Who we are and what this policy covers

Our website address is https://bigforkschools.org.

Bigfork School District 38 is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to our website. This policy explains how visitor information is collected, used and protected when using our website.

Information we collect 

Information automatically collected

We use Google Analytics (GA4) to collect limited technical data, such as:

• Device and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent
• General geographic region

This information is aggregated and is not used to identify individual users. Nor is it used for advertising and marketing purposes.  

Information you voluntarily submit via the contact form

When you use the contact form on this website, the school collects the information you choose to provide, such as your name, email address, and message. This information is used only to respond to your inquiry or to route your message to the appropriate school staff. Please do not include sensitive or confidential information about a student in this form, including information related to grades, discipline, health, or other educational records. This form is not intended for submitting or maintaining official student records.

Information submitted through this form may be shared with school officials who have a legitimate need to review and respond to your message. The school takes reasonable steps to protect the security of this information, but electronic communication may not be fully secure. If your message includes information about a student, the school will handle that information in accordance with applicable student privacy laws, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you understand how your information will be used. You also confirm that you are at least 18 years old.

If you have questions about student records or need to share confidential information, please contact the school directly through the main office.

Educational Technology Systems

Bigfork Schools uses the following systems to support instruction and operations:

• Google Workspace for Education
• PowerSchool
• InstaSub
• MyMealTime
• Black Mountain Software

Access to student data in these systems is restricted to authorized users and governed by FERPA. Privacy Policies for these service providers can be viewed on their respective websites. 

Children’s Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

We comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

When students under the age of 13 use school-approved online services for educational purposes, the school may provide consent on behalf of parents/guardians as permitted by law. These services are used solely to support instruction, learning activities, and school operations.

We do not knowingly allow third-party services to collect personal information from students for purposes outside of education.

Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies through Google Analytics 4 to:

• Understand site usage
• Improve navigation and content

Users can disable cookies through browser settings.

How we use information

We use information to:

• Operate and maintain our website
• Communicate with families and community members
• Improve website functionality and accessibility
• Analyze website usage

Data Retention

We retain information only as long as necessary to:

• Meet educational and operational needs
• Comply with legal and records retention requirements

Sharing of Information

The district does not sell or rent personal information.

Information may be shared only:

• With authorized service providers under contract
• As required by law
• To protect the safety and security of users and systems

All student data sharing complies with FERPA and Montana student data privacy laws.

Embedded Content and External Links

Pages on this site may include links for external websites and/or embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website.

These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.

The district is not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites.

Contact information

600 Commerce Street (visitor address)
P.O. Box 188
Bigfork, MT 59911

District Office Phone: (406) 837-7400
High School Phone: (406) 837-7420
Elementary/Middle School Phone: (406) 837-7412

For specific questions regarding our website or this Privacy Policy: 

webcontent@bfsd38.org 

Updated: April 29, 2026