September 2024-From Parents Defending Education:

From Parents Defending Education:

The 2024-25 school year is here! Students across the country are headed back to school this August. In addition to purchasing new school supplies, getting a parking sticker and putting together the fall sport gear, parents can do a few simple things to prepare for the new school year. Parents Defending Education hopes this is your best year yet! 

Now is the time to:

1. Start the year off right! Save the date for Back to School Night. This is a great opportunity to meet teachers and put a face to a name.
2. Get to know district leadership. Find out who is your school board member. Email them and introduce yourself. It is best to establish a relationship before you have an issue. 
3. Review your district’s opt out policy. This can often be found in the Student Handbook. Many opt out forms need to be submitted at the beginning of the school year.  Not sure if you should opt out? Educate yourself on the types of questions asked of your kids. Did you know you have the right to review surveys before they are administered?
4. Do you know what PPRA is? It is the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. Do you know the 8 categories that require advanced parental notification should a school want to survey your child?
   • Did you know that under PPRA, parents are allowed to review the curriculum before it is taught to their children?
5. Be aware. How will the new Title IX law be adopted by your district? Is your district in a state that has a “pause” on implementation? 
6. Be informed. Make an appointment to review your child’s Official Student Record. This will help you start off the year knowing where your child stands with regard to grades, discipline and any other information noted in your child’s file. 
7. Review your district’s Code of Conduct or Student Rights and Responsibilities document. 
8. Does your school have a school-based health center? If so, what are the regulations surrounding parental notification? 
   • What are the qualifications for the school staff who are providing social and emotional instruction to your child? Are they professionally licensed in psychology? How can you review SEL lessons prior to your child’s participation? 
9. Does your district practice Restorative Justice? If so, why? 

https://defendinged.org/resources/back-to-school-checklist-2024-2025/

Download your checklist here:

https://defendinged.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Back-to-school-Checklist-2425.pdf