3213 Student Supervision and Welfare

Standard of Care of Students

Each employee shall maintain a standard of care for the supervision, control, and protection of students that is commensurate with their assigned duties and responsibilities.  This includes, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Acting as a mandated reporter as required by Wis. Stat. §§ 48.981(2) and 175.32.

B. Refraining from any association with students that gives the appearance of impropriety, including but not limited to situations or
activities that could be considered abusive, sexually suggestive, or involve illegal substances (tobacco, alcohol, or drugs).

C. Complying with all federal, state, or Agency level policies regarding the disclosure and protection of personally identifiable
information and student records.

D. Engaging students through written or electronic communications only for appropriate academic, extracurricular, or professional
uses consistent with Agency policies.

Appropriate Employee-Student Relationships

All employees who work with students are expected to maintain clear, professional boundaries at all times and to promptly report any concerns that could compromise student welfare.

This policy applies to all communications and interactions between employees and students, whether they occur during or outside of school hours, and whether the employee is acting in an official capacity or not.

Prohibited Conduct

Grooming

Grooming is defined as a course of conduct, pattern of behavior, or series of acts with the intention to condition, seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child for the purpose of engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual contact, or for the purpose of producing, distributing, or possessing depictions of the child engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Grooming behaviors are strictly prohibited.  The following examples (and similar behaviors) constitute grooming when accompanied by the intent described above:

1. Hugging, kissing, or other unnecessary physical contact with a student;

2. Telling sexual jokes, using sexual innuendo, showing pornography, or engaging in sexualized conversations;

3. Any other form of interaction with a student that involves the intent to engage in sexual conduct or exploitation.

Boundary Violations

Even in the absence of grooming intent, employees may violate professional boundaries through the frequency, timing, location, or nature of their interactions with students. Such violations can create the appearance of impropriety and are subject to disciplinary action.

Consent from the student or parent/guardian does not excuse or justify a boundary violation.

Behaviors that lack a clear educational, medical, or developmentally appropriate justification, or that primarily serve the employee’s emotional or physical needs, are prohibited. These behaviors will be subject to investigation.

Permitted Physical Contact

The Agency recognizes that certain physical contact may be necessary. The following are permitted when they have a clear educational or medical purpose:

1. Providing physical prompts, guidance, or redirection of a student in an educational setting when such actions would be viewed as appropriate by a
  reasonable person.

2. Providing hygiene or medical assistance to a student, including assistance with toileting, tube feeding, or other necessary personal care.

3. Physical spotting or corrective positioning related to an educational or athletic activity.

4. Administering first aid or emergency medical care.

Any physical contact beyond these parameters must be justified by educational or medical necessity.

Appropriate Means of Communications

Communication with students must use appropriate channels. Employees should consider the context, timing, purpose, student age, and their own role when deciding how to communicate.

Presumed Appropriate Communication Methods:

1. In-person communication when it occurs:

a. During regular school hours or while providing educational services;

b. In the direct presence of the student’s parent/guardian or caregiver;

c. In a setting that a reasonable person would view as transparent and accountable.

2. Electronic communication through Agency-approved platforms, including:

a. Student Information Systems or Learning Management Systems;

b. Telephone or text messaging systems;

c. Email systems;

d. Other tools expressly approved by the Agency for employee-student communication.

3. Written communication related to school activities that is delivered during the school day or mailed to the student’s home address.

Violations and Consequences

Violations of this policy may result in a full range of disciplinary actions, up to and including termination of employment, depending on the severity and circumstances of the violation. Violations may also be reported to law enforcement or other appropriate external agencies as required by law.

Adopted 8/6/2026