Public school parents are being urged to return their "Non-Disclosure of Directory Information (Opt Out)" form to their public school as soon as possible if they want to limit or prevent the release of their student's directory information to people outside the Department of Education, including military recruiters.

Opt-out forms received after Sept. 15 are still being accepted and honored, said DOE spokesman Greg Knudsen, but outside requests for information might be processed in the meantime. However, military recruiter requests will not be processed before mid-October, Knudsen said.

Under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, schools may release a student's "directory information" on request unless the student or guardian or parent has opt-out instructions on record.

Also, under a provision of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, school systems are required to provide contact information, including unlisted numbers, of secondary school students upon request of military recruiters unless this form is submitted.

Directory information includes the student's name, date and place of birth, address, photo, phone number, major field of study, grade level, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, honors and awards and graduation date.

Parents, guardians and students may provide separate instructions regarding release of information to outside recipients.

A total "opt out" prevents release of any information, including public announcement of student honors, yearbook photos and class listings, and program rosters for sports and other activities.