Skip Navigation
X

Columbus Catholic Schools (CCS) Photography Policy

Columbus Catholic Schools (CCS) and the Diocese of La Crosse regularly use photos, video, and/or audio taken at school and school-related events for marketing materials, our website, and social media platforms (e.g. Facebook).

We recognize parents/guardians may have personal reasons for not wanting their student’s likeness used, and we take these wishes seriously. To balance this with the need for clarity and consistency, CCS has adopted the following policy. Parents/guardians must either agree or not agree to all the following terms.

Permission Process

  • Parents/guardians will indicate their preference in the Beginning of the Year Form.
  • If you change your mind, please contact Kris Nielsen, Director of Marketing and Communications, at nielsen.kris@columbusdons.org. 

No-Photo Student List

  • Each year, the CCS Director of Marketing and Communications will compile a “No-Photo Student List.”
  • The list will be shared with all CCS teachers and staff before the start of the school year.
  • The Marketing/Communications Director is responsible for enforcing the list.
  • All teachers and staff are expected to familiarize themselves with the list.

Scope of Permission

A yes/no answer applies to all the following:

  • Use of student photos, likeness, and/or audio by CCS and the Diocese of La Crosse.
  • Media stories where CCS has control over student participation (excluding athletics, concerts, or other events not under our control).
  • All forms of media (parents/guardians cannot give separate answers for different platforms).

Exceptions and Additional Permissions:

  • Yearbook photos: permission will be requested separately by yearbook advisors.
  • Large PR projects (photo sessions, video, etc.): a signed CCS Photo Release Form will be required.
  • Certain events or trainings may also require a separate photo release form.

Classroom and Social Media Guidelines

Because many photos are generated by teachers, the following rules apply:

  • Backs of heads (even of “No-Photo Students”) are acceptable.
  • Large group photos, where no individual is easily identifiable, are acceptable.
  • When a student’s likeness is used online (website, social media, e-newsletter, etc.), only a first name and last initial will be used.
  • This does not apply to local media, which CCS cannot control.

Additional Notes

  • No royalty fee or compensation will be provided for the use of photos or likeness.
  • CCS and the Diocese of La Crosse reserve the right to determine which photos are used and how long they remain in use.
  • When possible, CCS will attempt to notify parents/guardians if their student’s likeness will be used in a major project.

Questions

For questions regarding this policy, please contact:

Kris Nielsen
Director of Marketing and Communications
Phone: 715-387-1177 ext. 3318
Email: nielsen.kris@columbusdons.org 

Updated July 29, 2024