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Student Handbook

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DePaul School Student Handbook

(Rev. 6/10)

 

Steele Gudal Campus

3044 San Pablo Road S.

Jacksonville, FL 32224

904-223-3391

Lion

 

 

  • I respect my abilities and myself.
  • I have self-control and am responsible for my actions.
  • I accept responsibility for my shortcomings and use them to learn how to do better.
  • I respect other's property as though it were my own.
  • I always approach life with a positive attitude.
  • I know I can learn and succeed.
  • Most of all, I am proud of who I am.


Based on the values of respect, responsibility, self-control and positive attitude.

 

Table of Contents

I. DePaul School’s Culture

A. Mission and Philosophy

B. History

C. School Operations

D. DePaul School Parents

E. Overview of Classes

II. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

III. Attendance

A. Absences

B. Punctuality

C. Release from Class

D. School Cancellation

E. Morning Extended Day

F. Dismissal

G. Afternoon Extended Day

IV. Communication

A. Agenda

B. Parent Communication

C. Parent Teacher Conferences

D. Telephone

E. Visitors

V. Homework

A. Homework Policy

B. Optional Home work Assistance

VI. Appearance Code

VII. Code of Conduct

A. Procedural Infractions

B. Safe School Infractions

C. Use of Computers

D. Rules of Conduct

E. Forbidden Articles

F. Damage to School Property

VIII. Health and Safety

A. Lunch

B. Medication Policy

C. Immunizations

D. Fire Drills

E. Tornado Drills

IX. Grading

A. Grading Scale

B. Report Cards

C. Honor Roll

D. Achievement Tests

E. Promotion and Academic Probation

X. Activities

A. Field Trips

B. Parties

C. Student Pictures

XI. Miscellaneous

A. School Supplies

B. Lost and Found

C. Transportation

D. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act – Fact Sheet

 

I. DePaul School’s Culture

A. Mission and Philosophy

DePaul School is committed to understanding and educating students with specific learning issues such as visual and auditory processing disorders, memory or attention deficits and dyslexia.  We maintain a commitment to excellence in education while helping students develop to their full potential.

DePaul School admits qualified students regardless of race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, other school-administered programs and employment practices.

B. History

DePaul School of N.E. Florida was founded in August 1980, by a group of parents who realized there was a real need in the community for specialized education for the learning disabled/dyslexic child.  This venture was under the direction of The DePaul School in Louisville, Kentucky until 1990.

C. School Operations

DePaul School is a non-profit, private school governed by a Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors consists of current and former parents along with community members dedicated to our mission.  The Board oversees the activities of the Head of School, ensures all school activities are consistent with our mission, and monitors our financial stability.

D. DePaul School Parents

As a DePaul School parent, you and your family are lifetime members of the DePaul School community. We encourage all DePaul School students, alumni, and their families to remain actively involved in DePaul School and its mission.

Current DePaul School parents are entitled to vote at our Annual Meeting in the spring.  At this meeting, Board members are elected and major issues are discussed. 

DePaul School parents are vital to the success of their children and the school.  Through volunteering opportunities, parents demonstrate how important their children's education is to them.  Volunteering helps to keep tuition affordable and is a very rewarding experience.

Families are asked to support the school through volunteering and fundraising throughout the year.  The proceeds from fundraising events go towards needed supplemental materials and extra-curricular activities that enrich your child's educational experiences while at DePaul School.

E. Overview of Classes

Homerooms consist of students grouped by grade, with multiple ages in each homeroom. Usually students within two to three years of age are grouped together.

Academically, students are grouped by performance levels in small classes. A student's grouping may change during the year to reflect changes in performance.   

Basic language and math skills are taught using multi-sensory, direct instruction and other research based techniques.  A variety of enrichment opportunities such as art, music, drama, social values, science, social studies, and physical education are also offered.

An intermediate program for middle-school-age students helps prepare them for high school.  An emphasis is placed on developing effective study skills and test-taking strategies.

Each year teachers teach different levels of subjects based on the needs of our students.  If your child has the same teacher as last year, it does not mean that your child is at the same level.  Please check with your child's teacher if you have concerns about placement. 

 

II. Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I know what’s coming up at school?

A. Each Wednesday a newsletter is sent home with your child.

Your child’s agenda will have important reminders.

You will be notified by an automated phone messagef of important schoolwide information and deadlines.

Q. What do I need to know about visiting the school?

A. Our school has an open door policy.  It is requested that you schedule an appointment with your child's teacher before visiting so as not to interfere with the teacher's preparation time.  We take educating your child seriously and try to keep distractions to a minimum, so please enter in a quiet manner.

Upon arrival, check in at the office.  Every visitor will be required to have a nametag and sign our Visitor's Log. Please be sure to sign out upon leaving.

Q. How often will I receive information on my child’s progress?

A. There are two scheduled parent/teacher conferences each year, one in the first grading period and one in the third grading period.

Mid-term reports are sent mid-quarter and report cards are sent home at the end of each quarter. 

Parents are encouraged to call or e-mail their children's teachers any time they have a question or concern. Teachers' email links can be found on the teacher page of the DePaul website (www.depaulschool.com). Parent/teacher communication is essential for the success of your child.

The agenda is an important communication tool and should be checked and signed daily.

Q. Who will call when my child is having trouble?

A. If your child is experiencing academic difficulties, the classroom teacher will call. Administration handles attendance, medication/illness, dress code infractions and behavioral difficulties.  Please refer to our Rules of Conduct in this Handbook.

Q. What is the role of competitive sports at the school?

A. At this time, DePaul School does not offer competitive sports programs.

Q. How prevalent are drugs and alcohol at this school?

A. DePaul School has a Zero-Tolerance Policy for drugs and alcohol. Use or possession on school property or during school activities is grounds for immediate expulsion and notification of law enforcement.  Random checks will be conducted throughout the year.

 

III. Attendance

It is essential that each student be in attendance every day and report the their classes on time.  Frequent absences and tardiness seriously affect academic progress and are disruptive to the teaching environment.  The school requests that parents and students thoughtfully consider the effects of any absence other than one of a medical or family emergency. 
Families are discouraged from taking students out of school prior to a school break.  The school must be notified of asences for vacations at least one week in advance.  Whenever possible, regularly scheduled medical appointments should be made after school hours.

A.     Absences

In order for an absence to be excused, a parent or guardian must notify the school office by 8 a.m. when a student is unable to attend school due to health issues or other emergencies.  For an extensive illness involving 3 or more days of sbsence (consecutive or non-consecutive), the school requires a statement from a physician. 

The school must also be notified in advance of an absence for religious holidays in order for the absence to be excused.

 

Students are responsible for any and all assignments missed during excused absences.   For each day absent, the student will have the equivalent day(s) to make up the work assigned during the absence.  If a student fails to make up the work and makes no other arrangement within the allotted time, the teacher may choose to record the grade as a zero. 

When an absence is considered unexcused, students are not permitted to make up tests or quizzes that are missed.  All other work is at the teacher's discretion. 

Students with excessive absences, tardies or early release may be denied re-enrollment or promotion.

If a student has five or more absences in a month or ten absences in 90 days, a meeting with parents will be scheduled.  If an initial meeting does not resolve the problem, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the school.  The state of Florida defines truancy as fifteen (15) absences in 90 days.  The school is obligated to report excessive absences to the proper authorities.

B.     Punctuality
We are building the foundation for your child's work ethic.  Punctuality is important.  Students need to be in the assembly area by 8:15 a.m.  Students who arrive after the 8:15 a.m. bell are considered tardy.  Parents of tardy students are required to sign them in.

In the case of chronic tardiness, defined as five (5) times per month, the student may be required to wait until the beginning of the next class to be admitted.  Tardiness on the part of a student not only causes loss of school time for that person, but late arrivals disrupt the entire class.   Because of the unique methods and curriculum used by DePaul teachers, missed work often cannot be made up. Any work that can be made up will be completed during lunch or PE as determined by the teacher. 

Chronic tardiness will result in a parent conference and possible attendance probation.   If an initial meeting does not resolve the problem, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the school.  Students with excessive absences, tardies or early release may be denied re-enrollment or promotion. 

C.     Release from Class
When it is necessary for the parent to take a child out of class for a doctor's appointment or other reason during the day, please send a note to school at the beginning of the day so the teacher and student can be prepared.  Students must be picked up prior to 2:45 and parents must sign the student out.  Students will not be released between 2:45 and 3:15 due to the end of day disruption in the classroom as well as confusion and backups in the dismissal pickup line. 

Students with excessive absences, tardies or early release may be denied re-enrollment or promotion.

D.     School Cancellation
DePaul School follows the Duval County Public School plan for cancellation of classes due to inclement weather or emergencies. If DePaul School needs to deviate from Duval County's plan, each family will be contacted by telephone or email. Please notify the office of any changes in contact information as they occur.

 

E.      Morning Extended Day
Care is available starting at 6:45 a.m.  There is a monthly fee for this service.  Please be sure to complete the necessary registration forms.  Occasional Care for a single day will be charged $5 for the dau.  Students who use Occasional Care 5 or more days per month will be charged the monthly fee.  Please note:  Students must not be dropped off at the school before 6:45 a.m. since there will be no one to monitor them.  

G.     Arrival
The school day begins at 8:15 a.m.  All students are expected to arrive between 7:55 a.m. and 8:15 a.m.  Student arriving after 8:15 a.m. bell are considered tardy.

F.     Dismissal
School dismisses at 3:15 p.m..  To avoid end of day disruption and confusion, students will not be released between 2:45 and 3:15 p.m.  Children are monitored until 3:30 p.m. At 3:30, remaining students will be sent to Extended Day resulting in a $10 Occasional Care fee, due when you pick up your child.

G.       Afternoon Extended Day
Care is available from 3:15 - 5:30 p.m. There is a monthly fee for this service.  Cost for Occasional Care is $10 per day, due when you pick up your child.  After 5:30, a Late Pick Up Fee of $10 for the first 15 minutes and $20 for each additional 15 minutes or portion thereof will be due when you pick up your child.

 IV. Communication

A.     Agenda
The agenda is a VITAL communication tool between parents and teachers and must be read and signed daily. Please do not sign the agenda in advance. If the agenda is lost or damaged, there is an $8 charge for a replacement.

B.     Parent Communication
Newsletters are sent home every Wednesday. This helps keep everyone apprised of current and future news at DePaul School. All effort is made to foster frequent and productive communication between teachers and parents for the benefit of the student. Graded work is sent home in packets with the newsletter ech Wednesday.  Parents may schedule meetings with teachers at any time if the need arises by calling the school office. Parents may e-mail teachers through contact links at www.depaulschool.com.

C.     Parent/Teacher Conferences
Formal conferences are scheduled twice each year in September and February.  The purpose of the parent-teacher conference is to discuss the student's academic and social progress so that home and school can more effectively work together.  Conferences also help discern areas that need reinforcement and extra attention in order to help the student grow to his/her full potential.

D.     Telephone
Students are not allowed to bring cell phones to school but the office staff will gladly deliver messages from you to your child when necessary.

E.      Visitors
All visitors and parents must sign in at the office and be escorted through the facility by a DePaul staff member.  Please wear proper attire and enter rooms quietly when visiting. 

V. Homework

A.     Homework Policy
One goal of homework is to help students learn to make their school work a top priority. Assignments are intended to reinforce concepts learned and to practice skills independently.  Late work will result in penalties to the grade.

If excessive parent involvement is necessary to complete homework, please notify the school so this can be addressed with the staff. It is not the school's intention to overwhelm the student, or the parent, with homework.

B.     Optional Home work Assistance
Many families find that a teacher-monitored academic assistance period is very useful. A teacher is available from 3:15-3;45 p.m. Monday through Thursday to assist with homework in small groups. A registration form is required and there is a quasrterly fee for this Optional Homework Assistance.  There is no Home Work Assistance on the last day of a school week, including the day before a holiday.

Students must be picked up by 3:50 p.m. after which time remainting students will be sent to Extended Day at a cost of $10 per day to be paid when picking up your child. 

VI. Appearance Code

Please help your children start the day in a positive manner by being well-groomed and appropriately dressed for school.

Education is serious business at the DePaul School and students are expected to dress with pride in a business-like fashion. Parents may be contacted to bring appropriate clothing if students enter school improperly dressed.  Please carefully review the Appearance Code with your child and ask any questions before buying closthing for school.

Shirts - All shirts must be purchased at RC Uniforms and bear the DePaul School insignia.  A solid white short-sleeved t-shirt with no logo may be worn under the shirt.  No colored or imprinted undergarments that may be seen through the uniform shirt are allowed.  Shirts must be tucked in at all times.  Belt and waistband must be visible.

Outerwear -  Solid color sweaters or sweatshirts in white, light blue or navy with or without DePaul insignia, may be worn over the regular uniform shirt.   NO ZIPPERS OR HOODS.  Jackets must be removed upon entering the school. 

Slacks - Available at RC Uniforms.  Appropriately fitting khaki or navy standard length dress pants belted at the waist for both boys and girls.  No skinny or baggy pants or jeans.

Shorts - Available at RC Uniforms.  Khaki or navy standard length (no shorter than 2 inches above the knees) dress shorts for both boys and girls.

Skirts, Culottes or Jumpers - Available at RC Uniforms.  Khaki or navy, no shorter than two inches above the knee.  Bike shorts must be worn under skirts and jumpers.

Belts - Solid color undecorated black, navy, brown or khaki with plain belt buckle.

Shoes - Shoes must be cut below the ankle and should fit properly.  Shoes with laces must be tied at all times.

Socks - Solid navy, khaki, or white socks must be worn at all times and must be visible at the ankle.  Girls may wear solid navy or white tights in colder weather.

Hair - Should be clean, well groomed, away from the face and out of the eyes.  It should be of natural color, not tinted, streaked or bleached.

Jewelry - Single small earrings in each ear are allowed.  For safety reasons, no dnagly earrings are permitted.  Bracelets, tattoos (permanent or temporary), and writing on skin are not permitted.

Fragrances - We request that students to do wear fragrances to school since many students are allergic.

DePaul Dress Down - Regular dress code or DePaul T-shirts and appropriately fitting clean jeans with no holes, tears or inappropriate writing or design.  Belts must be worn and shirts must be tucked in.

Administration reserves the right to interpret what might constitute a distraction and ensure compliance with the rules stated above.

VI. Code of Conduct

A.     Procedural Infractions
Students who miss homework assignments, fail to get parent signature (agenda) or fail to adhere to the appearance code, will be sent to the office at break. Parents will be contacted via agenda or phone in order to help encourage students to take responsibility for meeting school requirements.

B.     Safe School Infractions
DePaul School has a Zero-Tolerance Policy for drugs, alcohol and bullying. DePaul is committed to providing a safe place for our students and staff.  Possession of drugs, alcohol or any associated paraphernalia, and all threats and bullying will be taken seriously. Immediate action will be taken by administration up to and including expulsion.

C.      Use of Computers
All students using computer technology at DePaul, including network and Internet services, must have the permission of their parent/guardian.  The use of DePaul computers is a privilege which may be terminated for failing to abide by the guidelines.

1.   Parent permission is required for student use of the Internet.

2.  School faculty will provide guidance and instruction to students in use of technology.

3.  DePaul will implement protective measures to filter materials that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors but this technology is not 100% effective.  Intentional access to any such material is strictly forbidden and will be cause for immediate disciplinary action.

4.  If a student feels there is a problem or feels uncomfortable with information someone is receiving or transmitting, the student should tell his/her teacher or school administrator immediately.

Computers may be used only as the teacher instructs.  DISCIPLINARY ACTION for misuse of computers and the internet may be:

- Suspension of Internet access

- Suspension of all computer privileges

- Disciplinary actions as outlined in the Rules of Conduct.

- School suspension and/or expulsion.

- Appropriate legal action, civil and/or criminal. 

D.     Rules of Conduct
Appropriate conduct on school grounds and at school events is expected. Conduct expectations are as follows:

  • 1. Follow directions
  • 2. Come prepared to class.
  • 3. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
  • 4. Raise hand before speaking during structured activities.
  • 5. Show respect.

Whenever possible, consequences for breaking rules will be handled in the classroom. At the teacher's discretion, however, a student may be sent immediately to the office with a referral for fighting, insubordination, or in some way preventing the entire class from functioning effectively. Administration will meet with the student to review the behavior and determine consequences. The referral form will be stapled into the student's agenda to be signed and returned the next day.

Our goal is to assure a safe and orderly learning environment for our students. The Administration reserves the right to immediately use any of the following consequences if the severity of the behavior deems it necessary.

The Administration seeks to have a positive and productive relationship with our families but, in the event that school and family values are in direct conflict and differences are unable to be resolved, students may be administratively withdrawn from our school. Sincere efforts will be made to resolve differences and avert this action.

E.      Forbidden Articles
Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, knives, weapons, matches, lighters, and any other items deemed by administration to be dangerous or inappropriate, are not allowed on school grounds. If any such article is found, it will be confiscated. Parents and law enforcement may be contacted. This action can result in immediate suspension or expulsion from school.

Cell phones, beepers, laser pointers, toys, games, music players and magazines are not permitted. On occasion the Extended Care supervisor may give permission for students to bring certain items.  All such items must be given to the Extended Care supervisor upon arrival at school.  Calculators are not permitted without the expressed consent of Administration.

Administration reserves the right to check crates, pockets, backpacks and handbags without notice.  Random checks will be made throughout the year.  Forbidden articles will be confiscated and may be retrieved only with permission from the parent.

Chewing gum, candy and soft drinks are not allowed at school. Students may purchase only non-carbonated drinks from the vending machine in the lunchroom.  We encourage nutritious food to support learning.

F.      Damage to School Property
Students are required to report to the office any loss of, accident, or damage to school property.  This includes books and all other educational materials as well as all equipment and school facilities, including bathrooms. An amount covering repair or replacement will be charged when a student is guilty of careless or improper use of materials and equipment. Writing, scratching, defacement or other deliberate damage to desks, tables, walls or any other school property will result in disciplinary action.

VIII Health and Safety

A.     Lunch

Purchased lunch program - Daily lunches may be purchased online.  Orders and payment must be submitted online by the parent to the lunch vendor in advance so that food orders can be filled and delivered.  DePaul has no involvement in the ordering of lunches and cannot assist with the ordering process.  If your child will not be in school, please cancel any previously ordered lunch a day in advance.  DePaul cannot hold lunches if your child is absent.

Lunches brought from home - Parents are discouraged from delivering fast food lunches for their child during the school day except for special occasions.

Students who do not order lunch should bring their own nutritious lunches and drinks.  Candy, high sugar snacks, and caffeinated or carbonated drinks do not have the appropriate nutrition for the foacus needed at school and are not allowed.  For safety reasons, no glass containers are allowed.  No microwave is available for heating food.  Lunch boxes or bags should be labeled with name and homeroom.

Students are encouraged to be responsible for bringing their lunch each day and will not be allowed to call home in the event that snack or lunch is forgotten.  If a child does not bring a lunch, the school provides a modest lunch for $1.50.  This typically consists of a juice box, granola bar or cheese and crackers, and canned fruit.  A note will be placed in the agenda to notify the parents that lunch has been provided.  Payment is due the following school day.  Students may refuse to accept this lunch.  While we will make every effort to encourage the child, it is understood that it is not the responsiblity of DePaul staff to force a child to eat.

B.     Medication Policy
If a child takes medication, we ask that parents be conscientious about giving the medication prior to arrival at school.  We further ask that a small amount of medication be sent to the school office to be give, only with parent permission, in the event of a missed dose.  All medication, prescription and non-prescription, must be brought to the office by the parents (not in the student's lunch box) with written instructions for the administration of the medication. The original container must be clearly labeled with the student's name. Prescription medication must have the pharmacy label intact. No over-the-counter medication will be given to the students without written permission from the parents. A note will be attached in the agenda when medicine has been administered.

C.     Immunizations
Official immunization documents must be submitted to the school office prior to orientation.  A student cannot attend school without these documents.

Documentation of the following immunizations is required of all students: Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis, Polio, Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Hepatitis B.

Seventh graders must also have Hepatitis B (3 shot series), 2nd shot of Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Tetanus-Diphtheria booster. These guidelines are established by the Health Department.

D.     Fire Drills
Monthly fire drills are conducted. At the sound of the alarm, each student must leave his/her room and walk single file along the designated route as outlined by the plan for that room. Silence must prevail during the entire procedure. Students stay outside together with their class and teacher until signaled that it is safe to return.

E.      Tornado Drills
At the announcement of a tornado drill, all students must silently follow their teacher to the interior designated hall and sit quietly so that directions can be heard and followed.

 

IX. Grading

A.     Grading Scale:

            A (Excellent) 90 - 100 

            B (Good)          80 - 89

            C (Satisfactory) 70 - 79

            D (Difficulty Meeting Requirements) 60-69

            F (Needs Improvement) 59 and below   

DePaul School deems a grade of B and above as mastery.

B.     Report Cards
Report cards are sent four times each year.  The final report card is mailed after school is out and will not be sent if the student's account has not been fully paid.  Mid-term grades are sent four times each year between report cards.  Parents are urged to ask for conferences at any time there is concern.  Your child's success is our goal.

C.     Honor Roll
Students who achieve academic and behavioral excellence are recognized quarterly.  Parents will be invited to the 2nd quarter and end of year awards presentations.  Annual awards will be given during the end of year program and graduation.

Academic Honor Roll: Students must have earned academic grades of A or B in all subjects.

Exemplary Behavior: Students must have earned a grade of A in Citizenship and must demonstrate cooperation, organization skills, positive attitude and good citizenship as determined by all faculty. Students must have NO referrals for the grading period.

D.     Achievement Tests
Achievement Tests are administered in the spring.  Tests are administered in standard format.  These scores provide one assessment of a child's academic standing. Results must be interpreted in light of the individual's learning differences.  One of the characteristics of a student with learning differences is erratic performance on written assessments. Parents should remember that scores indicate one day's performance in a certain set of circumstances and may not be a true assessment of a child's progress. Some scores will be encouraging while others may be disappointing.

E.      Promotion and Academic Probation
In order to be promoted to the next grade level, the student must achieve a C average in the core subject areas of Language and Math. 

If a student consistently fails to achieve this goal after reasonable assistance from DePaul staff, a parent conference may be scheduled and the student may be placed on Academic Probation until grades improve.  If progress is not made, the student may not be promoted and may lose his/her placement at DePaul.

A 6th grade student must achieve at least a 5th grade reading level before being promoted to 7th grade.  This level will be determined based upon numerous assessments throughout the year, and parents will be kept informed as the year progresses.

X. Activities

A.     Field Trips
Occasionally the school takes educational field trips as part of the instructional program. Parents will be notified beforehand. Fees may be charged to cover expenses. Fees are non-refundable.

Field trips are privileges. Students must demonstrate good behavior in order to earn the right to participate in off-campus activities.

B.     Parties
Notices will be sent home for class parties that may be held during holidays. Teachers or homeroom parents may contact you for assistance in planning the parties.

Birthday parties for individual students are allowed at the end of the day only. Please notify the teacher ahead of time so they may plan accordingly and bring only cake, cup cakes, cookies or snack items to your child's class.  Please do not send birthday party invitations for distribution at school unless ALL students in the class are included.

C.     Student Pictures
Pictures are taken in the fall in time to purchase before the holidays.

XI. Miscellaneous

A.     School Supplies
Items on the school supply list are required by DePaul School. Please be sure your child has adequate supplies all year long. Folders and agendas are supplied by the school.

No pens, gel pens, pencil sharpeners or mechanical pencils are to be brought to school.

B.     Lost and Found
All articles left in the classrooms, halls or grounds are placed in a central location. Unclaimed articles are given to needy families at the end of each school year.

C.     Transportation
The DePaul School assumes no responsibility for providing transportation to or from school for any students. We will assist parents in establishing carpools at orientation. For more information call the office at 223-3391.

 

FACT SHEET
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974 (FERPA)

 

FERPA is a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of a student's education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program from the U.S. Department of Education.

FERPA gives certain rights to parents regarding their children's education records. These rights transfer to the student or former student who has reached the age of 18 or is attending any school beyond the high school level. Students and former students to whom the rights have transferred are called eligible students.

  • Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review all of the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of materials in education records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to inspect the records personally. The school may charge a fee for copies eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records believed to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record commenting on the contested information in the record.
  • Generally, the school must have written permission from the parent or eligible student before releasing any information from a student's records. However, the law allows schools to disclose records, without consent, to the following parties:
  • o School employees who have a need-to-know;
  • o Other schools to which a student is transferring;
  • o Certain government officials in order to carry out lawful functions;
  • o Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
  • o Organizations doing certain studies for the school;
  • o Accrediting organizations;
  • o Individuals who need to know in cases of health and safety emergencies; and
  • o State and local authorities to whom disclosure is required by State laws adopted before November 19, 1974.

Schools may also disclose, without consent, "directory" type information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. However, the school must tell parents and students of the information that is designated as directory information and provide a reasonable amount of time to allow the parent or eligible student to request the school not to disclose that information about them.

Schools must notify parents and eligible students of their rights under this law. The actual means of notification (special letter, inclusion in a PTA bulletin, student handbook, or newspaper article) is left to each school. Schools must adopt a written policy about complying with FERPA. Schools must give the parent or eligible student a copy of the policy on request.  If you wish to see your child's education records, or if you are over 18 or are attending college and would like to see your records, you should contact the school for the procedure to follow. If you have any questions about FERPA, or if you have problems in securing your rights under the Act, you may call (202) 260-3887 or TDD (202) 260-8956 or write to:

Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education
600 Independence, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605