The Greater Commonwealth Virtual School Privacy Policy, Website Terms, and SMS Privacy Policy

Use of Personal Information

GCVS does collect any personal information unless GCVS families voluntarily provide it by sending an email, participating in a survey, or completing an on-line form. Personal information submitted will not be transferred to any non-affiliated third parties unless otherwise stated at the time of collection or in the GCVS family handbook. 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, GCVS will seek consent from the appropriate person. In the case of a student’s personal information, the school will seek the consent from the student and/or parent depending on the circumstances and the student’s mental ability and maturity to understand the consequences of the proposed use and disclosure, excepting the implied data that is required to be shared for the Student to participate in educational activities at GCVS, (such and director information like First and Last name to be shared with Google to use Google Workspace and email).

Cookies

A cookie is a small text file stored by browsers that allows the website to “remember” preferences (such as calendar settings and site bookmarks) on the site from visit to visit, or to maintain a “logged in” status when visiting protected areas. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information while on our site. Web browsers have settings allowing the rejecting of cookies, or selectively accept cookies, or delete cookies previously accepted. Please be aware that rejecting or deleting cookies from our website may make certain functions unavailable.

Log Files

Like most standard website servers GCVS uses website statistic packages such as Google Analytics to analyze trends in how the GCVS website is accessed and utilized. Information monitored 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. GCVS may use it 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 the GCVS website.

Links

This website may contain links to other sites. Please be aware that GCVS is not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. GCVS encourages our users to be aware when they leave the GCVS site and to read the privacy statements of each and every website that collects personally identifiable information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by the GCVS website.

Security

The GCVS website takes every precaution to protect our users’ personal information. Whenever users submit personal information (such as contact info or credit card info) via online forms, registration, or online purchase, upon submission that information is encrypted via the highest level of SSL (Secured Sockets Layer) available. Servers that store personally identifiable information are in a secure environment. Under no circumstances are credit card numbers permanently stored on GCVS servers.

Non-secured Communications

Posts to discussion forums, discussion boards, and comments to blogs are viewable by other users. When these areas are not in a password protected area, they may be viewable by the general public. Please be aware of this when posting personal information in these areas.
In accordance with the privacy and communication policies and practices in the GCVS family handbook, GCVS incorporates short message service (SMS), also known as text messaging, as means to effectively and directly communicate with GCVS families.

  • GCVS uses RingCentral for SMS communication between GCVS and GCVS families regarding student performance, student concerns, and any educational related issues.
  • Short communications through SMS are effective for immediate and time efficient communication for the GCVS school community.
  • As part of SMS communication, GCVS expects that GCVS families keep abreast of all SMS communications.
  • All SMS communications will demonstrate a shared commitment to collaboration, open lines of communication, mutual respect, and a positive and common vision of the goals of that particular student to be reached.
  • All SMS communications between GCVS and GCVS families will be for educational purposes and school-related communication only.
  • GCVS families must communicate all changes in phone numbers impacting SMS by calling the main office at 413-475-3879 or by emailing the office..
  • In addition:
    • SMS Terms and Conditions: Any information obtained as part of the SMS consent process will not be shared with third parties.
    • Message and data rates may apply.
    • GCVS families can opt-out at any time by texting “STOP.” For assistance, please contact the GCVS Instructional Technology department by submitting a ticketing request.