FCPS Managed Environment

FCPS takes student security and privacy very seriously. The FCPS G Suite for Education domain is a managed environment. Students can collaborate and communicate internally with other FCPS students or staff. There are a few exceptions to this rule for instructional needs that meet the following criteria:

• The external party is an FCPS-approved vendor.
• The external collaboration is necessary for the functionality of an instructional product.
• The activity supports instructional objectives.
• The activity complies with applicable Federal privacy and security laws.

Another exception is the FCPS Global Classroom Project. Through this project, the FCPS G Suite domain is temporarily connected to another school system’s domain to allow students to have global learning experiences. Participating schools sign a confidentiality agreement, which is renewed annually.

Compliance

In order to protect the privacy of students, the FCPS G Suite for Education domain has been configured to comply with Federal and local laws, policies and regulations including:

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
• Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
• Code of Virginia
• FCPS Regulations and Policies:
  • Student Rights & Responsibilities
  • Appropriate Use of Resources R6410
  • Privacy P1503, R2701, P2730, R6225
  • Copyright R1425
  • Selection and Use of Digital Tools R3007, R3008, R6710

Further details about compliance can be found in section 7 of Google's G Suite Terms of Service and the Digital Privacy in FCPS page.

Data Collection and Ownership

FCPS and Google have a data privacy agreement in place. The G Suite Terms of Service Agreement ensures that students and staff are the sole owners of their data. Google will only access content when requested by an FCPS G Suite administrator. One example would be to investigate inappropriate use.

Advertisements

FCPS G Suite does not collect users’ personal information to target ads. There are no advertisements within G Suite.

Use of Student ID

The use of Student ID number as the G Suite User ID is consistent with existing privacy regulations. Student identification numbers are used for applications that meet one of these criteria:

• Account is protected by a PIN (e.g., lunch money).
• Students have no direct access to the system (e.g., library system).
• Account is secured by a personal password (e.g., G Suite for Education).