Acceptable Use & Children’s Online Privacy Protection (COPPA) Policy For Students in Pennon Education’s Educational Programs

Effective Date: June 3, 2025

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the safe, responsible, and educational use of technology within Pennon Education programs. This Acceptable Use and COPPA Policy outlines the expectations for student use of digital tools and ensures compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) to protect the privacy of children under 13. Pennon Education provides internet access and digital resources to enhance learning through communication, research, and collaboration. All technology use within Pennon Education programs is subject to the provisions of this policy, which is intended to guide students and inform parents/guardians about appropriate use of Pennon Education Wi-Fi, networks, and technology resources.

2. Scope

This policy applies to students enrolled in Pennon Education’s educational programs who use:

  • Pennon-provided computers, tablets, or electronic devices
  • Pennon Wi-Fi and networks
  • Educational software, websites, and applications
  • Digital platforms for learning, communication, and collaboration

3. Acceptable Use Guidelines

Students must:

  • Use technology tools strictly for instructional or program-approved educational purposes
  • Communicate respectfully and use appropriate language in online environments
  • Keep personal information private and never share others’ personal data
  • Follow directions from staff when using devices, accounts, or platforms
  • Use only tools and applications authorized by Pennon Education staff

4. Prohibited Use

Students may not:

  • Access, share, or create inappropriate, harmful, or offensive content
  • Engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or disrespectful conduct online
  • Use another person’s account or attempt unauthorized access to systems
  • Modify Pennon-owned devices, use technology resources to interfere with or disrupt technology systems, networks, services or equipment or install unauthorized software (games, programs, files, or other electronic media)
  • Record or share images or videos of others without permission
  • Obtain or modify files, passwords and/or data belonging to others
  • Impersonate another user
  • Use, copy or modify materials in violation of copyright laws
  • Use technology resources or created materials for commercial purposes

5. Online Safety & Monitoring

Pennon Education makes every effort to support student online safety through the use of internet filters and monitoring systems; however, students are also expected to use technology responsibly and make safe, appropriate choices when accessing online content. Students should:

  • Report inappropriate content or suspicious activity to a staff member immediately
  • Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading unfamiliar files

6. Children’s Online Privacy Protection (COPPA) Compliance

In compliance with COPPA, Pennon Education requires verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information from students under 13. We only collect data necessary for instructional use, such as:

  • First name and last initial
  • Birthdate (for age verification)
  • Student photos/videos for program highlights (with consent)

7. Parent Rights Under COPPA

Parents/guardians have the right to:

  • Review the personal information collected about their child
  • Request deletion of their child’s information
  • Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, contact: Jennifer Eley, Director of Education at jennifer_eley@pennon.org

8. Approved Educational Tools

Students will access approved web-based tools, software, and platforms to support instruction. These may include learning management systems, educational apps, and secure communication tools.

Informed consent/listing of resources: Approved Education Tools

As part of Pennon Education programs, students may engage in open source research, therefore, the Approved Education Tools is not an exhaustive list. All student accounts and usage fall under this Acceptable Use Policy. There is no expectation of privacy when using Pennon Education-managed technology. Misuse may result in restricted access or removal from Pennon Education programs.

9. Policy Updates

Pennon Education may update this policy as needed. Parents will be informed of significant changes and may be asked to provide updated consent.

Parent/Guardian Name(Required)
Student Name(Required)
Clear Signature
Date(Required)

 

Media Release Agreement

Pennon Education provides a variety of educational programs designed to support learners of all ages. As part of these programs, students may create digital media, including videos and photographs, that showcase their learning experiences.

This Media Release Agreement outlines the terms under which student-created media may be shared on social media platforms. The purpose of such sharing is to highlight student achievement and demonstrate the educational impact of Pennon Education programs within the broader community.

By signing the Media Release Agreement, parents/guardians grant Pennon Education and WITF, Inc. a non-exclusive right to use, edit, and publish their child’s videos and photographs produced during Pennon Education programs. These materials may be used for promotional and educational purposes, including distribution on official social media platforms. No personal information beyond the student’s name will be disclosed. In cases where other individuals appear in the media content, appropriate consent will be obtained from those individuals or their legal guardians prior to publication.

Clear Signature
Date