SMS Policy

Privacy Policy for SMS Message Communication - Palo Verde Elementary District

Palo Verde Elementary District is committed to protecting the privacy of our students, parents/guardians, and staff. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect information related to SMS (Short Message Service) text message communications.

1. Information Collection

Information You Provide: We collect your mobile phone number when you voluntarily provide it to us for the purpose of receiving SMS messages from the District. This may occur through online forms, paper forms, verbal consent, or through your ParentVue account, where you can also update your contact information. A record of your consent, including the date and time, will be electronically stored in our ParentVue database.
Message and data rates may apply.
Purpose of Collection: We collect your phone number for specific, legitimate educational and operational purposes, including, but not limited to:

Emergency notifications (e.g., school closures, safety alerts)
Important school announcements
Attendance updates
School event reminders
Program updates
Other essential communications related to your child's education or district operations.

2. Information Use

Limited Use: Your mobile phone number will be used solely for the purposes stated at the time of collection. We will not use your number for marketing or promotional purposes without your explicit consent.
District Use: SMS messages are intended for communication between the Palo Verde Elementary District, its schools, and parents/guardians.
Third-Party Providers: We may use third-party service providers to facilitate the sending of SMS messages. These providers are contractually obligated to protect the confidentiality of your information and are prohibited from using it for any other purpose.

3. Information Sharing

No Sale or Rent: Palo Verde Elementary District will not sell or rent your mobile phone number to any third party.
Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or other legal process.
Emergency Situations: In the event of an emergency, we may share your information with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of students and staff.

4. Data Accuracy and Security

Data Accuracy: Palo Verde Elementary District is committed to maintaining the accuracy of your mobile phone number. We utilize ParentVue, which allows parents/guardians to directly update their contact information, to help ensure data accuracy. We also have processes in place to periodically review and update contact information as needed.
Security Measures: We take reasonable precautions to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This includes technical, administrative, and physical safeguards.
Data Retention: We will retain your mobile phone number for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law.

5. Opt-Out Provisions

Right to Opt-Out: You have the right to opt-out of receiving SMS messages from Palo Verde Elementary District at any time.
Opt-Out Methods:

Reply "STOP": You can opt-out by replying "STOP" to any SMS message you receive from us.
Contact Us: You can also opt-out by contacting the District office directly at the phone number or email address provided on the district website (www.pvesd.org).
School Contact: Contact your child's school directly.
ParentVue: You can manage your SMS options, including opting in or out of text messages and updating your contact information, at any time through your ParentVue account.

Opt-Out Confirmation: Once you opt-out, you will receive a confirmation message stating that you will no longer receive SMS messages from us.
Re-Subscribing: If you have previously opted out, you may re-subscribe to receive SMS messages by providing your consent again, including through ParentVue, if applicable.
Partial Opt-Out: In some cases, you may be able to opt-out of specific types of messages (e.g., general announcements) while continuing to receive others (e.g., emergency alerts). Please contact the district or check your ParentVue settings for information on partial opt-out options, if available.

6. Parental Rights

Parents/guardians have the right to access, correct, and delete the mobile phone number information we collect for SMS messaging. To exercise these rights, please submit a written request to the District Data Protection Officer at \[email address\] or \[mailing address\]. We will respond to your request within the timeframe required by the District of Columbia Data Available Child Act (DCA2). We will take reasonable steps to verify your identity before processing your request.

7. Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)

The District has assessed the SMS messaging program and determined that a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is not required at this time, given the limited scope and low risk of the data processing. This determination will be reviewed periodically.

8. Training

Staff who handle SMS communications receive annual training on the requirements of the District of Columbia Data Available Child Act (DCA2), the District's SMS Privacy Policy, data security best practices, and procedures for handling SMS data. Records of staff training are maintained by the District.

9. Record Keeping

The District maintains records of parent/guardian consent for SMS messaging, opt-out requests, and parental rights requests in our Synergy Student Information System (SIS). These records are maintained in accordance with DCA2 requirements.

10. Changes to this Policy

Policy Updates: Palo Verde Elementary District may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post any changes on our website (www.pvesd.org).
Notification of Changes: We will make reasonable efforts to notify you of significant changes to this policy.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our SMS messaging practices, please contact us at:

Palo Verde Elementary District

PO Box 108

Palo Verde AZ, 85343

(623) 327-3690

www.pvesd.org

Report abuse