The Mullin Independent School District is pleased to make Internet access available throughout the district, and believe the Internet offers vast, diverse, and unique resources for both students and staff. Our goal in providing this service is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing and communication.

The superintendent or designee shall develop and implement, monitor, and evaluate electronic media resources for instructional and administrative purposes. The Internet is a network of many types of communication and information networks. Acceptable use requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of all technology resources. It is our desire to promote a safe and educational learning environment that will enhance the growth and development of our students.

Purpose
The objective of this policy is to outline appropriate and inappropriate use of Mullin ISD’s Internet resources, including, but not limited to, the use of browsers, electronic mail and instant messaging, file uploads and downloads, and voice communications.

Limited Personal Use
The district’s electronic communications systems, including its network access to the Internet, are primarily for administrative and instructional purposes. Limited personal use of the system is permitted if the use imposes no tangible cost to the district, does not unduly burden the district’s computer or network resources, and has no adverse affect on job performance or on a student’s academic performance.

Appropriate Use
Responsible use of all technology resources is expected at all times.
● Students will use proper etiquette and be polite.
● Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.
● Never use resources to engage in conduct that harasses or bullies
others.
● If inappropriate material appears,students shall leave the Internet
site immediately and notify the teacher.
● Students are prohibited from using inappropriate language, profanity,
vulgarity, ethnic or racial slurs and any other discriminating or
inflammatory language.
● Students are prohibited from downloading software from the Internet
to the network or any computer at Mullin ISD without permission.
● Students are prohibited from attempting to bypass the filtering
software.
● Students are prohibited from making any changes to configuration
settings on any computer owned by Mullin ISD.
● Students are prohibited from using another user’s account or
password or allowing another user to access their account or
password.
● Students will not attempt to access, modify or manipulate the Mullin
ISD network systems.
● Students are prohibited from using the network in such a way that
would disrupt the use of the network.

Security
For security purposes, users may not share account or password information with another person. Internet accounts are to be used
only by the assigned user of the account for authorized purposes. Attempting to obtain another user’s account password is strictly prohibited. Users must take all necessary precautions to prevent unauthorized access to Internet services.

Safety
Users must be cautious when using websites and other Internet resources. No personally identifiable information should ever be given on websites or to other users on the Internet. This information includes (but is not limited to): name, address, and phone number. The dissemination of this information may result in harm to the user by other parties.

Monitoring and Filtering
Mullin ISD utilizes a content filtering system to monitor, block and filter content for both minors and adults to certain visual depictions as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Electronic mail transmissions and other use of the electronic communications system by students and employees shall not be considered private. Designated District staff shall be authorized to monitor such communication at any time to ensure appropriate use.

Privilege
The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a cancellation of those privileges. The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use and their decision is final. The system administrators may close an account at any time as required.

Disclaimer of Liability
The District shall not be liable for users' inappropriate use of electronic communication resources or violations of copyright restrictions or other laws, users' mistakes or negligence, and costs incurred by users. The District shall not be responsible for ensuring the accuracy, age appropriateness, or usability of any information found on the Internet.