Device and Cell Phone Rules and Regulations

Device and Phone Rules and Regulations #5052:

Students are prohibited from using cellular phones or other electronic devices while at school, except as provided in this policy.  “Electronic device” includes beepers, pagers, i-pods, i-pads, mp-3 players and any other device that stores and communicates data by electronic means.

Students may use cell phones or other electronic devices before and after school and at specified times during the day as set forth by the administration, so long as they do not create a distraction or a disruption. 

By bringing their cell phones and other electronic communication devices to school, students consent to the search of said devices by school staff when the staff determines that such a search is reasonable or necessary. 

The taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (commonly called texting, sexting, e-mailing, etc.) may constitute a crime under state and/or federal law.  Any person engaged in these activities while on school grounds, in a school vehicle or at a school activity will be subject to the disciplinary procedures of the student code of conduct.  Any student found to be in possession of obscene, pornographic, lewd, or otherwise illegal images or photographs will be promptly referred to law enforcement and/or other state or federal agencies, which may result in arrest, criminal prosecution and possible inclusion on sex offender registries.

Students may not use cell phones or electronic communication devices while riding in school vehicles unless they have express permission to do so from the driver of the vehicle or other adult sponsor.  Students may listen to i-pods and other mp-3 players with the permission of the driver or other adult sponsor. 

While on school property, at a school activity or in a school vehicle, students may not use their cell phones or electronic devices to bully, harass or intimidate any other person. 

Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their electronic devices.  The district is not responsible for theft, loss or damage of any electronic device, including or any calls or downloads

Students who violate this policy will have their cell phones or electronic devices confiscated immediately. Students who violate this policy may, at the discretion of the school’s administration, be subject to additional discipline, up to and including suspension or expulsion.

Cell Phones Before School, at Lunchtime, and After School:

ALL 6-12 Students are permitted to use electronic devices before school hours, at lunchtime, and after school hours, provided that the student does not commit any abusive use of the device. Administrators have the discretion to prohibit student possession or use of electronic devices on school grounds during these times. 

Cell Phones During and Between Classes:

Cell phone use during class time and between classes for 9-12 students is determined by the individual classroom teacher. Inappropriate texting, instant messaging, use of social media sites or other inappropriate uses during class time with any personal electronic device is unacceptable unless it is an expectation of the lesson and/or teacher. Failure to comply with the classroom rules on cell phones or disrupting class using a cell phone will result in the confiscation of the cell phone. Repeated disruptions will result in the cell phone being taken and delivered to the office where a student must meet with the principal in order to obtain the phone. In repeat offending cases, a student’s cell phone may need to be retrieved from the office by a parent or guardian.

Cell phone use during class time and between classes for students in grades 6-8 is prohibited. Phones need to be contained in lockers or kept in backpacks in a safe manner and must be on silent mode during school hours. Students in grades 6-8 may check cell phone messages during the lunch hour after they are done eating. They should spend free time in class, between classes, and during study halls organizing their day/week and focusing on classwork and homework and projects needing completion.  

Students in grades K-5 who bring cell phones to school MUST check them in with their classroom teacher.

Calls to the School Office:

The office will cooperate with parents and guardians to get messages to pupils during school hours, primarily during lunch period and study halls. However, calls for students during school hours are disturbing to the school routine and hence should be held to a minimum.  Messages will be written down and hand delivered to the student. Students will be called to the telephone for emergency calls only from parents or relatives. Students may use the telephone outside the office for local calls only.