Preferred 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 name.

Laurel Public Schools Preferred Name Policy

Laurel Public Schools recognizes that many students prefer to use names other than their legal names to identify themselves. As long as the use of this preferred 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 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 name has no impact on state data or state reported from the District to the state. However, whenever reasonably possible, “preferred 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 name change
• Option 2: Nickname change
  
  

Option 1: Preferred name change

Adding a Preferred name allows students to use their preferred 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 name but has no effect on the school directory. This option allows the student to use their preferred 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.

Upon submitting this form the request will be sent to the building administrator(s) of the student's school for review.

By electronically signing and submitting this form I am authorizing the changes that I have requested on this form. I understand that my request will be reviewed by the school administrator prior to any changes being made to the student's profile.