Student Data Privacy and Online Safety

The Dubuque Community School District is committed to protecting student privacy and ensuring a safe, secure digital learning environment. In compliance with federal regulations, the district adheres to the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and utilizes Microsoft 365 for Education in accordance with applicable privacy and security standards.

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

In accordance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the district employs internet filtering and monitoring technologies to prevent access to content that is obscene, harmful to minors, or otherwise inappropriate. These safeguards are applied to all district-managed devices and networks, including those used in remote learning environments. All student web activity is filtered through district-managed systems to ensure compliance with CIPA and to promote safe, responsible digital behavior. In addition, all student email communications are archived and monitored using district-provided resources to support safety, accountability, and instructional continuity. Learn more about CIPA at www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

The district complies with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which governs the collection and use of personal information from children under the age of 13 in online environments. In educational settings, schools may act on behalf of parents to provide consent for the use of digital tools that support classroom instruction. The district carefully reviews and approves all digital resources used with students to ensure they meet COPPA requirements and protect student privacy. The district continues to align its practices with these evolving standards to ensure student data remains protected. Learn more about COPPA at www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa.

Microsoft 365 for Education

The Dubuque Community School District utilizes Microsoft 365 for Education to support instruction, collaboration, and communication. This platform includes access to tools such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and OneDrive. Microsoft 365 is managed by the district and restricted to educational use. It is free of advertising and commercial data collection, and it complies with FERPA, CIPA, and COPPA regulations. Student accounts are provisioned and monitored by the district within a secure, closed-campus environment. No third-party access to student data is permitted without appropriate legal safeguards and parental consent, where applicable. Learn more about Microsoft 365 for Education at learn.microsoft.com/en-us/compliance/regulatory/offering-ferpa.