Lamar CISD Employee Guidelines For Acceptable Use Of Technology Resources

These guidelines are provided so that employees are aware of the responsibilities they accept when they use District-owned computer hardware, operating system software, application software, stored text, data files, electronic mail, local databases, removable media, digitized information, communication technologies, and Internet access. In general, this requires efficient, ethical, and legal utilization of all technology resources.

1. Expectations:
   1. Use of computers, other technical hardware, computer networks, and software is only allowed when granted permission by the employee’s supervisor.
   2. All users are expected to follow existing copyright laws.
   3. Although the District has an Internet safety plan in place, employees are expected to notify their campus or district administrator whenever they come across information or messages that are inappropriate, dangerous, threatening, or make them feel uncomfortable.
   4. Employees who identify or know about a security problem are expected to convey the details to their campus or district administrator without discussing it with others.
   5. Employees are responsible for securing technology devices when not in use and for returning them in good working condition.
   6. Employees have a right to participate in social networking sites, blogs, forums, wikis, etc., or other Internet activities for their private use; however, employees should not post anything (through written messages, images, videos, or otherwise that would violate student confidentiality rights, and/or District Board policies and procedures including but not limited to the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators (as stated in Board policy DH (EXHIBIT), and/or that would negatively impact the perception of the employee's ability to be effective in their employment capacity. Postings that are considered inappropriate or otherwise are violations of District Board policies and procedures, including but not limited to the Acceptable Use Procedures, may be addressed by the District and could lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
   7. Employees are responsible for conserving energy as appropriate by turning off electronic devices daily.

2. Unacceptable conduct includes but is not limited to the following:
   1. Using the network for illegal activities, such as copyright or contract violations, or downloading inappropriate materials, viruses, and/or software, including but not limited to hacking and host file sharing software.
   2. Using the network for financial or commercial gain, advertising, or political activities.
   3. Accessing or exploring online content that does not support the curriculum and/or is inappropriate for school assignments, including but not limited to pornographic sites.
   4. Vandalizing, tampering, or accessing without permission, equipment, programs, files, software, system performance or other technology. Use or possession of hacking software is strictly prohibited.
   5. Causing congestion on the network or interfering with the work of others, e.g., chain letters, jokes, or pictures to lists or individuals.
   6. Unauthorized or non-curricular use of online video, music, or streaming content.
   7. Gaining unauthorized access anywhere on the network.
   8. Invading the privacy of other individuals.
   9. Using another user’s account, password, or ID card or allowing another user access to your account, password, or ID. Coaching, helping, joining, or acquiescing in any unauthorized activity on the network.
   10. Posting anonymous, unlawful, or inappropriate messages or information on a district owned system.
   11. Engaging in sexual harassment or using any language of a sexual or otherwise objectionable nature (e.g., racist, terroristic, abusive, threatening, demeaning, slanderous) in public or private messages.
   12. Falsifying permission and/or authorization of identification documents.
   13. Obtaining copies of or modifying files, data, or passwords belonging to other users on the network without authorization.
   14. Knowingly placing a computer virus on a computer or network.
   15. Using personal computing devices on the district network, except district-approved devices.
   16. Transmission of any material that is in violation of any federal or state law. This includes, but is not limited to, student or other confidential information, copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, and computer viruses.

3. Acceptable Use Guidelines
   1. General Guidelines:
      1. Employees are responsible for the ethical and educational use of technology in the District and when a district-owned device is used out of District.
      2. Employees will have access to available forms of electronic media and communication that is in support of education and research, and in support of the educational goals and objectives of the District.
      3. All technology policies and restrictions must be followed.
      4. Access to the District’s computer online services is a privilege and not a right. Each employee will be required to sign and adhere to the Acceptable Use of Technology Resources Agreement.
      5. When placing, removing, or restricting access to data or online services, school officials shall apply the same criteria of educational suitability used for other education resources.
   2. Network Etiquette
      1. Be polite.
      2. Use appropriate language.
      3. Do not reveal personal data (i.e. home address, phone number, or phone numbers of other people).
      4. Remember that the other users of technology are human beings whose culture, language, and humor have different points of reference from your own.
      5. Users should be discrete when forwarding e-mail and it should only be done on a need-to-know basis.
   3. E-Mail
      1. E-mail may be used for educational or administrative purposes only.
      2. E-mail transmissions, stored data, transmitted data, or any other use of district owned technology by employees or any other user is subject to being monitored at any time by designated staff to ensure appropriate use.
      3. All e-mail and all contents are property of the District.
4. Consequences
   1. The employee, in whose name a system account and/or computer hardware is issued, will be responsible at all times for its appropriate use.
   2. Noncompliance with the guidelines published here, in the Employee Code of Conduct, and in Board policy may result in suspension or termination of technology privileges and disciplinary action. Violations of applicable state and federal law, including the Texas Penal Code, Computer Crimes, Chapter 33 may result in criminal prosecution, as well as disciplinary action by the District.
   3. The District cooperates fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to violations of computer crime laws. In addition, contents of e-mail and network communications using District equipment and network access is governed by the Texas Public Information Act, and therefore may be subject to public disclosure as required by law.
   4. Any attempt to alter data, the configuration of a computer, or the files of another user, without the consent of the campus or district administrator, will be considered an act of vandalism and subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Board policy.

Employee Name (print): ______________________________________________

School/Location: ____________________________________________________

I have read the Employee Acceptable Use Guidelines for Lamar CISD. I agree to follow the rules contained in these guidelines. I further understand that electronic mail transmissions and other use of the electronic communications systems, including the Internet, are not private and may be monitored at any time by the District staff to ensure appropriate use, as defined by the Acceptable Use Guidelines.

I understand that violations can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Employee Signature: ________________________________________________

Lamar CISD Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Lamar Consolidated Independent School District provides a variety of technology resources for educational purposes. Technology resources 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. This also includes any access to the Lamar CISD electronics system 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. Inappropriate use of the District's technology resources may result in revocation or suspension of the privilege to use these resources, as well as other disciplinary or legal action, in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and applicable laws.

The following guidelines apply to all District networks, student technology accounts, email accounts, devices connected to the District's networks, and all District-owned devices used on or off school property, whether connected to the District's network or connected through a personal data plan or other means of access.

Additionally, the District prohibits bullying or harassment through electronic means regardless of the device used, the network used, or the location of use. [See District policies FFH and FFI.]

Assigned Technology Resources

You are being given access to the following technology resources:

• A District email account, including access to cloud-based (online) document storage and collaboration space (Microsoft Office365);
• District computer hardware, software, and printers on your school campus;
• District networks, including document storage space;
• Access to District-owned technology resources for use at home;
• A student account to the following online, web, or software applications:
  • Canvas;
  • Skyward;
  • Classlink;
• Various online resources that align to grade level and curriculum objectives that may include online databases, Web 2.0 tools, and more; and
• District-filtered internet access.

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 parent or guardian) might find objectionable. While the District 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 acceptable use.

If you are being issued a District-owned technology device, you will be given additional materials addressing the proper use, care, and return of these devices.

Rules for Acceptable Use:

• District technology resources are primarily for instructional and educational purposes. Limited personal use is allowed only if the rules in this agreement are followed and the use does not interfere with schoolwork.
• If you are issued your own account and password, you must not share your account information with another person.
• District-owned devices and personal devices that allow access to District email or potentially sensitive student or employee records must be password-protected.
• You must always keep your personal information and the personal information of others private. This includes names, addresses, photographs, or any other personally identifiable or private information.
• Students will not download or sign up for any online resource or application without prior approval from their teacher or campus administrator.
• Students age 13 or younger will not sign up for individual accounts on social media or Web 2.0 tools, but will use a District or classroom account as applicable.
• When communicating through email or other electronic means, you must use appropriate language and etiquette as you would when communicating face to face. Always be respectful.
• You must be sure to acknowledge the work and ideas of others when you reference them in your own work.
• You must immediately report any suspicious behavior or other misuse of technology to your teacher or other campus administrator.
• You will be held responsible at all times for the proper use of your account, and the District may suspend or revoke your access if you violate the rules listed above.

Inappropriate Use

The following are examples of inappropriate use of technology resources that may result in loss of privileges or disciplinary action, but is not an exhaustive list:

• Using the resources for any illegal purpose, including, but not limited to, threatening school safety;
• Accessing the resources to knowingly alter, damage, or delete District property or information, or to breach any other electronic equipment, network, or electronic communications system in violation of the law or District policy;
• Damaging electronic communications systems or electronic equipment, including knowingly or intentionally introducing a virus to a device or network, or not taking proper security steps to prevent a device or network from becoming vulnerable;
• Violating network security with intentional or ethical hacking to obtain unauthorized district network access or user information;
• Disabling or attempting to disable or bypass any internet filtering device;
• Using someone's account without permission;
• Pretending to be someone else when posting, transmitting, or receiving messages;
• Attempting to read, delete, copy, modify, or interfere with another user's posting, transmission, or receipt of electronic media;
• Using resources to engage in conduct that harasses or bullies others;
• Sending, posting, or possessing materials that are abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal, including material that constitutes cyberbullying and "sexting;"
• Using inappropriate language such as cursing, vulgarity, ethnic or racial slurs, and any other inflammatory language;
• Posting personal information about yourself or others, such as addresses, phone numbers, or photographs, without permission, or responding to requests for personally identifiable information or contact from unknown individuals;
• Making appointments to meet people face to face that you met online; if a request for such a meeting is received, it should be immediately reported to a teacher or administrator;
• Violating others' intellectual property rights, including downloading or using copyrighted information without permission from the copyright holder;
• Wasting school resources through the improper use of the District's technology resources, including sending spam; and
• Downloading unauthorized applications or software or gaining unauthorized access to restricted information or resources.

Reporting Violations

• You must immediately report to a teacher or campus administrator any known or suspected violation of the District's applicable policies, cybersecurity plan, internet safety plan, or responsible-use guidelines.
• You must report to a supervising teacher or campus administrator any requests for personally identifiable information or contact from unknown individuals, as well as any content or communication that is abusive, obscene, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.

Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools

The District recognizes the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance learning experiences; however, it is important that students do not enter personal information or the personal information of others into AI tools. When utilizing AI tools, students are expected to follow the same Acceptable Use rules as referenced above for other technology resources.

It is strictly prohibited to use AI tools to plagiarize assignments. When generating ideas with AI, Lamar CISD believes in the importance of individual effort, critical thinking, and the responsible use of technology.

Teachers play a crucial role in guiding students' use of technology and fostering ethical practices. Our educators will provide clear guidelines, instruction, and support to help students understand the responsible and appropriate use of AI tools in their assignments. We emphasize the following expectations regarding the use of AI tools in student assignments:

1. Originality: Students must take personal responsibility for the originality and authenticity of their work. Assignments should reflect their own thoughts, ideas, and understanding of the subject matter.
2. Proper Attribution and Citation: When incorporating AI-generated content into their assignments, students must accurately cite and attribute the sources. This includes acknowledging the use of AI tools and providing appropriate citations or attributions for any external content generated by AI algorithms.
3. Academic Integrity: Students should adhere to the principles of academic integrity, honesty, and respect for intellectual property rights. Plagiarism, whether facilitated by AI tools or any other means, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Any violation of this policy will be addressed according to our established disciplinary procedures. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, revision of assignments, loss of academic privileges, parental involvement, or other appropriate measures deemed necessary by the school administration.

Parent Acknowledgement

I understand that my student’s use of the District's technology resources is not private and that the District may monitor their activity.

I have read the District's technology resources policy, associated administrative regulations, and this user agreement, and I agree to abide by their provisions, including the District's guidelines for responsible online behavior and use of social networking websites. I understand that violation of these provisions may result in suspension or revocation of access to the District's technology resources or other disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.

Parent Signature: ______________________________________               Date: ____________

Lamar CISD Acceptable Use Policy for Guest Users

You are being given access to the District’s digital resources. Through these resources, you will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations, and people around the world through the internet. You will have access to hundreds of databases, libraries, and computer services all over the world.

With this opportunity comes responsibility. It is important that you read the District’s policy, administrative regulations, and agreement form and ask questions if you need help in under- standing them. Inappropriate system use will result in the loss of access to the District’s digital resources.

Please note that the internet is a network of many types of communication and information networks. It is possible that you may run across some material you might find objectionable. While the District 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 ap- propriate use.

1. You agree that the expectations are as follows:
   1. You will be assigned an individual account, and you are responsible for not sharing the password for that account with others.
   2. You will be held responsible at all times for the proper use of your account, and the District may suspend or revoke your access if you violate the rules.
   3. You will be held to the same professional standards in your public use of electronic media as you are for any other public conduct. If your use of the digital resources violates state or federal law or District policy or interferes with your ability to effectively perform your job duties (function in the District), you are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment/contract/relationship with the District. Remember that people who receive email from you with a school address might think your message represents the school’s point of view.
2. You agree unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:
   1. Using the system for any illegal purpose.
   2. Disabling or attempting to disable any internet filtering device.
   3. Encrypting communications to avoid security review.
   4. Using another user’s account, password, or ID card or allowing another user access to your account, password, or ID card.
   5. Downloading or using copyrighted information without permission from the copy- right holder.
   6. Causing congestion on the network or interfering with the work of others, e.g., chain letter emails, or broadcast messages to lists or individuals, or unauthorized or noncurricular use of online video, music, or streaming content.
   7. Knowingly installing or introducing malware on a District device or the network.
   8. Posting messages or accessing materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal.
   9. Making an audio or video recording of any student, teacher, or administrator with- out prior permission from the subject.
   10. Using technology resources to bully, harass, or tease other people.
   11. Wasting school resources through improper use of the digital resources.
   12. Gaining unauthorized access to restricted information, resources, or networks.
   13. Capturing, forwarding, or altering files, data, stored data, or data in transmission belonging to other District devices on the network.
   14. Using active listening devices such as, but not limited to, Alexa, Siri, and Google Home.
   15. Using the network for financial or commercial gain, advertising, proselytizing, or political lobbying.
3. Consequences for inappropriate use:
   1. Suspension of access to the system;
   2. Revocation of the digital resource privilege; or
   3. Other legal action, in accordance with applicable laws.

Lamar Consolidated Independent School District Acceptable Use Agreement for Guest Users

I understand that my device use is not private and that the District will monitor my activity on any device. Electronic mail, network usage, and all stored files will not be considered confidential and may be monitored at any time by designated District staff to ensure appropriate use.

I have read this Acceptable Use Policy for Guest Users and agree to follow the rules in this policy. In consideration for the privilege of using the District’s digital resources and in consideration for having access to the public networks, I hereby release the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, its operators, and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my use of, or inability to use, the system, including, without limitation, the type of damages identified in the District’s Use Policy for Guest Users.

Name (print): __________________________________________          

Signature: _____________________________________________