Dear Families,
We are writing to address recent reports and social media discussions concerning Lifetouch and its parent company, Shutterfly, regarding historical financial ties between its ownership group (Apollo Global Management) and individuals mentioned in recent legal filings (the Epstein files).
The safety and privacy of our students are our highest priorities. We understand the concerns these reports have raised within our community.
Current Status & Spring Picture Events
At this stage in the academic calendar, the school cannot secure a new, high-capacity vendor to handle our upcoming spring photos and 8th grade graduation retakes. These events are integral to our end-of-year milestones, and canceling them entirely would leave many families without these traditional keepsakes.
Consequently, we will proceed with our scheduled Lifetouch events with the following provisions:
- Optional Participation: All upcoming photo sessions remain strictly optional.
- Opt-Out Process: If you do not wish for your child to be photographed by Lifetouch, you can let your homeroom teacher know.
- Privacy Standards: We have received assurances from the vendor that student data and images are used exclusively for school records and parent purchases, and are not shared with parent companies or third parties.
Looking Forward
We value the feedback we have received and are committed to maintaining the trust of our families. We are currently beginning a formal vetting process for a new photography vendor for the 2026-2027 school year. Our goal is to ensure that our future partners reflect the standards and expectations of our community.
Thank you for your patience and continued partnership as we navigate the remainder of the school year.
Sincerely,
Principal Shelton