Howard County Chinese School (HCCS) Privacy Policy
Effective Date: September 1st, 2025
Howard County Chinese School (HCCS), a nonprofit educational institution registered in the State of Maryland and recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the Internal Revenue Service, is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of its students, families, staff, faculty, and community members. This Privacy Policy outlines how HCCS collects, uses, protects, and discloses information.
1. General Principles for Nonprofit Organizations
As a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational institution, HCCS is committed to using all collected information solely for purposes consistent with its nonprofit mission. HCCS does not sell, rent, or exchange any personal information with outside parties. Information collected by HCCS is used exclusively to support its educational programs, cultural activities, and community services.
2. Public Website
The HCCS public website (www.hccs-md.org) is intended for general information and communication. HCCS does not retain private or personally identifiable information on the public website. Standard website analytics may collect non-identifiable information such as browser type, operating system, or IP address to improve the user experience, but no private data is stored or shared.
3. Academic Registration System
The HCCS academic registration system (my.hccs-md.org) is proprietary to the school and is designed to manage enrollment, classes, and related administrative needs. All personal information collected through this system, including student, parent, or guardian data, is considered confidential and is not shared with or disclosed to any external institutions or organizations. Access to this system is restricted to authorized school administrators for school-related purposes only.
4. Mailing List
HCCS maintains mailing lists to communicate important updates and information to students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members. These mailing lists are proprietary and strictly limited to official school use. HCCS does not share, rent, or sell its mailing lists to any outside institutions, businesses, or organizations.
5. Use of Images
HCCS may capture and use photographs, videos, or other images of school members, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and officials, for official school purposes such as educational materials, newsletters, promotional content, and the school website. By enrolling in the school and participating in school-sponsored events, all participants acknowledge and consent to the school’s right to use such images for official purposes only. HCCS does not authorize the use of these images by third parties without explicit permission.
6. Data Protection and Security
HCCS implements reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure. While no system can guarantee absolute security, HCCS strives to maintain the highest standards of privacy protection consistent with its resources as a nonprofit organization.
7. Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in school practices or legal requirements. The latest version of the policy will always be posted on the HCCS website. Continued use of HCCS services, registration systems, or participation in school events constitutes acceptance of any revisions to this policy.
8. Contact Information
Questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy should be directed to:
Howard County Chinese School
5513 Twin Knolls Rd Suite 216, Columbia MD 21045
Email: ec@hccs-md.org | bod@hccs-md.org
