On our local news they ran a special on how easy it was to get info from the district on children and how they pass out info. They had one of their collegues call and say they were with a organization could they forward the info. The reporter stated "It was very easy to access". They (the district) never confirmed what organization. Well, this year when our district sent home the note to release info on my children I told them no and even wrote them a letter.
This was done in Texas.
Here's a brief note of advice we share with the directory chairmen on the local unit level.
note
We encourage you to distribute your directories only to PTA/PTSA members who are students or parents of a student in our school district. This continues to support our efforts in preventing the misuse of directory information and keeping our students safe. Be careful about the patrons who wish to become members of a PTA, and do not have a student on the campus. Many of them join for the sole purpose of obtaining a directory of marketing purposes. We just send a thank you note to community members that jon the PTA, and a copy of the page that has the disclaimer on it. Those community members are happy to support the PTA, and their efforts to protect the children, so they have no problem with no getting a directory.
Here is an example of a disclaimer that we recommend be included in each phone directory handbook.
"This Student Directory Handbook is published yearly for the exclusive use of the familiies at (name of the school) and is provided free of charge to all PTA/PTSA members in good standing. The information contained herein is not intended to provide a prospect list for any goods or services. Users of this directory are expected to comply with this intention and keep information in this directory confidential."
---end of note---
Feel free to use such a disclaimer in your directory, whether you are a PTA, a PTO or otherwise.
Our district publishes what is called a "SafeHomes Directory". With the help of a local drug prevention group, schools collectthe usual info: name address, phone. Families are listed with all the kids in the family included. To get into the directory parents have to sign a pledge that in their home their will be adult supervision and no access to drugs, alcohol or firearms. I am not sure what I think of this...but it sure comes in handy when I want to reach a parent.
I am on the district Safety committee. We have asked the schools not to post class lists in the hallways. But now that the buildings are locked, they think it is ok. Well they are only locked during the school year. The lists go up mid-August and the building is wide open all summer.
I know many people who are in law enforcement or are prosecutors. They don't want their kids full name and picture and their school identified to anyone. We have asked the yearbook company for group class photos and first name last initial. But we are not getting anywhere. Until more parents insist, it won't happen.
Really wish our world was different and we didn't have to worry about this!
We also do a directory as do many schools in our area, thought we are the only one in our district at the moment. Knock on wood... no problems yet. Everyone at our school agrees that now that we have it... we can't live without it. It is the rsponsibility of the adults (parents/caregivers) to take care of it. Some in our school also opt not to put their information in and that is OK but for the most part... everyone participates. Our teachers love the directory too!
A school directory is not an option for us. Our school district forbids the listing or distribution of any children's personal information via paper or in our website, including photo's. I know our school is extremely security concious. In light of recent events, though, most parents are ok with it. Also, anyone with access to children's info (PTO included) must be given permission by the school administration. In addition, in the theory of community awareness, all parents are given the option of viewing the listing of any registered sexual offenders that reside within our school district. This listing is at the police department, as well as with our school principal.
