Acceptable use of technology resources

To support district-related or educational objectives, access to the District's Technology Resources will be granted annually when parents/guardians approve the Acceptable Use Policy during registration. These resources encompass the District's network, servers, and computer workstations, along with mobile devices, telephones, and peripherals. Additionally, the definition includes applications, databases, library catalogs, online resources, internet connectivity, email, online classroom activities, and any other technology specifically designated for District use.

Users should be aware that the standards of conduct specified in the Student Handbook apply equally to District network accounts accessed via personal (BYOD) mobile devices. Any misuse of District technology on a personal device may result in the disciplinary actions detailed in this section, which can include the permanent loss of NISD device or network access privileges.

Student Behavior on the Technology Resources:

All Northside students must adhere to the following regulations when utilizing district technology, including online communications & activity, curriculum, and devices:

1. Students are responsible for the proper use of their district accounts.
2. Login credentials and passwords must remain confidential and never be shared.
3. Students cannot use another person's account to access their information.
4. Students cannot use encryption software or methods to hide electronic communications.
5. Students cannot share copyrighted programs or data without written permission from the copyright owner.
6. Students cannot send, forward, or post messages that are abusive, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, sexually explicit, threatening, harassing, damaging to someone's reputation, or illegal.
7. District technology resources must not be consumed through activities like online gaming, spamming email, internet radio, or the distribution of unnecessary media.

Northside ISD recognizes that mobile phones and other digital devices are an integral part of our culture and way of life and can provide considerable value, particularly in relation to individual safety.  It is also recognized that such technology will play a significant part in the education of the 21st century student, but this use should follow agreed rules and guidelines to prevent classroom disruption, student misuse and teacher difficulties. To maintain a focused learning environment and minimize classroom disruptions, the use of personal mobile devices must align with District expectations. Students may bring their own mobile technology to campus to support district-related or educational purposes; however, cell phones and other personal communication devices must remain stored throughout the school day and may not be used during instructional time unless specifically authorized by the teacher for an educational activity or as otherwise permitted by District policy.

Responsibility of Students and Parents

• Students who choose to bring a personally owned mobile device to a campus must abide by the Acceptable Use Policy and District Guidelines.  Failure to follow these guidelines may result in loss of device privileges or disciplinary action under the District's Code of Conduct. 
• It is the parent’s decision to allow their children to bring a mobile device to school and they need to be aware when their child has the mobile device with them.
• The student assumes full responsibility for their personal mobile device. The District provides no financial coverage for theft, loss, or damage. To ensure safety, devices must be kept secure and should never be left unattended in open or public areas
• Be aware that data plans or Internet access on mobile devices can allow for the viewing of unfiltered web content when not logged in to the Northside network.
• The owner of the mobile device is exclusively responsible for all associated fees and data plan costs.

Acceptable Use of BYOD Devices
Specific acceptable use of a mobile device will be determined by each campus. 

• Each teacher has the right to permit or prohibit device usage during class time, based on what best supports student learning and instructional needs. 
• While on campus during school hours, any BYOD device in use and capable of web access should connect exclusively through the district's filtered network. 
• Devices should not be used in any manner or place that is disruptive to the normal routine of the classroom or school.
   

Unacceptable Use of BYOD Devices
The District forbids any device usage that hampers or interrupts standard school or classroom operations. This restriction applies to off-campus and after-school actions if they result in a disruption to the educational setting.

• It is strictly forbidden to use unauthorized proxy tools or modify a mobile device to circumvent the District's firewall or filter.
• Threatening or bullying staff or fellow students via digital devices is intolerable and prohibited to include online social media platforms.
• Capturing video or photos of teachers, students, or others is not permitted without their explicit consent.
• Any use of a device that is deemed a criminal offense, will be dealt with as such by the District.

Technology is integrated throughout Northside ISD's instructional programs and district operations to support teaching, learning, collaboration, and communication. To support these efforts, NISD provides students, staff, and authorized guests with access to District technology resources, including devices, networks, Internet services, and digital tools.

The effective operation of the District's technology environment depends on the responsible use of these resources. All users are expected to use District technology in a responsible, ethical, and lawful manner consistent with its educational and operational purposes and in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws, Board policies, administrative regulations, and District procedures. Compliance with these expectations is a condition of receiving and maintaining access to any District technology resource, whether on campus, off campus, or while connected to District systems.

Students accept responsibility for the appropriate use of District technology resources when they are issued a District account and their parent or guardian acknowledges the Acceptable Use Policy during the annual registration process.

Northside ISD students and parent/guardians understand and agree to:

1. Northside ISD has the right to restrict access to any technology resources at any time.
    
2. The use of Northside ISD equipment and associated technology is a privilege, and it should be used responsibly in support of academics.
    
3. There are no exceptions to privacy while using District technology resources. (See Technology Protection Measures for more insights into ways Northside ISD protects student information and access)
    
4. Students must secure their district credentials by implementing the following measures:
   1. District Credentials: Students may only log in using their District-assigned username.
   2. Account Security: All users are responsible for the proper use of their District accounts. User logins and passwords must NEVER be shared with anyone. If a student feels their account has been compromised they must report that to the campus staff.
   3. Accessing Others' Accounts: Using another person's system account to access their data is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action according to the use of the Student Code of Conduct.
       
5. Students must display appropriate use of communication tools.
   1. Prohibited Content: Users must not send, forward, or post messages that are abusive, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal.
   2. Resource Management: Users must not waste District Technology Resources (e.g., e-mail spamming, distributing videos or photos, listening to Internet radio, online gaming, etc.).
   3. Refraining from distributing private information about others or themselves (such as full name, date of birth, address, phone number, Social Security Number, etc.) on blogs, web forms, or other websites.
       
6. Students must protect the integrity of resources.
   1. Security: Students must observe and comply with District web filtering and are responsible for reporting security risks or violations to the appropriate staff. 
   2. Encryption: Using encryption software to hide or obscure electronic communications is prohibited.
   3. Copyright Compliance:
      1. Students must not redistribute copyrighted programs or data without written permission from the District.
      2. Students must follow copyright laws (Title 17).
      3. Students must cite sources when using others’ work or using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for assignments.
   4. Students are expected to comply with the following requirements when using Northside ISD technology resources and District-issued devices: (See more about device responsibility at Northside ISD Technology Guidelines & Policy) 
      1. Do not modify or attempt to bypass District hardware, software, security settings, or network configurations.
      2. Do not damage, vandalize, misuse, or intentionally interfere with District devices, data, networks, or other technology resources.
          
7. Students are required to practice proper digital citizenship when using District communication platforms. 
   1. Professional Conduct: Maintain respectful and kind interactions; any threatening messages must be reported to school personnel immediately.
   2. Electronic Communication Standards: Students should be aware that all chat and email activity must follow Northside ISD retention policies and regulations.
   3. Official Representation: Users should recognize that emails sent from school accounts may be viewed as official District or school representation.
   4. Privacy and Data Protection: Avoid sharing personally identifiable information (PII) in chats, emails, or shared files.
       
8. Students must use District email, chat, and other communication tools responsibly and only for educational purposes.
   1. District-wide messages: Require approval from the Assistant Superintendent of Communications.
   2. Campus or department-wide messages: Require approval from the campus principal.
   3. Do not create group chats or send messages to multiple recipients unless directed or approved by a teacher.
   4. Use District communication tools only when authorized by a teacher.
   5. Never use District or personal technology resources to bully, harass, threaten, intimidate, or otherwise harm another person.
       
9. Students should be respectful and responsible when managing district equipment.
   1. Keep District equipment in good working condition. Do not alter, mark, damage, or misuse District devices or equipment.
   2. Follow all expectations outlined in the Northside ISD Device Care Campaign and Technology Lending Agreement.  (found on nisd.net/district/technology and at nisd.net/privacy)
   3. Return District-issued devices when transferring campuses, withdrawing from the District, or at the end of the school year, as directed.
   4. Promptly report any damage, loss, or excessive wear to the appropriate campus staff member. 

Consequences for violation of any of the above or inappropriate use are subject to disciplinary action as written in the Student Code of Conduct at the discretion of the campus administration team.

District technology use is primarily guided by the curriculum. Northside ISD is dedicated to fostering a setting where all electronic activities and resources are used ethically and responsibly. Accessing these resources is a significant privilege that requires both students and their families to assume responsibility. The Northside ISD Responsible Use Policy must be followed strictly at all times when using District-provided technology or digital tools. This obligation remains in effect whether Northside resources are accessed on personal devices while on District grounds, at home, or during any school-affiliated events. 

Please note that Internet access is part of the District’s Technology Resources.  The Internet is a network of many types of communication and information networks, which are used frequently in classroom assignments and include access to library materials and purchased online curriculum and databases. Some material accessible via the Internet may contain content that is illegal, inaccurate, or potentially offensive.  It is possible for users of the District’s Technology Resources to access (accidentally or otherwise) these areas of content.  While the District uses filtering technology and protection measures to restrict access to such material, it is not possible to prevent such access in every instance.  The district has an Internet Safety Committee to review reported sites and disable them from view (See more at Technology Protection Measures).

Consequences for inappropriate use

• Suspension of access to the District’s Technology Resources;
• Revocation of the District’s Technology Resources account(s); and/or
• Other appropriate disciplinary or legal action in accordance with the handbook(s) and applicable laws.

Note: The agreement to abide by these guidelines must be renewed each academic year through the annual registration process.

What are "Technology Resources"?
Technology resources includes everything from district internet, computers, phones, and email to online digital tools used by students and staff. Staff teach students how to use these tools safely and responsibly, following district rules about internet safety, appropriate online behavior, and cyberbullying as written in the TEA Technology TEKS. 

Getting Access to Technology Resources

• Students: Students in all grades will get access to the district's computer network after a guardian completes the Acceptable Use Policy during annual registration.
• Teachers: Teachers are responsible for their class accounts and must never share their login information with students or other staff.
• Security risks: Anyone who is a security risk or breaks these rules defined the student handbook or Acceptable Use Policy may lose access to our technology. Everyone must sign or agree to a user agreement each year to get or keep an account.

Important Permissions

• Copyrighted materials: We cannot put copyrighted software or information on our network without permission from the owner.
• Student or employee work: We need written permission from guardians before the district can post their original work on a district website.
• Student personal information: We won't put your child's personal information on a district website without your written permission. The only exception is "directory information" as allowed by law and district policy.
• Student accounts: Students will not get a student account or access to technology resources until a guardian completes the necessary consent in annual online registration which consents to Acceptable Use Policy.

Internet Filtering
The district has an Internet Safety Committee that chooses and manages technology to block websites that are inappropriate or harmful for children. All internet access on district-connected devices (wired or wireless) will be monitored and filtered.

Blocked content includes (but is not limited to):

• Nudity/pornography
• Images or descriptions of sexual acts
• Promotion of violence, illegal weapons, drug use, discrimination, or hate groups
• Instructions for criminal acts (like bomb making or hacking)
• Online gambling
• Social Media
• Generative AI resources not approved for student use

Website Unblock Request
Northside staff can ask the Internet Safety Committee to unblock a site for legitimate research or education purposes. If their request is denied, they can appeal to the Superintendent for review.

Technology Supervision Responsibilities
The Superintendent or their chosen staff will:

1. Share and enforce district policies and rules for technology use.
2. Make sure all users read and agree to these rules annually. We will keep a record of these agreements.
3. Ensure employees supervise students' device activity.
4. Ensure employees train students on how to use technology safely and properly.
5. Make sure all software on district computers follows district standards and is legally licensed.
6. Be allowed to monitor all system activities, including emails, to ensure student online safety and proper use of technology.
7. Be allowed to change filtering policies for legitimate research or lawful purposes with approval from the Internet Safety Committee.
8. Set and enforce how long emails are kept on the district system.
9. Be allowed to investigate district-owned devices if inappropriate use or malicious activity is suspected.
10. Set and enforce limits for data storage on the district's system.

School staff will:

1. Make sure any new applications required for teaching are approved through the proper District process.
2. Report any inappropriate websites to the Help Desk to be blocked.
3. Monitor students' use of district equipment and enforce proper digital citizenship.
4. Include technology application skills in their teaching.
5. Report compromised student passwords.
6. Report broken or malfunctioning hardware to Technology Services.

No Vandalism
Students are not allowed to intentionally damage district equipment, technology resources, or data, or the data of other users or connected networks. Deliberately trying to slow down or disrupt the system is against district policy and may be illegal. This includes uploading, downloading, or creating computer viruses.

Vandalism will result in losing access to technology resources and potential requirements to pay for the cost of repairing the system, along with other consequences.

No Forgery
Students may not forge, falsify, or impersonate another individual using District technology resources.

• Do not create or send fake emails, messages, digital signatures, or other communications.
• Do not access, copy, delete, modify, or interfere with another user's communications or accounts, or use another person's username or password.
• Do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI), deepfakes, edited media, social media, or other digital tools to impersonate, misrepresent, or deceive others or to create false or misleading content about another person.

Digital Content Awareness
Parents and students should understand that, despite District safety measures, students may occasionally encounter inaccurate or inappropriate content online.

If this occurs, students must stop accessing the material immediately and report it to a teacher or appropriate staff member.

Knowingly accessing or introducing prohibited content into the District’s electronic environment will result in loss of access and may lead to disciplinary action.

Disclaimer
The district's system is provided "as is, as available." We do not guarantee that the system will always work perfectly, meet your needs, or be error-free.

Opinions, advice, and information expressed by users, information providers, service providers, or other third parties on the system are their own and not the district's.

The district will fully cooperate with law enforcement in any investigation involving misuse of district technology.

Complaints About Copyright
If you have a complaint that copyrighted material is improperly on the district network, please contact:

• Name: Jo Ann Fey
• Position: Deputy Superintendent for Administration
• Address: 5900 Evers Road
• Telephone: (210) 397-8771
• E-mail: joann.fey@nisd.net