Parent Acknowledgements/Notices

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. As a parent or guardian of a student enrolled in Zion Elementary School District 6, you have the following rights:

Right to Inspect and Review Records
You have the right to inspect and review your child's education records within 45 days of submitting a written request to the school principal or district records custodian. Education records include grades, attendance, disciplinary records, health records maintained by the school, and other information directly related to your child.

Right to Request Amendment of Records
You have the right to request that the school correct records you believe are inaccurate, misleading, or in violation of your child's privacy rights. To request an amendment, submit a written request to the school identifying the specific record you wish to change and the reason for your request. If the school decides not to amend the record, you will be notified and given the right to a formal hearing.

Right to Control Disclosure
You have the right to consent to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records, except where FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One important exception allows disclosure to school officials with a legitimate educational interest. A school official is a person employed by the school as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member; a person serving on the school board; or a person or company with whom the school has contracted to perform a special task.

Directory Information
Zion Elementary School District 6 may disclose certain information it designates as 'directory information' without your prior written consent. Directory information may include your child's name, address, telephone number, date of birth, grade level, participation in school activities and sports, and honors or awards received. If you do not want the district to disclose directory information without your consent, you must notify the school in writing within 30 days of receiving this notice.

Right to File a Complaint
You have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Zion Elementary School District 6 to comply with FERPA. Complaints may be filed with: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20202.

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents and students certain rights regarding school surveys, data collection activities, and the use of student information for marketing purposes.

Your Rights Under PPRA
You have the right to consent before your child is required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following protected areas: political affiliations or beliefs; mental or psychological problems; sexual behavior or attitudes; illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior; critical appraisals of family members; legally recognized privileged relationships; religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs; or income, other than as required by law.

Right to Inspect Survey Instruments
You have the right to inspect any surveys, instructional materials, or instruments used in connection with data collection or marketing activities involving your child before they are administered or distributed. Requests to inspect materials must be submitted in writing to the building principal at least two weeks before the scheduled activity.

Right to Opt Out
You have the right to opt your child out of participating in surveys or data collection activities that are not required by law. You also have the right to opt your child out of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening not required by state law and scheduled in advance.

Right to File a Complaint
Parents who believe their rights under PPRA have been violated may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education at the address listed in Section 1 of this document.

Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Title I is a federal program that provides funding to schools to support the academic achievement of students from low-income families. As a parent of a student in a Title I school, you have the following rights:

Right to Know Teacher Qualifications
You have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's classroom teacher(s), including whether the teacher is licensed and certified for the grade levels and subject areas taught, and whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or provisional status. You may submit a written request for this information to the district office at any time during the school year.

Right to Information About Your Child's Level

You have the right to receive timely notice if your child has been assigned, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks, by a teacher who does not meet applicable state certification or licensure requirements.

School-Parent Compact
As a Title I school, Zion Elementary School District 6 has developed a School-Parent Compact that outlines the shared responsibilities of parents, school staff, and students in supporting academic achievement. The compact is provided to all families at the start of the school year and is available in the main office upon request.

Parent and Family Engagement Policy
The district maintains a written Parent and Family Engagement Policy that describes how the school will provide opportunities for families to be involved in their child's education. A copy of this policy is available in the main office and on the district website.

The Illinois School Student Records Act (ISSRA) provides additional protections for student records beyond those required by federal law. These rights apply to all students enrolled in Illinois public schools, including Zion Elementary School District 6.

Right to Access Records
Parents and guardians have the right to inspect and copy all school student records maintained for their child. The school will provide access to these records within 15 school days of receiving a written request. Copies may be subject to a reasonable copying fee.

Right to Challenge and Correct Records
If you believe any record maintained by the school is inaccurate, misleading, or irrelevant, you have the right to request that it be corrected or deleted. If the school disagrees with your request, you may request a hearing before the school board.

Right to Limit Disclosure
School student records may not be released to third parties without your written consent, except as permitted by law. Certain records — such as those required for a student's transfer to another school — may be forwarded without consent, but you will be notified in advance.

Destruction of Records
You have the right to be notified before student records are scheduled for destruction. Notification will be provided at least 30 days before records are destroyed, giving you the opportunity to obtain a copy.

If your child has been identified as an English Learner (EL), or if your child's Home Language Survey indicates that a language other than English is spoken in your home, you will receive a separate written notification within 30 days of the start of the school year, or within 14 days if your child enrolls mid-year.

That notification will include information about your child's English language proficiency level, the type of English language instruction program offered, how the program will meet your child's academic and language needs, and your right to decline enrollment in the English language program.

Important Notice
If your child is identified as an English Learner and you choose to decline participation in the English language services offered by the district, the school will still be required to provide your child with appropriate grade-level instruction. Declining services does not affect your child's right to a quality public education.

Families whose primary home language is not English may request translated copies of school communications. Please contact the main office to make this request.

Under Illinois law (105 ILCS 5/27-8.1), all students enrolling in Illinois public schools are required to present proof of required health examinations and immunizations. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in exclusion from school until the requirements are met. 

The absence of current documentation on file prior to October 15th of the current school year will result in my child not being able to return on school premise until documentation is provided.

Required Health Examinations
Health examinations are required for all students entering kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade, as well as for all students who are new to an Illinois school. Examinations must be completed by a licensed physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant.

Required Immunizations
Required immunizations include, but may not be limited to: Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap); Polio; Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR); Hepatitis B; Varicella (Chickenpox); and Meningococcal vaccine (for students entering 6th grade). Requirements are updated periodically by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Exemptions
Medical exemptions may be granted with documentation from a licensed physician. Parents seeking a religious exemption must submit a signed Certificate of Religious Exemption (IL 50-36) to the school. Exempted students may be excluded from school during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease.

For a complete and current list of required immunizations, please contact the school nurse or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at www.idph.state.il.us.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures that students experiencing homelessness have access to a free and appropriate public education. Zion Elementary School District 6 is committed to identifying and supporting students and families who may be experiencing housing instability.

Who Qualifies
A student may be considered homeless under McKinney-Vento if their family lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes students sharing housing with others due to economic hardship (doubled-up), living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative accommodations, living in emergency or transitional shelters, or living in cars, parks, public spaces, or other inadequate settings.

Rights of Homeless Students
Students experiencing homelessness have the right to immediate enrollment in school, even if they lack normally required documentation such as proof of residency, school records, immunization records, or a birth certificate. They have the right to attend their school of origin (the school they attended when they became homeless) or the school in the area where they are currently staying. They also have the right to receive transportation to and from school.

Contact the Homeless Liaison
Zion Elementary School District 6 has designated a Homeless Liaison to assist families who may need support under McKinney-Vento. If you believe you may qualify for these services or need assistance, please contact the district office confidentially. All information shared will be kept private.

Safe2Help Illinois is a free, confidential, 24/7 reporting resource available to all Illinois students, parents, and community members. The program allows individuals to report concerns about school safety, bullying, threats, mental health crises, and other emergencies before they escalate.

How to Contact Safe2Help Illinois

Safe2Help Illinois can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the following channels:

Call or Text: 844-4-SAFEIL (844-472-3345)

Website: www.Safe2HelpIL.com

Reports can be made anonymously. All tips are reviewed by trained specialists and forwarded to the appropriate school or law enforcement agency as needed. Safe2Help is not a 911 replacement — if there is an immediate emergency, always call 911 first.