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Technology » Acceptable Use Policy

Acceptable Use Policy

Internet Acceptable Use Policy
 
 
 
Gorman Independent School District
Internet Acceptable Use Agreement
 
(Please read this document carefully before signing.)
 
Internet access is available to students and teachers in the Gorman Independent School District.
 
We are very pleased to bring this access to Gorman Independent School District and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.
 
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. Students and teachers have access to:
  1. Electronic mail (e-mail) communication with people all over the world.
  2. Information and news from NASA as well as the opportunity to correspond with the scientists at NASA and other research institutions.
  3. Public domain software and graphics of all types for school use.
  4. Discussion groups on a plethora of topics ranging from Chinese culture to the environment to music to politics
  5. Access to many University Library Catalogs, the Library of Congress, and ERIC, a large collection of relevant information to educators and students.
  6. Graphical access to the World Wide Web, the newest and most exciting access tool on the Internet.
With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. Gorman Independent School District has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial materials. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. We (Gorman Independent School District) firmly believe that the valuable information and interaction available on this worldwide network far out weighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the District.
 
Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, and regional and state networks. In addition, the smooth operation of the network relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so that you are aware of the responsibilities you are about to acquire. In general this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of the network resources. If an Gorman Independent School District user violates any of these provisions, his or her account will be terminated and future access could possibly be denied.
 
The signature(s) at the end of this document is (are) legally binding and indicates the party (parties) who signed has (have) read the terms and conditions carefully and understand(s) their significance.
 
Internet--Terms and Conditions of Use
  1. Acceptable Use - The purpose of the backbone networks making up the Internet is to support research and education in and among academic institutions by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the Gorman Independent School District. Use of other organization's network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that network. Transmission of any material in violation of any national or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret
  2. Privileges - The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. (Each student or teacher who receives an account will be part of a discussion with a Gorman Independent School District staff member pertaining to the proper use of the network.) The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. Also, the system administrators may close an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty, and staff of Gorman Independent School District may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.
  3. Network Etiquette - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to) the following:
    • Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others.
    • Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language.
    • Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
    • Do not reveal your personal address or phone numbers of students or colleagues.
    • Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to the authorities.
    • Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users.
    • All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
  4. Gorman Independent School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. Gorman Independent School District will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This include loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by it's own negligence or your errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. Gorman Independent School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.
  5. Security - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If you feel you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify a system administrator or your Gorman Independent District Internet Coordinator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual's account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to logon to the Internet as a system administrator will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to Internet.
  6. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to any of the Internet backbones. This includes, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
  7. Network – Gorman Independent School District does not allow any outside or personal devices placed on the school’s network. This will reduce the number of viruses that the school district could contact from personal devices. All devices that are on the school’s network are subject to the laws and regulations stated by the district and state therefore all personal devices could be subject to searches if deemed necessary by school administration.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Please sign and return only the bottom page of this document.
 
School District Internet Use Agreement
 
I understand and will abide by the above Internet Use Agreement. I further understand that any violation of the regulations above is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked, school disciplinary action may be taken, and/or appropriate legal action.
 
Student/ Teacher User's Full Name: __________________________________
 
Student/ Teacher User Signature: ___________________________________
 
Date: _______________
 
PARENT OR GUARDIAN
 
As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Internet Use Agreement. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. Gorman Independent School District has taken precautions to eliminate controversial material. However, I also recognize it is impossible for School District to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for materials acquired on the network. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child's use is not in a school setting. 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: _________________________________
 
SPONSORING TEACHER
 
 
 
Interactive Distance Learning
 
 
 
I understand that in an interactive distance learning environment, including but not limited to distance learning, virtual field trips, and video conferencing my child’s voice, presence, and participation in these activities will not be a violation of their personal rights and hereby release any claims for the use of such during the duration of the interactive distance learning activity.
 
 
 
_____ I give permission for my child to participate in the District’s electronic communications system.
 
 
 
 
 
____ I do NOT give permission for my child to participate in the District’s electronic communications system.
 
 
 
 
 
Student Signature ______________________________________ Grade:________
 
 
 
Parent/Guardian Signature____________________________________ Date: ______