Directory Information and Photos
Use of Directory Information and Photos
The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. Student academic records are private. Schools may only release them to the student's parents/legal guardians.
However, FERPA does allow school districts to release a student's "directory information" to anyone. FERPA defines "directory information" as information in a student’s educational record that would not be considered harmful or invasive to privacy if disclosed. Parents/legal guardians can ask the school district to keep directory information private.
The North Kitsap School District identifies directory information as:
- the student's full name
- photograph
- address
- telephone number
- date and place of birth
- dates of attendance
- participation in officially recognized activities and sports
- weight and height of members of athletic teams,
- dates of attendance
- diplomas and awards received
- most recent previous school attended
The residential addresses of participants in the state Address Confidentiality Program will not be released as directory information. Social Security numbers, student identification numbers (with authentication factors such as a secret password or personal identification number), or other personally identifiable information is not considered directory information.
If you do NOT want North Kitsap School District to release directory information, you MUST notify your school by September 15 each year. Instructions to opt-out are listed below.
*Note: you may complete this process at any time; however, to ensure your student's information will not be released, we request that you complete the opt-out by September 15.
To request to withhold your child's directory information from release, you must complete one of the following processes:
- Complete the Directory Information Opt-Out portion of the Online Student Registration during the registration of your new student.
- Complete the request as part of the Online Check-In process (view instructions)
- Complete an online request through Skyward Family Access - after the Online Check-In process ends (view instructions)
- Write a letter to your school's principal informing them that you would like to opt out of the release of Directory Information under FERPA.
What happens when you opt out of Directory Information through the online process or a letter?
North Kitsap School District and individual schools will NOT release your student’s directory information, including photographs, to any person, entity, or organization outside of the district and its partner groups, including PTSAs, NK Schools Foundation, and parent booster clubs. Your child’s information will NOT appear in news releases, school/district websites and social media pages, yearbooks, class photos, student/PTSA directories, athletics/activities event programs or flyers, award listings, or be announced at graduation. The district will not confirm enrollment in its schools.
Please note: District employees will exercise their best judgment when releasing directory information. They will seek parent/guardian permission for situations outside typical school-related activities or news. Also, the district cannot control the release of certain directory information, such as photographs or names, when students participate in school events open to the public.
For more information about your rights under FERPA