(FERPA)

Student Records Policy #7240

The Board of Education recognizes its legal responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of student records. As part of this responsibility, eligible students and parents/guardians have the right to inspect and review education records, the right to seek to amend education records, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of information from the education record. The procedures for ensuring these rights shall be  consistent with state and federal law, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and its implementing regulations.

Access to Student Records

The District will use reasonable methods to provide access to student educational records only to those authorized under the law and to authenticate the identity of the requestor. The District will document request for and release of records, and retain the documentation in accordance with law.

Noncustodial Parent

The District may presume that the noncustodial parent has the authority to request information concerning his/her child and release such information upon request. If the custodial parent wishes to limit the noncustodial parent’s access to records, it is his/her responsibility to obtain and present to the school a legal binding instrument that prevents release of that information.

Directory Information Policy #7260

In accordance with FERPA, the District limits the disclosure of directory information to individuals other than those with legitimate educational interest to specific parties for specific purposes only. Directory information is information contained in an education record of a student that would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The District defines “directory information” to include only the following: name, dates of attendance, photograph/image, grade level, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, honors and awards received, email address. Parents and students (age 18 or over) have the right to deny the release of some or all of the above student directory information by submitting a letter within the first 14 days of the school year to the Registrar, Penfield Central School District, P.O. Box 900, Penfield, NY 14526.

Release to Military

Federal law requires the district to release the following information for juniors and seniors to military organizations: name, address, phone number and date of birth. If a parent of a student under 18 or an eligible student 18 years of age or older DOES NOT wish to have some or all of the above information released, the Registrar’s office should be notified in writing within the first 14 days of the school year: Registrar, Penfield Central School District, P.O. Box 900, Penfield, NY 14526.

Photos/Videos

Throughout the school year, photographs and/or videos will be taken district publications, on the web site, on district social media accounts including but not limited to school, classroom and extracurricular, and by area news media. If you DO NOT wish your child to be photographed and/or videotaped, please complete the opt-out form provided by your child’s school.

New Entrant Screening Policy #7121

The District will screen all new entrants to the school system. Such screening shall consist of:

1. a physical examination or submission of a health certificate from a certified physician, including proof of immunization
2. an assessment of motor development, language development, articulation skills and cognitive ability in the student’s language, if the language of the home is not English. Parents may request information regarding their child’s performance during the screening, as well as a copy of the screening results.