school stuff

[starbud99]

Parenting time including School?

What is the name of your state? Colorado
I just found out about parent teacher conf. in may. I emailed the teachers to let them know that Im going to be driving out there to meet with them. My youngest daughter's teacher, ( kindergarden ) was cool, and told me when and where. My oldest daughter- 2nd grade, her teacher emailed me back and told me that the childrens mother told her that she was not allowed to discuss anything with me about my daughter. I called her back and told her, that i have joint custody, and have all rights to be involed in the childrens school. i even went as far as faxing the copy of the parenting time orders to her, and proving that I am in fact allowed all knowledge of anything going on there. She told me that there was nothing that she could do, school policy says that she has to listen to the custodial parent, and no one else. What can i do to show that I am allowed to know things about my kids when they are at school. I want to be involved espessually since I am going to have the kids for half the summer, and if they need to work on anything, I want to know what it is that the teachers think they need help on. this doesnt seem right or fair. I have proof. Shouldnt that have been enough?

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state? Colorado
I just found out about parent teacher conf. in may. I emailed the teachers to let them know that Im going to be driving out there to meet with them. My youngest daughter's teacher, ( kindergarden ) was cool, and told me when and where. My oldest daughter- 2nd grade, her teacher emailed me back and told me that the childrens mother told her that she was not allowed to discuss anything with me about my daughter. I called her back and told her, that i have joint custody, and have all rights to be involed in the childrens school. i even went as far as faxing the copy of the parenting time orders to her, and proving that I am in fact allowed all knowledge of anything going on there. She told me that there was nothing that she could do, school policy says that she has to listen to the custodial parent, and no one else. What can i do to show that I am allowed to know things about my kids when they are at school. I want to be involved espessually since I am going to have the kids for half the summer, and if they need to work on anything, I want to know what it is that the teachers think they need help on. this doesnt seem right or fair. I have proof. Shouldnt that have been enough?

Call the school and speak to the principal. I sincerely doubt that is the school's policy as it is contrary to law. Praise the cooperativeness of the younger child's teacher....and then explain your problem with the older child's teacher. The principal should get the problem solved quickly.....if not, move right up the line to the superintendent of schools.

Be calm, respectful and utterly without anger when you contact the principal. 9 times out of 10 it will work.

 

[starbud99]

I was thinking about doing that, and of course I would be very respectful. I am very thankful that the kindergarden teacher is willing to listen and help me out. But it is very frusterating knowing that my oldest daughters teacher is being difficult. I will call the prin. in the morning. I think your right in the fact, that it wouldnt make any sence for them not to follow the state law.

 

[Phnx02]

I was thinking about doing that, and of course I would be very respectful. I am very thankful that the kindergarden teacher is willing to listen and help me out. But it is very frusterating knowing that my oldest daughters teacher is being difficult. I will call the prin. in the morning. I think your right in the fact, that it wouldnt make any sence for them not to follow the state law.

What a great dad for trying to stay involved in your children's lives! Ditto what other reply said.....call the principal and go from there. FYI: Save the email message the teacher sent you where she said she won't talk/see you. She's walking on shaky ground sending this. My son has an IEP and I like to keep in touch with his teachers via email. After a while, I noticed they'd never mention anything specific about things to do with his IEP or behavioral plan in the emails. When I asked about this, I was told they are instructed to not talk about these things via email in case there's a legal issue that could be used against them in doing so. Don't know if this is the same for non-IEP things, but in case you have more problems, you'll have something in writing showing the teacher's unwillingness to cooperate.

 

[stealth2]

Is this a public school, or a private one?

 

[starbud99]

It is a Public school. I sent a letter to the principle and stressed that if the school does not comply with my request for school records and parent teacher conferances, they will be in violation of so many federal laws that would prohibit the school from recieveing any federal funding. I think thats going to be enough to shake them into gear. Thank you for saying I am a good Dad. I try. Thanks more then I can say for their mom

 

[starbud99]

They refused to give me any information again. The ex forged some parenting time paperwork and then brought it in to the school. I think I have her though, because they took a copy of the paper. basicly the school wont do anything for us.

 

[haiku]

www.deltabravo.net

have you checked this site out yet? loads of helpful information pertaining to all things dealing with custody issues.

they have links to all state laws involving school information and form letters you can use to get the school to understand the shaky legal position they are currently in.

 

[Ron1347]

This was the information given to me just a few posts back, regarding pretty much the same situation. Hope you can use it.

Look up FERPA provided by Dept. Of Education Washington DC . That Dept. will send a copy if you request it . ( I have a copy myself ) .

Unless this is a Private School , rewrite the school a letter , enclose ( attach the valid Court order - proving Parenthood ).

In that Letter advise them You not barred by any Court Order to your Child's educational Records , and you have a Right to them under the Federal Law FERPA.

You have a right to basic educational records .

You have a right to set up an appointment to go in and review the records.

If you can not afford to travel , they should send you Basic records .

Don't expect them ALL.

Again , If this is a Private school , they have their own Policies , and yes , they will tell you to Sue .

If these are public schools they HAVE to let you have access , as long as you are Not barred by a Court Order.

Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO)

ABOUT THE FAMILY POLICY COMPLIANCE OFFICE

The mission of the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) is to meet the needs of the Department's primary customers--learners of all ages--by effectively implementing two laws that seek to ensure student and parental rights in education: the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA).

Parents and eligible students who need assistance or who wish to file a complaint under FERPA or PPRA should do so in writing to the Family Policy Compliance Office, sending pertinent information through the mail, concerning any allegations to the following address:

Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

 

[casa]

Here is the Colorado state code:

14-10-123.8 - Access to records.

Access to information pertaining to a minor child, including but not limited to medical, dental, and school records, shall not be denied to any party allocated parental responsibilities, unless otherwise ordered by the court for good cause shown.

Here is the outline letter for uncooperative schools from www.deltabravo.net It works, use it.


[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your City, State, Zip]
[Your phone number]
[Your e-mail]


[Principal's name]
[School or Doctor's address]
[City, State, Zip]




REQUEST FOR RECORDS

Month, Day, 20XX
Office of (school name) Elementary/Secondary School
Address
City, State, Zip

To Whom It May Concern:


Please accept this letter as a formal request for any and all school information regarding my biological [son/daughter], [child's name]. I would like this letter to be entered into [child's name]’s permanent school record. As there is no court order barring me from contact with my [son/daughter] and I have always tried to be an involved [father/mother], I am exercising my rights under State law and FERPA to have full, unhindered access to my [son/daughter]’s school information.

I have attempted to get this information through his [father/mother], but due to our inability to communicate, I am requesting this information directly from the school. Information to be released includes, but is not limited to, the following:


Photocopies of all report cards, achievement tests, permission slips, school newsletters, school picture notification, and any other paperwork that is sent to [child's name]’s primary residence.



Make sure that my name is in the [Father/Mother] spot on any and all school records, make sure that my name, address, home & work telephone numbers, and my [wife/husband's] work number are included in the school records as emergency contacts (this information is provided below).



To be able to contact teachers, aides, counselors, principals, and other school personnel to discuss [child's name]’s progress in school, any behavioral or disciplinary concerns, and general social well-being of [child's name] in school, via telephone, email, fax, or in person.



I want to be notified of and have the opportunity to participate by telephone (or in person if possible) in ANY and ALL meetings, conferences, disciplinary discussions, and any other meetings which require parent participation.



Copies of any standardized testing results along with opportunities to speak with school personnel if any help is needed interpreting the results.



Copies of school calendars and notification of special events (winter/spring concerts, plays, school carnival, etc).



ANY and ALL disciplinary actions (suspension from school or school bus, detentions, etc.) on a timely basis so that [child's name]’s [father/mother] and I may discuss [his/her] behavioral concerns when they happen.

I would also like to be able to volunteer to help out in [child's name]’s classroom whenever possible. I am open to reading to students, doing one-on-one work with any student that needs help, discussing career choice(s), and many other activities that would be beneficial, not only to [child's name], but to [his/her] entire class as well.

I realize that completing a mailing daily is unreasonable. I would be satisfied that non-timely documents can wait and be mailed in bulk. However, any materials or notifications of meetings that are highly time-sensitive need to be mailed in time for me to be an active participant in [child's name]’s schooling. If the time frame is too small for mailing, please call me at one of the telephone numbers listed below to inform me. You may also fax me any information as well.

I understand that there may be copying or postage costs involved in obtaining material for me. This is not a problem, and I am more than willing to pay for them. Just send a statement whenever such costs are incurred. If you prefer, I will be glad to provide pre-stamped and pre-addressed envelopes in order to make it easier for you to mail me [child's name]’s school information.

In closing, I would like to be notified (immediately upon the receipt of this letter) of the name of [child's name]’s teacher and the times during the day that I would be most likely able to telephone and speak with him or her. If you have any question as to whether a piece of information should be sent to me, send it.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Name
Address
City, State, Zip
Phone and FAX Number(s)

Good Luck