This June, the School Board approved several changes to ACPS policies regarding media and communications.
Some of these policies have a big impact on how we operate in emergency situations and situations where the media is involved.
Please take the time to make sure you are aware of policy changes below.
Policy KBC: Media and Public Relations
All communications including media interviews or approval for media interviews during an emergency or crisis should be coordinated through the Office of Communications.
This means that once you have taken initial action to make the situation safe and notified security, you need to notify the Office of Communications.
Wait for the official notification to come out from the Office of Communications via our official communication channels. Once it has gone out as a message from the Office of Communications to the public, you can retweet it or post it to social media. Please do NOT change the message. Stay with the original message. We want to avoid miscommunication during an emergency.
Schools are encouraged to share good news and important information with the Office of Communications as a means of informing the public of programs, activities, and accomplishments. Staff members are encouraged to participate in activities that inform the public about school programs and activities.
We want to help you get the good news out. However, when it comes to contacting the press, you may not do this alone. All contact with the media has to be coordinated and approved through the Office of Communications. Staff may NOT contact the media without contacting Communications first.
News and information concerning school events, personnel, students and programs shall be released to the press only with the approval of the Office of Communications and in accordance with State and federal laws regarding confidentiality.
Policy KF: Distribution of Materials
Distribution of school, PTA or booster club material must be approved by the principal.
Distribution of all other material needs to be approved by the Office of Communications. On August 19, ACPS is moving to an electronic flier distribution system.
Policy KGB: Public Conduct on School Property
It is prohibited for any person, to enter or remain on any school property, including school buses, in violation of (i) any direction to vacate the property by an authorized individual or (ii) any posted notice which contains such information, posted at a place where it reasonably may be seen or (iii) direction by an authorized individual to the contrary during a lock-in, lock-down or other emergency situation. Persons violating this provision may be prosecuted.
This means that anyone inside a school at the time of a lock-in or lock down MUST follow the instructions of those in authority, and may not leave the building in the middle of a lock-in or lock down situation.
Policy KK: School Visitors
Visitors are welcome in the schools as long as their presence is not disruptive and they follow the school procedures for visits. Mutual respect, civility and orderly conduct from all individuals on school property are required.
All visitors need to sign in. Non-custodial parents may not be denied access solely on the basis of their non-custodial status.
Policy KG: Community Use of School Facilities
This updates the guidelines including priority of use, application procedures and fees. Requests should be made through facilitiesuse@acps.k12.va.us. Outside requests for the T.C. Williams Parker-Gray Stadium also need to be approved by the Superintendent.
If you have questions about any of the above policies, call the Office of Communications at 703-619-8003.