Dear Parents and Guardians of Berrien Springs Public Schools,

This letter is to inform you about how our school district handles your student's information and your rights under a federal law called the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). As a public school district, we are required by law to follow specific guidelines regarding student records.

There are two main categories of student information that are important for you to know about:

This is sensitive information that is legally protected. We are not permitted to share it with anyone outside the school district without your written permission. This information could be harmful or an invasion of your child’s privacy if released.

• Examples of PII include: grades, class schedules, disciplinary records, Social Security numbers, and medical information.

This is a specific category of information defined by federal law as being generally not harmful if it is released. Under federal law, this information can be shared with outside parties unless you tell us, in writing, not to.

In compliance with federal law and district policy, Berrien Springs Public Schools has designated the following as Directory Information:

• Student's Name

• Address

• Telephone Number

• Date and Place of Birth

• Major Field of Study

• Grade Level

• Enrollment Status

• Dates of Attendance

• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports

• Weight & height of athletic team members

• Honors, awards, and degrees received

• Most recent educational agency or institution attended

You have the right to prevent the release of any or all of the Directory Information listed above. If you wish to "opt-out," you must complete this form by January 1, 2026.  You must fill this form out yearly at the beginning of the school year.

If you have not submitted this form by the deadline, we will assume that you are not opting out and that we have your permission to release your student's Directory Information.

Please be aware that if you opt-out of certain items, your student's information may not appear in school publications such as the yearbook, sports programs, or honor roll lists.