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Photos & Social Media Guidelines

Student photos and videos

There are times when photographs or audio-visual recordings of students may be taken for district and school websites, social media applications, printed/electronic publications or other district use. If you do not want your child to appear in photographs or videos, please complete the Photo Consent/Opt-Out Form located online or in your school office, and return to your school office by September 30 so that we may honor your request. Forms must be filled out each school year.

Opt-out information for families

During student registration, families are asked whether they would like their student to appear in photos or audio-visual recordings taken by or on behalf of the Snohomish School District. Throughout the school year, photos or recordings may be taken during classroom activities, school events, or district programs and may be used to share and celebrate student learning and school experiences.

These images and recordings may appear in places such as yearbooks, school or district websites, social media, classroom or school newsletters, presentations, and other printed or electronic publications. When possible, we will alert parents/guardians in advance, but this is not always possible.

Families have the option to request that their student not appear in photos or recordings taken by or on behalf of the district or their school. If this option is selected and the Photo Consent/Opt-Out Form is completed, the student will be excluded from all district and school photography and recordings. Photo and audio-visual preferences must be renewed each school year.

Families who selected the opt-out option but would like to update their preference may contact their child’s school office for assistance.

Photo and audio-visual guidelines: Frequently asked questions

What does the district’s Photo Consent/Opt-Out Form apply to?
The district Photo Consent/Opt-Out Form only applies to photos and audio-visual recordings taken by the Snohomish School District for official district, school, or classroom purposes.  

Why are photos or recordings taken?
Throughout the school year, photos or recordings may be taken during classroom activities, school events, or district programs and may be used to share and celebrate student learning and school experiences.

Does the form apply to photos taken by parents/guardians, organizations or other visitors?
No. The district’s Photo Consent/Opt-Out Form only applies to photos and recordings taken by the Snohomish School District for official school or district purposes. It does not apply to photos or recordings taken by parents/guardians, parent organizations, guest speakers, clubs, or outside organizations. These groups are responsible for obtaining their own consent or permission before taking or sharing photos or recordings of students.

Why can't I choose what applications my child could be photographed for?
Because the district serves more than 9,750 students, we are not able to manage individual preferences for specific events or types of publications. The photo and audio-visual recording preference selected applies to all school and district uses of photography and recordings. This includes yearbooks, school or district websites, social media, classroom or school newsletters, presentations, and other printed or electronic publications. If this option is selected, your child will be excluded from all photos and recordings taken by or on behalf of the school or district.

Could my child appear in photos taken by others at public school events?
Yes. Family members, community members, and attendees at public school events may take photos or audio-visual recordings. As a result, your child could appear in images or recordings taken by others.

Is the district responsible for photos or videos posted by others?
No. The Snohomish School District is not responsible for how photos or recordings taken by third parties are used or shared online.

What guidelines should families follow when taking photos or videos at school events?
To help protect student privacy and safety, we encourage families to follow these guidelines:

  • Only take photos or recordings of your own child.
  • Many parents/guardians do not want their child’s photo/video online. Permission from the child’s parent/guardian must be received prior to posting any pictures/videos from school/classroom events. For your own protection, documentation of this permission (handwritten note, copy of an email message, etc. ) should be obtained in case questions arise later.
  • Do not tag or list other students’ names in photos or recordings.
  • Do not post photos taken by professional photography companies (such as yearbook, class, or individual school photos), as these images are copyrighted.
  • Before posting photos or recordings that include other students, obtain permission from their parent/guardian.

Can student photos or videos be used to promote an outside business or organization?
No. Photos or recordings of students may not be used to promote an outside business, product, or organization without prior parent/guardian permission.