From time to time, student directory information (name, grade, awards, activities, photograph, etc.) is published on the Goshen website, in school publications or released to the media to recognize student achievement or activities of the Goshen Central School District.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, allows schools to disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written parental consent, unless the parents have advised the school district to the contrary. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the school district to include this type of information from your child's education records in school publications, on the school website or for appropriate release to the media or other outside organizations such as companies that make school rings or publish yearbooks. Examples include:

• A school playbill, showing your child's role in a drama production.
• School yearbooks.
• Honor roll or other recognition lists (released to the media, posted on the district website, etc.)
• Graduation programs.
• Sports stories in the local newspaper including photos of athletes and/or team statistics showing weight and height of team members.
• A photo of your child in the district newsletter depicting him or her at work in their classroom.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can be disclosed to outside organizations, by law, without a parent's prior consent.

Any parent who does NOT want Goshen to disclose directory information about their child must notify the building principal by filling out an “opt-out” form by Sept. 28, 2008.

You may obtain an “opt-out” form at the main office of your child's school. You may also print an “opt-out” form by clicking here.* Fill out the form and return it to your child’s building principal.

PLEASE NOTE: While the district will honor the request of any parent who has submitted written notification opting their child out of publicity efforts, the district is not responsible for media that covers news happenings, sporting events or school events.

*Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to download and print. You can get a free copy from the Adobe web site.