Student Handbook

2900 Attendance

Admission Washington County School District – Adopted 9-8-98; Revised 1-12-99; Revised 2-12-02; Revised 2-13-07; Revised 12-9-08; Revised 10-13-09; Revised 11-8-11; Revised 3-5-13; Revised 6-16-15; Revised 6-25-15; Revised 10-11-16; Revised 10-10-17

1.  Purpose & Philosophy

The Washington County School Board believes that student learning and achievement is directly related to attendance.  WCSD strives to make every effort to be in compliance with state law as well as work proactively together with parents, community resources to encourage the regular attendance of all Washington County students. The District believes this to be in the best interest of the students and the community. The Board, together with Washington County Schools, is committed to work in harmony with parents/guardian and to assist them with their responsibility to have their children in attendance at school.

2.  Policy

2.1. The “State Compulsory Education Requirements” (Utah Code, Section 53A-11-101) directs parents and schools as follows:

2.1.1.  A person having control of a minor who has reached the age of six years, but has not reached the age of eighteen years, shall send the minor to a public or regularly established private school during the school year of the district in which the minor resides.

2.1.2. It is a class B misdemeanor for a person having control of a minor under subsection (1) to intentionally or recklessly fail to comply with the requirements of chapters 53A-11.

2.1.3. A designee for the local board of education shall report qualifying cases of willful noncompliance to the appropriate city, county, or district attorney involving minor’s ages 14 and under.

2.2. Utah Code 53A-15-1501 Parental Rights in Education grants that the parent or guardian has the right to reasonable academic accommodations. The Washington County School district recognizes that the parent or guardian is the primary person responsible for the education of their student, and the school is in a secondary and supportive role to the parent or guardian. This includes the parent’s right to excuse the parent’s child from school for valid reasons as per 3.3.

2.2.1. Students are responsible for the completion of any work missed due to absence, regardless of the reason for the absence (excused, unexcused, truant). Students with absences prior to the midterm week will be allowed to submit completed make-up work through the midterm grading period.  Students with absences following the midterm week will be allowed to submit completed make-up work through the end of the current grading period.

The school is encouraged to provide opportunities for students to make up lost time and assignments; such as: lunchtime or after school make-up.

2.2.2. A parent, teacher, or a school administrator may request a conference to discuss the attendance of a student whom they deem to have an excessive number of absences; and follow procedures as per policy.

2.3. Policy Dissemination

This policy will be posted in a prominent place at each school within the District. The policy will also be published in student registration materials; student, parent, and employee handbooks; on the school website, and in other appropriate school publications as directed by the Superintendent.

3.  Definitions and Explanations

3.1. Absences: An absence is defined as any time a student is not in attendance in the classroom to which he or she has been assigned.  In order for an absence to be considered an excused absence, the school must be notified by the parent in a timely manner, consistent with state law and this policy.

3.1.1. A parent will be notified by automated phone or e-mail every time the parent’s student is absent without excuse. A parent is responsible to provide the school with a current phone number. Parents are encouraged to monitor their student’s attendance and are invited to call the attendance secretary at the school as often as necessary to improve the student’s attendance.

3.2 Chronic absenteeism: Student misses ten (10) percent or more school days. Excessive absences (whether excused or unexcused) are calculated into federal, state, and district chronic absenteeism reports.

3.2.1. Chronic absenteeism which affects the student’s academic performance and educational progress will prompt interventions as per policy procedures.

3.3. Excused absence: The school shall record an excused absence for valid reasons, as listed below, when the parent/guardian:

3.3.1. Submits a written statement at least one school day before a scheduled family event (including an extended absence) or a scheduled proactive visit to a health care provider if the student agrees to make up course work for school days missed for the scheduled absence in accordance with this policy 2.2.1.

3.3.2. Excuses the student for illness or for a family emergency (such as a family death), both of which may be excused via phone, in person or by note within a reasonable timeframe as determined by the individual school, but not to exceed one week after the absence.

3.3.2.1. Illness or accident: A student who is absent for health-related reasons for a period of five (5) or more consecutive days, who is undergoing surgery, or who has been injured in an accident, qualifies for immediate homebound services. School work will be collected for the parent to pick up or an alternative educational program may be developed.

3.3.2.2. Chronic illness: Chronic health problems may or may not interfere with attendance at school and learning in the classroom. It is extremely important that parents notify the school concerning health-related problems that their students may have.  Documentation from a health care provider is required in validating the seriousness of the chronic illness. If the chronic illness hinders a student’s attendance, the parent is invited to meet with a school administrator to formulate an individual attendance plan that will meet the student’s needs. It is the responsibility of the parent to schedule such a meeting.

3.3.3. Additional valid excused absences include: an approved school activity; an absence as permitted by a school age minor’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan; or any other excuse established by the school district; such as: office excused (if student is detained in the office by school administration); court/detention absences; or homebound.

3.3.4. Excused absence status will not be considered with regards to implementing the required interventions; unless the excused absenteeism becomes so excessive that it impacts the student’s ability to progress educationally and/or is affecting the student’s academic performance at which point the school may provide interventions as per policy procedures.

3.4. Unexcused absence: Any absence that is not excused consistent with the definitions and provisions of this policy. The school must provide interventions as per policy procedures.

3.5. Tardy: A tardy is defined as reporting to class after the bell to start class has sounded.

3.5.1. Tardy rationale. Tardiness not only hinders a student’s ability to profit from instruction at the beginning of class, but it interrupts the work of the other students who made the effort to be on time.  Research is abundantly clear that punctual students perform better in school and at work.

3.5.1.1. Each school is required to establish a uniform tardy policy for the school – to include consequences. Each school’s tardy policy will be included in the school’s handbook.  All tardies will be recorded on PowerSchool.

3.5.1.2. It is the responsibility of the student and/or parent(s) to monitor tardies on PowerSchool, through progress reports, and by communication with the teacher.  A tardy may be excused by a parent when an emergency situation results in a student arriving at school late.  For secondary students, a student may not be excused for tardiness between classes.

3.6. Absences will be assigned the following marks on PowerSchool:

T Tardy

E Excused Absence

X Unexcused Absence

S Truant

M Medical/Chronic Illness

F Flu

H Homebound

C Court/Detention

A School Related Activity

O Office Excused

4. Procedure

As per Utah Code Section 53A-11-103, it is the duty of a school board, school district and principal to attempt to resolve attendance problems by documenting an earnest and persistent effort on the part of the school to implement school-based restorative practices, as reasonably feasible, which limit referrals to court and are designed to help minors take responsibility for and repair their behavior, including the following:

• Monitor student attendance
• Provide school/teacher acknowledgement and reward of appropriate behavior in the area of attendance
• Provide counseling to the minor by school authorities

4.1. At five unexcused absences, issue a mandatory notice of compulsory education violation, by personal service or certified mail, to a parent of a school-age child if the school-age child is absent without a valid excuse, consistent with state law and school/District policy  (Attachment Mandatory Parent Notification).

The notice of compulsory education violation shall contain requirements of Section 53A-11-101.5 including:

a.     Statement that refusal to respond to the notice and subsequent follow-up, including intentionally or recklessly failing to meet with the designated school authorities to discuss the minor’s attendance or failing to prevent the minor from being absent without valid excuse five more times throughout the remainder of the school year, is a class B misdemeanor;

b.     Statement requesting parental involvement and support;

c.     Statement directing the parent of the minor to meet with school authorities to discuss the school-age student’s school attendance problems; and cooperate in securing regular attendance;

d.     Designation of  school authorities with whom the parent is required to meet

4.1.1. After the mandatory notice has been received, it is required that the designated school authority meet with the parent and continue to work closely with the them in providing meaningful and consistent academic and behavioral programming for their child and considering alternatives proposed by the parent.

• May provide articles, information and research regarding the negative impact that excessive absenteeism (whether excused or unexcused) is having or may have on the student’s academic performance, progress and graduation.
• Make any necessary adjustment(s) to the curriculum and schedule to meet special needs of the minor
• Provide the parent with a list of resources to assist them in resolving the minor’s attendance problems, including enlisting the assistance of community agencies as appropriate; such as: voluntary participation in Attendance Mediation through Juvenile Justice; Division of Child and Family Services; and others as listed on the Washington County Child and Family Public Resource Guide or Parent Resources on the WCSD Website: http://counseling.washk12.org/site_file/counseling/files/public_resource_guide2011.jpg

  http://counseling.washk12.org/site_file/counseling/files/wash_county_resource_list_july2014.pdf

4.2. After meeting with the parents and after implementing and documenting interventions, if the student is then absent without valid excuse five or more times during the remainder of the year, for students under the age of 14, make a referral to the WCSD Dept. of Student Services.

• The referral shall be reviewed and if it is determined that reasonable efforts have been tried and failed, the department shall proceed in referring/reporting the parent/student to the Office of the Washington County Attorney.

4.3. When a student has chronic absences (10% of the total days missed) whether excused or unexcused which are affecting his educational performance, to further promote and instill positive attendance patterns an optional courtesy/nudge letter may be sent explaining the correlation between attendance and academic achievement and educational progression, graduation rates, as well as an illustration comparing the individual student’s attendance vs. students school-wide, state-wide or nationally.

5. Definitions & Procedures Applicable to Only Secondary Schools

5.1. Truancy. A school age minor who is at least 12 years old and who is enrolled in a public school shall attend the public school in which the school age minor is enrolled. When a student is absent from the assigned class, without parental or school knowledge and this absence does not meet the standard of an excused or exempt absence, that student is considered truant.

Truancy is a status offense, i.e.: a noncriminal school-based action prohibited by minors. The minor may not be referred to law enforcement or court, however, may be referred to alternative school-based interventions, including restorative justice programs.

5.1.1. Habitual truant: A school-age minor is at least 12 years old and is truant at least 10 times during one school year.

5.2. Restorative Justice Programs: are school-based programs which are designed to enhance school safety, reduce school suspensions, and limit referrals to court, and more specifically with regards to compulsory education are designed to help minors take responsibility for their behavior/attendance. Restorative justice programs address the root cause of the behavior and are intended to help students stay in school and deal with their challenges in a healthier and more constructive way.

Examples of restorative justice programs include: Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) (i.e.:  a Division of Juvenile Justice service for minors or families of minors experiencing behavioral health or psychiatric emergencies); Division of Juvenile Justice Receiving Center/Youth Services; Utah Youth Court (i.e.: an alternative to juvenile court for first-time offenders intended to provide youth with the resources to make better decisions); Truancy Support Centers; or comparable school-based programs which may provide support for the parents and the truant minor through counseling and community programs.

5.3. Taking a Truant Minor into Custody: An individual, such as a peace officer (sheriff or police officer), or school administrator may take a minor into custody if there is reason to believe the minor is a truant minor and release and return the minor to the principal of the minor’s school of enrollment. Without unnecessary delay, the minor’s parents must be notified.

If it is not appropriate to return the minor to school release the minor into the parent’s custody. If the parent cannot be contacted, or is unable or unwilling to accept custody, ensure the student’s safety and well-being by placing the child with an alternative restorative justice program. If none of the options mentioned are available the minor shall be referred to the Division of Child and Family Services.  A minor taken into custody may not be placed in a detention center or other secure confinement facility.

5.4. Issuing Notices: Truancy prevention and intervention, such as those described in policy, must be attempted and proven unsuccessful, at which point the local school board may impose administrative penalties on a school-age minor who is at least 12 years old and who is truant at least five times during the school year. The board may authorize a school administrator, an administrator’s designee, or a law enforcement officer acting as a school resource officer to issue notices of truancy to the minor. However, nothing prohibits the local school board or school district from taking action to resolve a truancy problem with a school-age minor who has been truant less than five times, provided that the action does not conflict with the requirements; i.e. interventions/restorative practices. (UCA 53A-11-101.7)

5.4.1. The school must notify parents through mail. The notice must inform the parent of the opportunity to contest the truancy. The parent shall have the right to appeal a notice of truancy in writing to the building level administrator within ten (10) days of being issued.

6. Definitions & Procedures Applicable for Only Elementary Schools

6.1. A school age minor under the age of 14 must comply with the requirements of compulsory education as per Utah Code 53A-11-101.5, including the steps outlined in as per policy.

6.2. Parental refusal to comply with the actions taken by school authorities alone does not constitute educational neglect consistent with Utah Code 78A-6-319. In order for educational neglect to be considered by the courts, the following may be used for evidence:

The child has failed to make adequate educational progress, and school officials have complied with the requirements of 53A-11-103; and

The child is two or more years behind his/her age group expectations in one or more basic skills and is not receiving special education services or systematic remediation efforts; and

The child has been absent from school without good cause, for more than 10 consecutive school days or more than 1/16 of the applicable school term (typically between 3.5 and 4 days)

Mandatory: Mandatory Parent Notification Final.pdf

Referral for Violation of Compulsory Education & Request for Juvenile Court Action (for students 14 and under)

Parent Communication
We are anxious to keep communication lines open between school and home.  To better help parents know what is going on at school we send home a regular email.  We suggest you check your email often and look at the school folder for reference.  If you have concerns or comments please call the school or a member of the Community Council.  

Tardies
Some of the most important instructions for your child are given during the first hour of the day; please make every effort to have your child to school on time.  Tardiness also affects the entire class because of the interruption created when the student arrives late.  It also causes the teacher to spend extra time catching the student up.  We do know that tardiness embarrasses students and may hamper school success.  All late students must check in at the office before being admitted to class.

School Visitors
Parents are welcome at school and are encouraged to visit, observe, or volunteer to help in classrooms.  All visitors to the school must check in and out at the school office.  When visiting during instruction, please be sensitive to classroom activities and please do not bring pre-school children.  WCSD policy discourges student visitors because of the disruption to learning.  

Closed Campus
Students must remain at school unless checked out by a parent at the office.  If parents make prior arrangements, students may check out through the office with other adults.  Students who live close enough to walk home for lunch may do so providing their parents have filed a written request with the office.  

Immunizations
State law requires that each student have on file with the school a copy of the individual immunization record.  Please update the school records when additional immunizations are given.  Immunization requirements: 4 DPT (one after age 4), 3 Polio (one after age 4), 2 MMR, Varicella or have had the Chicken Pox, 3 Hepatitis B and 2 Hepatitis A.

Administration of Medication
Students should not have in their possession medicine of any kind, including over the counter meds and inhalers.  The administration of prescription medications to pupils by school personnel will be permitted with a current prescription and a signed doctor request form (available on the WCSD website under “School Forms”)  All medications are stored in a locked cabinet, and a record is kept of all medications given.

Student Insurance
Student accident insurance is available to students whose parents want coverage for their children.  The policy is limited and is strictly voluntary.  Information concerning this policy is sent home with students in the early fall. If additional information is needed please contact the office.  Some students may qualify for CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program).  More information about CHIP may be obtained by calling 1-888-222-2542.

Fee Waivers
Each school is to ensure that adequate waivers or other provisions are available to guarantee that no student is denied the opportunity to participate because of an inability to pay the required fee, deposit, or charge.  In addition to the outright waiver of fees, each school that charges a fee is to provide a variety of alternatives for satisfying the fee requirement to those who qualify, if there is reasonable work for fee waiver recipients to do, if the resources are available for adequate supervision and perhaps transportation.  Alternatives include allowing the student to provide tutorial assistance to personnel on school related matters; and general community or home service.  Each school may add to the list of alternatives subject to approval by the Board. (1994 Legislature S.B. 44)(5-10-05)

Phone Policy
There is a phone in the office for student use.  Students should seek permission from their classroom teachers to use the office phone when they need to call a parent.  The office phone may not be used to arrange playtime with friends.  When parents need to get a message to students during school time, they should call no later than 3:00pm, so messages can be delivered before school dismisses.  Please call with student messages only in emergencies.  Whenever possible, please plan ahead so that calls do not disrupt learning.  

Cell Phones & Music Devices
Cell Phones and music devices are a distraction to the educational environment.  If students bring these to school they must remain in backpacks.  Students need to use the school phone when making calls.

2200 Student Dress Code

Students/Parent/Community Washington County School District – Adopted 6-9-98; Revised 5-9-00; Revised 6-12-01; Revised 9-10-02.; Revised 5-9-06.; Revised 05-14-13.

1. Purpose and Philosophy

The Board of Education of the Washington County School District recognizes that every student in the schools should have the opportunity to learn in an environment which is safe, conducive to the learning process, and free from unnecessary disruption.  To foster such an environment the following policy establishes the framework for school dress and grooming.

2. Policy:

2.1. Students who attend the schools of Washington County School District are expected to come to school dressed and groomed appropriately for a learning environment and show respect for others by supporting the following dress and grooming standards.  These standards are intended to insure that every school in the Washington County School District will be a safe place for each student to learn, free from physical or moral threats and free from intimidation by others, to include gangs and gang appearance.

3. Procedure:

3.1. Dress and Grooming standards:

3.1.1. The attire (apparel) and grooming of all students should be neat, clean and safe. 

3.1.2. Students have the responsibility to avoid apparel that causes a distraction or disruption, interrupting school decorum and adversely affecting the educational process.  Students must also avoid apparel that is offensive, represents a risk, or threatens student safety.

3.1.2.1.  Printed apparel is acceptable only if it is in good taste.  Any apparel displaying profanity, suggestive slogans, pictures or graphics, or promoting substances illegal for consumption by a minor, will not be allowed.

3.1.2.2.  Clothes that are mutilated or immodest are not appropriate school wear.  Dresses, shorts, skirts, shirts, and blouses should be modest in length and not revealing.  (Tank tops, tube tops and garments that reveal undergarments may be considered revealing).

3.1.2.3.  Hats are not to be worn in school buildings during regular school hours.

3.1.2.4.  Any apparel approved for school wear should be worn in accompaniment with appropriate undergarments.

3.1.2.5.  Footwear must be worn and should be safe and hygienic.  Shoes, boots and sandals are considered suitable footwear.

3.1.2.6.  Clothing attachments or accessories which could be considered weapons are not allowed.

3.1.2.7.  Students have a responsibility to cooperate fully with clothing standards required for special classes (such as shop, home economics, laboratories, physical education) and special school activities.

3.1.3. Students have the responsibility to avoid grooming that causes a distraction or disruption, interrupting school decorum and adversely affecting the educational process.  Students must also avoid grooming that is offensive, represents a risk, or threatens student safety.  (Extremes in body piercings, hair styles and hair colors may be considered a distraction or disruption).

3.1.4.  Gang behavior, apparel or grooming is not appropriate at school.  (Reference Safe Schools Policy 2110)

3.1.4.1.  As gang grooming styles and clothing continually evolve and change, the following prohibited items that have commonly denoted gang membership or affiliation are only representative of prohibited clothing.  Additional grooming styles and apparel may be considered gang-affiliated, as identified in consultation with school officials and law enforcement authorities.  Bandannas or any article of clothing or accessory bearing gang symbols, names, initials, insignia, or style of dress that indicates gang affiliation will not be allowed.

3.2.  Consequences for violation of the Student Dress and Grooming Policy

3.2.1.  A student in violation of the “Student Dress and Grooming Policy” may be sent home to make the changes necessary to be in compliance with policy.  The student may return as soon as the required changes are made.

3.2.2.  Students who dress or groom in a manner that demonstrates gang affiliation may be subject to suspension and/or expulsion.

3.2.3.  Suspension from school may occur for continued disregard for the Student Dress and Grooming Policy.

3.3.  Every school is to include the Student Dress and Grooming Policy in their student handbooks.

3.4.  School employees are held to the same dress and grooming standards as the students.

Food Services
Elementary schools serve both breakfast and lunch.  Morning kindergarten students may participate in the breakfast program.   The school secretary will collect breakfast and lunch money the first day of each week.  If possible, please pay weekly.  All meal money will be receipted; please save your eceipts.  WCSD policy does not allow student to charge meals.  If your child is unable to pay, please send a sack lunch or make arrangements with the office for free or reduced lunch and breakfast. Visitors may come to lunch anytime.  If possible, please call the office before 9am to make a reservation.  The school food service prices are as follows

                        Daily               Reduced            Adults

Breakfast           1.75                 .30                2.00

Lunch               2.20                .40                 4.00

Free & Reduced Lunch
Free and reduced breakfast and lunch are available to families who qualify.  In addition to providing meals to children in families that meet income guidelines, students who qualify for free or reduced lunch also bring increased funding to the school for additional aides and materials for instruction.  If you think you may qualify, whether you want free lunch or not, please fill out the application.

Transportation
Buses are provided both to and from school for students who live further than a mile and a half from he neighborhood elementary school.  Students who come and go from school by any means other than the bus should plan on arriving no earlier than 8:30.  Not all school allow bikes, however for those who do allow bikes, students riding bicycles or scooters must park them in the bike racks and leave them there until school is dismissed.  Please lock bikes, as the school cannot assume responsibility for lost or stolen bicycles.  if parents bring students to school, please drop them off and pick them up in the designated areas only.  Do not double park or have children cross the driveway to come between cars.  With so many parents dropping off and picking up, safety is critical.  Please drive slowly and watch for children.  

School Rules
All students are expected to follow school rules.  Showing respect for people and property allows everyone the opportunity to learn in a safe, pleasant environment.  Teachers and staff model socially acceptable behaviors and instruct students to follow the school rules which include being respectful, responsible, and safe.  If an administrative intervention in needed parents may be notified.  Washington County School District has a zero tolerance policy for:

• Controlled substances, smoking or alcoholic beverages
• Bulling or any kind
• Violence, stealing, or use of profanity
• Sexual harassment
• Possession of a weapon, real of facsimile
• Willful destruction of property

Recess
Recess is provided as a diversion from class time, as a means of acquiring exercise and fresh air, and as an opportunity to develop social skills.  Our recess policy requires students to be outside the building where there is supervision.  Students should wear clothing appropriate for current weather conditions.  A student who remains in the classroom must have a signed note from parents and must remain in seat either reading or involved in other teacher-approved activities.  

• School Services
• Child Find
• Resource & Special Education
• Reading & Math remediation
• English Language Learner instruction
• Diagnostic services for speech, hearing, and language delay
• Individual & Group Counseling
• Evaluation and referral to special programs
• Parenting Library

Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Washington County School District Board of Education to not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex or any other non-merit factor in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices as required by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1974, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Equal opportunity is a priority of the Washington County Board of Education.  The Washington County School District is also committed to provide co-educational course programs including physical education and other athletic opportunities for both sexes as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972.  For questions regarding section 504:Karen Bess, Student Services Director 435-673-3553 ext. 5163

Prevention of Sexual Harassment (Exerpts from WCSD Policy 1420)
Sexual harassment includes any gender-related unwelcome written or verbal slurs, vulgar jokes, derogatory statements or actions.  Sexual harassment also includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when the harassment is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it can be said to deprive the victims of access to the educational opportunities or benefits provided by the school and such harassment takes place in a context subject to the School District’s control.  

Bullying-(WCSD Policy 3519)
Washington County Schools do not tolerate bullying.  The WCSD School Board has adopted an “Anti-bullying Policy.”  This policy can be viewed at the district website.  enclosed in the folder is Washington county School district-Anti-bullying Information for Parents.  

Student Complaint Procedures
If a student believes he/she is subject to harassment, the student should first consider telling the person that they do not like what is happening, that they consider it a violation of the School District policy on harassment, and that they want it stopped.  In many cases, a clear statement that the student wants something stopped will be enough to take care of the situation.  Students are not required, however, to confront the person in this way.  The student has the right and is encouraged to report the problem immediately to the principal, counselor, or assistant principal at their school  Students should not feel embarrassed, intimidated, or reluctant to file a valid harassment report.  Any teacher, counselor, administrator receiving a report of harassment from a student must report the incidents to the school principal or designated administrator or/supervisor.  The principal or designated administrator/supervisor has the responsibility to conduct a preliminary investigation when he/she receives an oral or written complaint, observes, or has reason to suspect sexual harassment.  Students or staff may request a District-level investigation by submitting the written complaint to the appropriate, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, or Human Resources Director.  

FERPA Notification
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and District Policy 3260 affords parents and students over 18 years of age(“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.   These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access.   parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal or assistant principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.  The School official 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 is inaccurate or misleading.  Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading.  Such requests should be in writing and addressed to the school principal or assistant principal.  It must clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading.  If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School 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. The following information may be disclosed without consent:

a. Directory Information: The following information is designated as student Directory Information: Student’s name, address (to include internet address), phone number, date of birth, grade level, extra-curricular participation, awards or honors, photograph, video or digital images, height and weight (if a member of an athletic team), previous school attended, dates of attendance, and parents’s name.”  Directory Information may be disclosed without prior written consent.  The District will also routinely disclose names, addresses, and telephone numbers to military recruiters.  parents or eligible students will have two weeks from he beginning of the school year or date a student enrolls to advise the school district, in writing, of any and all items the refuse to permit the district to designate as directory information for the balance of the school year.  

b. School Officials: School officials with legitimate educational interests may also have access to records.  A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member such as a bus driver including health of medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel; a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  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. Other Schools; The School may disclose education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

         4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S.. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the office that administers FERPA are:  

                                 Family Policy Compliance Office                                                                                        
                                 U.S.. Department of Education                                                                                           
                                400 Maryland Avenue, SW                                                                                              
                                 Washington, DC 20202-4605                                                           

 The complainant and the accused have the right to be represented by a person of their choice, at their own expense, during sexual harassment investigations and hearings.  Complainants also have the right to register sexual harassment complaints with the U.S.. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights or the Utah Anti-Discrimination Division/EEOC.  nothing in this policy shall be construed to limit the right of the complainant to file a lawsuit.

PPRA Notice of Consent/OPT Out for Specific Activities
The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. 1232h, requires the Washington County School District to notify you and obtain consent 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 (“protected information surveys”)

1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent;
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom 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 student or parents; or 
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility

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

The Washington County School District will provide parents, within a reasonable period of time prior to the administration of the surveys and activities, a notification of the surveys and activities and be provided an opportunity opt their child out, as well as an opportunity to review the surveys.  (Please note that this notice and consent/opt-out transfers from parents to any student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under State law.