FERPA

As a teacher, it is my responsibility to protect the privacy of my students.  Not only with information the school provides, but with information the student gives me.  As long as the given information is not a threat to the student or another individual, I keep it private.  Students sign FERPA notification sheets but I guarantee 95% have no idea what it is about.  I guess another responsibility as a teacher would be to ensure they understand what the document says.  I am also concerned about the number of letters I get wanting recommendations for students who exhibit leadership and intelligence for a special opportunity or acknowledgement.  Under these regulations, would I be able to give directory information?