The start of the school year is upon us! Did you know that it is federal law (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy act) that, unless a court specifically prohibits it, the school HAS to release information about the student to both parents? Both parents are entitled to report cards, progress reports, field trip information, parent teacher conferences etc.

At the beginning of the school year, you should send a letter to the school introducing yourself and giving them any updated contact information. To encourage schools who might not have experience with including distance parents, specifically request the type of involvement you want. Along with your letter, you should include several SASEs so that the school does not have to consider the cost in keeping you involved. You should also include the first page of your custody agreement where the custody of the child is explained in brief.

Just before the school year starts, call the school and get your child’s teacher’s name and the best way to contact them. If your child is in the early grades or there is any other reason to be concerned about how your child will do in the class, contact the teacher and introduce yourself and request a start-of-the-year conference to go over how the class works and what will be required of your child. During this conference, relay any concerns you have.

The following is the letter I used.

September 3, 2004
School Name
789 Main Ave.
Somewhere, AB 12345

To Whom It May Concern:
My son, John Doe attends Kindergarten at School Name. His father, Father’s Name and I are divorced and share unrestricted joint custody. He lives with his father there in City Name and I live in City, State. I remain, very much, an active part of Child’s Name every day life through visits, phone calls, email, letters and virtual visitation and I am very interested in how he does in school.
I would like to verify, first, that I am listed as his mother on all necessary school paperwork. My contact information is as follows :
789 Main Ave.
Somewhere, AB 12345
Cell : 555-1212
Home : 555-1212
Email : me@somewhere.com

Please, don’t hesitate to call me regarding Child’s Name, no matter the time, should questions or issues come up. With a non-emergency situation where Child’s Name may need to be picked up from school, obviously distance would keep me from being available. However, in an emergency situation, should Child’s Name need emergency medical care and need a release from a parent, I am able to give a release for his care and should be listed as the first alternate contact after his father. I should also be the first alternate contact for all other behavior related or non-emergency situations where Child’s Name does not need to be sent home. The best number to reach me at is my cell phone number.

Additionally, I would like to be copied on report cards, progress reports and any correspondence sent to Child’s Name’s father regarding his progress, behavior or other teacher or administrative comments or concerns. I would also like to participate in all parent teacher conferences via conference call.

I understand that cost could be a concern for the school. I have included 10 SASEs, and will be happy to provide more as needed, as well as arrange to call the school at appointed conference times to absorb long distance charges.

Enclosed you will find the pertinent excerpts from the divorce decree parenting plan. I appreciate your time and look forward to working with you to ensure Child’s Name’s continued educational success!

Sincerely,

Jane Doe

Some other good samples :
S.P.A.R.C. : Request for records
ANCPR : Demand for records letter - Although I wouldnt start with this one, if you’ve had difficulty getting the school to comply, this one should help.