SMS Privacy
PAGE 2 — Privacy Policy
Suggested page title: Privacy Policy — California Area School District Effective date: September 3, 2026
California Area School District ("the District," "we," "us") operates the website at calsd.org and the district applications linked from it, including the Write, Track, Grow platform used by district staff. This policy explains what information we collect through those services, how we use it, and the choices available to you.
Information we collect
Information you give us. Contact information you submit through district forms, applications, or staff platforms — for example a name, email address, mailing address, or mobile phone number.
Information collected automatically. Standard web server information such as IP address, browser type, pages visited, and the date and time of a visit. This is used to keep the site running and to understand general usage. We do not use it to build advertising profiles.
Student information. Information about students is collected and maintained under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, applicable Pennsylvania law, and the District's adopted student records policies.
How we use information
To operate district services and applications, to communicate with staff and families about district business, to respond to questions and requests, and to meet the District's legal and record-keeping obligations.
Text messaging (Write, Track, Grow)
What we collect. When a district employee enrolls in text messaging for the Write, Track, Grow platform, we collect the mobile number they provide, the date and time consent was given, and a record of that consent. When they use the program, we collect the content of messages they send and receive, including any photographs or attachments, along with message timestamps and basic delivery information supplied by the carrier.
Why we collect it. To operate the evidence submission program: to match a submitted photograph to the correct student record, to reply with confirmations or clarifying questions, to maintain the record of instructional evidence the platform exists to hold, and to honor opt-out requests.
Who it is shared with. Messages are transmitted through Twilio Inc., the District's messaging service provider, and through the recipient's mobile carrier. Twilio processes this information on the District's behalf under its agreement with the District.
No mobile information — including phone numbers, consent records, or message content collected through the Write, Track, Grow text messaging program — is sold, rented, or shared with any third party or affiliate for marketing or promotional purposes. Beyond delivery of the program itself, information is disclosed only where required by law, by court order, or in response to a lawful public records request, and only to the extent the law requires.
Student work submitted by text. Photographs and messages submitted through this program may contain student work and student names. That content is treated as a student education record under FERPA and applicable Pennsylvania law and is protected under the District's student records policies. Employees are directed not to include student information beyond what is needed to identify the work being submitted.
How long it is kept. Message content is retained within the Write, Track, Grow platform under the District's records retention schedule for instructional and student records. Mobile numbers and consent records are retained while the employee is enrolled, and consent records are kept afterward as proof that consent was given.
Security. Messages and attachments are stored in the Write, Track, Grow platform with access limited to authorized district staff. Text messages travel over the public carrier network and are not encrypted in transit by the carrier; employees should not send sensitive personal information about a student, family, or staff member by text.
Your choices. An enrolled employee can withdraw consent at any time by replying STOP to any message or by unchecking the consent box in their Write, Track, Grow profile. Withdrawing consent stops future messages; it does not delete evidence already submitted, which remains part of the instructional record. Full program terms are on the District's Text Messaging Terms page.
Sharing generally
California Area School District does not sell personal information. We share information only with service providers acting on our behalf, with other agencies where required by law or for the education of a student, and as required by the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law or other legal process.
Third-party links
The District's website links to outside sites and services. Those sites have their own privacy practices, and this policy does not apply to them.
Children's privacy
Online services used by students are selected and administered under the District's policies and applicable law, including FERPA and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Your rights
Parents and eligible students have rights of access, review, and amendment of education records under FERPA and District policy. Requests should be directed to the building principal or the Superintendent's office.
Changes to this policy
California Area School District may update this policy. Material changes will be posted here with a new effective date.
Contact
California Area School District 40 Trojan Way, Coal Center, PA 15423 724-785-5800 · hoffmanj@calsd.org
Drafted to meet CTIA messaging guidelines and Twilio's A2P 10DLC review requirements. Not legal advice — worth a look from the District's solicitor before publishing, particularly the FERPA, records retention, and Right-to-Know paragraphs.