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Technology Department

The mission of the Bay Shore Technology Department is to provide safe, equitable access to enterprise-grade, state-of-the-art technology for all students, teachers, and staff. By delivering a robust and secure digital foundation, we eliminate the digital divide, foster seamless collaboration, and empower our entire educational community toward uninterrupted growth and excellence.  

 

Data Privacy and Security +

The Bay Shore Union Free School District is committed to protecting the privacy and security of each and every student’s data.

Education Law § 2-d requires each educational agency in the State of New York to develop a Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security and publish it on its website. 

The law also requires that with each contract an educational agency enters with a third-party contractor, that receives personally identifiable information (PII), must contain a signed bill of rights and supplemental information. In turn, each educational agency will have to publish, on its website, the signed parent’s bill of rights and supplemental information to the bill of rights for each software contract.

The purpose of the Parents’ Bill of Rights is to provide information to parents (which also include legal guardians or persons in parental relation to a student, but generally not the parents of a student who is age eighteen or over) and eligible students about certain legal requirements that protect personally identifiable information pursuant to state and federal laws. 

 

Data Security Practices for Education +

NYSED Data Privacy & Security

The New York State Education Department is committed to promoting sound information practices and policies that will strengthen data privacy and security at state educational agencies, empower parents with information, and advance efficient and effective school operations.

NYS Education Law Section 2-d Part 121.5 addresses new Data Security and Privacy Standards that took effect in July 2020.

These new standards require educational institutions and their third-party contractors to take a variety of steps to protect both institutional data and student data from potential outside cyber-threats, such as stealing data, holding information systems hostage and causing system disruptions.

Education Law Section 2-D Definitions


Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Name: Michael Virsinger
Email: michael.virsinger@bayshoreschools.org
Phone: (631) 968- 1123
Mailing Address: 75 West Perkal Street, Bay Shore NY 11706


Frequently Asked Questions About Data Privacy and Security

District Approved Software List +

Software (programs/web based applications) used in the District, both free and subscription-based, are vetted for compliance with New York State Education Law-2d.  This is a list that will be updated throughout the year.  A link to the Privacy Policy contains additional information specific to the company's policies.  

Link to Approved/Denied Application Spreadsheet
*Approved Google extensions are based on our approved software inventory list.

Federal Laws that Protect Student Data +

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)(link is external) – The foundational federal law on the privacy of students’ educational records, FERPA safeguards student privacy by limiting who may access student records, specifying for what purpose they may access those records, and detailing what rules they have to follow when accessing the data.
 

Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)(link is external) – PPRA defines the rules states and school districts must follow when administering tools like surveys, analysis, and evaluations funded by the US Department of Education to students. It requires parental approval to administer many such tools and ensures that school districts have policies in place regarding how the data collected through these tools can be used.
 

Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA)(link is external) – COPPA imposes certain requirements on operators of websites, games, mobile apps or online services directed to children under 13 years of age, and on operators of other websites or online services that have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information online from a child under 13 years of age.


Source: NYSED.gov

NYS Required Documents +

FERPA Annual Notification to Parents

The Board recognizes its responsibility to enact policies that protect student privacy, in accordance with law. This is particularly relevant in the context of the administration of surveys that collect personal information, the disclosure of personal information for marketing purposes and in conducting physical exams. 


Directory Information Policy (Please refer to page 10 for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

The Bay Shore School District ensures that parents and eligible students are able to exercise their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).


Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security

The Bay Shore Union Free School District is committed to protecting the privacy and security of each and every student’s data. Parents should be aware of the following rights they have concerning their child’s data.


NYSED Data Security and Privacy Policy

This policy addresses NYS Education Department’s (the Department or SED) responsibility to adopt appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards and controls to protect and maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of its data, data systems and information technology resources.


Data Privacy and Security

Education Law § 2-d requires each educational agency in the State of New York to develop a Parents’ Bill of Rights for Data Privacy and Security and publish it on its website. 

 

Parent Resources +

Common Sense Kids Action

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century.


Computer Instruction/Acceptable Use Policy
Student and staff acceptable use of technology.


Digital Learning Resources
Access digital learning applications, platform guides, and instructional technology support.


Online Privacy and Safety Resources

Online privacy and safety resources from NYSED


Parent Fact Sheet

Parent fact sheets from NYSED

Natinal Cybersecurity Alliance: Learn how to protect yourself, your family and your devices with these tips and resources.


Technology Use Policy

Student and staff acceptable use of technology.

 

One-to-One Learning: Transforming Our Future+

The mission of the Bay Shore School District’s One-to-One Learning: Transforming Our Future initiative is to transform learning for all students in order to prepare them for the emerging future.

The One-to-One Learning: Transforming Our Future program began as a pilot program for Humanities students in 2015. Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, all incoming 9th grade students at Bay Shore High School began receiving a Chromebook laptop for use in the learning environment.  As of the 2021-2022 school year, all incoming students in grades 5 through 9 will receive a Chromebook laptop for use in the learning environment. The devices help students develop and grow skills necessary for the workplaces of today and the future.

 

Student Chromebook User Agreement

Insurance Information

Laptop Procedures

Chromebook Summer Care Tips

Chromebook Helpdesk Appointment

 

Zix Secure Email+

In an effort to comply with state and federal laws to protect Personally Identifiable Information (PII), the Bay Shore School District now automatically encrypts emails that contain private information. Zix's easy-to-use email protection makes it seamless for you to receive, read and reply to all encrypted email communication being sent to you.  This keeps it secure while in transit to the recipient and prevents it from being intercepted and read by unwanted eyes. 


Instructions to Access Secure Email

When we send you an encrypted message, you receive a notification email with instructions on how to open the message. The notification message arrives in your email Inbox. You select Open Message in the notification to go to the Secure Message Center and view your email. Please see the sample email message below.

ZIX Secure Message from BSSD     

When you click on the "Open Message" button, you will be sent to the Bay Shore School District secure email portal. Here, you can sign in if you have already created an account. If you have not, you should click on the "Register" button in the middle.

ZIX Portal Message Center  

You must go through a one-time registration process.

ZIX Register Account 

Once you fill out and submit your login information, you will receive a message that a confirmation email has been sent. This email contains a link that you must follow, which will lead you to a page that asks to confirm your password. Once you click accept and continue, it will send you to the login page again.

Once logged in, you will be able to see your inbox of secure emails from any employee at Bay Shore School District.  

ZIX Test Message 

Click here for more information to help you understand how to retrieve a message through the portal, or send a message back securely through the portal.

 

District Instructional Technology Plan 2026-2029+

 

Mr. Michael Virsinger 



Mr. Michael Virsinger
Director of Techonology/ Data Protection Officer


Jerry G. Berka Administration Building
75 W Perkal Street
Bay Shore, NY 11706
631-968-1123

michael.virsinger@bayshore.k12.ny.us