This Privacy Policy explains how ClassWatcher ("we", "us", "our"), operated by David W Cooper, collects, uses, and protects information when you use the ClassWatcher Chrome extension, web application at classwatcher.com, and related services (collectively, the "Service"). We are committed to complying with applicable privacy laws including Canada's PIPEDA and, where applicable, FERPA.
By using the Service you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Service.
1. Information We Collect
Account information: When you register, we collect your name, email address, and a hashed password (or Google OAuth token if you sign in with Google).
Teacher-entered data: Class lists, student names, and parent contact information (phone numbers and email addresses) that you enter into the Service. This data is stored locally in your browser via Chrome storage and, for certain features, on our servers.
Extension-collected data: When you run a scan, the extension reads submission status information from Brightspace assignment pages currently open in your browser. This data is processed locally and summarized results may be stored on our servers to support your watch list and history features.
Messaging logs: Records of SMS and email messages sent through the Service, including recipient phone number or email address, student name, message content, timestamp, delivery status, and credit usage. If a parent replies to an SMS sent through the Service, that reply is stored and forwarded to the teacher who sent the original message. Message logs (outbound and inbound replies) are automatically deleted after 365 days.
Contact notes: Manual notes you record about a student (for example, "called home," "spoke with student") through the extension's student panel. Each note includes the student's name, the note text you enter, and a timestamp. Contact notes are stored on our servers so they are available across your devices, and are automatically deleted after 365 days.
Payment information: Processed entirely by Stripe. We do not store credit card numbers. We retain transaction records (plan, amount, date) for billing purposes.
Usage data: Standard server logs including IP address, browser type, and pages visited. Used for security and service improvement.
2. How We Use Your Information
- To provide and operate the Service
- To process payments and manage your subscription
- To send transactional emails (receipts, password resets, account notices)
- To deliver SMS and email messages you initiate through the Service
- To improve and troubleshoot the Service
- To comply with legal obligations
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information or your students' information to third parties.
3. Student Data
ClassWatcher is a tool for teachers. Student names and submission data are processed solely to provide the Service to you (the teacher). We treat student data as strictly confidential. We do not use student data for advertising, profiling, or any purpose beyond delivering the features you explicitly use. We do not share student data with third parties except as required to operate the Service (e.g., delivering a message you send).
If you are subject to FERPA or provincial student privacy regulations, you are responsible for ensuring your use of ClassWatcher complies with those regulations. ClassWatcher acts as a service provider/operator under applicable law.
4. SMS & Email Messaging to Parents
ClassWatcher allows teachers to send SMS and email messages to parents on behalf of the teacher. Messages are delivered via third-party providers (Twilio for SMS, AgentMail for email). You are responsible for ensuring you have appropriate authority to contact parents using the contact information you provide.
Opt-out: Every email sent through the Service includes an unsubscribe link. Parents who reply STOP to an SMS are immediately removed from future messages. Teachers can manually re-subscribe a parent who has opted out. Opt-out records are retained indefinitely to prevent further unwanted messages.
Parent replies: If a parent replies to an SMS sent through the Service, their reply is received by ClassWatcher, logged, and forwarded by email to the teacher who sent the original message. The parent is notified via an automatic SMS acknowledgement that their reply has been forwarded. Reply content is stored for up to 365 days and then automatically deleted.
Message log retention: All outbound SMS and email records, including message content and recipient contact details, are automatically deleted after 365 days.
We may invite beta users to provide short feedback surveys to help improve ClassWatcher. Survey responses are used solely to improve the product, are not tied to student records, and will be retained for 90 days then anonymized.
To request earlier deletion of your messaging data, contact us at [email protected].
5. Google Services
If you use the Google Sheets export feature, ClassWatcher requests access to your Google account using the Google Sheets API (spreadsheets scope). This access is used solely to create and populate a spreadsheet in your own Google Drive with your class and assignment data. We do not read, store, or share the contents of your Google Drive. You can revoke this access at any time via your Google account settings.
ClassWatcher's use of Google APIs complies with the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.
6. Third-Party Service Providers
We use the following third-party providers to operate the Service:
- Twilio — SMS message delivery
- AgentMail — Email delivery
- Stripe — Payment processing
- Google — OAuth login and Sheets export
- DreamHost — Web hosting and database
- OpenRouter — AI-powered customer support via the support chat (support messages only, no student PII)
Each provider has their own privacy policy governing their handling of data. We share only the minimum information necessary for each provider to perform their function.
7. Data Retention
- Account data: retained while your account is active, deleted within 30 days of account closure on request
- Messaging logs (SMS, email, parent replies): 365 days — automatically purged daily
- Contact notes: 365 days — automatically purged daily
- Opt-out records: indefinite (required to prevent further unwanted contact)
- Survey responses: 90 days, then anonymized
- Payment records: 7 years (legal requirement)
- Server logs: 30 days
8. Your Rights
Under PIPEDA and applicable provincial law, you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your account and personal data
- Withdraw consent, subject to legal or contractual restrictions
- File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
To exercise any of these rights, email [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.
9. Security
We use industry-standard measures to protect your data, including HTTPS encryption in transit, hashed passwords, and access controls on our servers. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to protecting your information.
10. Children's Privacy
The Service is intended for use by teachers and school administrators aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from students or children. Student names and submission data entered by teachers are treated as described in Section 3.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy with a new effective date. For material changes, we will notify account holders by email. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance.
12. Contact
For privacy questions, requests, or concerns:
David W Cooper
ClassWatcher
[email protected]