PRIVACY RIGHTS OF PARENTS AND STUDENTS

The Rochester Area School District and its employees are required by Federal Law and State and Federal Rules and Regulations to protect the rights of students.  The foundation of these rights comes from federal legislation entitled, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (also known as the Buckley Amendments).  There are State Rules and Regulations dealing with regular and special education students’ rights and privacy.  All students are covered by the State Regulations contained in Chapter 12 known as Students’ Rights and Responsibilities.

The basic premise of the above mentioned laws, rules, and regulations is that information about students cannot be disclosed without parental consent.  This includes Educational Records, & Personally Identifiable Information.   There is certain information that can be released without consent which is called Directory Information.  Directory Information is information contained in an educational record of a student which would not be considered harmful or invasive of privacy if disclosed.  It shall include the student’s name, address, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, and the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student.

Written parental consent is necessary for disclosures of personally identifiable information and educational records.  The consent must specify the records that may be disclosed, state the purpose of the disclosure,  and identify the part of class of parties to whom the disclosure may be made. Rochester Area School District must maintain a written record of disclosure for the parent to inspect in case information has been released.

Chapter 15 Protected Handicapped Students

A protected handicapped student is a school age child with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to any aspect of school programs.

In compliance with State and Federal Law, the Rochester Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunities to participate in and obtain the benefits of a school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student’s abilities.  These services and protections for protected handicapped students are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, imposes restrictions regarding the communication of protected health information.  The Rochester Area School District will not use or disclose protected health information in any manner inconsistent with the “Health of Privacy Policies” as outlined in the HIPPA regulation of 1996.

For further information on the evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students or The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), contact the Special Education Office at 724-775-7500, ext. 1945.

LOCAL TASK FORCE ON THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION FOR BEAVER COUNTY

What You Always Wanted To Know - But Didn't Know Who To Ask

Agency Information:
Achieva, BC SCORES and Mental Health Assoc. is sponsoring a workshop through the Family Support Network on March 4th from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Mental Health Consumer Center, Second Floor Meeting Room, 105 Brighton Avenue, Rochester.  The topic for the evening is Communicating With Your Teen - Let's Talk.  There is no charge for the workshop - register with Jacque Berry at 724-869-2222, ext. 234.

Resource Information:
The PREMISE ALERT SYSTEM provides families with disabled member(s) a way to alert firs responders (Fire, Police and EMTs) with advanced information and knowledge about the special needs of your disabled family member.  Contact your school district Director of Special Education or Transition Coordinator at your high school for applications.  Once completed, the application is given to your local police department to give to 911.  More information on this program and additional resources can be found at www.papremisalert.com.

The Local Task Force on the Right to Education for Beaver County cordially invites you to attend the next Local Task Force Meeting on March 19th at the Lincoln Performing Arts Charter School, One Lincoln Park, Midland.  The meeting begins at 10:00 A.M.  The Local Task force is supported through the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit.

Education Law Center - Needs parents of students with disabilities to help them by contacting their state representatives about the lack of consideration given to the actual number of students with disabilities in a school district and the cost of meeting their needs.  Heading up the Why Parents of Children With Disabilities Should Care About School Financing Reform movement is Sandra L. Zelno, School Reform associate.  Contact Sandra at (412) 255-6414 or szelno@elc-pa.org for more information on how you can become involved.

RESOURCE INFORMATION
SPECIAL KIDS NETWORK - helps parents find resources for special needs children in PA.  Contact Julie Falteich at jfalteich@gotoskn.org or call her at 1-800-986-4550.