Student Handbook

DePaul School Handbook

2009 - 2010 

Steele Gudal Campus

3044 San Pablo Road S.

Jacksonville, FL 32224

904-223-3391

• 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. Vacations

F. Morning Extended Day

G. Arrival

H. Dismissal

I. 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 7th Period 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. Transportation

E. 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.

F. 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 in art, music, 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. There are multiple ways to keep informed of upcoming events.

Each Wednesday a newsletter is sent home with your child.

Your child’s agenda will have important reminders.

Please sign it daily.

The newsletter will be posted on the DePaul website. (www.depaulschool.com)

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 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 have any competitive sports activities.  Many of our students are involved in their local athletic associations.

Q. How does my child get involved in extra-curricular activities?

Music and band instruction is available during the day. All students are eligible to participate.  An additional fee is paid directly to the music instructor. Information is available at orientation, open house and in the administrative office.

Enrichment Clubs may be offered, sponsored by faculty and parent volunteers.

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 that school is in session if they are in good health. If students are not in class, they are missing instruction.   Poor academic performance is associated with nonattendance.  Students missing two or more hours of instruction in a day will be recorded as absent for a half day.

A.     Absences
A parent or guardian should notify the school office by 9 a.m. on the day of a student's absence.  The school will call if a parent has not notified the office by 9 a.m. 

Please send a note to accompany your child when he returns to school after an absence.  A doctor's note may be requested for lengthy absences or to assure that a student is fit for school activities.

Students are responsible for any and all assignments missed during absences, including homework. They may get assignments from their classmates.  A one-day grace period for each day absent is given for making-up work.

Punctuality in meeting deadlines is an important life skill. Grades for late work turned in after the grace period will be penalized.  This will be noted in the student's agenda and parents will be asked to sign the note.

If a student has had at least five (5) absences in a month or ten (10) absences in 90 calendar days, a meeting with the parents will be scheduled.  If an initial meeting does not resolve the problem, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the school.

B.     Punctuality
Students need to be on time for school.  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. 

If a student is tardy at least five (5) times per month, a meeting with the parents will be scheduled.  If an initial meeting does not resolve the problem, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the school.

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.  Release of the student must be made through the school office.  Parents must sign the student out and back in if the child returns the same day.

Please do not ask to pick up your child within 15 minutes of dismissal time. This causes disruption in the classroom as well as confusion and backups in the dismissal pick up line. 

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.      Vacations
If a family chooses to remove a child from school for vacation, that family needs to contact the office one week in advance. The student will be responsible for completing all work missed.

F.      Morning Extended Day
Care is available starting at 6:45 a.m.  There is a $40 per month charge for this service.  Drop-off care for a single day is $5 per day. Please be sure to complete the necessary registration forms. Please note: Students should not be dropped off at the school before this time 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.

H.     Dismissal
School dismisses at 3:15 p.m..  Children are monitored until 3:30 p.m. They are then sent to extended day and a $10 charge will be due upon picking-up your child. 

I.       Afternoon Extended Day
Care is available starting at 3:15 p.m. Pick up MUST be before 5:30 p.m. There a charge of $135 per month for this service.  Occasional care for a single day is $10 per day.  Please be sure to complete the necessary registration forms for this service.

Please be prompt in picking up your children. A Late Pick Up Fee of $10 per every 15 minutes will be assessed after 5:30 p.m.

 IV. Communication

A.     Agenda
Since the agenda is a VITAL communication tool between parents and teachers, the agenda 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. Parents may schedule meetings with teachers if the need arises by calling the school office. Parents may e-mail teachers through Power School or through links from www.depaulschool.com (Teacher Page).

C.     Parent/Teacher Conferences
The purpose of the parent-teacher conference is to have a formal time for discussion between parents and teachers regarding the student's academic and social progress. This type of conference aids the home and school in working together. Conferences also help discern areas that need reinforcement and extra attention in order to help the student grow to his/her full potential. Scheduled conferences are held twice a year.

D.     Telephone
Phone messages may be left with the office staff to be delivered to your child. Students are not permitted to use the school phone except in case of emergency. Cell phones are not allowed at school and will remain in the office until parent pick up.

E.      Visitors
All visitors and parents are required to show an ID before they are allowed to enter  the school. They will receive a pass which must be worn at all times.  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.

Incomplete and/or missed homework assignments are given a one-day grace period to complete. Grades will be penalized because of late work.

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 with homework.

B.     Optional Home work Assistance
Many families find that a teacher-monitored academic assistance period is very useful. A teacher is available for 30 minutes after school Monday through Thursday to assist with homework in small groups. There is no Home Work Assistance on the day before a holiday break or on the last day of a school week.

This Homework Assistance is open to students from 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Those students who stay for assistance should be picked up by 3:50 p.m. Students not picked up by the designated time are sent to extended day and parents are charged $10 for after school care. 

A registration form is required for the Optional Homework Assistance. The cost is $125 per quarter. Students are expected to attend daily. Students who do not have an assignment to complete will be encouraged to spend the time reading independently. Attendance is recorded. 

VI. Appearance Code

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

Since education is serious business at the DePaul School, students are to dress with pride in a business-like fashion. Students who enter school improperly dressed may not attend classes until the infraction is corrected. Parents may need to be contacted.

Top - DePaul School insignia embroidered on white, light blue or navy polo/golf shirt or sweatshirt. Shirts must be tucked in at belt lines.

       - No visible undergarments.

       - No long sleeved shirt is to be worn under a short sleeved shirt.

       - Only white t-shirts are to be worn under the uniform shirt.

       - 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 HOODS.

        - Other sweaters, jackets or sweatshirts must be removed before classes begin.   

Bottom - Navy or Tan (Khaki)

• Pants, long walking shorts, skirts or jumpers are acceptable.
• Shorts and skirts must be knee length or longer.
• Pants must have no outside or sewn-on pockets. Pants must be of an appropriate size and worn at waist level. Jeans or corduroys are not allowed. Clothing should not drag the floor.
• Pants that are baggy, denim, or casual in style are not permitted. Stretch pants are not allowed.
• Plain belts are to be worn with slacks/shorts that have belt loops. Belts can have nothing protruding or hanging.
• Solid colored socks are to be worn at all times. White or navy tights may be worn by girls with skirts or culottes.
• Shoes should be clean and in good shape. Shoes must have closed heels and toes for safety. Tennis shoes, docksiders, loafers and tie-up shoes are all allowed. Shoes with laces must be tied securely. Tennis shoes with lights, sandals, or flip-flops may not be worn.
• Hair should be clean, well groomed, away from the face and out of the eyes. Natural hair color is required.
• Any items that are distracting to the student or others may be taken away. Removed items will be returned at the end of the day and should not be brought back to school.
• Fad clothing, haircuts, and decorations are not acceptable because they distract from learning.
• Distracting make-up is not appropriate at school. Fingernails should be trimmed and clean. Nail polish should be a natural color. All make-up and personal care items should be left at home.
• Fragrances should be kept to a minimum. Many students are allergic to fragrances.
• Jewelry should be minimal and not distracting. Boys may not wear earrings at school.
• Tattoos and body piercing may not be visible.

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 in order to help students take responsibility for meeting school requirements.

B.     Safe School Infractions
DePaul School has a Zero-Tolerance Policy for drugs and alcohol.

DePaul School believes our school should be a safe place for our students and staff; therefore 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.

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.

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. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
• 3. Raise hand before speaking during structured activities.
• 4. Show respect.
• 5. Whenever possible, consequences for breaking rules will be handled in the classroom. At the teacher's discretion, 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.

 

The following consequences apply to most disciplinary referrals. Disciplinary referrals are cumulative throughout the year.

3 referrals = Removal from class for the rest of the day.  Students will be required to do academic work during this time.                      

6 referrals = In school suspension (ISSP) to be served the next day

9 referrals = Out of school suspension (OSSP) to be served the next day

12 referrals = Out of school suspension (OSSP) to be served for the next two days and placement on Disciplinary Probation          

15 referrals = Expulsion

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:

• Phone conference with parent
• Conference with student and parent
• Administrative removal from class
• Implementation of a Daily Behavior Report to parents
• Suspension - in school or out of school
• Expulsion

The Administration seeks to have a positive and productive relationship with our families. 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, etc., 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. Calculators are not permitted without the expressed consent of Administration.

Administration reserves the right to check lockers, pockets, backpacks and handbags without notice.  Random checks will be made throughout the year.

Chewing gum, candy and soft drinks are not allowed at school. 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. 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, or defacement of desks, tables, walls or any other school property will result in disciplinary action.
 

VIII Health and Safety

A.     Lunch
Students bring their own nutritious lunches and drinks. Candy, caffeinated, or carbonated drinks are not allowed. These items do not have the appropriate nutrition for the focus needed at school.

No glass containers are allowed for safety reasons. Lunch boxes or bags should be labeled with name and homeroom. NO microwave is available for heating food. Good manners and courtesy are expected.

If school lunches become available through local restaurants, order forms will be made available on a monthly basis.  Forms and payment must be submitted in advance so food orders can be filled.  Lunch money is not refundable and lunches will not be held if your child is absent.

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.

B.     Medication Policy
All medication 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
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.

Official immunization documents must be submitted to the school office prior to orientation.  DePaul cannot permit students to attend school without these documents. 

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
The purpose of our reporting system is to track academic progress. 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.

Academic Honor Roll: Students must have earned academic grades of A or B in each subject area - Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Elective and Citizenship.

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

D.     Achievement Tests
Achievement Tests are administered in the spring.  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. Some scores will be encouraging while others may be disappointing. Tests are administered in timed, standard format unless otherwise noted.

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.

 

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.

C.     Student Pictures
Pictures are taken for the yearbook in the fall. A retake session is always scheduled.

 

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. Private bus service is available in some areas. There is a fee for this service. For more information call the Main Office at 904-223-3391.

 

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