XV. EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND DIRECTORY INFORMATION

General Guidelines

St. Mary School maintains several types of student records including, but not limited to, emergency cards, driver information, field trip information forms, past report cards, testing data, health and immunization records, and attendance records. Cumulative grades and attendance are entered annually on each student’s permanent record card as furnished by the Archdiocese of Seattle and kept permanently at the school. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to insure such records are current, especially those concerning health and safety.

Educational records are available for parents/guardians to review when a written request which identifies the record/s they wish to inspect has been submitted to the Principal. Within 4-5 days of receiving the request, the Principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent of the time and place where records may be inspected.

The right to amend a student’s records of something believed to be inaccurate or misleading may be requested in writing to the Principal and must clearly state the part of the record requested for change and specification of what is believed to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the records as requested, the school will notify the parent/guardian and advise him/her of the right to a hearing.

Only those persons with legitimate educational interest in the child are permitted to have access to a student’s records. At the time a student transfers to another school, records are sent upon the request of that school. The records sent include a copy of the permanent record card and the immunization form. All other material is kept in the school office; parents/guardians may request receipt of other records by calling or writing the school office. Records remaining longer than 1 month after transfer may be destroyed.

Concerns regarding alleged failure of the schools’ compliance with the requirements of the Family educational Rights and Privacy Act should be sent to the Family Policy Compliance Office, U. S. Department of Education.

Directory Information

The following information is considered directory information and may be distributed inside and outside the school. Directory information at St. Mary School consists of:

• Student’s name and school activities
• Family members’ names, addresses and telephone numbers
• Pictures of students including stills, digital and video images
• Web images
• Yearbook biographical information

If a parent/guardian wishes to disallow any information above, they must notify the school office within three weeks of the first day of school for the child. Please be specific when defining which information you wish to disallow.

Non-custodial Parents

In the absence of a court order to the contrary, the school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other school-related information regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order.

Divorced or separated parents must file a court-certified copy of the custody section of the divorce or separation decree with the Principal’s office. The school will not be held responsible for failing to honor arrangements that have not been made known.