Lifetouch Information

We would like to provide an update to the ParentSquare message sent yesterday regarding Lifetouch. Tomorrow, we will be meeting with Lifetouch representatives to learn more about their protocols and procedures for protecting student safety and privacy. Lifetouch has publicly affirmed that they comply with all applicable data privacy laws and maintains safeguards to protect student information.

At the same time, we are gathering information on other potential school picture options to ensure we make the most informed decision for our students and families.

For families who have concerns, please note the upcoming Spring Picture dates:

Medeiros – February 26
Crowell & Cunningham – February 27
Earl & Wakefield – March 2
Brown & Julien – March 5

If you would like to opt your child out of Spring Pictures, please contact your child’s school office and/or their teacher directly.

Student safety and privacy remain our highest priorities. We carefully review contracts, expectations, and compliance standards for all third-party vendors. We understand that when something involves children and images shared online, families may understandably have questions or concerns. If we are ever presented with credible information that student data is being misused, we would act immediately.

We appreciate the continued communication from our families and will keep you informed of any updates regarding our school picture 

We have received several questions and concerns about Lifetouch, an independent photography company, which TUSD has contracted with for many years to provide school and yearbook pictures.

Recently, rumors have circulated alleging that Lifetouch shared student photos with unauthorized third parties for improper purposes.  In response, Lifetouch has put out a statement that reads, in part: 

• Lifetouch images are shared only for the purposes of school records and to allow parents or guardians to purchase them. Additionally, as part of our decades long relationship with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Lifetouch prints SmileSafe cards free of charge for each student we photograph that families can use with law enforcement if a child goes missing. 
• Lifetouch is not named in the Epstein files. The documents contain no allegations that Lifetouch itself was involved in, or that student photos were used in, any illicit activities.
• No individual currently or formerly employed by Apollo Global Management has had access to student images or student information.

In addition to CEO Ken Murphy issuing a public statement addressing this false information, Lifetouch has created a Frequently Asked Questions section on its website to further clarify and address parents' questions.  We hope this information will help our TUSD families make an informed decision regarding their child’s participation in the optional spring picture opportunity.  If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Marie Russell
Director of Communications, Family Engagement, and Outreach