At Northside ISD, we prioritize creating a secure and safe learning environment for our students. It is essential that you have read and acknowledged the responsibilities outlined for students when they utilize district-provided equipment and services.
At Northside ISD, every student enjoys a 1:1 technology environment equipped with a technology device for learning. Northside has obtained and implemented a Data Privacy Agreement with approved applications for student use to guarantee a secure learning atmosphere.
Technology Services works daily to meet the needs of our staff and students. Be sure to follow them on their social media platforms for tips and updates on the Northside environment. The Technology Services team is dedicated to fulfilling the technological requirements of both staff and students daily. Follow them on their social media platforms to stay informed about the latest news, updates, and helpful tips related to the Northside environment.
Northside Digital Defense: Safe Students, Secure Data
Northside Independent School District (NISD) prioritizes student privacy and data security to protect personally identifiable information (PII) and intellectual property. The district recognizes the importance of safeguarding students from identity theft, harassment, and unauthorized data collection. NISD enforces privacy and data policies to mitigate these risks, ensuring ethical and legal data protection for students and staff.
As a technologically progressive district, NISD partners with K-12 systems to provide resources on Digital Citizenship. This commitment to student privacy aims to ensure students' and staff's success, security, and well-being, fostering a safe learning environment for the entire NISD community.
However, with increasing accessibility to technology and resources, there is a heightened risk of inadvertently compromising sensitive student data. Therefore, NISD remains vigilant in addressing these emerging challenges, continually adapting its privacy measures to safeguard student information and promote a secure educational environment.
Legislative Measures Safeguarding Student Information
Federal laws, including FERPA, alongside additional NISD-specific policies, are in place to safeguard sensitive student information. These regulations ensure robust protection against unauthorized data access and breaches.
Northside ISD, in compliance with state legislation, offers parents/guardians the ability to view approved applications on their students' devices. These applications have undergone an evaluation process to ensure they align with academic support and to ensure that vendors adhere to data privacy agreements.
The SCOPE Act requires districts to minimize student data collection on devices and software. Additionally, we must provide a list of applications students may use and ensure students have limited access to devices throughout the day. Through district-written curriculum and a process to evaluate applications, student applications that are approved and posted for parent/guardian viewing on the Student Data Privacy Consortium website.
FERPA safeguards students' personally identifiable information (PII) in their educational records from unauthorized access or disclosure. FERPA defines education records as those directly related to a student and maintained by an educational institution or an authorized party acting on its behalf. Additionally, FERPA defines PII as direct identifiers (e.g., names) and indirect identifiers (e.g., date of birth). For more details, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) website.
Northside ISD uses filtering tools to ensure students can only access age-appropriate materials online to comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Utilizing a filtering program allows the District to manage student access to approved applications and sites. This approach helps create a safer online environment for students to support their educational experience.
Usage of Student Data
Student data is primarily used locally within districts, states, and by the federal government to inform instruction and public information. Various district-approved software, applications, Artificial Intelligences (AI), and web services also utilize student data, as listed by the Student Data Privacy Consortium.
District Online Safety Measures
Bark for Schools+
Bark for Schools+ is installed as an extension of Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Chat for all secondary students.
▸ Learn more about Bark for Schools+
Google Accounts
Each student is provided with a Northside ISD student Google account. This account is managed to ensure that only nisd.net and approved sites can send communication to students.
Directory Information
FERPA and the Texas Public Information Act designate certain student information as directory information, which may be shared as part of district-approved asynchronous lessons.
▸ Learn more about Directory Information Sharing
Acceptable Use Policies
Access to NISD's network and Internet resources is governed by acceptable use policies, which outline responsible and ethical usage.
Digital Wellness for Parents
Here are resources to help parents safeguard their children online. Discover how to protect student privacy, use technology safely, and stay up-to-date with district policies.
PDF Resources
- Data Privacy Agreements: Overview of data privacy policies for students.
- Northside ISD’s 1:1 Student Device Program: Information about the district’s device program.
- FERPA: A Guide for Parents: Explanation of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
- CIPA: A Guide for Parents: Overview of the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
- App Vetting: Ensuring Safe Digital Tools: Guidelines for evaluating apps and digital tools.
- Technology Hardware & Application Approvals: Process for approving technology resources.
- The SCOPE Act: What Parents Need to Know: Key points regarding the SCOPE Act and its implications.
- TechSafe Tips for Students: Device care, online safety, and how NISD protects students.
- Cybersecurity Tips for Parents: A guide to keeping children safe from online threats.
Video Resources
- Tech Safe in a Snap: A series of short videos covering various tech safety topics. Watch the Playlist
Online Resources
- Student Acceptable Use Guidelines: View Guidelines
- Kids Safe Online Activity Book: Download Activity Book