Technology

Definition of Directory Information and Opt-Out Process  

Definition of Student Education Records

Data Sharing with Community OrganizationsTechnology Acceptable Use Policy

Social Media Policy for  Staff             . 

Directory information is an exception to the Family Education and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 that allows schools to function normally without violating  federal privacy laws.   Without this exception, schools might violate FERPA by placing  name tags on students, creating playbills with student names, or announcing football player names at games.

The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has recommended that the following directory information be shared with families in school district’s annual notice to parents:

• Student Name

• Address

• Telephone listing

• Email address

• Student Photo                                                                                                      

• Date of Birth                                                                                                                                                    

• Place of Birth

• Dates of Attendance

• Grade Level

• Participation in official activities and sports

• Weight and height of members of athletic teams

• Degrees, honors, and rewards received

• Student ID number, user ID or other unique identifier

Currently Holliston Public Schools has adopted USDE’s standard directory information model per the policy JRA .   Further details about how directory information is shared is detailed below.

Principal or designee may release directory information to educationally based groups or organizations for purposes deemed by the principal to be in the interest of the students and the school. Groups and organizations receiving this information will not be allowed to release lists to other parties or use the information for any other reason than the expressed purpose approved by the principal. The principal may require the group or organization to sign a statement agreeing to these provisions.

Yes, Holliston families and students over 18 are allowed to opt out of the release of directory information using the Annual Student Verification Form as pictured below:

The Department  of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) recently updated its Student Records: Questions, Answers and Guidelines to clarify that under federal law, local educational agencies receiving assistance under the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act are required to provide military recruiters, upon request for military recruiting purposes, access to secondary school students' names, addresses, and telephone numbers unless the student's parent or the eligible student has requested in writing to opt out of such a disclosure. Section 8528 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act gives military recruiters the same access to secondary school students as is provided generally to institutions of higher education or prospective employers. For more information, please see this November 2016 Dear Colleague Letter from the U.S. Department of Education.