Privacy Policy
Website & Student Data Privacy Policy
Website Privacy
Use of Personal Information
Norwich Free Academy does not collect any personal information unless you voluntarily provide it by sending an email, participating in a survey, or completing an online form. Personal information submitted will not be transferred to any non-affiliated third parties unless otherwise stated at the time of collection. When a user submits personally identifiable information, it is used only for the purpose stated at the time of collection.
Consent
Where consent for the use and disclosure of personal information is required, the Academy will seek consent from the appropriate person. In the case of a student’s personal information, Norwich Free Academy will seek the consent of the student and/or parent depending upon the circumstances and upon the student’s capacity and maturity to understand the consequences of the proposed use and disclosure.
Cookies
A cookie is a small text file stored by your browser that allows the website to “remember” from visit to visit your preferences such as calendar settings and site bookmarks or maintain your “logged in” status when visiting protected areas. Use of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information while on our site. Web browsers have settings allowing you to reject cookies, selectively accept cookies, or delete cookies previously accepted. Please be aware that rejecting or deleting cookies from NFA’s website may make certain functions unavailable to you.
Log Files
Like most standard servers, NFA’s website uses statistic packages such as Google Analytics to analyze trends about how the website is accessed and used. Monitored information includes internet protocol (IP) addresses, geographic location of visitors (country, city), browser type, internet service provider (ISP), referring/exit pages, platform type, date/time stamp, time spent on pages, and keywords used to find our site via search engines. This information is anonymous and cannot be directly linked to individual users. We may use information to identify high-use or low-use areas of the site, pinpoint problem areas of the site, analyze broad demographic trends in our visitors, and make decisions about how to make it easier for people to find and navigate our website.
Google Analytics
NFA’s website uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors engage. Your web browser automatically sends certain information to Google. Such information includes, for example, the web address of the page that you’re visiting and your IP address. Google may also set cookies on your browser, or read cookies that are already there. If you would like further information about how Google uses data when you use the Academy’s website, visit www.google.com/policies/privacy/partners/.
Links
Norwich Free Academy’s website may contain links to other sites. Please be aware that NFA is not responsible for the privacy practices of other sites. Users should be aware when they leave NFA’s site and should read the privacy statement of each and every website that collects personally identifiable information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this website.
Security
NFA’s website takes every precaution to protect our users’ personal information. Whenever users submit personal information (such as contact or credit card information) via online forms, registration, or online purchase, upon submission, that information is encrypted via the highest level of SSL (Secured Sockets Layer) available. Serves that store personally identifiable information are in a secure environment. Under no circumstances are credit card numbers permanently stored on our website servers.
Non-secured Communications
Posts to discussion forums, discussion boards, comments to blogs, and Alumni Class Notes are viewable by other users. When these areas are not in a pass-word protected area, they may be viewable by the general public. Be aware of this when posting personal information in these areas.
Contact Information
If users have any questions or suggestions about Norwich Free Academy’s privacy policy, please contact us at communications@nfaschool.org.
Student Data Privacy
Public Act 18-125, an Act Concerning Revisions to the Student Data Privacy Act, is the latest Connecticut law to provide rules regarding web-based and mobile-based software and student data privacy. This act is related to Public Act 16-189, an Act Concerning Student Data Privacy. Norwich Free Academy is required by law to publicly list compliant software and contracts. The web-based and mobile-based software below may store personally identifiable information in student records and/or student-generated data. (Student responses to standardized assessments are exempt from this law.) Below is the list of compliant software and related information.
Software
- AccelaSchool
- Adobe Suite
- Aperture Education
- Aplia
- Breezin' Thru
- BookWidgets
- Carolina Biological Supply
- Chelsea Groton Bank E-Learning Platform
- Edgenuity
- edpuzzle
- EVERFI
- Finalsite
- FlipGrid
- Formative
- GHP
- Gizmos
- Google Suite for Education
- GoReact
- GradeTransferer
- Horizon Education
- Hudl
- iCivics
- Khan Academy
- Knowledge Matters
- Language! Live
- Learning Ally
- Legacy Studios
- Life Centered Education (LCE) Curriculum
- Lifetouch
- Listenwise
- MusicFirst
- Naviance
- NoodleTools
- PariConnect
- Pearson Software
- Powerschool
- PSVault
- Quill
- ReadWorks
- Remind
- Rosetta Stone
- Schoology
- StoryboardThat
- TalkingPoints
- VapeEducate
AccelaSchool
Software: AccelaSchool
Software Description: AccelaSchool is a service that provides custom electronic forms that integrate with PowerSchool.
Date of Contract: 7/1/2018
Purpose of Contract: Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Adobe Suite
Software: Adobe Suite
Software Description: Adobe has a suite of applications (e.g., Acrobat, Illustrator, Photoshop) that are used during lessons for student-created products.
Date of Contract: 7/31/2019
Purpose of Contract: Privacy Policy
Aperture Education
Software: Aperture Education
Software Description: Aperture Education is an online social-emotional learning assessment system. Students' names and school IDs are stored.
Date of Contract: 8/23/2021
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Aplia
Software: Aplia (Cengage)
Software Description: Aplia’s basic product includes online homework assignments that professors can assign to students in accounting, business communication, business law, developmental reading, economics, finance, marketing, philosophy, statistics, and taxation.
Date of Contract: 8/30/2018
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Breezin' Thru
Software: Breezin’ Thru
Software Description: Breezin’ Thru is a web-based educational program for teaching musical theory and composition. Student created content and students’ personally identifiable information are stored at Breezin’ Thru.
Date of Contract: 8/25/2020
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
BookWidgets
Software: BookWidgets
Software Description: BookWidgets allows for teachers to create interactive exercises and automatically graded tests. Students’ personally identifiable information is recorded.
Date of Contract: 10/12/2020
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Carolina Biological Supply
Software: Carolina Biological Supply
Software Description: Carolina Biological Supply’s online service provides digitized resources (e.g., lab manuals), labs, and activities for students. Students must sign in with personally identifiable information in order to create accounts.
Date of Contract: 2/10/2019
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Chelsea Groton Bank E-Learning Platform
Software: Chelsea Groton Bank E-Learning Platform
Software Description: The Chelsea Groton Bank E-Learning Platform is used for training students. Students must sign in with personally identifiable information in order to create accounts.
Date of Contract: 3/30/2020
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Edgenuity
Software: Edgenuity
Software Description: Edgenuity provides credit recovery services for students. Student names and student-generated content are stored within Edgenuity.
Date of Contract: 5/18/2018
Purpose of Contract: Terms and Conditions
edpuzzle
Software: edpuzzle
Software Description: Teachers upload videos and create test questions for students. Student names and IDs are stored within edpuzzle.
Date of Contract: 2/21/2019
Purpose of Contract: Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
EVERFI
Software: EVERFI
Software Description: EVERFI provides free online courses for K-12 education.
Date of Contract: 10/12/2018
Purpose of Contract: Privacy Policy
Finalsite
Software: FinalSite (Active Internet Technologies)
Software Description: The FinalSite Learning Management System (LMS) is used by faculty for supporting student lessons with calendars, discussion forums, and assignment boards. Student names and student-generated content are stored in this software.
Date of Contract: 1/23/2018
Purpose of Contract: Master Terms and Conditions
FlipGrid
Software: FlipGrid
Software Description: FlipGrid supports video-based discussions for students.
Date of Contract: 1/30/2019
Purpose of Contract: Privacy Policy
Formative
Software: Formative
Software Description: Formative is a web-app for classrooms that allows teachers to give live assignments to students. Student’s names and IDs are stored.
Date of Contract: 3/15/2019
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
GHP
Software: GHP
Software Description: GHP Media of West Haven, CT, is the largest commercial printer in Southern Connecticut. It is a leader in offset printing and offers a full range of graphic arts and prepress services, including a full range of fulfillment and mailing capabilities.
Date of Contract: 9/23/2019
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Gizmos
Software: Gizmos
Software Description: Gizmos is an online library of 400+ interactive, standards-aligned math and science simulations that allow students to manipulate key variables, generate and test hypotheses, and engage in “what-if” experimentation. Students’ names are stored.
Date of Contract: 2/25/2019
Purpose of Contract: Terms and Conditions
Google Suite for Education
Software: Google Suite (“G Suite”) for Education
Software Description: Google Suite for Education includes Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Google Drive, and Google Classroom. All applications store student names and student-generated content.
Date of Contract: 5/10/2018
Purpose of Contract: Addendum to G Suite for Education Agreement for compliance with CT PA 16-189.
GoReact
Software: GoReact
Software Description: Online video feedback system, used primarily for teaching American Sign Language.
Date of Contract: 11/19/2018
Purpose of Contract: Order Form
GradeTransferer
Software: GradeTransferer
Software Description: GradeTransferer is an add-on to help teachers transfer their grades from Google Classroom to the PowerTeacher gradebook.
Date of Contract: 8/18/2022
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Horizon Education
Software: Horizon Education
Software Description: Horizon education provides online educational resources for preparing students for the PSAT and SAT. Students’ names and e-mail addresses along with their progress are stored.
Date of Contract: 6/17/2021
Purpose of Contract: Terms of Service
Hudl
Software: Hudl
Software Description: Hudl is a video-based system that records games and helps coaches and athletes review game play.
Date of Contract: 10/10/2019
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
iCivics
Software: iCivics
Software Description: iCivics provides resources for teaching civics learning. Students’ names and IDs may be recorded by the software.
Date of Contract: 11/17/2023
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Khan Academy
Software: Khan Academy
Software Description: Practice exercises and instructional videos for academic support.
Date of Contract: 10/9/2018
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Knowledge Matters
Software: Knowledge Matters
Software Description: Knowledge Matters provides virtual business simulations for students. Students’ personally identifiable information is stored when accounts are created.
Date of Contract: 3/30/2020
Purpose of Contract: Addendum and Privacy Policy
Language! Live
Software: LANGUAGE! Live
Software Description: With a comprehensive approach to literacy intervention, LANGUAGE! Live balances mastery of foundational skills through online learning with teacher-directed small- or large-group instruction in more advanced literacy skills, such as close reading, writing, speaking, and oral comprehension (voyagersopris.com, 2019).
Date of Contract: 8/5/2019
Purpose of Contract: Privacy Policy
Learning Ally
Software: Learning Ally
Software Description: Learning Ally provides audio books for people with dyslexia and other disabilities. Students’ names and IDs may be recorded by the software.
Date of Contract: 12/13/2018
Purpose of Contract: Terms of Service
Legacy Studios
Software: Legacy Studios
Software Description: Legacy Studios is a full service photography studio. Legacy Studios also sends marketing e-mails for its service to parents. Students’ photos, names, IDs, and addresses are stored.
Date of Contract: 7/9/2021
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Life Centered Education (LCE) Curriculum
Software: Life Centered Education (LCE) Curriculum
Software Description: Research-based and developed by a CEC-led task force of leading transition professionals, the LCE curriculum is designed for students who have learning disabilities, mild intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and students whose ability to live independently is in question (www.cec.sped.org, 2020). Students’ names and IDs may be recorded by the software.
Date of Contract: 2/12/2020
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Lifetouch
Software: Lifetouch
Software Description: Lifetouch provides student photos, yearbooks, and student ID cards. Lifetouch also sends marketing e-mails for its service to parents. Students’ photos, names, IDs, and addresses are stored by Lifetouch.
Date of Contract: 8/8/2019
Purpose of Contract: Privacy Policy
Listenwise
Software: Listenwise
Software Description: Listenwise provides standards-aligned podcasts and assessments for listening comprehension.
Date of Contract: 3/17/2023
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
MusicFirst
Software: MusicFirst
Software Description: Comprehensive Learning Management system for K-12 Music Education.
Date of Contract: 8/18/2018
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Naviance
Software: Naviance
Software Description: Naviance is a comprehensive college and career readiness solution that helps districts and schools align student strengths and interests to postsecondary goals, improving student outcomes and connecting learning to life.
Date of Contract: 7/1/2018
Purpose of Contract: Terms of Service
NoodleTools
Software: NoodleTools
Software Description: NoodleTools is an online research management platform. Student names and student-generated content are stored in this software.
Date of Contract: 7/1/2018
Purpose of Contract: Privacy Policy
PariConnect
Software: PariConnect
Software Description: PariConnect is an online assessment and reporting platform. Students’ personally identifiable information is stored in this application.
Date of Contract: 12/13/2018
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Pearson Software
Software: Pearson Software
Software Description: Various software packages (such as Q Global) which record students’ personally identifiable information.
Date of Contract: 12/11/2018
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Powerschool
Software: PowerSchool
Software Description: PowerSchool is a student information system for storing grades, scores, assignments, courses, and demographic information.
Date of Contract: 7/1/2018
Purpose of Contract: Privacy Policy
PSVault
Software: PSVault
Software Description: PSVault is a file storage application for PowerSchool that allows schools to attach documents such as IEPs, 504 plans, etc. to student records.
Date of Contract: 8/14/2018
Purpose of Contract: Confidentiality Statement
Quill
Software: Quill
Software Description: Quill is a reading and writing support tool. Students’ names and e-mail addresses are stored.
Date of Contract: 9/8/2022
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
ReadWorks
Software: ReadWorks
Software Description: The program provides reading passages with comprehension questions that connect to Google Classroom and automatically grades them. Students can highlight, annotate, and complete assignments online. Teachers can also project on the classroom smartboards for classroom instruction. Student’s names and e-mail addresses are stored.
Date of Contract: 3/24/2021
Purpose of Contract: Terms of Service
Remind
Software: Remind
Software Description: Remind offers teachers a free, safe and easy way to connect instantly with students and parents. Teachers can send or schedule reminders, motivational messages, photos or documents directly to students' and parents' phones (remind.com, 2019).
Date of Contract: 8/30/2019
Purpose of Contract: Privacy Policy
Rosetta Stone
Software: Rosetta Stone
Software Description: Rosetta Stone provides online language teaching. Students' personally identifiable information is stored within Rosetta Stone.
Date of Contract: 3/31/2020
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Schoology
Software: Schoology
Software Description: Schoology is a learning management system with assessment management. Students’ names and student IDs are stored on Schoology.
Date of Contract: 2/28/2019
Purpose of Contract: Terms of Use
StoryboardThat
Software: StoryboardThat
Software Description: StoryboardThat allows students to create storyboards for digital storytelling. Students’ personally identifiable information are recorded as well as student-created content.
Date of Contract: 9/1/2020
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
TalkingPoints
Software: TalkingPoints
Software Description: TalkingPoints supports communications between schools, students, and parents/guardians through a translation facility. Students’ names may be recorded.
Date of Contract: 9/22/2022
Purpose of Contract: School Agreement Policy (under “Connecticut”)
VapeEducate
Software: VapeEducate
Software Description: VapeEducate provides education about vaping to young adults through online learning.
Date of Contract: 10/2/2019
Purpose of Contract: Addendum
Live Remote Instruction
NOTICE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS REGARDING RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION IN LIVE REMOTE INSTRUCTION
During the 2020-2021 school year, and consistent with the Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE) guidance entitled Advance, Adapt, Achieve: Connecticut’s Plan to Learn and Grow Together (the “Reopening Guidelines”), Norwich Free Academy will be using live remote instruction, primarily through Google Meet, to provide live instruction to students participating remotely when we are in a hybrid or full-remote learning model as circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic may warrant or require. This videoconferencing platform will also be utilized to provide live instruction for students who temporarily opt into full-time remote learning.
To implement live video conferencing, teachers will be delivering live instruction to students learning in the classroom at designated times (indicated on each teacher’s weekly planning sheet found on the Google Classroom page), and students learning remotely will be able to view and/or participate in these lessons simultaneously through Google Meet. This instruction will be provided in a group setting with multiple students participating simultaneously in the classroom and remotely via videoconferencing. As determined by the teacher or in accordance with plans for students with special needs, Norwich Free Academy may also use live remote instruction in small group and/or individual settings. Student names and images will be visible to the teacher and other participants and observers.
Rules and Guidelines for Participating in Live Remote Instruction--Google Meet
To facilitate the delivery of instruction through live remote instruction and safeguard student privacy and confidentiality as appropriate and to the extent required by applicable law, Norwich Free Academy requires that students and parents/guardians adhere to the following:
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Parents/guardians and students are prohibited from audio recording, video recording or photographing videoconferencing sessions (including participants in such sessions) in any manner.
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Individuals present in the home other than the student are not permitted to participate in or be visible on the videoconference, or otherwise observe the lesson, other than reasonable adult supervision of the student.
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Students participating in videoconferencing from remote locations must join the videoconference on time, dress appropriately and follow all rules and guidelines established by the teacher.
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All participating individuals must comply with relevant Norwich Free Academy policies and administrative regulations, including but not limited to those concerning the confidentiality of student records (Policy #5125) and acceptable use of the internet and computer networks (Policy #6141.321 & 4218, 4218.4).
While student privacy and the confidentiality of student information is of utmost importance, parents/guardians are reminded that Norwich Free Academy is not in direct control of individual homes or the physical locations of students participating in videoconferencing remotely.
In addition, please note the following suggestions regarding remote participation in videoconferencing.
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Parents/guardians are encouraged to have their students participate in a location that is quiet and free from distraction, to the extent possible.
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Consider adjusting the lighting on the student’s face for better visibility.
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Please be mindful of what is in view on the camera behind the participant and take care to choose a location with an appropriate background.
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Students are encouraged to use a headset or headphones while participating in videoconferencing, especially if they are in a room with other individuals.
Recordings of Live Lessons
Norwich Free Academy may record live lessons and make those recordings available to students following the lesson. Parents/guardians and students are strictly prohibited from reproducing and/or sharing these recordings with others in any manner.