The Pasadena Independent School District Guidelines for Acceptable and Responsible Use of Technology Resources outlined below can also be found on page 131 of the Student Handbook 2024-25. This crucial information outlines our policies and expectations regarding student use of technology in our schools Click Here to access the Student Handbook. We encourage all parents to familiarize themselves with this information to help ensure safe and responsible technology use by our students.

Pasadnea ISD Student Handbook 2024-25

Appendix B Pasadena Independent School District Guidelines for Acceptable and Responsible Use of Technology Resources

Pasadena ISD (PISD) technology resources (“PISD’s network” or “the network”) are defined as PISD’s wired and wireless infrastructure, computer systems, user accounts, data, email, applications, online resources, internet access and all District-owned devices used on or off school property. This includes any access to technology resources by PISD-owned or personal devices while on or near school property, in school vehicles and at school-sponsored activities, and includes the use of PISD technology resources via off-campus remote access.

Availability of Access

Access to PISD's network is a privilege, not a right. Access shall be made available to staff, students, and members of the public primarily for instructional and administrative purposes and in accordance with administrative regulations, PISD policy and the law. Violation of the guidelines, policy, regulations and/or law can result in disciplinary action and/or legal prosecution.

1:1 Program

Pasadena ISD provides students with a device, charger and in some cases a storage bag, as a tool to support instruction and provide access to relevant, meaningful and personalized learning experiences. Refer to the Student Handbook section titled “1:1 Devices” for more information on this program and the associated rules, fees, fines and repair. Pasadena ISD reserves the right to determine distribution and deployment of 1:1 devices to students.

Monitoring, Restricting and Filtering

1. Network Use and Confidentiality: Please note that the use of the network is not considered confidential. Email transmissions, online communications, stored or transmitted data, and any other use of district-owned technology resources by students or any other user may be monitored, accessed, or restricted at any time by designated staff. This is to ensure appropriate use for instructional or administrative purposes.
2. Content Filtering: PISD employs filtering devices and software to block access to obscene, pornographic, inappropriate for students, or harmful visual depictions as defined by the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act and as determined by the 132 Superintendent or designee. The District strives to limit access to objectionable material. However, given the global access to computers and people, it is impossible to control all such materials on the computer/network/Internet, even with filtering in place. There is a risk that students may access material that may not be of educational value in the school setting.
3. Filter Adjustments: Filtering for adult Internet usage may be adjusted or disabled for ‘bona fide research or other lawful purposes.’
4. Internet Traffic Decryption: PISD reserves the right to decrypt staff or student internet traffic as necessary to create a safe and secure environment for students.

Appropriate Use

1. Account Responsibility: Users are accountable for their network accounts, including password changes as per PISD requirements and maintaining password confidentiality.
2. Purpose of Use: Accounts are primarily for educational use. Limited personal use is allowed if it doesn’t burden PISD resources or hinder educational responsibilities.
3. Proper Use of Resources: Users are responsible for the appropriate use of PISD technology resources, including assigned computers or devices. Any issues with these resources should be reported for repair.
4. Compliance with Laws and Policies: Users must comply with PISD’s record management program, the Texas Open Meetings Act, the Public Information Act, FERPA, including the retention and confidentiality of student and PISD records, and campaign laws.
5. Confidentiality: Users must protect confidential information about PISD employees and students from unauthorized disclosure, unless it serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.

Inappropriate Use Inappropriate Use is defined, but not limited to:

1. Illegal Activities: Using technology resources for any illegal purpose or in violation of school policy.
2. Damage to Resources: Maliciously harming or destroying school equipment, materials, or data, or showing negligence in their care.
3. Security Negligence: Neglecting reasonable security protections on personal devices, such as not applying security updates or not running anti-virus software.
4. Unauthorized Activities: Participating in any unauthorized activity on the network.
5. Inappropriate Communication: Posting anonymous, unlawful, or inappropriate messages or information on school-owned or supported technology resources.
6. Circumventing Filters: Attempting to bypass internet content filtering or disabling the filter, which is prohibited by federal law (Children’s Internet Protection Act).
7. Unauthorized Access: Accessing sites not authorized under the school’s filtering policies, or creating or logging into accounts on unapproved online services, software, or digital tools.
8. Misuse of Credentials: Using any account or login credentials other than your own, or sharing your account or login credentials with anyone else.
9. Device Misuse: Loaning or “swapping” a device with another person, or removing the identification tag/barcode from a device without following district procedure.
10. Interference with Others’ Work: Pretending to be someone else when posting, transmitting, or receiving messages, or attempting to read, delete, copy, modify, or interfere with another user’s work. 133
11. Harassment and Bullying: Using resources to engage in conduct that harasses or bullies others, or posting, transmitting, or accessing materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another’s reputation, or illegal.
12. Inappropriate Language: Using inappropriate language such as swear words, vulgarity, ethnic or racial slurs, and any other inflammatory language.
13. Violation of Intellectual Property Rights: Violating others’ intellectual property rights, including copyright.
14. Academic Dishonesty: Violating policies, guidelines, rules related to academic integrity when using digital tools, including those augmented with AI capabilities.
15. Software Misuse: Use of unlicensed software or altering school-installed software.
16. Unauthorized Network Access: Unauthorized scanning, probing, or access of the school network, or any attempt to damage or degrade network services, including uploading or creating computer viruses.
17. Resource Waste: Wasting resources through improper use of the school’s network, including creating and distributing chain letters, sending spam, or providing products or services for pay.
18. Unauthorized Broadcasts: Sending unauthorized broadcasts to official or private distribution lists, regardless of content or recipients.
19. Unauthorized Access: Gaining unauthorized access to restricted information or resources.

Special Note: Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying involves the use of digital technologies, such as email, social media, chat rooms, instant messaging, websites, gaming platforms or text messaging, to harass, threaten, or intimidate someone. Cyberbullying includes, but is not limited to, sending, posting, or sharing harmful or mean content about someone else. It can include sharing personal or private information about someone else causing embarrassment or humiliation. If a student experiences or witnesses cyberbullying, they should report it immediately to a trusted adult at school. Reports can be made anonymously, using the Say Anything App and will be kept confidential to the extent possible.

Internet Safety

PISD makes every effort to ensure safety and security when using the PISD network including (a) preventing unauthorized access, hacking and other unlawful activities; (b) restricting unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personally identifiable information regarding employees or students; (c) filtering internet content for employees and students as appropriate; and (d) educating staff and students about cyberbullying awareness and response, as well as appropriate online Behavior. It is the policy of PISD to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the neighborhood Children’s Protection Act (NCIPA), the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act (2007) and other applicable laws.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

We adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a U.S. law designed to safeguard the privacy of children under 13 years of age. COPPA requires us to obtain the consent of parents and guardians in order for children under 13 years of age to use certain features of websites and online services. PISD has implemented a digital resources review process that includes a strong stance on student data and privacy. We have implemented security measures to protect student information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. We also take steps to ensure any third-party providers delete any personal information as soon as it is no longer necessary for educational purposes.

Disclaimer

In the process of protecting the network, Pasadena ISD cannot guarantee the confidentiality of information. The district is not responsible for phone/credit card bills or any other charges incurred by users. Use of any information obtained via the Network/Internet is at the user’s own risk. The District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. Opinions, advice, services, and all other information expressed by system users, information providers, service providers, or other third-party individuals in the system are those of the providers and not the District. The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation concerning or relating to misuse of the District’s network/Internet/electronic communications systems.

Disclaimer of Liability

PISD shall not be liable for the users' inappropriate use of PISD's network or violations of copyright restrictions, users' mistakes or negligence, or costs incurred by users whether using PISD-owned or personal devices. PISD shall not be liable for any physical damage, loss, or theft of personally owned devices. PISD shall not be responsible for ensuring the accuracy or usability of any information found on the Internet. Oversight of the posting of official PISD, campus, or division/department materials on PISD's network will be the responsibility of the Superintendent, principal, or division/department supervisor or designee. PISD's network will be used only for administrative and instructional purposes consistent with PISD's mission and goals.