not attempt to harm, modify, or destroy hardware or software, or interfere with system security.

·          I will not use school computers, printers, etc. for personal use without my supplying the paper and ribbon/ink cartridges.

·          I will not play games on the school computer during school hours.

·          I agree to accept financial responsibility for any intentional harm to the system.

·          I will abide by the regulations established by the District regard use and access of the electronic information resources.

·          I will notify the Campus Teacher Technologist about an identified network security problem.

 

Vandalism Prohibited

Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy Hillsboro ISD equipment or data or data of another user of the Hillsboro ISD’s system, or any of the agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet is prohibited.  Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance are violations of Hillsboro ISD policy and administrative regulations and may constitute criminal activity under applicable state and federal laws.  Such prohibited activity includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creating of computer viruses.

Vandalism as defined above will result in the cancellation of system use privileges and will require restitution for costs associated with system restoration, as well as other consequences.

 

Forgery Prohibited

Forgery or attempted forgery is prohibited. Attempts to read, delete, copy, or modify the electronic mail of other system users, deliberate interference with the ability of other system users to send/receive electronic mail, or the use of another person’s user ID and/or password is prohibited.

 

Information Content/Third-Party Supplied Information

System users and parents of students with access to Hillsboro ISD’s system should be aware that use of the system may provide access to other electronic communications systems in the global electronic network that may contain inaccurate and/or objectionable material.

A student who gains access to such material is expected to discon­tinue the access as quickly as possible and to report the incident to the supervising teacher.

A student knowingly bringing prohibited materials into the school's electronic environment will be subject to suspension of access and/ or revocation of privileges on Hillsboro ISD’s system and will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

An employee knowingly bringing prohibited materials into the school's electronic environment will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Hillsboro ISD policies.

 

Electronic communications access is available to students and personnel in Hillsboro ISD.  This system includes all computer hardware, software, networks, and related peripherals that a user may encounter within the District.  The Internet is a network of networks 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.  Hillsboro ISD provides electronic communications access to promote educational excellence in Hillsboro ISD schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.  Hillsboro ISD believes that the valuable information and interaction available on the Internet far outweigh the possibility that users may procure material that is inconsistent with the educational goals of Hillsboro ISD.

 

The Superintendent or designee will oversee the District’s electronic communications system.

 

The district’s system will be used only for administrative and educational purposes consistent with the District’s mission and goals.  Commercial use of the District’s system is strictly prohibited.

 

The District will provide training to all users in proper use of the system and will provide all users with copies of acceptable use guidelines.  All training in the use of the District’s system will emphasize the ethical use of this resource.

 

Copyrighted software or data may not be placed on any system connected to the District’s system without written permission from the holder of the copyright.  Only the owner(s) or individuals the owner specifically authorizes may upload copyrighted material to the system.

 

INDIVIDUAL USER RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, therefore, the following standards will apply to all users of the District’s electronic communications systems:

 

On-Line Conduct

1.  The individual in whose name a system account is issued will be responsible at all times for its proper use.

2.  The system may not be used for illegal purposes, in support of illegal activities, or for any other activity prohibited by District policy.

 

3.  System users may not use another person’s system account.

 

4.  System users may upload and download public domain programs to the system only with approval from the principal or designee.  System users are responsible for determining whether a program is in the public domain.

 

Vandalism Prohibited

Any malicious attempt to harm or destroy District equipment or materials, data of another user of the District’s system, or any of the agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet is prohibited.  Deliberate attempts to degrade or disrupt system performance may be viewed as violations of District policy and administrative regulations and, possibly, as criminal activity under applicable state and federal laws.  This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creating of computer viruses.  Any interference with the work of others, with or without malicious intent, will be construed as vandalism.

 

Vandalism as defined above may result in the permanent cancellation of electronic communications system use privileges and will require restoration for costs associated with system restoration and/or hardware or software replacement or repair.

 

Forgery Prohibited

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 deliberate interference with the ability of other system users to send/receive electronic mail is prohibited.  

 

Information Content/Third Party Supplied Information

System users and parents of students with access to the District’s system will be aware that use of the system may provide access to other electronic communication systems in the global electronic network that may contain inaccurate and/or objectionable material.  The District will provide written notification to parents of potential objectionable material access.

 

A student knowingly bringing prohibited materials into the school’s electronic environment will be subject to suspension, and/or revocation of privileges on the District’s system and will be subject to other disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

 

An Employee knowingly brings prohibited materials into the school’s electronic environment will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with District policies.

 

 

 

CONSEQUENCES OF MISUSE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM OR RESOURCES

 

Hillsboro Independent School District has established a “No Tolerance” policy and any attempt to violate the provisions of these guidelines will result in revocation of a user’s account, regardless of the success or failure of the attempt.  Any user who does not comply with district policies and procedures may face additional disciplinary actions including all student discipline management techniques and/or appropriate legal action.

 

TERMINATION/REVOCATION OF SYSTEM USER ACCOUNT

 

The District may suspend or revoke a system user’s account to the District’s system upon suspected violation of District policy and/or administrative regulations regarding acceptable use.

 

Terminating of an employee’s account will be effective on the date the principal or District Coordinator receives notice of student withdrawal or of revocation of system privileges, or on a future date if so specified in the notice.

 

DISCLAIMER

 

The District’s system is provided on an “as is, as available” basis.  The District does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, including without limitation, those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any services provided by the system and any information or software contained therein.  The District does not warrant that the functions or services performed by, or that the information or software contained on the system will meet the system user’s requirements, or the system will be uninterrupted or error-free, or that defects will be corrected.

 

Opinions, advice, services, and all other information expressed by system users, information providers, service providers, or other third party individuals in the system are those of the providers and not the District.

The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to misuse of the District’s electronic communications system.

 

 

Hillsboro ISD is pleased to offer teachers, administrators, and students access to the Internet for educational purposes.  This educational tool will enable us to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations, and individuals around the world through Internet and other electronic information systems/networks.

 

Please be aware that with this educational opportunity also comes responsibility.  It is important that you read the enclosed District policy, administrative regulations, and agreement form carefully.  Inappropriate system use will result in the loss of the privilege to use this educational tool and/or further action.

We strongly urge you to closely monitor student use of the Internet.  Access to the Internet will be given to students who receive parent’s signature. 

 

Participation In Chat Rooms And Newsgroups

Employee participation in chat rooms and newsgroups is permis­sible if used for educational purposes and does not disrupt the school day, in accordance with Hillsboro ISD policies. 

 

Guidelines for Development Of District Web Pages

1.      For students safety, no personally identifiable information about a Hillsboro ISD student will be posted on a web page under the Hillsboro ISD’s control unless the Hillsboro ISD has received written consent inside the Student Handbook from the student's parent.

2.      No original work created by the Hillsboro ISD student OR employee will be posted on a web page under the Hillsboro ISD’s control unless the Hillsboro ISD has received written consent inside the Student Handbook from the student & parent OR employee who created the work.

3.      Copyrighted software or data may not be placed on any system connected to the Hillsboro ISD’s system without permission from the holder of the copyright.  Only the owner(s) or individual(s) the owner specifically authorizes may upload copyrighted material to the system.

4.      Teacher homepages must be of professional content and educational value.

5.      No personal homepages will be posted on Hillsboro ISD's homepage.

6.      The Principal (or designated person by the Principal) must approve what is deleted or added to his/her campus’ homepage.

7.      The Hillsboro ISD homepage should be kept current and updated.

8.      If individual credits for homepages are sited, they must be located in the footer.

9.      No commercial ads or solicitations will be allowed on the Hillsboro ISD homepage.  However, announcements or fundraisers can be mentioned along with the appropriate person to contact.

10. Any hyperlinks on the Hillsboro ISD’s homepage must be to appropriate educational subject-related sites.

.

Guidelines for Student Use of filtered Gagglenet eMail

HISD will be offering Gagglenet email accounts for secondary students in Grades 6 –12 if you as a classroom teacher want to use email for classroom activities.  You will be the supervising teacher of these students.  These accounts can be used at school as well as at home. 

1.      Password sharing is prohibited in Gagglenet.

2.      Teachers and administrators will supervise the conduct of students email on school grounds.

3.      Obscenity and other offensive language while using email and forums are prohibited.

4.      Supervising teachers and network administrators can review email, file folders, and communications to maintain system integrity to make sure that users are using the system responsibly.

5.      System users should understand that e-mail is not a confidential medium for transmitting personal messages.

6.      System users should be aware of “netiquette” when using email:  ·          Be polite; messages typed in capital letters are the computer equivalent of shouting and are considered rude. Use appropriate language; swearing, vulgarity, ethnic or racial slurs, and any other inflammatory language are prohibited. · Use appropriate language; swearing, vulgarity, ethnic or racial slurs, and any other inflammatory language are prohibited. · Pretending to be someone else when sending/receiving messages is considered inappropriate · Transmitting obscene messages or pictures is prohibited.

7.      System users should not infringe upon instructional time by sending or reading email messages.

8.      System users will not view or modify any other user’s account.

9.      Wrongful use of email will subject system users to disciplinary actions, including taking away all Gagglenet  account privileges as well as Internet privileges.

 

Termination/Revocation Of System User Account

Termination of an employee's or a student's access for violation of Hillsboro ISD policies or regulations will be effective on the date the prin­cipal or Hillsboro ISD technology coordinator receives notice of student withdrawal or of revocation of system privileges, or on a future date if so speci­fied in the notice.

Opinions, advice, services, and all other information expressed by system users, information providers, service providers, or other third-party individuals in the system are those of the providers and not Hillsboro ISD.

Hillsboro ISD will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to misuse of Hillsboro ISD’s electronic communications system.

 

Privileges

The use of the electronic information resources is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked at any time.

Services

HISD reserves the right to log the use of all systems and monitor fileserver space utilization.  Should it become necessary, files may be deleted. The System Administrator may close an account at any time.

 

Disclaimer

The Hillsboro ISD’s system is provided on an "as is, as available' basis. Hillsboro ISD does not make any warranties, whether express or implied, including, without limitation, those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any services provided by the system and any information or software contained therein.  Hillsboro ISD does not warrant that the functions or services performed by, or that the information or software contained on the system will meet the system user's requirements, or that the system will be uninterrupted or error free, or that defects will be corrected.

 

Liabilities