In order for The Banff School to provide students with the most effective tools to enhance their online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers will be using web-based teleconferencing services and applications, most notably those services provided by Zoom Video Communications, Inc. The Terms of Service and Privacy Policy of Zoom states that, due to Federal Law, any users under the age of 13 must obtain parental permission to use their site as the use of Zoom requires certain personal identifying information to be provided. Additionally, all Zoom video conferences utilized for educational purposes at The Banff School are recorded and become part of the student's educational record. These recordings may be used to allow students to watch a missed class session, to review an earlier session or for accreditation purposes.

For reference, there are two federal laws that govern online activities concerning students:

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

FERPA is the federal law that protects a students' educational records. If a class recording includes only the teacher, it is not considered a student record and FERPA law does not limit its use. However, if the recording includes students asking questions or making presentations (as an online Zoom class or meeting would), then the portions containing recordings of the student do constitute protected educational records. Educational records can only be used as permitted by FERPA, or in a manner allowed by a written consent from the student's legal guardians.

Additionally, under COPPA federal law, The Banff School must provide parental notification and obtain parental consent before collecting personal information (this includes the student's name and video/audio recordings) from children under the age of 13.

For more information on COPPA, please visit: https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule

For more information on FERPA, please visit: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

These laws permit The Banff School to consent to the collection (photo/audio/video recording) of personal information on behalf of all of its students, thereby eliminating the need for individual parental consent given directly to the web site operator. Your agreement to this consent release will be used by The Banff School to provide consent on your behalf to Zoom Video Communications, Inc.

ALL STUDENTS, Preschool-12th grade, need to have their legal guardian complete this form if the student plans on participating in any online Zoom Meeting for the purposes of eLearning.