Needville Independent School District Student
Acceptable Use Policy for Technology

The Needville Independent School District recognizes the value of technology in helping the district
achieve its educational purposes. Computer use, computer networks, and Internet services can enhance
the educational program and help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful.
In addition, computer use, computer networks, and Internet services can help staff support the
educational program, strengthen district communications, and improve operational efficiency. These
services are for the specific and limited purpose of achieving the district’s goals and accomplishing its
educational and organizational purposes.

The use of NISD’s technology is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in the loss of
this privilege.

Please note that the Internet is a network of many types of communication and information networks. It is
possible that you may run across areas of adult content and some material you (or your parents) might
find objectionable. While NISD will use filtering technology to restrict access to such material, it is not
possible to absolutely prevent such access. It will be your responsibility to follow the rules for
appropriate use.

District Rights and Responsibilities:

Access to the NISD’s network will be made available exclusively for instructional and administrative
purposes.

NISD reserves the right to deny technology access to any individual. Only students who have
returned and signed the Acceptable Use Policy signature page and are under the supervision of
designated district employees are permitted to use a district computer.

NISD reserves the right to monitor all activity on all computers, networks, and the Internet.

NISD reserves the right to block any material on the Internet.

Use of NISD’s systems shall not be considered confidential.

 Security on the network is a high priority. The Superintendent or designee shall establish procedures
that will maximize system security.

Opinions, advice, services and all other information expressed by students, staff, information
providers, service providers, or other third party personnel on the Internet provided by NISD are
those of the individual and do not represent the position of NISD.

Educate students in Internet safety and cyber security which includes cyber bullying and digital
citizenship.

NISD staff is responsible for supervising student use of technology.

Using personal laptops, smart phones, or wireless devices to connect to the NISD Guest Wireless
network is allowed if the device is used as an educational tool and ONLY if the use of the device is
applicable to specific activities conducted in class.

Prohibited uses of the Technology include, but are not limited to:

 Sending, receiving, displaying, or accessing defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, profane,
sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, harassing, or illegal materials.

Cyber bullying.

Encouraging the use of or promoting the sale of controlled substances or drugs.

Any attempt to destroy, damage, or dismantle any and all technology equipment

Using portable operating systems.

Using mass storage devices
for any use other than school-related assignments or activities.

Any attempt to gain access to, deny access to, harm, alter, or destroy data found on the school's
networks, stand alone computers, or public networks. This includes, but is not limited to, the
uploading or creation of computer viruses.

Redistributing a copyrighted program or copyrighted material without the express written permission
of the owner or authorized person or as provided by the fair use exception. This includes uploading
and downloading of materials.

Downloading and/or installing any software, including but not limited to commercial software,
shareware, freeware, original software, and/or utilities on school computers, networks, or mass
storage devices2
.
Downloading music, movies, games, videos, or any other data.

Accessing any software other than software that is assigned.

Disabling, attempting to disable, or by passing Internet filtering devices and/or changing or
attempting to change any computer configurations or settings.

Attempting to change the physical configuration of the network. Adding personal switches, patch
cables, removing hardware, etc.

Using real-time conference features, such as forums, talk, blogs, chat, and/or Internet relay chat, nor
will students be allowed to use e-mail.

 Playing Internet games or surfing for any purposes other than school-related assignments or activities.

Logging into the system using another user’s account or password.

Leaving an account open or unattended.

Violating any district, local, state, or federal regulation or statute.

Any attempt to sell or offer for sale any goods or services that could be construed as a commercial
enterprise, unless approved by the Board or their designee.

Users must respect the privacy of others. Users shall not read, delete, copy, modify, or reveal data of
other network users.

Discipline:

Student discipline for violation of any part of these rules and procedures shall be based on the student’s
age and the severity of the infraction. Student discipline may involve actions up to and including
termination of privileges, suspension, and/or expulsion. Perpetrators or their parents/guardians may be
billed for damages to equipment. Illegal activities will be referred to the appropriate law enforcement
agency.