Portsmouth Public Schools (PPS) values the privacy of all visitors to the division’s website and is committed to protecting their personal information. This privacy policy explains what information is collected by the division website (ppsk12.us) and its subsites, and the intended use of that data.
Please note that the division does not share any personally identifiable information with third parties without parent permission.
Protecting Children Online
Parents are encouraged to partner with PPS in advocating for safe internet practices and to be aware of their children’s online activities. Children should always ask their parents for permission before sharing their name, address, email address or any other personal information online.
Types of Information Collected
In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), this website does not knowingly collect any information from children under the age of 13. Therefore, the statements below apply to users over the age of 13.
Website Traffic and Monitoring
When visiting the PPS website, certain information is collected and stored automatically. This non-identifiable information is gathered for the purpose of monitoring web traffic and providing the division with analytical data to improve the user experience.
Some of this information includes:
- IP address used to access the website
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Referring website (the website that directed the user to the division’s website)
- Pages visited and time spent on each page
- Date and time of visit
Personal Information (Optional)
In accordance with The Privacy Act of 1974, this website does not automatically collect data of a personal or confidential nature about its users. While the input of personal information is not required to have full use of the website, there are instances where users may choose to enter their personal information, such as contact form submissions, questionnaires or to fill out voluntary surveys.
Personally identifiable information that may be captured if provided through contact forms or other interactive features includes:
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Home address
- Any other form of contact information
Again, entering any of the personally identifiable information listed above is strictly voluntary and at the sole discretion of the user.
Usage of Information Collected
Any information collected may be used for the following purposes:
- To monitor and analyze web traffic and usage patterns
- To improve the content and functionality of our website
- To respond to inquiries and provide information requested by visitors
- To ensure the security and integrity of the PPS website
As stated previously, at no time does PPS share any personally identifiable information with third parties without parent permission. The division also does not sell users’ personal information to third parties. The information received is used solely for the purposes outlined in this policy and is kept confidential within the division’s framework.
Data Security
PPS implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. These measures include encryption, secure servers and access controls.
Data Retention
PPS retains web traffic data for analysis and improvement purposes for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy. Personal information provided through contact forms or other interactive features is retained for as long as needed to respond to inquiries and maintain records.
User Rights
Users have the right to:
- Access their personal information on file
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information
- Request deletion of personal information, subject to legal and policy constraints
- Request restriction or objection to the processing of personal information
Links to Outside Resources
While the division does not share any personally identifiable information with third parties without parent permission, there are links to other websites that provide resources and services deemed useful to PPS families, staff and the community. These external websites are not required to adhere to this policy for the PPS website, and will have their own terms of use.
For more information, please refer to the privacy policies for these external websites.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
This policy may be updated at the discretion of the school division to ensure it adequately addresses all areas of interest. Any changes to the policy will be reflected on this page, so users are encouraged to review this policy periodically.
Have Any Questions?
Any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or the division’s data practices can be directed to the PPS Office of Technology by calling (757) 393-5092.
Acknowledgment
Using the PPS website and any of its subsites serves as the user’s agreement to submit to the terms of use outlined within this privacy policy.