Ponca City Public Schools Adopts New State Law

The Ponca City Board of Education adopted a new policy during a special meeting that will impact the way PCPS employees communicate digitally with students. This new policy is part of a state law that goes into effect on Monday, July 1.

Under the new state law, all employees who communicate with students must include a parent/guardian in the communication unless employees use a district-approved communication tool. These communication platforms include Google classroom, Remind, Class Dojo, GroupMe, ClassTag, Brightwheel and SportsYou.

This new state law does not allow communication with a teacher on social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger, Snapchat or Instagram. Teachers may respond to the student if using a PCPS email account as long as the parent is included in the response.

“This new policy is intended to protect our students and staff. We are working diligently to inform our staff and students of these changes, while also ensuring we’re not missing critical communication between the school and the individual student,” said PCPS Superintendent Adam Leaming. “I would encourage our parents, students, and all PCPS employees to educate themselves on this new law and our new policy. We are here to answer any and all questions to ensure there’s a smooth implementation of this policy.”