1. Information We Collect

The District collects information in the following categories:

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Contact information. Name, mailing address, email address, and telephone or mobile number provided through enrollment, web forms, contact requests, newsletter sign-ups, or communication preference centers.
• Student and family information. Information submitted during registration, enrollment, transportation, food service, athletics, special education, and other school programs.
• Employment information. Information submitted by job applicants and employees, including resumes, references, and credentials.
• Communications. The content of messages you send to us, including emails, web inquiries, and replies to District communications.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device and usage data. IP address, browser type, operating system, referring page, pages visited, and date/time of access.
• Cookies and similar technologies. Cookies, web beacons, and similar tools used to operate the Services, remember preferences, and measure site performance. See Section 7.

1.3 Information from Schools and Third Parties

• Student information systems. Records maintained in Infinite Campus and other approved District systems.
• Service providers. Information received from approved vendors that support instruction, communication, assessment, transportation, food service, and operations.
• Public sources. Publicly available records relevant to District programs and operations.

2. How We Use Information

The District uses information to:

• Operate, maintain, and improve the Services and District programs;
• Deliver instruction and provide educational, transportation, food service, and student support functions;
• Communicate with parents, guardians, students, staff, and the community regarding school operations, programs, events, school closings, delays, and emergencies;
• Authenticate users, secure accounts, and protect against fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access;
• Comply with federal, state, and local laws and respond to lawful requests from authorities;
• Support District planning, reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

3. How We Share Information

The District shares information only as described in this Policy and as permitted or required by law.

3.1 With School Officials and Authorized Personnel

Information is accessible to District employees, contractors, consultants, and other parties with a legitimate educational interest, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) and District policy.

3.2 With Approved Service Providers

The District uses third-party service providers to host websites, manage student information, deliver communications, support instruction, and provide related operational services. These providers are contractually obligated to safeguard information and may use it only to perform services for the District.

3.3 As Required by Law

The District may disclose information when required by federal or state law, including in response to subpoenas, court orders, audits, health and safety emergencies, or lawful requests by public authorities.

3.4 With Consent

Where required by law or District policy, information will be shared with third parties only with appropriate consent from the parent, guardian, eligible student, or other authorized individual.

3.5 Mobile Information and SMS/Text Messaging

The District uses SMS/text messaging to deliver school closings, delays, attendance notices, emergency alerts, and other school-related communications through systems including, but not limited to, Infinite Campus Messenger. The following terms apply to mobile information collected in connection with these messaging programs:

Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies based on District activity and emergency conditions. You may opt out of non-emergency SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message from the District or by updating your communication preferences in the parent/student portal. Reply HELP for assistance. Opting out of emergency notifications may not be available where required for student safety.

3.6 No Sale of Personal Information

The District does not sell personal information of students, parents, guardians, staff, or website visitors. The District does not use student personal information for targeted advertising.

4. Student Data Privacy

4.1 FERPA

Student education records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99). Parents and eligible students have the right to inspect and review education records, request amendments, and consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information, subject to FERPA’s permitted exceptions.

4.2 Directory Information

The District may designate certain information as “directory information” under FERPA (such as name, grade level, participation in activities, and photographs) and may disclose it without prior written consent unless a parent or eligible student has submitted an opt-out request in accordance with District procedures. See the District’s annual FERPA notice for details on directory information and how to opt out.

4.3 Connecticut Student Data Privacy

In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes § 10-234aa through § 10-234dd, the District enters into written contracts with consultants and operators that receive student information, student records, or student-generated content. These contracts include required protections regarding ownership, security, breach notification, and prohibitions on the unauthorized use or sale of student data. A list of contracts subject to these requirements is available on the District website.

4.4 COPPA

For online services used by students under age 13, the District provides school-based consent in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (“COPPA”) for educational purposes. Parents may contact the District to review the District’s list of approved applications, request information about data collected, or withdraw consent for the future use of an application by their child.

4.5 PPRA

In accordance with the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (“PPRA”), the District notifies parents of certain surveys and activities and provides opt-out rights where required by law.

5. Your Communications Choices

• Email communications. You may unsubscribe from non-essential District newsletters and mailing lists using the unsubscribe link in any such email, or by contacting the District.
• SMS/text messaging. Reply STOP to any non-emergency message to opt out. Reply HELP for assistance. You may also update preferences through the parent/student portal.
• Phone communications. Voice notification preferences may be managed through the parent/student portal.
• Account-related notices. Some communications are essential to District operations, student safety, and emergency response and cannot be opted out of.

6. Children Under 13

The District does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 through its public-facing websites except in connection with school-authorized educational activities, for which the District provides school-based consent under COPPA. Parents who believe their child has provided personal information to the District outside of an authorized educational context should contact the District so the information can be reviewed and, where appropriate, deleted.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The District’s websites use cookies and similar technologies to operate properly, remember user preferences, support accessibility, measure performance, and improve the user experience. Cookies may be set by the District or by third-party services that support the Services (such as analytics, video hosting, and accessibility tools).

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features of the Services. The District does not respond to “Do Not Track” browser signals at this time.

8. Third-Party Services and Links

The Services may contain links to third-party websites, applications, or services that are not operated by the District. The District is not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party service you access.

9. Data Security

The District implements administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. Safeguards include access controls, multi-factor authentication where appropriate, network security monitoring, encryption in transit and at rest where appropriate, staff training, and vendor risk management. No method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure, and the District cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Data Retention

The District retains information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy and to comply with applicable records-retention schedules established by the Connecticut State Library and other governing authorities. When information is no longer required to be retained, it is destroyed or de-identified in accordance with those schedules.

11. Your Rights

Depending on your role and applicable law, you may have the right to:

• Inspect and review education records and request corrections, as provided under FERPA and Connecticut law;
• Opt out of the disclosure of directory information, in accordance with the District’s annual FERPA notice;
• Withdraw consent for the use of specific online services by your child, where applicable;
• Opt out of non-emergency electronic communications;
• Request information about District contracts with operators of online educational services.

To exercise these rights, contact the District using the information in Section 14.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

The District may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When changes are made, the “Last Updated” date at the top of this Policy will be revised, and material changes will be communicated through the District website or other appropriate channels.

13. Accessibility

The District is committed to providing this Privacy Policy in formats that are accessible to all members of the community. Individuals who require an accessible format or who have questions about accessibility should contact the District.

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