Electronic communications are now available to students, teachers, administrators and staff in the Tyler Independent School District. Electronic communications services include e-mail, Internet access, local and wide-area networks, video conferencing and any other resources available through the use of the District’s network. 

We are very pleased to offer this service to Tyler Independent School District and believe electronic communications offer vast, diverse and unique resources to both students and teachers. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence in schools by facilitating resource sharing, innovation amid communication. 

The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers and millions of individual subscribers. Subscribers have access to:

a)  electronic mail communication,

b)  information amid news from numerous resources amid the opportunity to correspond with research institutions,

c)   public domain software and shareware of all types,

d)  discussion groups on numerous topics,

e)  access to many University Library Catalogs and the Library of Congress. 

Networks are groups of people and computers who share information and services. Networks can share information and services within a location (school), within an organization (Tyler ISD), and worldwide through the Internet. 

With access to computers amid people also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. Tyler Independent School District has taken precautions to restrict access to controversial information. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. The valuable information and interaction available on this network far outweighs the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the District. 

Electronic communications is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies, regional, state and local networks. In addition, the smooth operation of all electronic communications relies upon the proper conduct of the end users who must adhere to strict guidelines. These guidelines are provided here so those users are aware of the responsibilities they are about to acquire. In general, this requires efficient, ethical and legal utilization of all electronic resources. If a Tyler Independent School District user violates any of these provisions, his or her account may be terminated and/or limited, and future access could possibly be denied. Violations will be dealt with according to District, State and/or Federal policies and laws.

Electronic Communications Terms and Conditions

 I) Acceptable Use - The purpose of providing electronic communications is to support education and research by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. The use of your account must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of the Tyler Independent School District. Use of electronic resources must comply with the rules appropriate for that resource. Transmission of material in violation of U.S. or state regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material, pornography, or material protected by trade secret. Also prohibited are illegal access to computers or networks (“hacking”), commercial activities, product advertisement, personal advertising, chain letters, and political lobbying. 

2) Privileges — The use of electronic communications is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use may result in a cancellation or restriction of those privileges. Each person who receives an account or uses District network resources agrees to the terms and conditions of the Electronic Communications Policy. All electronic communications, including, but not limited to, e-mail, Internet activity and network resources may be monitored at any time by the system administrators. No electronic communications activity using District resources is considered private. The system administrators will routinely perform maintenance and monitoring of the system that may lead to the discovery that a user has violated policy or law. Additionally, an individualized search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that a user has violated a policy or law. 

Inappropriate use of electronic communications constitutes a Level I offense for students, and “hacking” constitutes a Level II offense as outlined in the TISD Student Behavior Policy. Offenses will be dealt with according to District policy. District employees shall be governed by the Standards of Conduct outlined in the Employee Handbook. Activities in violation of state or federal laws will be reported to the appropriate authorities. The system administrators will deem what is inappropriate use. Also, the system administrators may choose an account at any time as required. The administration, faculty and staff of Tyler Independent School District may request the system administrator to deny, revoke or suspend specific user accounts. 

3) Network Etiquette — Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are not limited to the following:

a)  Be polite. Do not get abusive in messages to others.

b)  Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language, as accepted by community standards. Illegal activities are strictly forbidden.

c)   Do not reveal personal addresses or phone numbers or those of students or colleagues.

d)  Note that electronic mail (e-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do have access to all mail. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities will be reported to the authorities.

e)  Do not use electronic resources in such a way that would disrupt their use by others.

f)    Do not attempt to gain access to locations on networks where specific privileges have not been given.

g)  All communications and information accessible via electronic communications should be assumed to be copyrighted unless otherwise stated. 

4) Warranties — Tyler Independent School District makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. Tyler Independent School District will not be responsible for any damages. This includes loss of data resulting from delay, non-delivery, mis-delivery, or service interruption caused by the District’s own negligence or user errors or omissions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at user’s own risk. Tyler Independent School District specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the network. 

5) Security — Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If a user can identify a security problem on the network, the user must notify a system administrator. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Do not use another individual’s account without written permission from that individual. Attempts to log on to the network as another user will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access to the network. All computers can be monitored at any time by the Management Information Systems Department or the Instructional Technology Department. 

6) Purchases — Users are solely responsible for services, memberships or merchandise purchased through the District’s access to electronic communications. The Tyler Independent School District shall not be a party to such transactions or be liable for any costs or damages arising out of, either directly or indirectly, such actions. 

7) Telephone Charges — Users may not incur long distance phone charges. Tyler Independent School District assumes no responsibility or liability for any phone charges including, but not limited to, long distance charges, per minute (unit) surcharges and/or equipment or line costs, incurred by the user. Any disputes or problems regarding phone service are strictly between the user and his or her local phone company and/or long distance provider. 

8) Vandalism — Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy equipment or data of another user, the network, or through electronic communications. This includes, but is not limited to, uploading or creating computer viruses, gaining illegal access to a computer or network or altering electronic information belonging to others.

9) Damages — The user specifically agrees to reimburse the Tyler Independent School District and the system administrators for any losses, costs, or damages, including reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Tyler Independent School District and the system administrators relating to, or arising out of any breach of the electronic communications policy by the user. 

10) Antivirus Software — A computer virus is a malicious program that can attach itself to executable files and operating system files on both floppy amid hard disks. Viruses can destroy data and in some cases damage hardware. Viruses are spread by sharing files, disks, and by downloading programs from the Internet or E-mail. Antivirus software is provided for every computer on the Tyler Independent School District’s network. This software must not be disabled or tampered with by the user. Virus attacks should be reported to the Technology Services Department or the Help Desk. Intentionally introducing or spreading a virus will be considered vandalism and will result in the cancellation of privileges. 

11) Laptop Computers — Laptop computers, which were not purchased by the Tyler Independent School District, may not be connected to the District’s network or phone lines without the expressed permission of the Director of Technology Services