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vFamily Mattersv Parents Don’t Always See Eye To EyeSBy Crista Branch, Attorney, Branch Family Lawchool has started and that means that parents don’t always see eye to eye when it comes to schooldecisions. The first thing you need to do is look at your orders and see what kind of rights you have for educational decisions. You order will either state that (1) you or the other parent has exclusive rights; (2) joint agreement with the other parent; or (3) independent rights.If one parent has the exclusive right for educational decisions, the order will normally state that parent needs to confer with the other parent first. Confer is a fancy word for a discussion. It’s always a good co- parenting technique to confer with your ex regarding all decisions concerning your child.If both parents are ordered to agree this means that there absolutely has to be an agreement. If one parent wants the child to be tested for gifted and talented and the other doesn’t, then the child cannot be tested. Some orders will designate a tie breaker If parents can’t agree. If there is no tie breaker, then the parties will need to go back to court if one parent wants to pursue the issue.If the parents have independent rights to education decisions, then no agreement is needed. Make sure you check your orders and see if you are required to confer first. It’s always best to confer with the other parent.More recent orders will specify which parent can enroll the child in school and this is separate from other educationalJOIN OUR DAY CARE!6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS OLD$150 OFFHOLLYWOOD PARK STONE OAK(210) 701 - 8461 (210) 481 - 9172AFTER SCHOOL CARE SPANISH IMMERSION PROGRAMdecisions. Some examples of educational decisions are participation/enrollment in special education, gifted and talented programs, tutoring, extra-curricular activities and school clubs.Parents have the right to receive information regarding their child’s education, regardless of whether they have decision-making authority, including the right to access school records and information, confer with school officials (includes teachers, administrators, counselors and nurses), attend school activities, school lunches, performances and field trips.I always tell my clients to take a copy of their orders up to the school so they know what decisions can be made and what rights each parent has. Make sure you are able to log into the school portal and that you are on the email/text list. If your ex is not giving you dates for the school activities and events, ask the school, email the teacher, be proactive.Make sure you stay involved in your child’s education and continue to talk to your ex about the best interest of your child.Crista Marichalar Branch, P.C.549 Heimer Rd., Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78232 (210) 229-2088 www.branchfamilylaw.comNo Need To Be InBusiness ALONE...We Bring Networking Opportunities & New PartnershipsGET involvedJoin us!• Collaborate With Like-Minded Business People• Expand Your Business Connections• Peer Supporttoday!• Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies• Networking & Social Events• Establish RelationshipsRegister today for our next event info@northsidebasa.com or call 210-548-6448BTy Staff Students Can Combat Bullyingreat others with respect. Students should stop and think before they do or say anything to anotherperson that has the potential to be hurtful. Making it a point to be nicer to others and recognizing that everyone is different is a start.• Apologize for past behaviors. Those who think they may have bullied someone in the past should own up to it and apologize with meaning.• Talk to an adult. Students can talk to an adult they trust if they are being bullied or have witnessed another person being bullied. Telling someone can help a person feel less alone. This person may help develop a plan to stop the bullying.• Stay in groups of friends. Most bullying happens when adults aren’t around or when a person is isolated. Having a strong group of friends can deter bullying.• Be aware of cyberbullying. Much bullying does not take place in person. Cyberbullying is prevalent and happens online or through text messages. Students should always think about what they post, and be aware that something said “in private” might beforwarded. Students should not share anything that could hurt or embarrass another person.•• Lock down privacy settings. Together with their parents, students should safeguard their devices by adjusting privacy settings. These settings control who sees what is posted on social media. If a person is bullying another through text or social media, the person being harassed can document what is said by taking screenshots and then block that person from contact.• Let others know they aren’t alone. Students can support others who are being bullied by letting them know they are not alone. Bullying continues to be a concern in schools. Students can be proactive partners in stopping bullying at school and after hours.September 2025www.stoneoakhighlights.com 13akooBrauokoToB!ruoT!RNEOLLEMEENRFKAO ENOTSMARGORP NOISREMMI HSINAPSERAC LOOHCS RETFAKRAP DOOWYLLOHFFO051$T