The Hopkinton School District is committed to protecting student privacy and ensuring that parents, guardians, and eligible students understand their rights regarding student education records.
The information below provides the District's annual notification of rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), New Hampshire law, and Hopkinton School District Policy JRA.
The Hopkinton School District is committed to protecting the privacy of student education records and ensuring that parents and eligible students understand their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), New Hampshire law, and Hopkinton School District Policy JRA.
FERPA affords parents and eligible students certain rights with respect to student education records. These rights transfer to the student when the student reaches 18 years of age or attends a postsecondary institution.
Parents and eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records.
Requests should be submitted in writing to the student's school principal and should identify as precisely as possible the records to be inspected or reviewed. In accordance with New Hampshire law and District Policy JRA, the District will make arrangements for access within 14 days of receiving the request.
Parents and eligible students have the right to request correction of education records they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's rights.
A written request should be submitted to the student's school principal, clearly identifying the information the parent or eligible student believes should be changed and the reason for the requested change.
If the District determines that the record should not be amended as requested, the parent or eligible student will be informed of the decision and of the procedures available to appeal the decision.
Parents and eligible students generally have the right to provide written consent before the District discloses personally identifiable information contained in a student's education records, except in circumstances in which FERPA or other applicable law permits disclosure without consent.
The District may, for example, disclose education records without consent to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the information. A legitimate educational interest exists when a school official or employee needs information contained in a student's education record in order to perform their professional responsibilities and duties.
The District may also disclose records without consent under other circumstances permitted by law.
FERPA and New Hampshire law permit the District to designate certain student information as "directory information." Unless a parent or eligible student has requested otherwise, the District may disclose designated directory information without prior written consent.
The Hopkinton School District has designated the following as directory information:
Parents and eligible students have the right to refuse disclosure of any or all of these categories of directory information.
To opt out of disclosure, a parent or eligible student must notify the Hopkinton School District in writing no later than October 1, 2026.
An opt-out request is valid for the current school year and must be renewed each school year.
Parents and eligible students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Hopkinton School District to comply with FERPA.
Student Privacy Policy Office U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-8520
Questions about student education records, FERPA rights, directory information, or requests to inspect or amend student records may be directed to the student's school principal or:
Office of the Superintendent Hopkinton School District 204 Maple Street Contoocook, NH 03229 603-746-5186
Additional information is available in Hopkinton School District Policy JRA – Student Records and Access (FERPA).
This notice is provided annually to parents and eligible students of the Hopkinton School District.
The Hopkinton School District may disclose information designated as "directory information" without prior written consent unless a parent or eligible student requests otherwise.
Hopkinton School District Policy JRA identifies directory information as:
• Student name, address, telephone number, and dates of enrollment • Parent/guardian name and address • Grade level, enrollment status, and dates of attendance • Student photographs • Participation in recognized school activities and sports • Weight and height of members of athletic teams • Post-high-school plans • Diplomas, certificates, awards, and honors received
Opt-Out Deadline: October 1, 2026
Parents and eligible students who do not want some or all of this information disclosed must notify the District in writing by October 1. An opt-out request is valid for the current school year and must be renewed annually.