PCSST Website Privacy Policy & Terms of Use*
Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology (PCSST)
Website Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Effective Date: March 2026
Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology (“PCSST,” “we,” “our,” or “the School”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our students, families, staff, and community members. This policy outlines how information is collected, used, and protected when you access or use the PCSST website and related communication services.
By accessing or using this website, you agree to the terms outlined below.
I. PRIVACY POLICY
1. Collection of Personal Information
PCSST does not collect personal information unless it is voluntarily provided by you through email communication, surveys, registration forms, payment portals, or other online submissions.
When you voluntarily provide personally identifiable information (such as name, email address, phone number, or payment information), it is used solely for the purpose stated at the time of collection.
PCSST does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to non-affiliated third parties. PCSST may disclose personal information if the administration believes the school is required to do so by law, regulation, or a lawful government authority.
2. Consent
Consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information is required where applicable.
For student-related information, PCSST will seek consent from the student and/or parent or guardian in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, depending on the student’s age and capacity to understand the consequences of disclosure.
3. FERPA and Student Privacy Compliance
PCSST complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and all applicable New Jersey student privacy laws.
Under FERPA, parents and eligible students have the right to:
- Inspect and review education records
- Request correction of inaccurate records
- Control disclosure of personally identifiable information from education records, except in permitted circumstances
Questions regarding student records may be directed to the school administration.
4. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
PCSST does not knowingly collect personal information online from children under the age of 13 without appropriate parental consent, in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Questions regarding compliance with COPPA may be directed to the school administration.
5. Cookies and Website Tracking
A cookie is a small text file stored on your device by your web browser. PCSST uses cookies to enhance user experience, maintain session functionality, and remember site preferences.
Cookies used by PCSST do not contain personally identifiable information.
You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings; however, doing so may affect certain website functionality.
6. Analytics and Log Data
PCSST may use third-party analytics services, including Google Analytics, to understand website usage patterns and improve user experience.
Collected data may include:
- IP address
- Geographic location (country/city)
- Browser type
- Device type
- Internet service provider
- Referring and exit pages
- Date and time of visit
- Time spent on pages
This information is collected in aggregate and does not identify individual users.
Third-party providers operate under their own privacy policies, but, again, information is collected only in the aggregate and does not identify individual users.
7. External Links
The PCSST website may contain links to third-party websites. PCSST is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or policies of external sites. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party site they visit.
8. Data Security
PCSST takes reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information.
Information submitted through secure forms (including contact forms and payment portals) is encrypted using industry-standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology during transmission.
PCSST does not permanently store credit card information on its servers.
While we strive to protect personal information, no method of internet transmission is completely secure. Users share information at their own risk
9. Public and Non-Secured Communications
Information posted in public areas of the website or on PCSST-affiliated social media platforms (including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, message boards, forums, or alumni pages) may be visible to others.
Users should exercise caution when sharing personal information in public or semi-public online environments. Individuals should never post information concerning nor photographs of students. ”See Article II, Subsection 2 (Use of Communication Services), below, for further guidelines” on interacting with school-sponsored message boards and forums.
II. TERMS OF USE
1. Educational Purpose
The PCSST website is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Content is intended to support communication with students, families, staff, and the community.
2. Use of Communication Services
The website may include communication features such as message boards, forums, calendars, or other interactive services (“Communication Services”).
By using these services, you agree not to:
- Defame, abuse, harass, threaten, or violate the legal rights of others
- Post unlawful, obscene, defamatory, or inappropriate content
- Upload materials that infringe intellectual property rights
- Transmit viruses or malicious software
- Conduct unauthorized commercial activity
- Collect personal information about others without consent
- Violate any applicable federal, state, or local law
PCSST may, but is not obligated to, monitor communications to ensure compliance with applicable policies and laws.
PCSST reserves the right to remove content and terminate access to Communication Services at its discretion.
3. Non-Discrimination Statement
PCSST complies with all applicable federal and state non-discrimination laws.
PCSST does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected classification in admission, employment, programs, activities, or services.
Questions or grievances may be directed to the designated District Compliance Officer.
4. Intellectual Property and Trademarks
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and design elements, is the property of PCSST unless otherwise noted.
The names of companies or products mentioned on this website may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Any rights not expressly granted are reserved.
5. Limitation of Liability
PCSST makes no warranties or representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of website content.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, PCSST shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from access to or use of this website.
6. Governing Law
These policies and terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey.
7. Policy Updates
PCSST reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy and Terms of Use at any time without prior notice.
Changes become effective immediately upon posting to this website.
8. PCSST Policies & Regulations
For additional policies and regulations, please visit:
9. Contact Information
If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact:
Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology (PCSST)
Email: info@pcsst.org
* Pending Board Approval