Step 1: Send a Parent Letter
Before creating student accounts, send a parent letter explaining:
What ClassBank is
How it will be used in the classroom
What student information is collected
How student data is protected
How parents can provide consent
Use our editable Family Letter Template for Teachers or Family Letter Template for Schools to get started.
These templates can be customized to fit your classroom or district's requirements.
Step 2: Collect Signed Consent
Collect signed permission forms before adding students to ClassBank.
Consent may be collected in either format:
Paper forms
Digital forms (if accepted by your school or district)
Store completed consent forms in a secure location so they can be referenced if questions arise or documentation is needed.
Step 3: Track Consent
Maintain a record showing which students have received parental permission.
Many teachers use a simple spreadsheet that includes:
Student name
Date consent was received
Consent status
Notes (optional)
This helps ensure only students with permission are added to ClassBank.
Step 4: Create Student Accounts
Only create accounts after parental consent has been received.
If consent has not yet been obtained, do not create an account using the student's personal information.
If you need to begin using ClassBank before consent is returned, you may use:
Alias names
Generic usernames
Placeholder email addresses
Do not include any personally identifiable information (PII) until consent has been received.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should parental consent be retained?
Keep parental consent records according to your school's or district's record retention policies and any applicable local, state, or federal requirements. If you're unsure, check with your school or district administrator before disposing of consent records.
What if a parent revokes consent?
If a parent withdraws consent, stop using ClassBank with that student's personal information. Remove or anonymize the student's account as appropriate and follow your school's or district's procedures for handling student data.