SERIES 1000 Community Relations
1140 Students/Community
1140(a)
Community Relations
Students/Community
Non-School Activities
The Board of Education recognizes that worthy educational values may be served by student participation in civic and community affairs when such performances contribute to the educational process and objectives of that particular class and when they do not interfere with other classes or activities within the school. Student participation in appropriate civic and community affairs is encouraged. School groups and individuals may, with the permission of Principals, participate in local public events which fall into the following classifications:
1. Events sponsored by the schools. Educational events in which the school serves as host shall have priority.
2. Community functions organized in the interests of the school, such as those originated by the P.T.A/O. or other parent group.
3. Noncommercial civic occasions of community, county, state, or national interest of sufficient breadth to enlist general interest and cooperation.
4. Events that are primarily patriotic in nature, such as Veteran's Day.
5. Charity benefit activities, provided such activities have been specifically approved in advance by the superintendent.
6. Programs sponsored by established character-building agencies, or programs sponsored jointly by the school system and mass communication media, of a public nature.
School groups may not participate in events in any of the following classifications: In questionable cases such requests for participation shall be referred to the Superintendent of Schools for review and approval:
1. Events that are for the purpose of private gain or for the advertising of any commercial project or product. A school name, the names of school-sponsored groups or school
equipment shall not be exploited in commercial events.
2. Events that are for the furtherance of any politically partisan interest. In questionable cases the matter shall be referred to the board of education.
3. Events that further any specific religious agenda.
4. Events which cause undue interference with regular school programs, or which cause excessive absences from rehearsals or preparation.
1140(b)
Community Relations
Students/Community (continued)
Distribution of Materials by Students
Printed materials may be distributed to parents by students as inexpensive means of mass
communications providing:
1. The materials relate to the school, community, local recreational or civic activities.
2. The materials do not relate to any religious belief or activity, or promote private gain, or political position.
3. The materials do not promote any political party, candidate, referendum question, or ballot initiative.
Except for requests from parent-teacher organizations, Board appointed citizens' ad hoc advisory committees, or other school-connected organizations, requests from groups or individuals to have students distribute materials parents or other citizens of the community will be referred to the Superintendent of Schools for approval.
On issues to be decided at referenda, information distributed by school personnel or Board of Education members, whether through students or otherwise, may only provide information on the time, date, and location of the referenda and may not advocate positions on the referenda questions.
Political signs or campaign-related materials may not be placed or displayed on school property, including lawns, buildings, or vehicles parked on school grounds. This prohibition applies at all times, including non-school hours, and regardless of the sponsoring individual or organization.
Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes
9-369 Explanatory test relating to local questions
Policy revised: October 20, 2025 THOMASTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Thomaston, Connecticut