Public Information/Communications

The district maintains a public information/communications program in order to promote widespread understanding of its mission, strategic goals, and initiatives and to provide a conduit for feedback from the community. Along with traditional print communications, the district uses a variety of communications tools, including video, e-mail, text messages and internet-based vehicles (i.e. Web sites and social networks). The Public Information Officer (PIO) is located in the Superintendent’s Office and is dedicated to making sure the lines of communication between the Superintendent, the members of the district, and the community are strong. You may also see the PIO at school events, many times snapping photos or with a local TV news crew. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, feedback from our Shen community is important for continued growth at meeting the needs for our students.

Contact the Public Information Officer for:
  • Questions about the district (information will be forwarded to the most appropriate person)
  • Coverage on the district’s website or social media accounts
  • Questions or feedback about district publications
  • Media inquires
  • School news story suggestions
Communications Tools
Release of student information 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.

Under FERPA, schools are permitted to disclose information on students if it has been properly designated as directory information. By law, directory information includes things that would generally not be considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed, such as name, address, photograph, and date of birth. Directory information may not include things such as a student’s social security number or grades.

The Shenendehowa Board of Education has designated the following as student directory information: name, photograph, age, teacher, grade level, honors and awards received, student work/projects, participation in officially recognized school activities and sports, and height and weight of members of athletic teams. All other student information will not be released without written consent from the parent.

Parents may request that the aforementioned student directory information designated by the Board of Education not be released to any person without their prior written consent (opt-out) by sending a letter to the principal annually prior to the first day of school.