Geneva School recognizes that on certain occasions, employees have a need, even a duty, to communicate effectively with students under their care. Such occasions include times away from campus for sporting events, arts competitions or debate tournaments. On these occasions, School employees may need to let students know of meeting times, changes of plans or other such important information. Any communication should be limited to school-related topics.
Employees must refrain from inappropriate communications with students. Inappropriate communication with students includes, but is not limited to any electronic communication, regardless of content that is made outside of the approved School messaging app, including but not limited to cell phone call, text messaging, email, instant messaging, blogging, or other social network communication of a personal or sexual nature.
Factors that may be considered in assessing whether the communication is inappropriate include, but are not limited to:
- The subject matter, nature, purpose, timing and amount of the communication
- Whether the communication was made openly
- If an attempt to conceal the communication was made
In order to accommodate School employees under these limited circumstances, the School allows teachers or coaches to communicate pertinent information via the GroupMe messaging app. As the name implies, this app may only be used when the entire group is included (as well as parents if they so desire). All communication via the GroupMe app must conform to the policies stated here.
- One-On-One Exchanges: School employees should not engage in private, one-on-one communications with students who are not their own children. If a School employee finds it necessary to communicate electronically with a student, without exception they must add their supervisor to the communication. Parents should also be included in the communication. On such occasions, the exchange should be in the form of an email and never a text message or phone call to provide a paper trail using the School-provided email account (@genevaschooltx.org). Under no circumstances should school employees text students.
- Communicate vs. Converse: All electronic communications between School employees and students are to be limited to communicating and not conversing. All communications should be brief and to the point. Communications are limited to educational matters. Examples of appropriate communications include stating practice times, travel schedules, meeting locations, etc.
- Professionalism: School employees should not participate in any electronic communications that might appear unprofessional or otherwise undermine their authority in the lives of the students. School employees should not communicate with students as though they are on the student’s level or as their peer.
While we encourage School employees to be active in the lives of their students, it is essential they closely follow these policies. Failure to do so may result in loss of employment.