Internet Safety Policy for Cuero ISD (CIPA)

 Introduction
It is the policy of Cuero ISD to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)].

Definitions
Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Cuero ISD currently uses the ContentKeeper filter.

Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be reduced for adults or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

Inappropriate Network Usage
To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Cuero ISD online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications.

Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors.

Education, Supervision and Monitoring
It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Cuero ISD staff to educate, supervise and monitor appropriate usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy, the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the Neighborhood Children’s Internet Protection Act, and the Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.

Procedures for disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Technology Director or the Network Coordinator or designated representatives.

The Cuero ISD staff will provide age-appropriate training for students who use the school’s Internet facilities. The training provided will be designed to promote the school’s commitment to:

1. The standards and acceptable use of Internet services as set forth in the Cuero ISD Internet Safety Policy;

2. Student safety with regard to: a. safety on the Internet; b. appropriate behavior while on online, on social networking Websites, and in chat rooms; c. cyberbullying awareness and response.

3. Compliance with the E-rate requirements of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (“CIPA”).

The student acceptable use policy is published on the school website and in the student handbook.

This Internet Safety Policy was adopted by the Board of Trustees of Cuero ISD at a public meeting, following normal public notice, on February 16, 2017.