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West Babylon UFSD

Soar Like An Eagle

FERPA

FERPA

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

This is to advise you of your rights with respect to the school records relating to (your child/children) (you) pursuant to the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

Right to Inspect and Review Records

Parents of a student under 18, or a student 18 or older, have a right to inspect and review any and all official records, files, and data directly related to the student. This includes all material that is incorporated into the student's cumulative record folder, and intended for school use or to be available to parties outside the school or school system, specifically including (but not limited to):

  • Identifying data

  • Academic work completed and level of achievement (grades, standardized achievement test scores)

  • Attendance data

  • Scores on standardized intelligence, aptitude, and psychological tests

  • Interest inventory results

  • Health data

  • Family background information

  • Teacher or counselor ratings and observations

  • Verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns

Requesting Access

A parent of a student under 18 years of age or a student 18 years of age or older shall make a request for access to the student's school records, in writing, to the principal of the building to which such student is assigned. Upon receipt of such request, arrangements shall be made to provide access to such records within a reasonable period of time, but in no case more than forty-five (45) days after the request has been received.

Requesting Record Amendments

If information contained in the student's record is believed to be inaccurate or misleading, the parent or eligible student should write to the district, clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed and specifying why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the district decides not to amend the record as requested, you will be notified of the decision and advised of your right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

Confidentiality and Exceptions

Student records and any material contained therein which is personally identifiable, are confidential and may not be released or made available to persons other than parents or students without the written consent of such parents or student.

Exceptions to written consent include:

  • Other school employees and officials, as well as certain State and Federal officials, who have a legitimate educational need for access to such records in the course of their employment.

  • Officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, upon request.

  • Military recruiters and institutions of higher learning (releasing a high school student's name, address, and telephone number) unless parents or eligible students exercise their right to prohibit release without prior written consent.

  • Other state and local officials, specified by state statute, as part of the juvenile justice system.

Directory Information

Directory information may be disclosed without prior written consent.

  • Directory information includes: Student's name, photos, parents' names, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, participation in school activities or sports, weight and height if a member of an athletic team, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and most recent previous school attended.

  • Exclusions: Social security numbers and student identification numbers are not considered directory information and will not be released.

Opt-Out Process: Parents or eligible students have fourteen (14) days from the beginning of the school year or date a student enrolls to advise the school district, in writing via a letter to the building principal, of any and all items they refuse to permit the district to designate as directory information for the remainder of the school year.

Right to File a Complaint

You have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by this school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202