District 202 Virtual Backpack
2009-2010

District 202 is happy to share information from non-profit community groups and other organizations that are approved to distribute materials to students and staff.

Effective August 2009, all materials approved for distribution will be posted to an online "Virtual Backpack" system.

This new system will save a tremendous amount of resources, time, money and labor for everyone involved in this process. Paper copies of approved materials will no longer be widely distributed in District 202 school. (Click on the link below to begin the process)

The district Community Relations Department must review and approve all distribution requests from external organizations. “External” organizations includes any group that is not directly affiliated with the school to which it wishes to distribute, including requests for distribution to more than one school and other schools’ PTOs/PTAs, community organizations, booster groups, etc.

Pursuant to District 202 Board of Education Policy 8:25, all materials must be:

1. Student-oriented - Material is not student-oriented if it (1) advertises items not legally available to students; (2) supports non-student political candidates (except on election day, when materials may be posted as required by law); (3) is lewd, obscene, vulgar or defamatory; (4) violates the rights of others, such as threats; or (5) is reasonably foreseen to disrupt the educational setting, in the discretion of the administration
2. From either --(A) another school or governmental entity; (B) a non-profit organization promoting a non-profit event or initiaive (including organizations such as CAPE, the Foundation for Excellence, and any Parent/Booster organiations); or (C) a private organization which provides an educational public service or furthers school activities (such as Young Rembrandts, Mad Science, class ring or picture companies, etc.)

EXCEPTIONS

The following entities may (but need not) distribute hard copies of their materials to students upon receipt of approval:

• The district's governmental partners (e.g., libraries/park districts/governmental groups and elected officials);
• Educational for-profit programs (e.g. Young Rembrandts, Mad Science)
• District 202 schools when distributing within their schools and to other schools (High School athletic programs, special camps, House events, etc.);
• The Plainfield Foundation for Excellence, CAPE, and any Parent/Booster organization, which are groups that are closely related to District 202 schools

PLEASE CONTACT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS TOM HERNANDEZ AT (815) 577-4008 IF YOUR ORGANIZATION QUALIFIES FOR AN EXCEPTION AND YOU WANT TO DISTRIBUTE FLIERS TO STUDENTS. (815) 577-4008 or tahernan@psd202.org A separate approval form will be provided, and is necessary for distribution. The applicant, upon approval, must present all copies and the approval form to the school for distribution of copies to stuents

***Building principals may (but are not required to) review and approve requests to distribute hard copies of materials to their own students/staff from groups directly affiliated with their own schools such as their own PTO/PTA their own Student Council, etc. Such approval must still comply with the rules outlined above, and is subject to review by Tom Hernandez or the District Superintendent.

NOTES:

• Materials advertising summer activities (camps, etc.) will be approved for online posting and/or office display only.

• District 202 will not distribute materials advertising events for which the sole purpose is fundraising, if a for-profit organization/business will benefit from any proceeds – for example, department store “scrip” programs.

• Such materials can be distributed to school/parent organizations to be used at the group’s discretion to raise money for their organization/school. Because they are themselves non-profit organizations, parent groups can then distribute such information to students/staff at their own schools at the building principal’s discretion.

• To assist families without Internet access, in addition to posting online, 25 copies of approved materials may be displayed in the main office at a school(s), and on a bulletin board specifically designated for this purpose. The applicant will make and distribute these materials.

• Posters may also be displayed with district approval – up to 3 per elementary school; 5 per middle school; and 10 per high school. The applicant will make and distribute these materials.

• Materials may be posted online through the entire 2009-2010 school year.

 

POSTING MATERIALS TO THE DISTRICT 202 VIRTUAL BACKPACK

It’s easy to post materials to the District 202 Virtual Backpack.

Simply complete the online form:

• Confirm that your organization is non-profit (we may contact you for a copy of your 501c(3) form or similar paperwork if you’re posting for the first time)
  
  
• Indicate if your flier is aimed at students, staff or both; a specific gender; grade; or school.
  ***NOTE: This step is intended to help viewers sort and pick those fliers that most interest/pertain to them. All approved fliers will appear online.
  
  
• Indicate how long you would like your flier to remain posted online
  
  
• Indicate if you plan to display hard copies in the main office(s) of the appropriate schools. You may do this in addition to posting fliers online. (A separate approval form will be provided. The applicant must make and deliver these materials and present the approval form upon delivery.)
  
  
• Indicate if you plan to display posters - You may do this in addition to posting fliers online. (A separate approval form will be provided. The applicant must make and deliver these materials and present the approval form upon delivery.)
  
  
• Attach a PDF file of your flier or poster, and submit. That’s it!

Community Relations will review all applications, and post those that are approved, within 24-72 hours.

Each week, Community Relations will publicize/promote the District 202 Virtual Backpack through its Education Partners e-mail newsletter.

PLEASE TRY TO PROVIDE AS MUCH TIME AS POSSIBLE FOR REVIEW/POSTING.

Questions? Contact Director of Community Relations Tom Hernandez at (815) 577-4008 or tahernan@psd202.org.

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES REGARDING DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS TO DISTRICT 202 STUDENTS AND STAFF.