Dear families,
Over the past two weeks, you and your child(ren) have likely used the popular videoconferencing tool Zoom to connect with Averill Park Central School District teachers and staff members. We have been researching the application and discovered that Zoom recently changed its privacy policy, which is one that we are uncomfortable having our students use as the company sells information to third parties.
Protecting our students’ rights to privacy is of the utmost importance to us. This does not mean that our students will not be able to meet with teachers virtually during this period of cancellation of classes. It means that we are searching for other ways to do it that are in the best interest of our students and staff.
All schools in New York state are required to follow Ed Law 2-d, which is a data privacy law that was passed in January. While schools have until July 1st to put a policy in place to protect student privacy, we are expected to make every effort to protect student privacy at this point. This week our technology department has been training teachers on using Google Meet, which provides the same functions as Zoom and has different privacy policies that are in compliance with Ed Law 2-d.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to find the best ways to meet the needs of and provide opportunities for every student every day.