School districts are required by federal and state laws to provide certain notices to parents and students. Please note the required notices below:
Access to Student Records
Parents’ rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Student Information
Parents/guardians have the right to receive notice of the types of student information that it releases publicly and offer them a chance to object in writing to the release of such information.
Permission to use student photographs for the newspaper and district website is requested in a notice that is sent home with students in September.
Consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the district has designated certain categories of personally identifiable student information that it may release without prior written consent. This is known as “directory information.” The purpose of doing this is to enable student activities and accomplishments to be publicized and for the creation of such publications as the annual yearbook, programs for graduations, concerts and other special events, sports activity sheets and honor roll or recognition lists. Directory information can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that publish yearbooks or produce other materials for the schools.
If you do not want any or all of these types of information released pertaining to your child without your prior written consent, please contact the school in writing.
While the district will honor the request of any parent who has submitted written notification opting their child out of the release of directory information, the district is not responsible for media that cover news happenings, sporting events or other school events that are open to the public, such as plays and musical performances.
Student Privacy
Please be advised that you have the right to opt your child out of the following activities:
- The collection, disclosure, and use of personal information gathered from students for the purpose of marketing or selling that information. This does not apply to the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information collected from students for the exclusive purposes of developing, evaluating or providing educational products or services for, or to students, such as the following:
– College or other postsecondary education recruitment, or military recruitment
– Book clubs, magazines and programs providing access to low-cost literary products
– Curriculum and instructional materials used in schools
– Tests and assessments used to provide cognitive, evaluative, diagnostic, clinical, aptitude, or achievement information for students or to generate other statistically useful data for the purpose of securing such tests and assessments, and the subsequent analysis and public release of the aggregate data from such tests and assessments
– Student recognition programs
– The sale by students of products or services to raise funds for school-related activities - The administration of any survey revealing information concerning one or more of the following:
– Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian
– Mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family
– Sex behavior or attitudes
– Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating or demeaning behavior
– Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships
– Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians and ministers
– Religious practices, affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent/guardian
– Income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program) - The administration of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is required as a condition of attendance administered by the school, not necessary to protest the immediate health or safety of the student or other students, and not otherwise permitted or required by state law.
The term “invasive physical examination” means any medical examination that involves the exposure of private body parts, or any act during such examination that includes incision, insertion, or injecting into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision, or scoliosis screening. It does not apply to any physical examination or screening required or permitted under state law, including those permitted without parental notification.
If there were to be activities noted above that you wished to “opt out” of on behalf of your child, you would be asked to notify the building principal within 10 days of the date you receive this notice.
If you have any questions about HCSD’s Student Privacy Policy and your right to opt your child out of certain activities, please contact the building principal.
Homeless Students
Parents of homeless students and unaccompanied youths must be informed of their rights and provided contact information for the local liaison for homeless children and youth. Additional information can be provided by contacting Mrs. Michelle Ploss at 866-2230, extension 1001.
Limited English-Proficient Students
Parents are notified, via a letter from the building principal, if their child is participating in, or identified as eligible for, a language instruction program for limited English-proficient students. A copy of this letter is available upon request to the building principal.
Parental Involvement Policy
A “Personalized Education Plan” (PEP) is provided at Parent Teacher Conferences in November to parents of children participating in programs assisted with Title I funds. Additional information can be provided by contacting Mrs. Michelle Ploss at 866-2230, extension 1001.
Pesticide and Asbestos
Information about asbestos and pesticide use
Staff Qualifications
Please be advised that in compliance with federal statutory and regulatory requirements, you may make written inquiry with respect to the following:
- Whether your child’s classroom teacher has met NYS qualification and licensing criteria for the grade and subject areas in which they provide instruction
- Whether your child’s teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which NYS qualification or licensing criteria have been waived
- The baccalaureate degree major of your child’s teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by your child’s teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree
- Whether your child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications
Any request for the above stated should be made in writing to the building principal.