This website was designed by Kids’ View Communications Corp. (KVCC). Kids’ View Communications publishes Bear Essential News and works in conjunction with Bear Essential Educational Services Foundation (BEES), a not-for-profit corporation that administrates the Young Reporters Program.
General Privacy Policy Statement and Practices
KVCC and BEES are concerned about the privacy of subscribers, members, donors, volunteers, and others. This Policy is intended to clearly outline our current privacy policy and practices.
Please read this Policy carefully before providing personal information to KVCC or BEES.
Privacy Policy Updates
KVCC will occasionally update this Policy. Any changes to this Policy will be posted on each of KVCC’s websites (collectively, the “websites”) to help ensure that users are aware of what information it gathers, how it might use that information, and whether it will disclose it to anyone. The terms “You” and “User” are used to refer to anyone who is accessing the websites.
Please address Privacy Policy inquiries to KVCC by e-mailing [email protected], by calling toll free (866) 639-7543, or by mailing Bear Essential News for Kids, ATTN: Customer Service, 2525 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 102, Tucson, Arizona 85716.
Scope of Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions
This Policy is intended to cover all programs and publications of KVCC and BEES.
From time to time, KVCC may apply a more stringent version of this Policy for an individual program, including those referenced above. Please refer to the specific privacy information related to those programs.
This Policy also applies to each of the websites on which it is posted: www.bearessentialnews.com and guides.bearessentialnews.com.
Collected Information
There are many instances where an individual may provide KVCC with personal information. These include but are not limited to: students applying to participate in BEES, an individual subscribing to one of our publications (e.g., Bear Essential News for Kids), entering a contest or promotion, or an individual interested in volunteering. The following guidelines set forth our practices for handling such information.
Education Program Applicants, Entrants, and Finalists
KVCC currently administers programs that engage students in grades K-12. Any student providing information as part of an application will have their information used only for consideration of entry to the program. Any entrant not selected for participation will have their information purged from our database within a reasonable amount of time from the closing of the selection process.
Applicants participating in BEES programs such as Young Reporters, will have their applicant information’s bio form organized in our filing system. Those individuals may be contacted by staff to participate in writing and reporting news stories. BEES participants also may be encouraged to participate in other programs or to receive KVCC publications.
KVCC subscribers, members, donors, and other commercial activity
Address and other personally identifiable information will be stored as necessary to process an individual’s gift, membership, subscription, or other commercial transaction. This information may be shared with other programs and publications of KVCC or as otherwise described elsewhere in this Policy.
Other “Friends” of KVCC
Many individuals provide information in order to volunteer with KVCC or BEES, to receive KVCC’s publication, or otherwise participate in or learn more about KVCC programs and publications. In general, an individual’s information will by default be shared among KVCC programs and publications, unless otherwise directed by the individual, or as otherwise described elsewhere in this Policy.
Parent’s Right to Review or Delete Information
A parent may review the information a child has submitted to KVCC by e-mailing KVCC a written request addressed to [email protected], by calling (866) 639-7543, or by mailing Bear Essential News for Kids, ATTN: Customer Service, 2525 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 102, Tucson, Arizona 85716. The request must include the name and address of the child, and any other information that will allow KVCC to verify that the writer is the parent of the child whose information is being requested.
In addition, a parent can instruct KVCC to delete a child’s information at any time, and can also instruct KVCC not to collect any more personal information from the child by e-mailing KVCC a written request addressed to [email protected], by calling (866) 639-7543, or by mailing Bear Essential News for Kids, ATTN: Customer Service, 2525 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 102, Tucson, Arizona 85716. Parents should be advised that a deletion request may prevent the child from participating in certain activities.
Web-Specific Privacy Policy Statement and Practices
KVCC collects information about the Users of the websites in order to assist in determining which parts of the websites visitors find most valuable. This allows KVCC to continually improve the services it provides. For example, KVCC may track the URL that Users visited before Users came to the websites, the URL to which Users next go, as well as Users’ IP addresses. KVCC uses Users’ IP addresses to help diagnose problems with KVCC’s servers and to administer the websites.
Users may use the websites without registering, but registration must occur in order to use any of the personalized web services. The websites’ registration form requires specific contact information, including, but not limited to, name and e-mail address. The customer contact information is used to learn more about our users and to contact users when necessary. Unique identifiers are collected to verify User’s identity and for use as account numbers in our record system.
Users may also be prompted for address information in order to subscribe to KVCC publications, including, but not limited to, the KVCC’s Constant Contact e-mail list. KVCC may send solicitation and/or subscription offers along with these communications, subject to User’s opt out selection described below.
Opt Out
KVCC provides users with an opportunity to opt out of receiving web-based communications from KVCC at the point where they are asked to provide personal information. An individual may opt-out of these communications by calling (866) 639-7543, or by mailing Bear Essential News for Kids, ATTN: Customer Service, 2525 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 102, Tucson, Arizona 85716.
Security
The websites have security measures in place to protect the loss, misuse, and alteration of the information that is under the control of KVCC.
Child Privacy Policy and Parental Consent Statement
KVCC wants to protect the safety of children using the websites. To the extent necessary, KVCC complies with applicable laws and regulations, including the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which governs information gathering online from or about children under the age of 13. Verifiable consent from a child’s parent or guardian is required before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from a child under the age of 13. KVCC does not:
- Collect online contact information from children under the age of 13 without prior parental notification and consent, which includes an opportunity for the parent to prevent use of the information and the child’s participation in the related activity. Without prior parental consent, online information will only be used to respond directly to a child’s request (i.e., subscription to a newsletter, however, parental consent is required prior to the second communication) and will not be used for other purposes.
- Collect personally identifiable offline contact information of a child under age 13 without parental consent.
- Provide any personally identifiable information, regardless of its source, to any third-party for any purpose whatsoever concerning our users under 13 years of age, unless otherwise disclosed to children and their parents during the information collection process.
- Give children under age 13 the ability to publicly post or otherwise distribute personally identifiable contact information without prior parental consent.
- Entice any child by the prospect of a special game, prize, or other activity, to divulge more information than is needed to participate in the activity.
- When the websites need to collect information about a child under 13 years old, COPPA required information and instructions will be provided by the specific web page that collects information about the child. The web page will specify exactly what the information will be used for, who will see it, and how long it will be kept.
There are several exceptions that permit collection of a child’s e-mail address without receiving parental consent in advance:
- To provide the parents with notice and to seek consent for communications with the child. Note: this may require collection of the parent’s e-mail address as well.
- To protect the safety of a child who is participating on the site; e.g., in a discussion board.
- To protect the websites or to respond to law enforcement; e.g., in the case of a Website compromise.
- Personal information about your child will be destroyed immediately upon completion of its intended purpose. On rare occasions, it may be determined that a communication from a child under 13 years old should be maintained for historical purposes. Should such an occasion occur, KVCC will obtain the necessary consent from the child’s parent.
Finally, we provide many on-line tools and services in support of KVCC’s mission. A child under 13 years old may inadvertently provide personal information to one of these services. If this should happen, the information about the child will be deleted immediately upon discovery.
Cookies
Cookies are files that contain information created by a web server that can be stored on a User’s hard disk for use either during a particular session (“per-session” cookie) or for future use (“persistent” cookie). KVCC uses cookies only to facilitate automated activity, surveys, session status, and navigation patterns. Cookies are not used to disseminate significant information about users over the Internet or to analyze any information that users have knowingly or unknowingly provided. When a User registers, the system will ask whether the user approves of the attachment of a cookie.
Users may instruct their Internet browsers to opt out of accepting a “persistent” cookie and rather accept only a “per-session” cookie, but will need to login each time they visit the websites to enjoy the full benefits. If the User declines the attachment of any cookie, the User may not have access to the full benefits of the website. Registration enables the websites to better determine a User’s interest areas and provide the most relevant information.
E-mail Communications
KVCC and BEES send e-mail communications to current and past program participants, volunteers, subscribers, and other individuals or organizations upon request. Every bulk e-mail includes an “unsubscribe” link that will allow the recipient to either modify the frequency or type of communication, or to decline all future e-mail communication from KVCC and BEES. Removal from all lists may take up to five business days to complete. Replying directly to the e-mail, rather than using the unsubscribe form, may require additional time to process.
The only instance where an “unsubscribe” link would not be included in the bottom would be an e-mail sent as direct correspondence from a KVCC staff person. Please respond directly back to that individual staff person if you would prefer to be removed from future communication.
Third-Party Disclosure of Information
KVCC contracts with third-party companies to provide certain services on a User’s behalf. These services include credit card processing, mail distribution and processing, and other customer support services. Information provided to third-party service providers is strictly limited to the services required or as required by law.
KVCC may use a User’s personally identifiable information to provide the User with promotional information about programs, services, events and publications offered by KVCC or select third-parties. KVCC closely reviews every request for information by third-parties to help ensure they are trustworthy and reputable. A User may opt-out of such sharing with third-party organizations or modify User’s communication preferences at any time by e-mailing [email protected], or by calling (866) 639-7543, or by mailing Bear Essential News for Kids, ATTN: Customer Service, 2525 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 102, Tucson, Arizona 85716.
KVCC also may use aggregate data that is not personally identifiable in discussions, presentations, or reports to current or potential grantors. This data may include demographic, geographic or other broadly representative data.
KVCC will divulge any information collected from a User on the websites when required to do so by law.
Terms of Use and Legal Information: KVCC’s websites
The websites of Bear Essential News for Kids (http://www.bearessentialnews.com and http://guides.bearessentialnews.com) and their contents are the property of KVCC. This web page states the “Terms of Use” for the use of the websites.
By using the websites, you agree to be bound by the Terms of Use. KVCC may revise the Terms of Use at any time by updating this posting. The terms “You” and “User” are used to refer to anyone who is accessing the websites. If you are using the websites on behalf of a company or other legal entity, that entity may have a separate agreement with KVCC, but you are nevertheless individually bound by the Terms of Use.
IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO BE BOUND BY THE TERMS OF USE, DO NOT USE THE WEBSITES.
Ownership of Copyrights, Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property
Copyright protects original works of authorship, including literary works, commercial and non-commercial works, pictorial and graphic works and other intellectual property. Works that are created and fixed in print, electronic, fax, CD-ROM, and other formats, including electronic mail, now known or developed hereafter are protected by copyright. Information received from or posted on the Internet is not free to be reproduced or transmitted to others without appropriate permission or without a license agreement from the author if your use is beyond a fair use as determined under the copyright laws of the United States (Title 17, U.S. Code). Copyright notices are not required by law, so if you do not see a copyright notice on any item, do not assume that it is free to use or to transmit to others.
The entire contents of the websites, including the text, graphics, images, logos, button icons, HTML code, and other material are copyrighted by KVCC or BEES under the copyright laws of the United States. User agrees not to remove or obscure copyright notices appearing on the websites. KVCC grants no copyright or ownership interests to User in any of the material and proprietary information referred to herein belonging to KVCC. Permission to use content on the websites may be granted in special circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please direct any request to use content to [email protected]. Below are selected permitted and prohibited uses of KVCC material that is posted at the websites.
Permitted Uses of Materials
Anyone who is doing personal, noncommercial research may view, print material, and temporarily store materials from the websites, provided that KVCC’s copyright notices are not removed and that the reuse of material does not conflict with any of the prohibited uses below.
Classroom educators are welcome to use or reproduce materials from the websites as long as such use is not for commercial purposes and is kept free of charge. These materials remain proprietary to KVCC or BEES and copyright notices should not be removed.
Others may view material, print material, and temporarily store materials from the websites for their particular use only provided: (i) that copying fees are paid to the Copyright Clearance Center for printing of files beyond that permitted by Sections 107 and 108 of the U.S. Copyright Act, (ii) KVCC’s copyright notices are not removed, and (iii) the reuse of material does not conflict with any of the prohibited uses below.
A link or links may be made to any document or location on the websites, provided that the link does not bypass any license agreement or provide access to any secure areas on the websites that require payment for access.
Prohibited Uses of Materials
Except for the permitted uses above, User agrees not to reproduce, distribute, transmit (via print, fax, electronic, or other means), modify, alter, or create derivative works of any materials contained in the websites without prior written permission from KVCC.
User agrees that materials contained in the websites may not be sold to third-parties without prior written authorization from KVCC.
User agrees that materials contained in the websites may not be systematically stored on a server so as to substitute for the purchase of a subscription and/or license agreement to/for the materials.
Name and Logo
User agrees not to use the Bear Essential News for Kids logo, proprietary to KVCC, for any promotional or commercial purpose or any other purpose without the prior written consent of KVCC.
Prohibited uses of the websites
User agrees not to post any false or inaccurate biographical information, delete or change any information posted by another person, or share User’s password with any third-party. User agrees not to do anything that interferes with the proper working ability of the websites. This includes activity that can overload the websites’ infrastructure, use of software or other device other than that which is available from KVCC, tampering with the websites’ software or programming, or destroying or changing information posted by any other person. User agrees to comply with all applicable laws, as well as with the Terms of Use. User agrees not to engage in any unlawful or commercial activity on the websites. User agrees not to post material that is copyrighted without first obtaining proper written consent from the copyright owner.
User Submissions
By posting information and material on the websites, User grants KVCC and BEES, by agreeing to the Terms of Use, a world-wide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, transferable, unlimited, assignable, sub-licensable, fully paid, and non-exclusive right to use the posted information and material for any purpose. User grants any other user the right to access, display, view, store, and reproduce this information and material solely for their personal use. In addition, by posting information and material on the websites, User grants any other user the right to access, display, view, store, and reproduce this information and material solely for their personal use. By submitting any information to KVCC and BEES, you represent and warrant that the submission is accurate to your best knowledge, not confidential, and not in violation of any contractual restrictions or other third-party rights. KVCC and BEES do not represent or guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of communications, information and materials posted by users or endorse any opinions expressed by users. User acknowledges that any reliance on information or material posted by other users will be at your own risk. KVCC and BEES is under no obligation to exercise control over any content you or others submit when using the websites.
Termination of Account
KVCC reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to pursue all of its legal remedies, including, but not limited to deletion of User’s postings from the websites, immediate termination of User’s registration with the websites or ability to access the websites and/or any other service provided to User by KVCC, upon any breach by User of the Terms of Use or if KVCC is unable to verify or authenticate any information User submits to the websites for registration. KVCC shall not be liable to User nor any third-party for any termination of User’s account or access to the websites.
Waiver of Liability
KVCC does not screen or censor User-generated content made available on the websites. KVCC shall not be liable for any content posted on the websites. User assumes all risks associated with dealing with other Users with whom User comes in contact through the websites. Should a dispute arise between You and another User, You hereby agree to release KVCC and BEES from all claims, demands, and damages associated with such a dispute. In no event shall KVCC, BEES or any third-parties mentioned on the websites be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, incidental and consequential damages, lost profits or damages resulting from lost data or business interruption) resulting from the use or inability to use the websites and the material, whether based on warranty, contract, tort, or any other legal theory, and whether or not KVCC or BEES is advised of the possibility of such damages.
No Warranties
The content that is posted on the websites may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. KVCC and BEES make no warranties about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the websites, the material or other posted content, services, software, text, graphics, and links. The websites and material are provided on an “as is” basis without any warranties of any kind. KVCC and BEES disclaim all warranties, whether express or implied, including the warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and infringement of copyright to the fullest extent permitted by law. KVCC and BEES do not warrant that the websites will operate error-free or that the websites and KVCC’s server are free of computer viruses or other harmful mechanisms. If your use of the websites or the material results in the need for servicing or replacing equipment or data, KVCC is not responsible for those costs.
Links to Other Sites
The website may contain links to third-party websites. These links are provided solely as a convenience to User and not as an endorsement by KVCC or BEES of the third-party or the contents of such third-party websites. Because KVCC or BEES does not have any control over such third-party websites, KVCC and BEES are not responsible for the content of linked third-party sites and does not make any representations regarding the content or accuracy of materials on such third-party websites. Linking to third-party websites is performed at User’s own risk.
Indemnity
User agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless KVCC, BEES, their officers, directors, employees and agents, from and against any claims, actions or demands, including without limitation reasonable legal fees, resulting from your use of the Websites or your breach of the Terms of Use, including without limitation, your submission of content that violates third-party rights or applicable law. KVCC shall provide prompt notice to User of any such claim, suit, or proceeding and shall assist User, at User’s expense, in defending any such claim, suit or proceeding.
Foreign Access
If User accesses the websites from outside the United States, User does so at User’s own risk. User agrees to comply with all applicable local rules and laws regarding the transmission of technical data exported from the United States or the country in which you reside.
Governing Law
The Terms of Use are governed by laws of the District of Columbia. Jurisdiction for any claims arising under the Terms of Use shall lie exclusively with the state or federal courts within the District of Columbia. If any provision of the Terms of Use is found to be invalid by any court having competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of the Terms of Use, which shall remain in full force and effect. No waiver of any term of the Terms of Use shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term.
Security
Users are prohibited from violating or attempting to violate the security of the websites. The websites have security measures in place to protect the loss, misuse, and alteration of the information under KVCC’s control. Please see Privacy Policy for further details concerning the website‘s privacy practices.
