All official records are in one overall record - teachers may make notes in their grade books but unless it goes into the Permanent Record, it isn't permanent.
The Family Rights and Privacy Act says you have every right to see everything that's in that file. You should not have to make an appointment for that. You should be able to walk into the school, smiling warmly, and tell the secretary that you'd like to see your child's file. Now the secretary may not do it - she may say she does not have the authority and we would have to accept that and wait for the Principal to return.
You could e-mail ahead your intention to 'drop by sometime soon' and review (that's the word to use - review) your child's file so you can 'keep abreast of his issues'. Say in your e-mail if there is some near time more convenient that another, please to let you know otherwise you'll drop by as your schedule allows. Assure them you don't intend to take up anyone's time's and you'll be happy to sit and review the file in the office.
As you do that, be prepared for the teachers who come and go from the office to be a bit wary of you - parents looking in the file makes them nervous but it is your legal right. Teachers tend to rant and rave a bit for the file and never stop to think that their words may be read by a parent at some point so - that explains why they're nervous and it should explain some strong opinions if you find them there.
Teachers vent constantly in the faculty room but traditionally the files kept on students have not been for problem-solving purposes but rather are another place for teachers to vent and to 'document' - a increasingly popular word and practice among teachers - that simply means writing everything down and then putting it in the file.
So if the file's stuffed with papers and seems harsh - try not to let that bother you. And remind yourself because it's true - hardly anyone reads those files. Teachers write for them but rarely, rarely read them and the thicker the file, the less likely it will ever be read. Teachers pick up the thick files and immediately determine that it would be impossible to read everything in it and so don't read anything in the thick files. If there's something in there that seems unfair or untrue, know that no one other than you will likely ever read it again.

You have the right to see all of your child"s records. You even have the right to have a copy made for you. They will charge a small copying fee. However, if you can't afford to pay, then the school STILL has to give you a copy. You can view them at no cost. I do this frequently.

Per IDEA regarding any fees:

Each participating agency may charge a fee for copies that are made for you under part B of the IDEA if the fee does not effectively prevent you from exercising your right to inspect and review those records.

An participating agency may not charge a fee to search or retrieve information under part B of the IDEA.

In my letter I requested that they waive the fee and the school did. I have my 17 year old son's entire cumm file, notes and all!
I am happy you inquired about this before you went to the school...more power to ya!

can you veiw any info about your childs progress online

jamieswain, the original poster was concerned about disciplinary records and other teacher's notes, not academic progress issues. In addition, not every school district has online access for parents to view their children's grades. What you'll find if you go into the school office is much more than you'll find online, even if your student attends a school that uses computerized grading.

You have the LEGAL right to view all of your child's 504 records, Special Ed (IDEA) Records, behavioral records,
and recorded paperwork (ie. tests, homework) at any time. If you want copies, districts charge .10 per page (that is the going rate at Clear Creek ISD in League City, Tx). However, to view these records is free. Good Luck!

Our district brags about having "blackboard" and "E4", on-line access to academic records, curriculum, and your child's grades. However, only 1 of his 9th grade teachers utilized this wonderful and expensive technology. Another example of wasted tax payers' money in League City, Tx. The district should require their teachers to use these programs.

check here>>> www.greatschools.net/LD/school-learning/obtain-your-childs-school-records.gs?content=899 Hope this helps...I'm going to be getting my childs records to but for other purposes.

blessings,
Leslie
PS there are tons more help on the web just google it this might help too...

www.nichcy.org/InformationResources/Documents/NICHCY%20PUBS/pa9.pdf