LEADERSHIP HANDBOOK
STUDENT CELL PHONE POLICY
Personal electronic devices have become a common means of communication and information access in today’s society. However, these devices have the potential of disrupting the orderly operation of the district’s schools. The district has created this policy to govern the possession and use of personal electronic devices on school premises, at school-sponsored activities and on school transportation.
For the purposes of this policy “Personal Electronic Device” means a privately owned device that is used for audio, video, or text communication or any other type of computer-like instrument.
Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) may include but are not limited to:
Existing and emerging mobile communication systems and smart technologies (cellular phones, iPhones, Smartphones, internet-enabled phones, etc.)
Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) (Palm organizers, pocket PCs, etc.)
Handheld entertainment systems (video games, CD players, compact DVD players, MP3 players, IPods, earphones, etc.)
Portable internet devices (mobile messengers, iPads, etc.)
Current or emerging wireless handheld technologies or portable information technology systems that can be used for word processing, wireless internet access, image capture/recording, sound recording, and information transmitting/receiving/storing, etc.
A. Elementary, Middle, K-8 Schools
Personal electronic devices may not be used by students for any disruptive purpose including telephone calls, text messaging, taking photographs and videos or any other functions during the regular school day. Students may possess PEDs on their person but they must be powered off and out of sight in backpacks/purses or lockers. It is not permissible for PEDS to be on “silent” or vibrate” during this time.
B. High School
Students are permitted to possess and use personal electronic devices only as follows:
1.) Before and after the regular school day
2.) At lunch time
3.) As directed by a teacher for educational purposes
Students may not use PEDs at other times during the school day. They may possess PEDs on their person but they must be powered off and out of sight in backpacks/purses or lockers.
Personal electronic devices shall not be used in any way that threatens, humiliates, harasses or intimidates students, school personnel or visitors, or otherwise violates district policies and regulations or local, state or federal laws. Students are prohibited from sending, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, emails or other material of a sexually explicit nature on their personal electronic devices while on school premises, at school-sponsored activities, or on school transportation. Further, students are prohibited from using the camera, video or recording functions of their personal electronic devices on school premises or at school-sponsored activities where another student or individual has an expectation of privacy, including, but not limited to, locker rooms, counseling sessions, restrooms, dressing areas, etc.
Students are responsible for the security of the personal electronic devices brought to school. The district is not responsible for lost, stolen, damaged or unauthorized use of personal electronic devises. Further, the district is not liable to any student or his or her parent/guardian for any claims, losses, damages, suits, expenses or costs of any kind arising out of or related to the use or possession of a student’s personal electronic device.
In addition to the potential disciplinary actions described below, a student who violates this policy may have his or her personal electronic device confiscated. Any building staff person who confiscates a PED will hand it to the building administrator immediately. The building administrator will hold the PED until such time as the student’s parent or guardian makes an appointment to pick up the item.
Any violation of this policy will be referred to the District administration and violations may subject students to disciplinary action, as set forth in the Code of Conduct. If applicable, violations of this policy may be referred to law enforcement. In addition, a student may be prohibited from possessing a personal electronic device on school premises, at school-sponsored activities, or on school transportation.