As part of the back-to-school paperwork, Howard County school officials ask parents to complete the annual parental option form that will be sent home with students during the first week of classes.

The form is required in connection with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which authorizes school systems to disclose certain information from a student's education records. The information is used for directories and includes basic biographical information. Parents who wish to restrict the release of some or all of this information must fill out the form.

The following data is considered directory information:

* student name;

* address;

* telephone number;

* date of birth;

* major field of study;

* participation in school activities;

* weight and height of athletes;

* dates of school attendance;

* degrees and awards;

* and previous education institutions attended.

In accordance with state law, a student's home address or phone number will not be released to any person or organization other than the following:

* an organization of parents, teachers, students or former students of the school, such as PTAs, booster clubs and class reunion committees;

* an organization of the military, such as recruiters;

* a representative of a Maryland community college;

* and a representative of the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

For more information, contact the school system's Public Information Office at 410-313-6682.

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