General User Policy

                                NAVASOTA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

                                                NAVASOTA ISD NETWORK AND INTERNET -

                                            SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR USERS

                                                                (Secondary Students and Staff)     

                      PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT.

                                                       THIS IS A LEGALLY BINDING DOCUMENT.

1.             OVERVIEW:

The Navasota Independent School District (Navasota ISD) is now making Internet access available to the staff and students of the District.  It is a privilege to have such sophisticated information networking capabilities available, and the District believes the vast, diverse, and unique resources available on the Internet will assist us in carrying out our mission of providing a quality education for our students.  Our goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence in the Navasota ISD by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication.

The Internet is an electronic highway connecting millions of computers and thousands of networks around the world.  It provides access to electronic mail (e-mail), news groups, libraries, government agencies, businesses, data bases, and software.

With access to computers and people from across the world comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value or appropriate in the context of the school setting.  On a global network, it is impossible to control all materials, and an industrious user may discover controversial information.  Navasota ISD firmly believes that the valuable information and interaction available on the Internet far outweighs the possibility that users may procure materials 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 on the proper conduct of the end-users who must adhere to strict guidelines.  These guidelines are provided so that you are fully informed and so you may freely accept the responsibilities you are about to acquire.  In general, the guidelines require efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of the network resources. If a NISD user violates any of these provision, 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.

II.            INTERNET - SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A.            Acceptable Use - Navasota ISD=s network is a component of the Region VI Education Service Center (CommNet).  As such we must work in accordance with their policies as well as our own.  The purpose of CommNet is to support research and education in and among academic institutions in the United States 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 be consistent with the educational objectives of the Navasota Independent School District.  The use of any other organization=s network or computing resources must comply with the rules appropriate for the network.  Transmission of any material in violation of any federal or state regulation is prohibited.  This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by trade secret.  Use for commercial activities by for-profit institutions is generally not acceptable.  Use for product advertisement or political lobbying is also prohibited.

B.            Privileges - The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in cancellation of those privileges.  The system administrators, Navasota ISD employees responsible for the operation of the network, will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final.  Also, the system administrators may close an account at any time as required or as they deem appropriate and without notice.  The administration of Navasota ISD may direct the system administrators to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts for, including but not limited to, violation of network computing regulations and guidelines, or as a result of other disciplinary action against the user.

C.            NISD Network Computing Regulations and Guidelines - Navasota ISD is responsible for securing its network and computing systems in a reasonable and economically feasible degree against unauthorized access and/or abuse, while also making them accessible for authorized and legitimate users.  This responsibility includes informing users of expected standards of conduct and the punitive measures

for not adhering to them.  Any violation of the regulations and guidelines will result in disciplinary action in the form of temporary revocation of user privileges.  Permanent revocations can result from disciplinary actions taken by NISD administrators.

SECTION 1 - GENERAL COMPUTING           

Once a user receives an account or formal permission to access the network, he/she

is solely responsible for all actions taken while using that account.  Therefore:

I.              Applying for an account or access permission under false pretenses

is a punishable disciplinary offense.

II.            Sharing an account or password with any other person is prohibited. 

You are fully responsible for any actions which occur in relation to

 your account or password.

III.           Revealing your personal address or phone numbers, or the address or

phone numbers of students, staff, or colleagues, is prohibited.

IV.           Deletion, examination, copying, or modification of files and/or data

belonging to other users without their prior consent is prohibited.

V.            Continued use of network by monopolizing system resources

that interferes       with other users, after receipt of a request to

cease activity is prohibited.

VI.           Use of facilities and/or services for commercial purposes is prohibited.

VII.          Any unauthorized, deliberate action which damages or disrupts a

computing system, alters its normal performance, or causes it to

malfunction is a violation regardless of system location or time duration.

SECTION 2 - ELECTRONIC MAIL

Whenever you send electronic mail, your name and user ID are included in each mail message.  You are responsible for all electronic mail (e-mail) originating from your user ID.  By accepting an account, the applicant authorizes NISD system administrators to have access to the applicant=s e-mail and to make that e-mail available to district, local, state and federal officials in conjunction with any official investigation.  Therefore:

I.              Forgery, or attempted forgery, of electronic mail messages is prohibited.

II.            Attempts to read, delete, copy, or modify the electronic mail of other users

are prohibited.

III.           Attempts at sending harassing, obscene and/or other threatening electronic

mail to another user is prohibited.

IV.           Attempts at sending unsolicited Ajunk mail,@ Afor-profit@ messages, or chain

letters is prohibited.

V.            Never assume that online users are who they say they are.

VI.           Never respond to messages that are threatening or obscene.  Alert a

teacher, librarian, or administrator if such a message is encountered.

VII.          Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with an Internet user without your

parental permission.

SECTION 3 - NETWORK SECURITY              

As a user of the network, you may be allowed access to other networks and/or the

computer system connected to those networks.  Therefore:

I.              Use of systems and/or networks in attempts to gain unauthorized

access to remote systems is prohibited.

II.            Use of systems and/or networks to connect to other systems, in evasion

of  the physical limitations of the remote system, is prohibited.

III.           Description of system or user passwords is prohibited.

IV.           The copying of system files is prohibited.

V.            The copying of copyrighted materials, without the express written

 permission of the owner or the proper license, is prohibited.

VI.           Intentional attempts to Acrash@ network systems or programs are

punishable disciplinary offenses.

VII.          Any attempts to secure a higher level of privilege on network systems

are punishable disciplinary offenses.

VIII.        The willful introduction of computer Aviruses@ or other disruptive and/or

 destructive programs into the NISD network or into external networks is prohibited

SECTION  4 - DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLISHING OF NAVASOTA WEB  PAGES

The Navasota Independent School District (NISD) hereby reserves the right to implement the following guidelines for the development and publishing of NISD Web pages:

Careful thought should be given to the purpose of a school=s Website.  Websites should be primarily academic in nature.  They can also serve to support our educational programs by informing our community about events and activities and reflect the unique personality of each school.

These criteria must be considered when posting material to the Navasota ISD Web Site:

The appropriateness of the pages in relation to the objectives of the district/campus/class

The representation as it appears for the Navasota Independent School District

The demand on the District and Campus Webmasters to approve and upload Web  pages.

I.            Roles of the developers of the Navasota Web Pages:

Definition:  Campus Webmaster-- Designated faculty or staff person responsible for material and content published on the campus Website.

A.            Campus Webmaster will be responsible for ensuring that campus Web pages have no copyright violations, for gathering all Copyright Permission Letters and turning them in to the District Web Administrator before publishing.

B.            Campus Webmaster will be responsible to proofread (before publishing) all campus Web pages including the links used in the Web pages.

C.            All Web pages must be in compliance with federal copyright laws.  Permission of originator is needed to publish information, graphs or photographs on your site. [See sample copyright permission letter form attached]   Making a link to another site does not require permission, although as a courtesy, you should inform the linked site and suggest reciprocal link if appropriate.

D.            Student and parent must sign permission form granting permission for work to be published on the NISD Web pages.  (See form  Internet - Specific Terms and Conditions) This form must be turned in to and filed by the principal=s secretary. 

E.            Navasota pages designed by employees to communicate school business to parents (such as homework assignments, fundraisers, etc.) should be posted to the Navasota ISD Website on the NISD server rather than on a personal page.

F.             Teacher Web pages:  Teachers will be responsible for compliance with District rules in maintaining their optional class Web pages.  Any links from a school or class Web page to sites outside the District=s computer system must receive approval from the Campus or District Webmaster before posting.

G.            Student Web pages:  With the approval of the District Webmaster, students may establish individual Web pages linked to a campus or District Web site; however, all material and links presented on a student=s Web page must be related to the student=s educational activities.  Student Web pages must include the following notice:  AThis is a student Web page.  Opinions expressed on this page shall not at attributed to the District.@  Any links from a student=s Web page to sites outside the District=s computer system must receive approval from the District Webmaster.

H.            Extra-Curricular Organization Web Pages:  With the approval of the District Webmaster, extracurricular organizations may establish Web pages linked to a campus or District Web site; however, all material presented on the Web page must relate specifically to organization activities and include only student-produced material.  The sponsor of the organization will be responsible for compliance with District rules for maintaining the Web page.  Web pages of extracurricular organizations must include the following notice:  AThis is a student extracurricular organization Web page.  Opinions expressed on this page shall not be attributed to the District.@  Any links from the Web page of an extracurricular organization to sites outside the District=s computer system  must receive approval from the District Webmaster.

I.              Personal Web Pages:  District employees, Trustees, and members of the public will not be permitted to publish personal Web pages using District resources.

J.             Navasota pages created by employees belong to the district even after their job terminates.

K.            The district Web administrator may shut down Navasota pages that use excessive system resources or network bandwidth.

II.     Role of the District Web Administrator of the Navasota ISD pages:

A.      The District Webmaster will be responsible for maintenance of the district=s site. Maintenance includes (but is not limited to timely updating of information, periodic checks of external links, posting approved pages to the District server and design site to accommodate new pages.

B.       The District Webmaster is ultimately responsible for making sure site conforms to all requirements of district guidelines and will be responsible for all content and subject matter posted on the  campus=s/district=s Website.

C.       All pages for publishing should be reviewed by District Webmaster to insure correct content and/or quality of published material.  This includes all links from the page directing viewers to an external site.

Content concerns include the following:

· Appropriate information for a school site

· Appropriate links to outside sources

· Personal pages are not permitted

                              Subject matter concerns:

· Content appropriate material

· Student work posted with permission by student and parent

· Student work does not reveal family or personal details that may be construed as invasion of privacy for student or family members

Accuracy concerns

· Correct spelling

· Correct grammar and punctuation

· Correct dates, times and locations

                                  D.  Personal student identification on school Web pages should follow these guidelines:

· A student=s complete first and last name may not be published without parental permission.   If written permission is not on file, first initial and last name OR first name along with initial of the last name should be used.  (See form  Internet - Specific Terms and Conditions)

· Written parental permission must be obtained and kept on file before publishing any student picture.   This applies to both individual and group pictures.  (See form  Internet - Specific Terms and Conditions)

·  No part of a student=s name may accompany an identifying picture.

SECTION 5- PROHIBITED MATERIAL AND ACTIONS

TThe following materials and/or actions are prohibited.  This includes but is not limited to:

  I.  Material that is obscene, lewd, lascivious, filthy, indecent, or patently offensive as measured by contemporary community standards.

III.  Material that would encourage illegal acts, violence, terrorism, or hate.

III.  Actions that annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass another person.

IIV.   Political lobbying.

D.                   Disclaimer And Limitation of Liability - Access to the Internet is provided on an Aas is, as available@ basis.  The Navasota ISD, its Board of Trustees, agents, and staff members make no representation or warranties, whether expressed or implied, of any kind with respect to Region VI Education Service Center (CommNet), the services provided by the NISD network, or any information or software accessed or received by the applicant or contacts made by the applicant, and disclaims any implied warranties, including any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.   The system administrators and Navasota ISD do not warrant that the functions or services performed by, or that the information or software contained on the system will meet the user=s requirements or that the operation of the system will be uninterrupted or error-free or that defects in the system will be corrected.  Navasota ISD will not be responsible to you or liable to you for any claims, losses, or damages you may suffer as a result of these Terms and Conditions or your access to the CommNet or the NISD Network, including without limitation, any losses, claims, or damages arising form Navasota ISD=s negligence or your own errors or omissions.  YOU AGREE THAT THIS LIMITATION IS INTENDED TO AND DOES RELEASE NAVASOTA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, ITS BOARD OF TRUSTEES, AGENTS, AND STAFF MEMBERS FROM ANY CLAIMS, DAMAGES, OR LOSSES THAT YOU MAY SUFFER THAT MAY ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SYSTEM.  Use of any information obtained via your connection with the NISD Network is at your own risk.  Navasota ISD specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through this service.  Furthermore, Navasota ISD assumes no responsibility or liability for any phone charges including, but not limited to, long distance charges, per minute (unit) surcharges and or equipment or line costs incurred by the user while accessing the NISD Network.  Any disputes or problems regarding phone service are strictly between the user and his/her local phone company and/or long distance service provider.

E.                    Security - Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users.  If you identify a security problem on the Internet or the NISD Network, you must notify your teacher, librarian, or system administrator.  Do not demonstrate the problem to other users.  Do not use another individual=s account.  A Navasota ISD staff member shall not let anyone else use his/her account and password.  Attempts to log in to the system using any other account, password, or privileges than one=s own will result in cancellation of user privileges.  Users shall immediately notify a system administrator if their password is lost or stolen, or if they have reason to believe that someone has obtained unauthorized access to their account.  Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the NISD Network.

F.                   Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of user privileges.  Vandalism, as addressed in the NISD Network regulations and guidelines, is defined as any malicious attempt to access without permission of, or harm or destroy data of, another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are connected to the Internet or the NISD Network.  This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

G.                   Netiquette and Good Practices - ANetiquette@ is the Internet equivalent of good behavior or Aetiquette.@  Accepting the responsibility of using the network requires that you treat other users with respect and practices Anetiquette.@  Backing up data is good computing practice and is strongly recommended.

H.                   Updating Your User Information - The system administrators may occasionally require new registration and account information from you to continue service.  You must notify the system administrators of any changes in your account information.

                       Application of Terms and Conditions - All terms and conditions in this document are applicable to the applicant=s use of CommNet and the NISD Network.  These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties.  These terms and conditions shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, and the United States of America.

 Headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not be used in the interpretation of this document.  Any dispute

 regarding these terms and conditions will be resolved by the NISD administration whose decisions will be final and binding.

APPLICATION FOR ACCOUNT AND/OR NETWORK  ACCESS

(District Personnel and Guests)

Requesting an Account - Requesting an account and/or network access does not guarantee that an account will be given.  On acceptance, staff and guests will be given an account name and password or other user identification.

Termination of Account - A staff member or guest=s access to, and use of, the NISD Network system will be removed by the Network Administrator  upon termination of employment or relationship with the district.  These accounts will be removed along with files without notice given.

***************************************************************************************

Full Name (please print)_____________________________________________________________

Home Address_____________________________________________________________________

          ___________________________________________________________________

Home Phone____________________                              Work Phone _________________________

District Location (Campus) __________   

I have read AInternet - Specific Terms and Conditions,@and I have received training from NISD personnel.  I understand and will abide by those terms and conditions.  I further understand that any violation of the regulations and guidelines is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense.  Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked with or without notice, disciplinary action may be taken, and appropriate legal action may be taken.

Signature _____________________________________            Date_______________________

*******************************************************************************

                                                                       NETWORK SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR USE ONLY

Date of Training_____________________     Trainer_____________________________________

Approved__________________________    Disapproved________________________________

Signature of System Administrator__________________________________Date_____________

AGREEMENT FOR CLASSROOM USE OF

NETWORK/INTERNET

This agreement is to enable Navasota Independent School District teachers and other instructional personnel to allow student use of the network and Internet.  It is essential that each employee understand their role and responsibility in the proper and use of these resources.  District policy ACQ (LOCAL)@ sets forth these responsibilities:

The teacher, librarian, or designee will:

Be responsible for monitoring student use of the network and Internet in the classroom.

Grant network and Internet access only to those students who have proper authorization and                 have been properly trained.

Ensure that each student using the network and Internet will log beginning and ending access               times, sites visited, and activities conducted.

Alert network system administrators to security problems and breaches of acceptable use.

Use appropriate materials in classroom activities.

********************************************************************************

Full Name (please print)_____________________________________________________________

Home Address_____________________________________________________________________

          ___________________________________________________________________

Home Phone____________________                              Work Phone _________________________

District Location: Campus _________________________________    Room #_______________

I have read (1) ANavasota ISD Network and Internet - Specific Terms and Conditions for Users @ and (2) ANISD Board Policy on Data Management CQ(LOCAL).@  (This policy is posted on Navasota ISD=s Web page in the Board Members link.)  I understand and will abide by those terms and conditions.  I further understand that any violation of the regulations and guidelines is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense.  Should I commit any violation, my access privileges maybe revoked with or without notice, school disciplinary action may be taken, and appropriate legal action may be taken.

Signature _____________________________________            Date_______________________

APPLICATION FOR ACCOUNT AND/OR NETWORK ACCESS

(Student - Secondary)

Requesting an Account - Requesting an account and/or network access does not guarantee that an account will be given.  On acceptance, students will be given an account name and password or other user identification.

Full Name (please print)_____________________________________________________________

Home Address_____________________________________________________________________

            _____________________________________________________________________

Home Phone____________________    District Location (Campus) __________     Grade ______

I have read AInternet - Specific Terms and Conditions,@ and I have received training from NISD personnel.  I understand and will abide by those terms and conditions.  I further understand that any violation of the regulations and guidelines is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense.  Should I commit any violation, my access privileges may be revoked with or without notice, school disciplinary action may be taken, and appropriate legal action may be taken.

User Signature _____________________________________     Date_______________________

NOTICE TO STUDENT, PARENT/ GUARDIAN:  If the student is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian must also read and sign this agreement.  As the parent or guardian of the person named above, I have read the AInternet - Specific Terms and Conditions.@  I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes.  I also recognize that it is impossible for the Navasota Independent School District to restrict access to all controversial materials, and I will not hold NISD responsible for controversial materials acquired on the network.  I certify that the information contained on this form is correct.

****Important Note about Navasota Publishing, Including Web Pages***

Each campus has a web page that posts teacher contact information as well as student activities and awards.  As a parent/guardian,  your approval is needed in order to utilize your student=s likeness, materials, or projects on district media (disk, CD ROM, video, newsletters) and the NISD Web site.  Please indicate your wishes by circling Yes or NO to each item below:

Yes  NO     I give NISD permission to utilize my student=s likeness, materials, or projects on district media (disk, CD ROM, video, or newsletter that may be  distributed to the homes of other NISD students.

Yes  NO     I give permission to use my student=s full name within text (no picture) on the district Web page.

Yes  NO     I give permission for my student=s image to be used in an individual or group picture on the

                    NISD Web page.  (Names will not be combined with pictures, and pictures will be copy protected)

By signing this form, / I hereby give permission to allow my student to use the NISD Network and to allow Internet access.  I certify that I have indicated my additional preferences by circling Yes or NO above, and that all the information contained in this form is correct.

Parent or Guardian Signature:________________________________________Date:____________________________________

Parent or Guardian Printed Name:_____________________________________School Year:______________________________