Privacy Policy

Bookworm Reading Program – Bookworm Central Web-Based Platform

1. Introduction

The Bookworm Reading Program (“Bookworm”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of students, educators, families, and all users of the Bookworm Central web-based platform (“Platform”).

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and the rights of Districts, parents, and students.

2. Who This Policy Applies To

This Policy applies to:

Students using Bookworm through their school or district;
Teachers, school staff, and administrators;
Parents or family subscribers using Bookworm directly;
Districts and schools that license the platform.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Student Information

We collect only the minimum information needed to operate the reading program, such as:

First name (required), last name (optional, per district preference);
School, teacher, and class assignment;
Email address if provided by the school or SSO provider;
Organization/district association.

3.2 Reading Log Information

Book title, author, and genre;
Student opinions (text and, if used, translated text);
Star ratings;
Auto-generated reading log number and timestamps.

3.3 Optional Media

Optional selfie photos submitted with reading logs;
Optional audio recordings of reading opinions.

3.4 Technical Information

IP address and general technical logs for security and troubleshooting;
Browser or device type;
Login timestamps and error logs (non-personal).

We do not collect sensitive data such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, financial data, or medical records.

4. How We Collect Information

We collect data through:

District SSO systems (Clever, Google, Microsoft) where enabled;
Teacher- or admin-provided rosters;
Direct student and teacher input through the platform;
System logs used for security and performance.

5. How We Use Information

Bookworm uses data solely for educational purposes, including to:

Provide reading log and progress tracking for students;
Enable teachers to monitor reading and support students;
Power badges, milestones, and incentive features;
Generate school and district literacy reports;
Maintain platform functionality, security, and reliability.

We do not use student data for targeted advertising, commercial profiling, or unrelated marketing.

6. Legal Compliance

Bookworm is designed to comply with:

FERPA – Student data is owned and controlled by the District;
COPPA – Platform use is under school or district direction;
PPRA – We do not collect sensitive survey data;
Relevant state student data privacy laws, as applicable.

7. Data Sharing

Bookworm does not sell, rent, or trade student information. Data may be shared only:

With the District, its schools, teachers, and administrators;
With authorized Bookworm personnel for support and maintenance;
When required by law (e.g., valid legal process or court order).

No third-party advertisers or ad trackers are integrated into the platform.

8. Cookies and Tracking

Bookworm uses only essential cookies, such as session cookies that keep users logged in. We do not use advertising cookies or behavioral tracking cookies.

9. Data Security

We protect data through measures such as:

Encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS);
Hashed passwords using modern algorithms;
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for students, teachers, admins;
Secure upload directories for images and audio;
Input validation and sanitization;
Regular backups stored securely.

10. Data Storage and Retention

Data is hosted on secure servers located in the United States;
Student data is retained while the District participates in the program;
Districts may request export or deletion of data;
Data is deleted securely after contract termination or upon District request, in accordance with law.

11. Ownership of Student Data

All student data is owned by the District. Bookworm acts as a data processor/service provider and only processes data at the direction of the District for educational purposes.

12. Parent, Student, and District Rights

Parents and eligible students may request access, correction, or deletion of student information through their school or District, consistent with FERPA and local laws. We work with the District to honor such requests.

13. Children’s Privacy (COPPA)

Bookworm is used by children under 13 only under the authorization and direction of schools and districts. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children for non-educational purposes.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as needed to reflect changes in law, practice, or platform features. When we make material changes, Districts and users will be notified as appropriate, and an updated version will be posted on this page.

15. Contact

For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or privacy practices, please contact:

Bookworm Reading Program – Privacy Office
Email: {{PRIVACY_EMAIL}}
Phone: {{PRIVACY_PHONE}}
Website: {{SITE_URL}}