Student Data Privacy

Connecticut legislation, PA 16-189, (C.G.S. 10-234bb (a)) An Act Concerning Student Data Privacy, as amended by PA 17-200 and PA 18-125, restricts how student information may be used by (1) entities that contract to provide educational software and electronic storage of student records (“contractors'') and (2) operators of websites, online services or mobile applications (i.e., apps). Not later than five (5) business days after executing a contract with such contractors, the contract will be posted on the District’s website. The notice will include a brief description of the content and the purpose of the contract and will state what student information, student records or student-generated content may be collected as a result of the contract. Student information will be deleted by operators of websites, online services, or mobile apps upon student, parent, guardian or board of education request. Such operators may not create student profiles for use in targeted advertising and for purposes unrelated to school. Parents and students will be notified of data breaches. Students and parents/guardians will be notified not later than two business days upon notice of a breach of security by a contractor to the Board of Education.

Third party application use is requested, vetted, and approved through a formal process. A verified app is a third party application that has been approved by Google to ensure compliance with security and privacy requirements. If an application is on the Connecticut Learn Platform, verification is not necessary as it maintains student data compliance/security and privacy requirements as defined by the State of Connecticut. 

Student Records

A student’s school records are confidential and are protected by federal and state law from unauthorized inspection or use. A cumulative record is maintained for each student from the time the student enters the district until the student withdraws or graduates. This record moves with the student from school to school. By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced, have access to the records of a student who is under 18 or a dependent for tax purposes. A parent whose rights have been legally terminated will be denied access to the records if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights.

Surveys/Student Privacy

Your child will not be required to participate without parental consent in any survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns:

1. political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent;

2. mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;

3. sex attitudes or behaviors;

4. illegal, antisocial, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior;

5. critical appraisals of other individual with whom respondents have close family relationships;

6. legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers;

7. income; or 

8. religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents.

In addition, parents have the right to inspect, upon request, a survey that is to be administered by a school to a student, prior to its use. Parents will be notified at least two weeks in advance of any survey that will be given to their children.