Website Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 12/05/2025

Winthrop Public Schools (“WPS”) is committed to protecting the privacy of students, families, staff, and visitors who use our website. This Privacy Policy explains how information is collected, used, and safeguarded. Our website is hosted by Finalsite, and some data is processed in accordance with their platform policies.

1. Who Manages This Website?

The Winthrop Public Schools website is built and hosted on the Finalsite platform. WPS controls the content and day-to-day use of the site, while Finalsite provides the underlying technology, hosting, and certain analytics tools.

For more detailed information about Finalsite’s data practices, please review the Finalsite Privacy Policy .

2. Information We Collect

When you use our website, information may be collected in the following ways:

• Information You Provide Directly: For example, when you submit a contact form, sign up for alerts, register for an event, or apply for employment. This may include your name, email address, phone number, and any other details you choose to provide.
• Information Collected Automatically: Such as IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, date and time of visit, and cookies or similar technologies used to improve website performance and security.

3. Student Information & FERPA

The public WPS website is primarily informational and is not intended to publish confidential student records. Any student-related information collected through online forms is used only for official school purposes and is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and applicable Massachusetts laws.

4. Cookies & Analytics

Our website and the Finalsite platform may use cookies and analytics tools to:

• Analyze how visitors use the site
• Improve navigation, layout, and content
• Enhance security and performance

Some analytics services may be provided by third parties (for example, Google Analytics) working with Finalsite. You may adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies, but some features of the site may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

5. How We Use Your Information

Winthrop Public Schools may use information collected through the website to:

• Respond to questions, requests, or feedback
• Provide information about schools, programs, and events
• Improve website content, structure, and usability
• Support communication with families, staff, and the community
• Maintain the security and integrity of our systems

We do not sell your personal information and do not share it with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

6. Third-Party Tools & External Links

Our website may include links to external websites and embedded third-party tools or services (such as payment portals, forms, maps, or educational platforms). These sites and services have their own privacy policies and practices.

Winthrop Public Schools is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any external sites accessed through links on our pages.

7. Data Security

WPS and Finalsite use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information collected through the website from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse.

While we strive to protect all information submitted to us, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage can be guaranteed to be 100% secure.

8. Your Choices

You may choose not to submit information through online forms. You can also manage or block cookies through your browser settings. Some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

If you wish to correct or update information you have previously submitted through our website, please contact the district using the information below.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, law, or district practices. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.

10. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or concerns about privacy related to the WPS website, please contact: