Students in the Westerly Public Schools have the right to expect that information about them will be kept confidential by all volunteers. Additionally, the U.S. congress has addressed the privacy-related concerns of educators, parents, and students by enacting the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (known more commonly as “FERPA” or the “Buckley Amendment”). Among other provisions, FERPA allows the government to withdraw federal funds from any educational institution, including Westerly Public Schools, which disseminates a student’s education records without his or her parent’s consent. Each student with whom you work has the right to expect that nothing that happens to or about him or her will be repeated to anyone other than authorized school department employees, as designated by the administrators at your school. Even when discussing a student with those who are directly involved in a student’s education, such as a teacher, principal, or guidance counselor, you may not share otherwise confidential information with them unless it is relevant to the student’s educational growth, safety, or well being. You may not share information about a student even with others who are genuinely interested in the student’s welfare, such as social workers, scout leaders, clergy, or nurses/physicians (a grave medical emergency, in which confidential information may be necessary for a student’s care, is the only exception). You may not share information about a student even with members of your own family or the student’s family. Parents, friends, or community members may in good faith ask you questions about a student’s problems or progress. You must refer all such questions to the school employees so authorized and indicated to you, typically the student’s teacher or principal. Before you speak, always remember that violating a student’s confidentiality isn’t just impolite, it’s against the law. Any breach of confidentiality will be carefully reviewed and if substantiated could result in termination of volunteer involvement with Westerly Public Schools.
By submitting this application I certify that the information I have entered on this application is complete and correct. I understand my failure to provide complete, accurate, and truthful information on the application will be grounds to deny my application or remove me as an approved volunteer of the District after volunteering has commenced. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Westerly Public Schools, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all claims, damages, and expenses arising out of injuries to persons or damage to property alleged to have occurred from intentional acts, omissions, or negligent acts of the volunteer.
