Acceptable Use

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT

(REGULATIONS)

Weatherford Independent School District provides a robust technology infrastructure to support Future Ready learning. The technology infrastructure is defined as the District’s network (including the wireless network), servers, computer workstations, mobile technologies, peripherals, applications, databases, online resources, Internet access, email, and any other technology designated for use by students, including all new technologies as they become available. Access to this infrastructure, and the internet shall be made available to students and employees exclusively for instructional and administrative purposes. This also includes any access to the Weatherford ISD technology infrastructure while on or near school property, in school vehicles and at school-sponsored activities, and includes the appropriate use of district technology resources via off-campus remote access.

In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), Weatherford ISD has implemented protective measures to restrict access to inappropriate materials. While every effort is made to provide the most secure environment, it is not possible to completely prevent access to inappropriate content.

Students under 13

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law that regulates the online collection of personal information from children under the age of 13. The law generally requires website operators to provide parental notification and obtain parental consent before collecting personal information from these students. However, COPPA also authorizes school districts to provide this consent when the collection of information is for the use and benefit of the school and for no other commercial purpose. Parents can obtain more information regarding COPPA via the Federal Trade Commission website at www.ftc.gov.

In an effort to succeed in a global community of the 21st Century, Weatherford ISD will use or recommend certain web based applications to enhance your child’s learning experience. These may include tools such as IStation, Canvas, Google Apps or others. The use of these services requires the District to disclose certain student information to the operators of these online services. A list of applications and websites that may be used in its classrooms, along with links to their privacy policies and terms of service is available at http://goo.gl/1OkQh9

According to the Student Code of Conduct students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the district’s technology infrastructure just as they are in a classroom or on a school playground. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with district standards and the specific rules set forth below. The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. The user is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school's technology infrastructure.

Disclaimer of Liability

Weatherford ISD shall not be liable for a student's inappropriate use of the district's technology infrastructure or violations of copyright restrictions or other laws, a student’s mistakes or negligence, and for any costs incurred by a student through the use of the infrastructure. Weatherford ISD shall not be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, age appropriateness, or usability of any information found on the internet. No warranties of any kind are offered neither expressed nor implied.

Appropriate Use

Students must only open, view, modify, and delete their own files.
Internet use at school must be directly related to school assignments and projects.
Students will be issued student email and network accounts. Account use should be for educational purposes only.
Students must immediately report threatening messages or discomforting Internet files/sites to a teacher.
Students must at all times use the district’s technology infrastructure in ways that are kind and respectful.
Students are responsible at all times for their use of the district’s electronic communications system and must assume personal responsibility to behave ethically and responsibly.

Inappropriate Use

Individual use will not interfere with others’ use and enjoyment of the technology infrastructure. Use in a manner that is not consistent with the mission of Weatherford ISD, misrepresents Weatherford ISD, or violates any Weatherford ISD policy is prohibited.
The systems may not be used for illegal or unlawful purposes, including hacking, copyright infringement, obscenity, libel, slander, fraud, defamation, plagiarism, intimidation, forgery, impersonation, illegal gambling, soliciting for illegal pyramid schemes, and computer tampering (e.g. spreading computer viruses).
Individuals may not view, copy, alter, or destroy data, software, documentation or data communications belonging to Weatherford ISD or another individual without authorized permission.
Users will not violate the policies of any network accessed through their account.
Sharing user names and passwords with others; and/or borrowing someone else’s username, password, or account access.
Electronically posting personal information about one’s self or others (i.e., addresses, phone numbers, and pictures).
Disabling or attempting to disable any system monitoring or filtering or security measures.

Consequences for Inappropriate Use

Appropriate disciplinary or legal action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and applicable laws including monetary damages.
Suspension of access to the district’s electronic communications system.
Revocation of the district’s electronic communications system account(s).
Termination of System User Account: The district may deny, revoke, or suspend specific user’s access to the district’s system with or without cause or notice for lack of use, violation of policy or regulations regarding acceptable network use, or as a result of disciplinary actions against the user.
Possible criminal action.
According to Texas Penal Code Chapter 33.07 it is illegal to impersonate someone online. Please see the complete Texas Online Impersonation statute here (http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.33.htm#33.07).

Monitoring of computer and Internet usage

Students should have no expectation of privacy in anything they create, store, send, or receive using Weatherford ISD’s technology infrastructure. Weatherford ISD has the right to monitor and log any and all aspects of its technology resources.

Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)

As new technologies continue to change the world in which we live, they also provide many new and positive educational benefits for classroom instruction. To encourage this growth, students at Weatherford ISD may bring their own technology to campus. Students may use these devices in the classroom when the teacher deems them appropriate for educational purposes. Devices include, but are not limited to, the following: notebooks, smart phones, iPhones, iPads, iPods, mp3 players and eReaders. All devices should be clearly labeled with student’s full name. Students are responsible for personal property brought to school and should keep personal items with self or in a locked space. Devices should be charged prior to bringing them to school.

In the event the technology is used inappropriately, normal disciplinary consequences may occur.

Data Management

A third party data management company assists the District in capturing and electronically submitting certain data required to be reported to the Texas Education Agency and needed for District operations.

Parental Choice

All Weatherford ISD students are granted access to all electronic services available. If you DO NOT want your student to have access to electronic services, please discuss opt-out options with the campus principal.