Distribution of Non-School Materials

Materials are directly provided to all students in a school or schools—for example, included in weekly take-home folders or distributed through school-wide email or electronic newsletters. As a general practice, the School District of River Falls does not allow active distribution of materials that are not school-sponsored or directly tied to school programs.

Materials are placed in a designated area—such as a school lobby bulletin board or an outdoor display—for students and families to view or take voluntarily if they are interested.

All requests for passive distribution must be approved by the building principal. As a service to local educational and recreational organizations, the district may allow the passive display of materials when they meet the following criteria:

• The material promotes an educational or recreational activity for children.
• The material is from a non-profit organization.
• The content is consistent with the mission and values of the School District of River Falls.
• The material does not violate any applicable laws or district policies.
• The display of materials does not disrupt instructional time or school operations.
• All flyers must include the following disclaimer printed in at least 10-point font:
  “The School District of River Falls has neither reviewed nor approved the program, personnel, or activities announced in this flyer. Permission to distribute this flyer is not considered a recommendation or endorsement by the school district.”
• Flyers or postings (including yard signs) may be displayed for a maximum of two weeks.
• Placement of materials is at the discretion of the building principal.

The following types of materials will not be approved for passive distribution:

1. Flyers that do not serve an educational or recreational purpose for students.
2. Flyers that promote or advertise political organizations, candidates, or ideologies.
3. Flyers primarily intended to raise funds.
4. Flyers that function mainly as advertisements for individuals or commercial businesses, even when there may be some benefit to the school.

Although fundraising and advertising materials (items 3 and 4 above) are not permitted for passive distribution, they may be considered for active distribution on a school-by-school basis under the following conditions:

• The activity is clearly sponsored by a recognized school-affiliated group, such as an officially authorized parent-teacher organization or student club.
• The program or event directly benefits or supports our students and families.
• The materials meet all other distribution guidelines listed above.
• Approval must be granted by the building principal.
• All digital material submissions must follow our Guidelines for Sharing Printed and Digital Flyers