The Bay Shore School District ensures that parents and eligible students are able to exercise their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

In summary, parents/guardians and eligible students have the following rights under FERPA:
The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records
The right to request the correction of the student’s educational records
The right to exercise limited control over access to the student’s educational records

The rights and protections granted under FERPA transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of 18 or attends a school beyond the high school level.  Students to whom FERPA rights have been transferred are considered “eligible students.”  Parents/guardians or eligible students who wish to inspect educational records may make an application for inspection to the building principal.

Pursuant to FERPA, the Bay Shore School District will provide, release and publish directory information and/or photographs pertaining to students for public relations.  Directory information includes the following information: name of student, age, major course of study, participation in school activities or sports, weight if a member of an athletic team, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent school attended, grade level, enrollment status, photographs and video. The information notes may be released in district and in school publications and programs, as well as in press releases to news media.  Under Title 45 U.S. Code, Regulation 99: Privacy Rights of Parents and Students, parents/guardians or students over the age of 18 who do not desire release of the above information must make a specific written request to the Superintendent of Schools by September 15 of each year of attendance or at the time of registration for new students.  Failure to make such a request shall be considered consent to release, provide, or publish the information during the year. (A sample opt-out form can be found on the district website.)

A copy of the FERPA policy is available for review in the main office of each building or the Office of the Superintendent.  For more information, please contact the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-5920, call 202-260-3887 or access the U.S. Department of Education website at www.ed.gov.