Pasadena Independent School District Acceptable Use Policy

Network/Internet access may be made available to teachers, staff, students and community members pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in this Acceptable Use Policy. The technology advisory committee and/or building administrator will determine what violates the terms and conditions of this policy. Although the district takes reasonable steps to restrict access to inappropriate material, including filtering as prescribed by the Childrens’ Internet Protection Act, the risk exists that users may

access material that may be inappropriate. The district believes that the valuable information and interaction available on the Internet outweighs this risk.

Student Acceptable Use Policy

The Internet is a primary source for research, information and communication. Access to the Internet is provided to PISD students in order to fulfill their potential as responsible citizens in the ever-changing world of the 21^st century. Along with this privilege come responsibilities.

Network Use

• While using networked resources, do not:
• Log in using an unauthorized account.
• View, modify, move, copy or delete folders or files unless given permission by a teacher or other PISD employee.
• Waste or monopolize network resources.

Internet Use

• Only access the Internet with permission and under the supervision of a teacher or other PISD employee.
• Use the Internet primarily for educational purposes.
• Before downloading files or running programs from the Internet or changing computer settings/properties, obtain permission of a teacher or other PISD employee.
• Follow Copyright laws and Fair Use guidelines.
• Follow the district Web Publishing Procedures and Guidelines.
• If you access an inappropriate website, leave that site immediately and notify your teacher or other PISD employee.

Electronic Communication

• Only enter chat rooms, access bulletin boards, use e-mail or use Instant Messaging with permission of a teacher or other PISD employee.
• Use appropriate language and follow proper e-mail etiquette, which includes refraining from SPAM (unauthorized or unsolicited mass mails).
• If you receive an inappropriate or unwanted message via the Internet or other network resource, close the session and notify your teacher or other PISD employee.
• Be careful when giving out personal information over the Internet.
• Unless given permission by a teacher or other PISD employee, do not view, modify, move, copy or delete messages intended for others.

Activity on the Internet is recorded and monitored. Access to the Internet is a privilege, not a right. Violation of this policy may result in:

• Denial of access,
• Disciplinary Action, and/or
• Legal Action.

The Internet may be accessed by a student unless the student’s parent or guardian has filed a written request with the building principal. This request, indicating that the Internet should not be accessed, must be filed annually with the building principal.

Employee/Community Members Acceptable Use Policy

The Internet is a primary source for research, information and communication. Access to the Internet is provided to PISD employees and community members in order to take advantage of innovative instruction methodology and workplace technological advancements. Along with this privilege come responsibilities.

Network Use

While using networked resources, do not:

• Share passwords.
• Make your password available to others.
• Login using an unauthorized account.
• View, modify, move, copy or delete folders or files unless given permission by the owner or authorized district personnel.
• Waste or monopolize network resources.

Internet Use

• Use of the Internet by students must be supervised.
• The Internet should be used primarily for educational purposes, and activity on the Internet is being recorded and monitored. Limited personal use shall be permitted if the use:
• Imposes no tangible cost to the District;
• Does not unduly burden the District's computer or network resources;
• Has no adverse effect on an employee's job performance or on a student's academic performance; and/or
• Is not used in any way for personal gain.
• Do not download files, run programs or install applications without consent from appropriate administrative staff.
• Follow Copyright laws and Fair Use guidelines.
• When uploading files or posting websites, follow the district Web Publishing Procedures and Guidelines.
• If you access an inappropriate website, or observe others doing so, terminate the session immediately and notify appropriate administrative staff.

Electronic Communication

• District email should be used primarily for educational purposes.
• Use appropriate language and follow proper e-mail etiquette, which includes refraining from SPAM (unauthorized or unsolicited mass mails).
• If you receive an inappropriate or unwanted message, close the session and notify appropriate administrative staff.
• Do not view, modify, move, copy or delete messages intended for others unless given permission by the owner or appropriate administrative technology staff.
• Work created using District systems remains the property of PISD.
• In the process of protecting the network, PISD cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information.

PISD reserves the right to audit network and systems on a periodic basis to ensure compliance with this policy. Any employee found in violation of this policy can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.