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Midland ISD Network and Device Use Agreement 2025-2026

Midland ISD provides access to its electronic network, including the internet, computer services, videoconferencing, and related equipment, for educational purposes to students, staff, volunteers, guests, and board members. This agreement outlines the acceptable use of the network. "User" refers to anyone using the network, while "student" refers specifically to students.

The network's purpose is limited to educational activities, including classroom work, career development, and appropriate self-discovery. It is not a public access service or forum. Midland ISD may restrict access to or posting of material. Students under 18 require parent/guardian permission. Network access is a privilege, not a right. Users are expected to abide by this agreement, which is signed annually as part of the registration process. The district is not responsible for user violations beyond the standards outlined here but reserves the right to monitor all network activity. Users are responsible for any damages caused by their inappropriate network use. General school rules, good manners, common sense, and the law apply to network use.

Unacceptable Network Behavior:

The following behaviors are unacceptable when using the Midland ISD network:

  • Posting information that could cause damage or disruption.
  • Personal attacks, including discriminatory or prejudicial remarks.
  • Harassment of any kind (persistent unwanted contact). Users must stop contacting someone if asked.
  • Posting false or defamatory information.
  • Unauthorized sharing of minors' personal information.
  • Criminal speech (e.g., threats, instructions on illegal activities, child pornography, drug dealing, gang activity).
  • Inappropriate speech in an educational setting or that violates district rules.
  • Abuse of network resources (e.g., spamming, chain letters).
  • Displaying, accessing, or sending offensive messages or pictures.
  • Commercial use of the network (offering, providing, or purchasing products or services).
  • Political lobbying.
  • Unauthorized access to non-instructional district systems (e.g., student information, business systems).
  • Connecting unauthorized devices (wired or wireless) to the network.
  • Attempting to bypass web filtering.
  • Using district resources to threaten others or disrupt education.
  • Sending or posting abusive, obscene, sexually-oriented, threatening, harassing, defamatory, or illegal messages.
  • Students should not use devices (personal or district-provided) to take photos or videos of other students or staff except as provided in TEC Sec. 26.009.

Email and Electronic Posting:

Students in grades 2-12 are provided with school email accounts (@midlandisd.net). Email communication is restricted to other @midlandisd.net users and pre-approved academic domains (e.g., google.com, fafsa.gov, .edu addresses). External email accounts (e.g., @gmail.com) are not permitted. Students under 13 require parental permission for email use. This agreement serves as permission for a @midlandisd.net email address.

Internal messaging is available through platforms like Google Classroom. Using other email systems or chat rooms on district computers requires approval.

Web-based email accounts may be restricted or blocked to protect the network. Students may not establish or access unapproved web-based email accounts on the district network.

Private messages should not be reposted without the sender's permission. Posting private information about others is prohibited. Sensitive information (e.g., full name, ID number, social security number, date of birth, username, password) should not be sent via email.

Midland ISD Website:

Website content and access vary for the public and district users. Principals are responsible for their school's website content. Teachers will explain student responsibilities for classroom web pages.

World Wide Web:

Internet access is filtered to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). While the filter is regularly updated, it is not foolproof. Instructors are responsible for monitoring website appropriateness in the classroom. Parents/guardians are responsible for monitoring website use outside of school hours.

Personal Safety:

Students should not share personal contact information (e.g., address, phone number, school address, work address) about themselves or others. Elementary and middle school students should not disclose their full name or any personal information online. High school students may disclose personal information to educational institutions, companies for career development, or with administrative approval. Students should not agree to meet in person with someone they met online. Students should immediately report any inappropriate or uncomfortable online messages to a teacher or staff member. Students will receive online safety information, including guidance on social networking, chat rooms, and cyberbullying. Digital citizenship resources are available at https://www.midlandisd.net/digitalcitizenship.

System Security:

Users are responsible for their accounts and should protect their passwords. Security problems should be reported immediately to a teacher or system administrator. Users should not attempt to find security problems. Unauthorized access attempts are prohibited, even for "browsing." Users should not attempt to disrupt the system or destroy data (e.g., by spreading viruses). Accessing blocked websites or using proxy services is prohibited. Network sniffing or remote access technology for monitoring is prohibited.

Software and Files:

Software installation, uploading, and downloading require permission from the technology department. Misuse of software may result in account limitations or termination. Files stored on the district network or approved cloud accounts are treated like school lockers and are subject to monitoring. Sensitive information should be stored using approved methods. External storage devices used with district computers must be encrypted.

Technology Hardware:

Users may not relocate hardware (except portable devices), install peripherals, or modify equipment settings without technology department approval. The district network is primarily for instructional use on district-owned student devices. Guest access may be limited or suspended to prioritize student instructional access.

Vandalism:

Any attempt to harm or destroy data, the network, hardware, or software will result in loss of network privileges and disciplinary action.

Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement:

Plagiarism of online content is prohibited. District copyright policies apply to all accessed material. Copyrighted material should not be placed on the system without permission. AI use in academic work must be cited, and its use is subject to instructor approval.

Student Rights:

Student free speech rights apply online, but the district may restrict speech for valid educational reasons in this limited forum. The district will not restrict speech based on disagreement with expressed opinions. Individual searches will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion of policy or legal violations.

Due Process:

The district will cooperate with law enforcement investigations. Users will be informed of alleged policy violations and given an opportunity to explain. Disciplinary actions will address the specific violation and promote self-discipline. Violations may result in loss of access and other disciplinary or legal action.

Limitation of Liability:

The district does not guarantee error-free network functions or services and is not responsible for data loss, functionality issues, or service interruptions. The district is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the network or financial obligations from unauthorized use.

Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy:

Violations may result in loss of access, disciplinary action (e.g., supervised network use, suspension of privileges, suspension from school, expulsion), and/or legal action. School administrators will determine consequences, with the superintendent and board deciding on expulsion and legal action.

Taking Care of District-Issued Technology Devices:

Students and staff are responsible for the care of issued devices. Broken devices should be returned for repair/replacement. Do not place food or drinks near devices. Close lids when moving devices and never carry them by the screen. Turn devices off completely when finished. Clean screens with a soft, damp cloth only. Devices should be charged before school. Do not write or draw on devices. Do not put pressure on the screen. Parents/guardians are financially responsible for damages or loss. Optional device insurance information is available at https://www.midlandisd.net/departments/technology/policies/device-self-insurance. Only MISD technicians are authorized to repair devices. There is no charge for normal wear and tear.

Home-Use of District-Issued Student Devices:

District-issued devices are filtered and monitored both on and off campus. Parents should set usage limits and guidelines. Devices should be kept away from pets and other potential hazards.

Agreement:

I understand and agree to abide by this Network Acceptable Use Policy and Device Contract. I understand that violations are unethical and may be a criminal offense. I am responsible for any damage to hardware or software. Violations may result in revoked access, disciplinary action, and/or legal action.

____________________________ Date: ______________ Parent/Guardian Signature

As the parent/guardian, I have read this agreement. I understand access is for educational purposes. While Midland ISD takes precautions, I understand they cannot restrict all controversial material and will not hold them responsible. I accept responsibility for supervision when my child uses the network outside of school. I give permission for my child to have an account and certify the information is correct. I understand internet access requires my written permission. I am financially liable for any damage my child causes to device hardware or software.

____________________________ Date: ______________