503 Equal Educational Opportunity

503.1 Student Records

The Board recognizes the importance of maintaining student records and preserving their confidentiality. For purposes of this policy and other policies relating to student records, student is defined as an enrolled individual in a pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in school district-sponsored child care programs.

Student records containing personally identifiable information are kept confidential at collection, storage, disclosure, and destruction stages. The Board secretary is the custodian of student records. Student records may be maintained in the central administration office or administrative office of the student's attendance center.

Parents and eligible students will have access to the student's records during the regular business hours of the District. An eligible student is a student who has reached eighteen years of age or is attending an institution of post-secondary education at the post high school level. Parents of an eligible student are provided access to the student records only with the written permission of the eligible student unless the eligible student is defined as a dependent by the Internal Revenue Code. In that case, the parents may be provided access without the written permission of the student. A representative of the parents or eligible student, who has received written permission from the parents or eligible student, may inspect and review a special education student's records. Parents, other than parents of an eligible student, may be denied access to a student's records if the District has a court order stating such or when the District has been advised under the appropriate laws that the parents may not access the student records. Parents may inspect an instrument used for the purpose of collection of student personal information prior to the instrument’s use.

A student record may contain information on more than one student. Parents will have the right to access the information relating to their student or to be informed of the information. Eligible students will also have the right to access the information relating to themselves or be informed of the information.

Parents and eligible students will have a right to access the student's records upon request without unnecessary delay and in no instance more than forty-five (45) calendar days after the request is made. Parents, an eligible student or an authorized representative of the parents will have the right to access the student's records prior to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting or hearing.

Copies of student records will be provided if failure to do so would effectively prevent the parents or student from exercising the right to access the student records. Fees for copies of the records are waived if it would prevent the parents or student from accessing the records. A fee may not be charged to search or retrieve information from student records.

Upon the request of parents or an eligible student, the District will provide an explanation and interpretation of the student records and a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained or used by the District.

If the parents or an eligible student believes the information in the student record is inaccurate, misleading or violates the privacy or other rights of the student, the parents or an eligible student may request that the District amend the student records. The District will decide whether to amend the student records within a reasonable time after receipt of the request. If the District determines an amendment is made to the student record, the District will make the amendment and inform the parents or the eligible student of the decision in writing.

If the District determines that amendment of the student's record is not appropriate, it will inform the parents or the eligible student of their right to a hearing before the hearing officer provided by the District. If the parents' and the eligible student's request to amend the student record is further denied following the hearing, the parents or the eligible student are informed that they have a right to place an explanatory letter in the student record commenting on the District's decision and/or setting forth the reasoning for disagreeing with the District. Additions to the student's records will become a part of the student record and be maintained like other student records. If the District discloses the student records, the explanation by the parents will also be disclosed. Student records may be disclosed in limited circumstances without parental or eligible student's written permission. When a disclosure is made without parental or eligible student’s written permission, it is disclosed on the condition that the student record will not be disclosed to a third party without the written permission of the parents or the eligible student. This disclosure may be made to the following individuals or under the following circumstances:

1. to school officials within the District and AEA personnel whom the superintendent has determined to have a legitimate educational interest, including, but not limited to, Board members, employees, school attorney, auditor, health professionals, and individuals serving official school committees;

2. to officials of another school District in which the student wishes to enroll, provided the other school District notifies the parents the student records are being sent and the parents have an opportunity to receive a copy of the records and challenge the contents of the records unless the annual notification includes a provision that records will automatically be transferred to new school Districts;

3. to the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education or state and local educational authorities;

4. in connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received if the information is necessary to receive the financial aid;

5. to organizations and/or their authorized representatives conducting audits, evaluations and/or studies to evaluate the effectiveness of education programs, provided the district has a written agreement with the organization conducting the audit, evaluation and/or study;

6. to accrediting organizations;

7. to parents of a dependent student as defined in the Internal Revenue Code;

8. to comply with a court order or judicially issued subpoena consistent with an interagency agreement between the District and juvenile justice agencies;

9. in connection with a health or safety emergency;

10. to authorized representatives of the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representative from the Food and Nutrition Service for the purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of state and local educational and other agencies and institutions receiving funding for or providing a school lunch program for which the results will be reported in an aggregate form that does not identify any individual, provided that the data collected shall be protected in a manner that will not permit the personal identification of students and their parents to anyone other than those authorized under this paragraph and any personally identifiable data shall be destroyed when the data are no longer needed for program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements;

11. to an agency caseworker or other representative of a state or local child welfare agency or tribal organization authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible for the care and protection of the student, provided that the education records or the personally identifiable information contained in such records of the student will not be disclosed by such agency or organization, except to an individual or entity engaged in addressing the student’s education needs and authorized by such agency or organization to receive such disclosure and such disclosure is consistent with the state or tribal laws applicable to protecting the confidentiality of a student’s education records; or

12. as directory information.

The Superintendent will keep a list of the individuals and their positions who are authorized to view a special education student's records without the permission of the parents or the eligible student. Individuals not listed are not allowed access without parental or an eligible student's written permission. This list must be current and available for public inspection and updated as changes occur.

The Superintendent will also keep a list of individuals, agencies, and organizations which have requested or obtained access to a student's records, the date access was given and their legitimate educational interest or purpose for which they were authorized to view the records. The Superintendent, however, does not need to keep a list of the parents, authorized educational employees, officers and agencies of the District who have accessed the student's records. This list for a student record may be accessed by the parents, the eligible student, and the custodian of student records.

Permanent student records, including a student's name, address, phone number, grades, attendance record, classes attended, grade level completed and year completed may be maintained without time limitation. Permanent student records will be kept in a fire-safe vault. When personally identifiable information, other than permanent student records, no longer needs to be maintained by the District to provide educational services to a special education student, the parents or eligible student are notified. This notice is normally given after a student graduates or otherwise leaves the District. If the parents or eligible student request that the personally identifiable information be destroyed, the District will destroy the records. Prior to the destruction of the records, the District must inform the parents or eligible student the records may be needed by the parents or eligible student for social security benefits or other purposes. In the absence of parents or an eligible student's request to destroy the records, the District must maintain the records for at least three years after an individual is determined to be no longer eligible for special education.

The District will cooperate with the juvenile justice system in sharing information contained in permanent student records regarding students who have become involved with the juvenile justice system. The District will enter into an interagency agreement with the juvenile justice agencies involved.

The purpose of the agreement is to allow for the sharing of information prior to a student's adjudication in order to promote and collaborate between the District and the agencies to improve school safety, reduce alcohol and illegal drug use, reduce truancy, reduce in-school and out-of-school suspensions, and to support alternatives to in-school and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions which provide structured and well supervised educational programs supplemented by coordinated and appropriate services designed to correct behaviors that lead to truancy, suspension, and expulsions and to support students in successfully completing their education.

The District may share any information with the agencies contained in a student's permanent record which is directly related to the juvenile justice system's ability to effectively serve the student. Prior to adjudication, information contained in the permanent record may be disclosed by the District to the parties without parental consent or court order. Information contained in a student's permanent record may be disclosed by the District to the agencies after adjudication only with parental consent or a court order. Information shared pursuant to the agreement is used solely for determining the programs and services appropriate to the needs of the student or student's family or coordinating the delivery of programs and services to the student or student's family. Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian.

Confidential information shared between the District and the agencies will remain confidential and will not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law. Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian. The District may discontinue information sharing with an agency if the District determines that the agency has violated the intent or letter of the agreement. Agencies will contact the principal of the attendance center where the student is currently or was enrolled. The principal will then forward copies of the records within 10 business days of the request.

The District will provide training or instruction to employees about parents' and eligible students' rights under this policy. Employees will also be informed about the procedures for carrying out this policy.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to annually notify parents and eligible students of their right to inspect and review the student's records. The notice is given in a parents' or eligible student's native language. Should the District collect personal information from students for the purposes of marketing or selling that information, the District will annually notify parents of such activity.

The notice will include a statement that the parents have a right to file a complaint alleging the District failed to comply with this policy. Complaints are forwarded to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved: 1/13/93                             Reviewed: 6/10/19                                                 Revised: 8/13/12; 5/13/13

503.1E2 Student Records Request form for Non-Parents

The undersigned hereby requests permission to examine and/or receive copies of the Sprit Lake Community School District's official student records of:

____________________________________                 ____________________________

(Legal Name of Student)                                                   (Date of Birth)

 

The undersigned requests to examine and/or receive copies of the following official student records of the above student:__________________________________________________________________________________________

The undersigned certifies that they are (check one):

(a) An official of another school system in which the student intends to enroll. ( )

(b) An authorized representative of the Comptroller General of the United States. ( )

(c) An authorized representative of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of

Education or U.S. Attorney General. ( )

(d) An administrative head of an education agency as defined in Section 408 of

the Education Amendments of 1974. ( )

(e) An official of the Iowa Department of Education. ( )

(f) A person connected with the student's application for, or receipt of, financial

aid. (specify details:____________________________________________) ( )

The undersigned agrees that the information obtained will only be re-disclosed consistent with state or federal law without the written permission of the parents of the student or the student if the student is of majority age.

The undersigned (check one):

( ) does want copies of the above-stated student records. I understand that the District may

charge me a reasonable fee for copies.

( ) does not want copies of the above-stated student records.

 

______________________________________________                             

(Signature)

______________________________________________

(Title)

______________________________________________

(Agency)

 

APPROVED: ____________               Date: _______________

Signature: ___________________________                    City:   __________________________________________

Title: _______________________________                     State:  __________________         ZIP: _______________

                                                                                            Phone Number: __________________________________

 

Approved:                                          Reviewed: 5/13/13; 6/10/19                                         Revised:

503.1E4 Notification of Transfer of Student Records

To: __________________________________ Date: ________________________

_________________________________________________

Parent/Legal Guardian

_________________________________________________

Address

_________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code

 

Please be notified that we have received a written statement that a student, __________________ (full legal name of student), who previously attended ________________________ Community School District, intends to enroll in ________________________ Community School District.

Please be further notified that the official student records of a student, __________________ (full legal name of student), which were previously held by ________________________ Community School District, have been transferred to _____________________________ Community School District.

The records may now be accessed by contacting the records custodian at ________________ Community School District.

If you desire a copy of such records furnished, please check here _____, and return this form to the undersigned at ________________________ Community School District. A reasonable charge will be made for the copies.

If you believe such records transferred are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the privacy or other rights of the student, you have the right to a hearing to challenge the contents of such records.

 

___________________________________________

(Signature)

___________________________________________

(Printed Name)

___________________________________________

(Title)

___________________________________________

(Agency)

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved:                                              Reviewed: 5/13/13; 6/10/19                                              Revised:

503.1E6 Annual Notice

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. They are:

(1) The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of

the day the District receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official) a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

(2) The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate or misleading or in violation of the student's privacy rights. Parents or eligible students may ask the school district to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.

If the District decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their 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.

(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

a. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the Board; a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, AEA employees, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.

b. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

c. Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. (Note: FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or eligible student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.)

(4) The right to inform the school district that the parent does not want directory

information, as defined below, to be released. Directory information can be released without prior parental consent. Any student over the age of eighteen or parent not wanting this information released to the public must make object in writing by September 1st to the principal. The objection needs to be renewed annually.

a. “Directory information” includes: name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, e-mail address, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, student ID number that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), user ID or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

b. Even though student addresses and telephone numbers are not considered directory information in every instance, military recruiters and post- secondary educational institutions may legally access this information without prior parental consent. Parents not wanting military recruiters or post-secondary institutions to access the information must ask the District to withhold the information. Also, Districts that provide post-secondary institutions and potential employers access to students must provide the same right of access to military recruiters.

(5) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the district to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC, 20202-4605.

The District may share any information with the Parties contained in a student's permanent record, which is directly related to the juvenile justice system's ability to effectively serve the student. Prior to adjudication information contained in the permanent record may be disclosed by the District to the Parties without parental consent or court order. Information contained in a student's permanent record may be disclosed by the District to the Parties after adjudication only with parental consent or a court order. Information shared pursuant to the agreement is used solely for determining the programs and services appropriate to the needs of the student or student's family or coordinating the delivery of programs and services to the student or student's family. Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings, which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student's parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian. Information obtained from others shall not be used for the basis of disciplinary action of the student. This agreement only governs a school district's ability to share information and the purposes for which that information can be used.

The purpose for the sharing of information prior to a student’s adjudication is to improve school safety, reduce alcohol and illegal drug use, reduce truancy, reduce in-school and out-of-school suspensions, and to support alternatives to in-school and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions which provide structured and well supervised educational programs supplemented by coordinated and appropriate services designated to correct behaviors that lead to truancy, suspension, and expulsions and to support students in successfully completing their education.

The party requesting the information will contact the principal of the building in which the student is currently enrolled or was enrolled. The principal will forward the records within ten (10) business days of the request.

Confidential information shared between the Parties and the District shall remain confidential and shall not be shared with any other person, unless otherwise provided by law. Information shared under the agreement is not admissible in any court proceedings which take place prior to a disposition hearing, unless written consent is obtained from a student’s parent, guardian or legal or actual custodian nor can it be used as the basis for disciplinary action of the student.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved:                                                     Reviewed:     6/10/19                                                Revised: 5/13/13

503.1.E5 Request for Hearing on Correction of Student Records

To: ____________________________________________ Date: ________________________

Board Secretary, Custodian of Records

 Spirit Lake Community School District

I, the undersigned, believe certain student records of a student, ___________________________ (full legal name of student), a student at Spirit Lake Community School District to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law.

 

The student records which I believe are inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law are: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

The reason(s) I believe these student records to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the student’s rights under state and federal law are: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I have the following relationship to the student: _______________________________________

I understand that I will be notified in writing of the time and place of the hearing; that I will be notified in writing of the decision; and I have the right to appeal the decision by so notifying the hearing officer in writing within ten days after my receipt of the decision or a right to place a statement in my child's record stating I disagree with the decision and why.

 

________________________________________    __________________________________________   

(Signature)                                                                   (Address)

 

 ______________________________________        ______________________________________

(Printed Name)                                                             (City, State, Zip Code)

 

 ______________________________________

(Phone Number)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved:

Reviewed: 6/10/19

 Revised: 5/13/13

503.1.R1 Use of Student Records Regulations

Student records are all official records, files, and data directly related to students, including all material incorporated into each 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 necessarily limited to: dates of attendance; academic work completed; level of achievement (grades, standardized 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; and verified reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns.

The intent of this regulation is to establish procedures for granting requests from parents for access to their child's records, use of the data, and procedures for its transmittal within forty-five (45) calendar days.

  1. Access to Records
    1. The parent or legal guardian of a student will have access to these records upon written request to the Board secretary and/or building administrator. The parent or legal guardian will have the opportunity to receive an interpretation of the records, have the right to question the data, and, if a difference of opinion is noted, shall be permitted to file a letter in the cumulative folder stating the dissenting person's position. If further challenge is made to the record, the normal appeal procedures established by school policy will be followed.
    2. A student, eighteen (18) years or older, has the right to determine who, outside the school system, has access to the records. Parents of students who are eighteen (18) years or older, but still dependents for income tax purposes may access the student's records without prior permission of the student.
    3. School officials having access to student records are defined as having a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the District as an administrator, supervisor, instructor or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school Board; a person or company with whom the District has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, AEA employee, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as disciplinary or grievance committee or student assistance team or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.
  2. Release of Information to External Parties
    1. To release student records to other school(s) in which the student intends to enroll, the parent, legal guardian or eligible student must be notified of the transfer and the kinds of information being released unless the District annually notifies parents that the records will be sent automatically.
    2. Student records may be released to official education and other government agencies only if allowed by state or federal law.
    3. To release student records to other persons or agencies, written consent and/or authorization shall be given by the parent, legal guardian or a student of majority age. This consent and/or authorization form will state which records are released, to whom they are released, and the reason for the release. A copy of the specific records being released will be made available to the person signing the release form if requested.
    4. Before furnishing student records in compliance with judicial orders or pursuant to any lawfully issued subpoena, the District will make a reasonable attempt to notify the parents, legal guardian or eligible student are notified in advance.
    5. Student records may be shared with juvenile justice agencies with which the District has an interagency agreement. This information is shared without prior parental consent. The agreement is a public document available for inspection.
  3.  Hearing Procedures
    1. Upon parental request, the District will hold a hearing regarding the content of a student's records which the parent believes to be inaccurate, misleading or in violation of the privacy rights of students.
    2. The hearing will be held within a reasonable time after receipt of the parent or eligible student's request. The parent or eligible student will receive reasonable advance notice of date, time, and place of the hearing.
    3. The hearing officer may be an employee of the District so long as the employee does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
    4. The parents or eligible student will be given a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issues. The parent or eligible student may be represented by an individual of their choice at their own expense.
    5. The hearing officer will render a written decision within a reasonable period after the hearing. The decision will be based upon evidence presented at the hearing and must include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the decision.
    6. The parents may appeal the hearing officer’s decision to the superintendent within five (5) calendar days if the superintendent does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing.
    7. The parents may appeal the superintendent's decision, or the hearing officer’s decision if the superintendent was unable to hear the appeal, to the Board within five (5) calendar days. It is within the discretion of the Board to hear the appeal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved:

Reviewed: 6/10/19

Revised: 5/13/13

 

503.1E1 Student Records Request Form for Parents or Students

The undersigned hereby requests permission to examine and/or receive copies of the Spirit Lake Community School District's official student records of:

____________________________________                       _____________________________

(Legal Name of Student)                                                       (Date of Birth)

The undersigned requests to examine and/or receive copies of the following official student records of the above student:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

The undersigned certifies that they are the parent and/or legal guardian or of the above student or that they are the above student.

The undersigned (check one):

( ) does want copies of the above-stated student records. I understand that the District may

     charge me a reasonable fee for copies.

 ( ) does not want copies of the above-stated student records.

                                                                                   

___________________________________

(Signature)

                                                                       

___________________________________

(Printed Name)

 

APPROVED:

Date:

 

Address:

Signature:

City:

Title:

State:                                  Zip:

 

Phone Number:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Approved:

Reviewed: 5/13/13; 6/10/19

Revised:

503.1E3 Authorization for Release of Student Records

The undersigned hereby authorizes the ___________________ Community School District and any of its agents to release official student records of:

 

__________________________________________            _____________________________

(Legal Name of Student)                                                        (Date of Birth)

 

__________________________________________            _____________________________

(Name of Last School Attended)                                            (Dates of Attendance)

 

The undersigned specifically authorizes the release of the following official student records of the above student: (If no records are specified, the undersigned authorized the release of all student records of the above student.) ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

The reason for the authorization:______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________

Copies of the records shall be furnished to the following (check all that apply):

( ) the undersigned

( ) the student

( ) other (please specify:_____________________________________________________________________________

The undersigned has the following relationship to the student: _______________________________________________

 

______________________________________        ___________________________________

(Signature)                                                                   (Address)

 

______________________________________        ___________________________________

(Printed Name)                                                            (City, State, Zip Code)

 

                                                                                     ___________________________________

                                                                                    (Phone Number)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved:

Reviewed: 5/13/13; 6/10/19

Revised:

 

503.2 Student Directory Information

Student directory information is designed to be used internally within the school District. For purposes of this policy and other policies relating to student directory information, student is defined as an enrolled individual in a pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, including children in school district-sponsored child care programs. Directory information is defined in the annual notice. It may include the student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, e- mail address, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, student ID number that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), user ID or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

The District may designate that certain directory information is available to specific parties and/or for a specific purpose.

Prior to developing a student directory or to giving general information to the public, parents of students, and parents of children homeschooled in the school district, will be given notice annually of the intent to develop a directory or to give out general information and have the opportunity to deny the inclusion of their child's information in the directory or in the general information about the students.

It is the responsibility of the Superintendent to provide notice and to determine the method of notice that will inform parents.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved: 1/8/04

Reviewed:

Revised: 8/13/12; 5/13/13; 6/10/19

 

 

503.2E1 Notice of Use of Directory Information

The student handbook or similar publication given to each student which contains general information about the school shall contain the following statement, which shall be published at least annually in a prominent place or in a newspaper of general circulation in the District:

The following information may be released to the public as follows in regard to any individual student of the District as needed. Any student over the age of eighteen or parent not wanting this information released to the public must make objection in writing by October 1st of this school year to the principal. The objection needs to be renewed annually.

Name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, e-mail address, grade level, enrollment status, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, student ID number that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), user ID or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student identification card (provided it cannot be solely used to access the student’s educational records), photograph and other likeness, and other similar information.

 

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved:

Reviewed:

Revised: 5/13/13; 6/10/19

503.2E2 Objection to Release of Student Directory Information

You have the right to refuse the designation of any or all of the categories of personally identifiable information as directory information with respect to your student provided that you notify the District in writing prior to the start of the school year or upon admission to the District. If you desire to make such a refusal, please complete and return the slip attached to this notice.

If you have no objection to the use of student information, you do not need to take any action.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

RETURN THIS FORM

Student Name:__________________________________________ Date of Birth: ____________________________

School: ________________________________________________ Grade: _________________

______________________________________________                 ________________________

(Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian/Custodian of Child)                     (Date)

This form must be returned to your child's school no later than __________________, 20______.

Additional forms are available at your child's school.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved:                                        Reviewed:  6/10/19                                          Revised: 5/13/13

503.3 Student Library Circulation Records

Student library circulation records are designed to be used internally to assist in the orderly administration of District libraries. As a general rule, student library circulation records are considered confidential records and will not be released without parental consent. Individuals who may access such records include a student's parents, the student, school officials, authorized government officials from the U.S. Comptroller General, the Secretary of Education, the Commissioner and Director of the National Institute of Education, and the Assistant Secretary for Education and State Education Department.

Appropriate authorities in a health or safety emergency may access the student's library circulation records without the approval or the notification of the student's parents. Parents may not access records, without the student's permission, of a student who has reached the age of majority or who is attending a post-secondary educational institution unless the student is considered a dependent for tax purposes.

It is the teacher-librarian's responsibility, as the person maintaining the student library circulation records, to approve requests for access to student library circulation records. Students' library circulation records may be accessed during the regular business hours of the District. If copies of documents are requested, a fee for such copying is charged.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved: 10/8/12

Reviewed:  6/10/19

Revised: 5/13/13

503.4 Student Surveys

The Board recognizes the importance of conducting student surveys and gathering information from students. Surveys relating to and/or gathering certain information from students are subject to the parent’s consent and/or right to opt his/her student out of the survey.

The District shall require parental consent before a student is required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information surveys”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED):

  1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents;
  2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
  3. Sex behaviors or attitudes;
  4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
  5. Critical appraisals of others with whom the respondents have close family  relationships;
  6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
  7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the students or parents; or
  8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

The District shall provide an opportunity for parents to opt their child out of any of the following surveys and/or information gathering processes:

  1. A protected information survey, which concerns any of the protected areas outlined above, regardless of the source of funding of the survey;
  2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical examination or screening permitted or required under Iowa law; and
  3. Activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

The District shall provide parents an opportunity to inspect upon request and before administration or use, any of the following information:

  1. Protected information surveys of students;
  2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
  3. Instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum.

The District shall also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or e-mail, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys listed above and will provide an opportunity for the parent to consent to or opt his/her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. The District will provide the Schedule of Activities outlining the activities to which this Policy applies, preferably at the same time as the District provides the Notice, if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities and surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed above and/or planned activities and surveys that may arise during the school year that are not listed below, and will be provided an opportunity to consent to or opt his/her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys.

It is the responsibility of the building Principal to annually notify parents and eligible students of their right consent and/or opt-out of participation in surveys and/or activities. The notice will include a statement that the parents have a right to file a complaint alleging the District failed to comply with this policy. Complaints are forwarded to Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised:  6/10/19

 

503.4E1 Annual Notice Regarding Protection of Student Rights

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents and students over eighteen (18) years of age and/or students who are considered emancipated minors pursuant to Iowa laws (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the district’s conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes and certain physical exams. These include the following rights:

  1. The right to consent before a student is required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas (“protected information surveys”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED):

 

  1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents;
  2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;
  3. Sex behaviors or attitudes;
  4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;
  5. Critical appraisals of others with whom the respondents have close family relationships;
  6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors,or ministers;
  7.  Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the students or parents; or  
  8. Income,  other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

 

       2. The right to receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of a protected information survey, which concerns any of the protected areas outlined above, regardless of the source of funding of the survey.

        3. The right to receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening required as a condition of attendance, administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or any physical examination or screening permitted or required under Iowa law.

        4. The right to receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of activities involving the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.

        5. The right to inspect, upon request and before administration or use, any of the following information:

  1. Protected information surveys of students;
  2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing, sales, or other distribution purposes; and
  3. Instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum

         6. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of PPRA. The name and address of the office that administers PPRA is:

               Family Policy Compliance Office

              U.S. Department of Education

              400 Maryland Ave. SW

              Washington, DC   20202-5920

The District will also directly notify, such as through U.S. Mail or e-mail, parents of students who are scheduled to participate in the specific activities or surveys listed below and will provide an opportunity for the parent to consent to or opt his/her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. The District will provide the Schedule of Activities outlining the activities to which this notice applies, preferably at the same time as the District provides this notice, if the District has identified the specific or approximate dates of the activities and surveys at that time. For surveys and activities scheduled after the school year starts, parents will be provided reasonable notification of the planned activities and surveys listed below and/or planned activities and surveys that may arise during the school year that are not listed below, and will be provided an opportunity to consent to or opt his/her child out of participation of the specific activity or survey. Parents will also be provided an opportunity to review any pertinent surveys.

The District will develop policies, in consultation with parents, regarding these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected information surveys and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution purposes. The District will directly notify parents of these policies at least annually at the start of the school year and after any substantive changes.

The following is a list of the specific activities and surveys to which this Notice apply:

Iowa Youth Survey, 5th Grade Science “Changing” Day, 6th Grade Science Human Reproduction, 8th Grade Health Human Sexuality

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved: 5/13/13

Reviewed:

Revised: 6/10/19

503.4E2 Annual Schedule of Activities and Consent/Opt-Out Form

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires the District to notify you and obtain consent and/or allow you to opt your child out of participating in certain school activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight areas, known as “protected information surveys,” that concern one or more of the following eight areas:

(a) Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parents;

(b) Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;

(c) Sex behaviors or attitudes;

(d) Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior;

(e) Critical appraisals of others with whom the respondents have close family

relationships;

f) Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors,

or ministers;

(g) Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the students or parents; or

(h) Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for marketing purposes, known as “marketing surveys,” and/or certain physical exams and screenings.

The following is a schedule of activities requiring parental notice and consent or opt-out for the upcoming school year. This list is not necessarily exhaustive and, for surveys and/or activities scheduled after the school year starts, the District will provide parents, within a reasonable period of time prior to the administration of the surveys and/or activities, notification of the surveys and/or activities and the opportunity to consent and/or opt their child out, as well as an opportunity to review the surveys.

The right to consent, and notification and opt-out transfers from parents to any student over eighteen (18) years of age or any student who is an emancipated minor pursuant to Iowa laws.

Schedule of Activities

Date: Sept./Oct.

Grades: 6, 8, 11

Activity: Iowa Youth Survey

Summary: Students in the 6th, 8th and 11th grades across the state of Iowa answer questions about their attitudes and experiences regarding alcohol and other drug use and violence, and their perceptions of their peer, family and neighborhood/community environments.

 

Date: May

Grades: 5

Activity: “Changing Day”

Summary: Students in 5th grade science classes are instructed in human growth and development. Both male and female students are offered some basic information about their body and how it is changing and developing.

 

Date: April/May

Grades: 6

Activity: Human Reproduction Summary: S

Summary: Students in 6th grade science class are instructed about the human reproduction system. Males and females are offered information regarding how their reproductive system works.

 

Date: Quarterly (Sept., Dec., March, May)

Grades: 8

Activity: Human Growth and Development Summary: Students in 8th grade are offered human growth and development instruction in their exploratory class.

 

Review of Survey and/or Instructional Material

If you wish to review any survey instrument or instructional material used in connection with any protected information or marketing survey, please submit the following request to the Superintendent at Spirit Lake Community School District. The Superintendent and/or designee will notify you of the time and place where you may review these materials. You have the right to review a survey and/or instructional material before the survey and/or material is administered to student.

I, ____________________________, request to review a survey and/or instruction material in connection with any protected information or marketing survey.

Title of Survey and/or Instructional Material: ___________________________________

Brief Description: ________________________________________________________

Date the Survey and/or Instructional Material will be Submitted to Students: __________

Parent’s Contact Information: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address City State Zip

____________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number (Cell/Home) E-mail Address

 

Parent’s Signature: _______________________________

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Approved: 5/13/13                       Reviewed:   6/10/19                                Revised: