Student First Name Preferences - Parent/Guardian Authorization Form
Preferred First Name
Designating a preferred first name does not alter the student's legal name in District records or elsewhere. Designating a preferred first name indicates the name that the student would like to be addressed by on the following:
- Class rosters
- District directories and communications
- Most District information systems
We encourage you to review the policy before adding a preferred first name.
DISCLAIMER: Laurel Public Schools cannot make any changes to a student's last name unless we are provided with legal documentation that their last name has been changed. This form only applies to preferred first name changes.
Laurel Public Schools Preferred First Name Policy
Laurel Public Schools recognizes that many students prefer to use first names other than their legal first names to identify themselves. As long as the use of this preferred first name is not for the purposes of misrepresentation, the School District acknowledges that a “preferred name” can and should be used where possible in the course of School District business and education.
Therefore, any student with parental permission may choose to identify a preferred first name in addition to their legal name. The student’s preferred first name will be used in the school directory, in many communications, on class rosters, and in reporting, except where the use of the legal name is required. For example, some records, such as paychecks, require use of a legal name; in such circumstances, the School District will not be able to use the preferred name. This preferred first name has no impact on state data or state reported from the District to the state. However, whenever reasonably possible, “preferred first name” will be used.
Inappropriate use of the preferred name, including but not limited to misrepresentation or attempting to avoid a legal obligation, may be cause for denying the request.
Laurel Public Schools provides two options for name changes.
- Option 1: Preferred first name change
- Option 2: Nickname change
Option 1: Preferred first name change
Adding a preferred first name allows students to use their preferred first name in the school directory such as email address, identification badge, and class roster. This does not alter the student's legal name.
Option 2: Nickname change
Changing the nickname field allows students to notify teachers that they prefer to be called by a different first name but has no effect on the school directory. This option allows the student to use their preferred first name in class without changing other school directory information such as email address or identification badge. This does not alter the student's legal name.