Hits: holding report cards

[Kathleen Epler <skoob@epix.net>]

Hi all!
Wow does this group respond or what?! I have heard from all over the US
and here are the paraphrased responses: (be forewarned, this is a long
post)

MI:
  Keep the kids from field day by sitting with teacher. No losses this
year (wish I could say the same KDE)
  Thinks lawsuit comes from Freedom of Information Act.
TX:
  Make the parent come in to pick up the report card.(r.c. from now on)
If book(s) not returned by last day, letter goes home in report card
env. Parent usually brings items.
  Check with district/region library coordinator. Never heard about
lawsuit.
  Haven't heard of the lawsuit, holds r.c., but if parent protests will
release.
  Never been allowed to do so in Austin
PA:
  Still hold r. c., although has heard of the ruling.
  Holds r. c., crosses fingers no parent protests.
NC:
  Not only holding for books, but also lowering grades for conduct is
illegal.

IN:
  Can't hold r. c., has no leverage. Didn't allow materials to be
checked out in the fall, this helped.

MO:
  Do not allow students to take finals and r. c. can be held for not
completing work. No senior class trip until materials turned in.

OR:
  Heard of the lawsuit, says r. c. aren't missed, uses constant
reminders.

GA:
 Does not hold, does not allow check out in fall, loss of priveledges
follows student to next level.

NJ:
  Does hold, but if parent protests, releases.
  Principal believes same thing, but has never seen it in print.
CA:
  Library books should be considered the same  as textbooks, asks what
is the policy there.

MD:
  Holds r. c./diplomas until HS graduation if necessary.
  Overdue list is enormous as a result.
  Montgomery Co. Schools do hold.
CO:
  Suggests community involvement.

WY:
 Hasn't heard of the lawsuit, but holds at semester. Students cannot
register for fall classes if outstanding fees aren't paid.

VT:
  Hold for any/all fees i.e. gym locks to books. Holds transcripts, too.
Heard that parent may come to office to see r. c., but school has no
obligation to send it home.

FL:
  Not allowed. Alternative, from principal, letter to parent exp. the
situation/price of materials, and that the r. c. may be picked up in
office. Doesn't say the fees must be paid to get the book, just implies
it.

AR:
  Assign some sort of detention until book is returned.

NY:
  Has been told for about 10 years not to hold r. c.
  Sends letter home for parent to pickup r.c. in office.
NH:
  Does hold, had Sch BD member's child with non returned books, mother
said it was between the child & school/didn't want to get involved.

UT:
 Students pay fees at beginning of year which is refunded if all
materials are turned in, including library books.

IL:
  Told this year not to hold r.c.

TN:
  Heard of ruling, asks teachers to hold, most will. Restricts students
from class/field trips until fees paid.


Thanks for all your responses! You are great.

Kathie Epler
librarian
Amanda E. Stout Elem
Reading, PA
skoob@epix.net

Take a ride on the Reading ("redding") RR on Monopoly.