In District 65, the privacy and online safety of our students is of the utmost importance. We have always taken steps to guard closely the student data collected within our networks or by the online resources we use in our schools. Effective July 1, 2021, all school districts are required by the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA) to provide additional measures that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies and that the data is used for beneficial purposes only.

The goal of SOPPA aligns directly with the district’s MIRACLES framework, specifically within Tenant L2 in the promotion of safe and orderly schools and classroom environments and Tenant C4, creating viable practices that align with policies, in this instance, the protection of students and their data.

Please review our list of approved learning platforms for students and families. The following list outlines frequently used learning platforms by the district and categorizes them by SOPPA compliance, grade level usage, approval status, and the subject that each platform focuses on.

Children and Family Privacy Laws

Below, we’ve outlined several laws related to the protection of privacy of our students and families.

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
COPPA restricts the collection of personal information from children under 13 by companies operating websites, games, mobile applications, and digital services that are directed to children or that collect personal information from individuals known to be children.

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
CIPA imposes certain requirements on schools that utilize the federal E-Rate program to receive discounts for internet access and other technology services, or that receive federal grants for other technology expenses.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA governs information in a student’s education record, restricting access and use of student information.

Data Breaches

In the unlikely event of a data breach, District 65 will promptly communicate the information to those impacted. While we will do our best to protect student information at all costs and adhere to best practices and regulations in doing so, we will also be transparent should this event occur.

School Board Policy 7:345 - Student Data Privacy and Security

For more information on the ways that the district prioritizes student safety and security online, please refer to the School Board Policy 7:345 - Use of Educational Technologies; Student Data Privacy and Security.

Network and Security Measures

District 65 utilizes Securly’s web filter and “Aware” student wellness platform to block access to inappropriate content and monitor student web browsing patterns, emails, and Google Workspace files for signs of grief, bullying, violent intentions, or self-harm. This software is present on all student devices and is active regardless of whether the device is at school or at home. Additionally, families receive weekly emails from Securly summarizing their students’ browsing and search history from the week.

Because District 65 students and staff use Google Workspace and Google Classroom, student access to YouTube (which is owned by Google) is always limited to a school district setting called “Moderated Mode.” This means that students only have access to content that Google considers safe for student minors. Educators and students utilize YouTube as an educational resource to access and share informative videos that enhance the learning experience across various subjects and topics.

Securly Classroom

In 3rd-5th grade classrooms, educators have the ability to use Securly Classroom, which is a tool that enables educators to monitor student technology usage during class periods. This tool also empowers teachers to block approved websites if they notice students becoming distracted from their learning opportunities on their Chromebooks.

Securly Home App

Our collaboration with Securly extends to families, enabling them to actively supervise their child's online activities, particularly when devices are used at home, using the Securly Home App. District 65 recommends families to oversee their student's technology usage at home whenever feasible.

Acceptable Network Use Policy

The Acceptable Use Handbook outlines authorized uses, expectations, responsibilities, and consequences related to use of the district's technologies. Appropriate internet access is the shared responsibility of the school, the student, and the family. At the time of registration, parents/guardians must acknowledge that they have read and discussed the Acceptable Use Handbook with their child.  
 
Appropriate internet access and hardware/software use includes, but is not limited to:

• Students using district-provided digital tools and resources must have an approved account and be supervised by District 65 professional staff.
• Students using Internet access are responsible for appropriate online behavior.
• Students are expected to respect and take care of hardware and software provided for their use.
   

Parents/guardians are responsible for their child’s out-of-school access to online resources. Disciplinary consequences for violations of expected behaviors and use of district and school networked information are outlined in the student handbook. In the event that out-of-school actions have an adverse effect on the culture or climate at school, the district reserves the right to act in accordance with district policies and rules. These include consequences identified if a student or staff member engages in hazing, harassment, bullying, or other inappropriate or prohibited behavior. Intentional damage to equipment, software, or the network will result in disciplinary action and charges for repair or replacement to the student’s family.

District 65 and District 65 staff cannot be held responsible if a student, given parental permission for independent access, intentionally accesses material which his/her family considers objectionable.

Additional Internet Safety Resource

• Facebook Family Safety Center
• Connect Safely
• Common Sense Media

Contact

To contact the Instructional technology Department, please call (847) 859-8031. To reach a specific member of the Curriculum & Instruction Team, please visit our staff directory and search 'Curriculum & Instruction' Department.