Each year, District 126 provides families with an Annual Technology Notice to share important information about the District's technology programs, student data privacy, internet safety, artificial intelligence, and digital learning resources. This notice fulfills applicable federal and Illinois annual notification requirements and provides families with quick access to policies, resources, and information that support the safe, secure, and responsible use of technology throughout the District.

Annual Technology Notification

Our ZB-IT department "HiveNet"  is dedicated to providing exceptional service to all of our staff, students, and parents. We believe that our primary role is to support the needs of our organization and its members, and we strive to be responsive, helpful, and proactive in our approach to service. Whether it's troubleshooting a technical issue, implementing a new system, or simply providing guidance and support, our team is always focused on delivering the best possible service to our customers. We pride ourselves on being a customer-first department, and we are committed to making sure that every interaction with us is a positive and productive one.

Internet and Online Safety for All Ages

• Illinois Public Act 095-0869 requires that beginning with the 2009-2010 school year, every school district in Illinois must incorporate into the school curriculum a component on Internet safety to be taught at least once each school year to students in grade 3 and above.

  In addition to authentic integration during classroom instruction, we have created the “5-Minute Film Festival” for advisory.

  5-Minute Festival Films are

  • The Pressure to Stay Connected
  • Friendships and Social Media
  • Hate Speech Online
  • 13 Ways to Protect your Data
  • Choose Your News

  These films will discuss hot topics with the intention of reminding students that we

  • find balance in our digital lives 
  • know the power of words and actions
  • are kind and courageous
  • take control to protect interests
  • can find reliable sources

Internet Safety - Filtering

Securly Web Filter And Aware Wellness Monitoring

Securly Web Filter and AWARE protect our students and staff in a number of ways:

Overall, Securly Web Filter and AWARE provide a set of tools and services to protect student and staff personal information. By using Securly, schools and districts can help to keep their students and staff safe online.

• Web filtering: Securly Web Filter blocks access to websites that are known to contain malware, phishing scams, or other dangerous content. This helps to protect students and staff from accidentally exposing their personal information to malicious actors.

• Content filtering: Securly Web Filter can also be used to filter specific types of content, such as social media, gambling, or pornography. This can help to prevent students and staff from sharing their personal information on websites that they should not be using.

• Keyword monitoring: Securly Web Filter and AWARE can also be used to monitor for specific keywords in student and staff web traffic. 

• Data encryption: Securly encrypts all student and staff data at rest and in transit. This means that even if someone were to gain unauthorized access to Securly's systems, they would not be able to read the data.

• Access control: Securly strictly limits access to student and staff data. Only authorized personnel have access to this data, and all access is logged and audited.

In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/10-20.75, 105 ILCS 5/34-18.72,  42 U.S.C. 12132, and 29 U.S.C. 794 we want everyone who visits the  Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 website to feel welcome and find the experience rewarding.

What are we doing?

To help us make the Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 website a positive place for everyone, we've been using the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. These guidelines explain how to make web content more accessible for people with disabilities, and user-friendly for everyone. We have added AudioEye accessibility features available to all website visitors. AudioEye also monitors and suggests corrects our site for compliance in real time. 

In alignment with federal and state accessibility requirements, the District recognizes that any third-party online curriculum made available to enrolled students must comply with Level AA of the World Wide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

To ensure compliance, we are actively conducting a comprehensive review of all instructional and curriculum-related software platforms currently in use. This review includes:

• Determining whether each platform is still actively being used for curriculum purposes in 2026 and beyond

• Documenting publicly available ADA/WCAG Level AA compliance information provided by vendors

• Identifying any platforms that do not clearly demonstrate compliance

Software tools that lack sufficient accessibility documentation or do not meet required standards will be evaluated for remediation, vendor clarification, or replacement. The District is planning to address any non-compliant platforms during the Summer 2026 review cycle, including identifying and transitioning to accessible alternatives as necessary.

Our goal is to ensure equitable digital access for all students while maintaining full compliance with accessibility standards.

How are we doing?

We've worked hard on the Zion-Benton Township High School District 126 website and believe we've achieved our goal of Level AA accessibility. AudioEye monitors the website regularly to maintain this, but if you do find any problems, please get in touch. You can report issues using the accessibility icon on any page.

Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA 105 ILCS 85/27)

I. The Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA) is legislation in the state of Illinois that aims to protect the online personal data of students when it is collected by educational technology companies. As part of SOPPA, companies that work with school districts in Illinois are required to enter into Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) with each district. These agreements outline the details of the data that is stored and how it is protected, as well as the limitations on how the company can use the data and what they will do in the event of a data breach.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) includes any information that can be used to identify a student, such as their name, date of birth, student ID number, or login credentials.

To address data privacy concerns, some school districts in Illinois may choose to leverage the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC), which is a collaborative organization that works on solutions to address data privacy issues. Through the SDPC, school districts can enter into contracts with third-party vendors who handle student data on their behalf.

II. Under SOPPA, parents have the right to inspect, review, and request corrections to their child’s covered information. They can also request a list of operators and online services that collect or use their child’s data. To exercise these rights, parents or guardians may contact Executive Director of Technology and Innovation, Dr. Cheri Bridge at cheri.bridge@zb126.org for more information or to submit a formal request.

III. ZB IT provides access to many applications that enhance student learning.  A list of our DPA agreements can be found by clicking this link.

IV. SOPPA DPA Status: No current breaches to report.

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) 

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a law that regulates the collection of personal information from children under 13 by companies operating websites, games, mobile apps, and other digital services that are directed to children or that collect personal information from children. More information about COPPA can be found here. 

Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

The Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) is a law that imposes certain requirements on schools that receive federal E-Rate discounts for internet access and other technology services, or that receive federal grants for other technology expenses. More information about CIPA can be found here.   

Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 

The Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a law that governs information in a student's education record, restricting access and use of student information. More information about FERPA can be found here.   

 

In accordance with 105 ILCS 5/14-8.02, District 126 is committed to ensuring that students with disabilities have access to the tools, services, and supports necessary to receive a free appropriate public education.

Assistive technology may include devices, equipment, software, applications, or services that help a student increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities and access to learning.

As part of the special education process, the IEP Team must consider whether a student needs assistive technology. This consideration occurs at the student's initial IEP meeting and at each annual IEP review meeting.

If assistive technology is needed, the IEP Team will determine the appropriate supports, services, or devices based on the student's individual needs.

Parents may contact the Department of Student and Specialized Services:

Mr. Jacob Carlson
Executive Director of Student and Specialized Services
jacob.carlson@zb126.org
(847) 731-9356