Directory information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Weber School District, with certain exceptions, must obtain your written consent before disclosing any personally identifiable information from your child's education records, except for certain designated "directory information." Directory information may be disclosed without your consent unless you have notified Weber School District otherwise.

Purpose of directory information

The primary purpose of directory information is to allow Weber School District to include information from your child’s education records in certain school publications. Examples include:

• A playbill showing your student’s role in a drama production;
• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs, and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing the weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.
Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.

Military recruiters and institutions of higher education

In accordance with two federal laws, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and Section 10 U.S.C. § 503(c), Weber School District, as a recipient of ESEA assistance, is required to provide military recruiters and institutions of higher education with student names, addresses, and telephone listings upon request. Parents may opt out of this disclosure by notifying Weber School District in writing.

Opting out

To opt out of having Weber School District disclose directory information from your child's education records, please submit a written notification to the district by the last day of September.

What information is designated directory information?

Weber School District has designated the following information as directory information:

• Student's name
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
  Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems but only if the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education
  records except when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN, password, or other factor known or possessed only by the
  authorized user
• A student ID number or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student ID badge, but only if the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records except
  when used in conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user's identity, such
  as a PIN, password, or other factor known or possessed only by the authorized user.

(updated 11/07/2023)

Model Notification of Rights under FERPA for Schools

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older ("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 after the day the [Name of school (“School”)] receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students who wish to inspect their child’s or their education records should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records 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 are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the [School] to amend their child’s or their education record should write the school principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed.  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 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 provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  The criteria for determining who constitutes a school official and what constitutes a legitimate educational interest must be set forth in the school’s or school district’s annual notification for FERPA rights.  A school official typically includes a person employed by the school or school district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board.  A school official also may include a volunteer,  contractor, or consultant who, while not employed by the school, performs an institutional service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

[Optional] Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school or school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.  [NOTE:  FERPA requires a school or school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records request unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request or the disclosure is initiated by the parent or eligible student.]

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:

Student Privacy Policy Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC  20202

[NOTE:  In addition, a school may want to include its directory information public notice, as required by § 99.37 of the regulations, with its annual notification of rights under FERPA.]

[Optional]  See the list below of the disclosures that elementary and secondary schools may make without consent.

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations.  Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, § 99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the school to record the disclosure.  Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures.  A school may disclose PII from the education records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student –

• To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§ 99.31(a)(1))
• To officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34. (§ 99.31(a)(2))
• To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as the State educational agency (SEA) in the parent or eligible student’s State. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of § 99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf, if applicable requirements are met.  (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary for such purposes as to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§ 99.31(a)(4))
• To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system and the system’s ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records were released, subject to § 99.38. (§ 99.31(a)(5))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b)  administer student aid programs; or (c)  improve instruction, if applicable requirements are met.  (§ 99.31(a)(6))
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§ 99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§ 99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena if applicable requirements are met. (§ 99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36. (§ 99.31(a)(10))
• Information the school has designated as “directory information” if applicable requirements under § 99.37 are met. (§ 99.31(a)(11))
• To an agency caseworker or other representative of a State or local child welfare agency or tribal organization who is authorized to access a student’s case plan when such agency or organization is legally responsible, in accordance with State or tribal law, for the care and protection of the student in foster care placement. (20 U.S.C. § 1232g(b)(1)(L))

• To the Secretary of Agriculture or authorized representatives of the Food and Nutrition Service for purposes of conducting program monitoring, evaluations, and performance measurements of programs authorized under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, under certain conditions. (20 U.S.C. § 1232g(b)(1)(K))

• School Resource Officers (SRO) will be considered a school official. (189334 C.F.R. Part 99)

A message from Assistant Superintendent Art Hansen:

Last year, my first-grade granddaughter came home from school with a powerful message shared with her class by an inspired teacher. She told me, "Grandpa, you've gotta' dream big!" When I asked her what that meant; she told me that we can do great things if we dream big. I asked her what great things she would like to accomplish, and she shared with me several occupations she wanted to do and a dream to one day compete in the Olympics.  

I loved the sparkle in her eyes as she envisioned a future from the perspective of a six-year-old. Although it is likely that her dreams will change over time, I was encouraged that a person whom she respected encouraged her to think about what her future may hold, that the sky's the limit, and that she will have the chance to explore opportunities to discover her talents.  

It is my hope that every one of us can remember those in our lives who have encouraged us to try something we never would have dared attempt without their encouraging words -- the confidence they showed in us that enabled us to accomplish something we wouldn't have otherwise tried or dreamed we could do.    

That is why I love the education profession. It is filled with caring adults who want to give back and make a difference in the lives of their students. They all have a story of why they chose education as their career path. Most of those stories involve an influential teacher or staff member who had an impact on their lives. We have multiple opportunities every day to recognize the good in our students, to plant seeds that encourage the exploration of knowledge and opportunities that will guide their future.  

The words we use around all children are powerful…both for the positive or the negative. Let's work to sow the seeds of encouragement, sharing confidence-building messages. By helping our children develop skills and talents and by recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviors, every adult has the power to make a difference in the life of a child.  

A message from Superintendent Jeff Stephens:

Some parents shared with me a note they discovered from their 7-year-old son who was obviously doing some personal goal-setting prior to the start of school. This little boy had carefully written the following:

• Goof ball switch – off!
• Be nice to new friends.
• Don't cry (unless you're hurt).
• Be super awesome.
• Have fun!

Now that's a bold set of goals! Back to school is a phrase that suggests shopping for clothes, buying supplies and making new friends. For many, the anticipation of attending a new school, meeting your teacher for the first time or taking a new class can generate not only excitement, but apprehension as well. Certainly, going back to school is reason for celebration because with it comes an opportunity to learn and grow.

One of my favorite Weber District 'beginning of school' traditions is visiting each elementary classroom with members of the district leadership team and reading to children, as well as distributing Superintendent's Summer Reading Awards to those students who have read 10 books or 1,000 pages during the summer. Typically, we give out about 5,000 awards each fall. The book that I'll read in classrooms this fall is What Do You Do With A Chance? By Kobi Yamada. This is the story of some remarkable chances and a child who doesn't know quite what to do with them. However, the more chances come around the more the child's fascination grows. And then, one day, a little courage makes all the difference!

I love the question posed in the title of the book—What do you do with a chance?  As we begin a new school year there are so many chances and opportunities that are within our grasp. For students, the chance to learn, to make new friends and to achieve personal goals. Parents can volunteer their time, participate on a community council and support their child's learning at home. Principals can connect to students, support teachers and school staff and advocate for their schools. For teachers, the opportunity to influence a child, to teach an important life lesson or to acquire a new teaching skill. As we start this new school year, each of us has extraordinary opportunities in front of us—chances to make a difference. The question is, 'What will we do with a chance?'

School Climate and Equity

Equity is intrinsic to all aspects of school climate work. It is not a separate issue. The National School Climate Center defines this to be the quality and character of school life that fosters children’s, youth’s, and families’ full access to:

1. Appropriately supported, high expectations for learning and achievement
2. Emotionally and physically safe, healthy learning environments
3. Caring relationships with peers and adults
4. Participation that meaningfully enhances academic, social-emotional, civic, and moral development.
   
   

An equitable school climate responds to the wide range of cultural norms, goals, values, interpersonal relationships, leadership practices, and organizational structures within the broader community.

Schools can create more equitable communities through the following promising strategies:

1. Encourage reflective practice and build cultural awareness in students and adults
2. Increase understanding of diverse cultures
3. Keep diverse schools physically and emotionally safe
4. Make high expectations culturally responsive
5. Design multiple pathways to meaningful participation
6. Demonstrate caring by knowing students’ unique emotional needs

Weber School District Equity, Justice, and Inclusion Framework Standards -PDF document

Professional development is the strategy schools and school districts use to ensure that educators continue to strengthen their practice throughout their career. The most effective professional development engages teams of teachers to focus on the needs of their students. They learn and problem solve together in order to ensure all students achieve success. The Equity, Justice, and Inclusion Department can help leaders with a multitude of training on various topics. 

Teacher Resources: 

[click IMAGE or LINK to open resource page in new window]

• May

LINK:  UTAH EDUCATION NETWORK: Asian American and Pacific Islander Resources

• February

[Answer Key: Level 2.8 here]           [Answer Key: Level 5.6 here]          [Answer Key: Level 2.8 here]

• January

• September-October (Hispanic Heritage Month)

LINK:  UTAH EDUCATION NETWORK: Latino Resources

   
 *Answer key.

• November (National Native American Heritage Month)

LINK:   UTAH EDUCATION NETWORK: American Indian Resources