The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 USC §1232g, 34 CFR Part 99; Protection
of Pupil Rights Amendment, 20 USC § 1232h, 34 CFR Part 98; Elementary and Secondary
Education Act, 20 USC §§7165, 7908, and 10 USC § 503 provide certain notice, inspection, and
participation rights to parents, students who are over age 18, and emancipated minors.

This means that:
 

- you may excuse your child from participating in classes where content that you deem objectionable in the areas of health, sex ed, and/or "family life education" is presented;

- you have the right to inspect any instructional materials used as part of the educational curriculum;

- you have the right to opt your student out of certain physical examinations if the examinations are not authorized by state law;

- you may prohibit the release of your child's name, address and telephone number to military recruiters.  At the present time, federal law requires secondary schools to provide this information about your child to military recruiters through a provision of the No Child Left Behind Act.

Furthermore, students who are opted out of classroom activity should be provided with age-appropriate, non-punitive alternative instruction, and every effort should be made to respect family choices.

At the present time, DeRuyter Central School apparently does not have a formal policy with regard to parental opt-out rights, but this does not mean that parents do not still retain such rights as described above.

To opt your child out of what you deem to be an objectionable class, CLICK HERE to obtain an OPT-OUT FORM.  Please note that the non-profit organization that is making this form available also provides legal representation in these matters free of charge.

To prohibit the release of your child's name, address and telephone number to military recruiters, CLICK HERE for forms and further information.