8105 - STUDENT-DISTRIBUTED MATERIAL

Students/General

It is the role of the School Committee and administration to create and maintain a climate of open communication with the community.  Any communication plan must have multiple means of communication based on the audiences to be reached, content, and type of communication undertaken.  One component of a communication plan is to send material home from school with students.  The purpose of this communication shall be to provide information to families about the classroom, school, and district in which their children attend school.

It is to be expected that material taken home by students in type and amount of will be reflective of their setting.  Specifically, the greatest amount will relate to the child’s classroom, lesser amount to the school, an even lesser amount to the district, etc.  In other words, the primary purpose of sending home material with students is to communicate regarding the child’s classroom, then the child’s school, district, and, in very limited circumstances, community.  Additionally, it is critical that the use of students to carry material home must be limited to purposes related to the mission of the school district, since the students are placed under the supervision of the schools while school is in session.  Such communication shall not be a form of advertising promoting for profit ventures or to establish any type of forum for public debate.  Accordingly, this policy sets standards under which this type of communication may be utilized.

The distribution via students of flyers, circulars, or notices may be permitted under the following circumstances:

1.      Materials relative to the educational program within an individual classroom may be distributed under the supervision of the classroom teacher.

2.      Materials relative to the programs and activities operated by a school or school- sponsored or school-affiliated organization (including parent organizations) may be distributed under the supervision of the building principal.  This includes material specific to approved fund-raising activities.

3.      Any other distribution of materials must be approved by the Superintendent of Schools under the following conditions and standards:

·       Materials must be provided for review at least two (2) working days prior to the intended distribution

·       Materials relative to programs for school aged children operated by the Town or non-profit agencies serving the town may be distributed.  Such activities sponsored by non-profit agencies must provide a service to students supportive of the mission of the school district (recreational activities for example).

·       Student distribution shall not be used to support any commercial enterprise or business, as an advertising vehicle for same, or for personal gain.

·       Materials cannot promote either a political position or a religion.

Approved: 4/12/05