Personal Mobile Devices (information for families)

Personal Mobile Devices

FCPS updated regulation 434-01: Student Technology Use. This regulation includes language related to cell phones and other personal mobile devices (PMDs).  Knowing there are some changes, school staff will spend time during the first quarter, teaching and reinforcing expectations for students. At the start of quarter 2, staff will follow the student code of conduct and progressive discipline when necessary to reinforce expectations related to personal mobile devices.  The changes to regulation 434-01 are reflected in the excerpts from the regulation included below and are specific to the elementary level.  The full regulation, including language for middle and  high school is linked here.

As of spring 2025, elementary school students may NOT possess acceptable PMDsDuring the school day. School staff may grant permission, in individual cases, for a student to have their cell phone on, for medical necessity or other exigent situations. Students may wear smartwatches or similar devices, but during school hours these devices are required to be on “airplane mode” or “school time” modes to prevent distractions. 

You can support us in teaching students about acceptable use of technology in school by:

• Since students will have limited access to their acceptable PMDs during the student day, parents are encouraged to refrain from calling or texting their child’s acceptable PMD when its use is unauthorized.

• Parents are encouraged to communicate by way of acceptable PMDs outside of school hours. In exigent situations, parents may contact the school office to request to communicate with their child. 

• If a child contacts their parent during school hours via an acceptable PMD, parents are encouraged to reinforce responsible student technology use expectations and remind their child to focus on learning. 

Information Related to Student Tracking Safety Devices

• Student tracking safety devices without audio or video recording capabilities are permitted. However, these devices or locators may not always be accurate as they rely on cellular network(s) outside of FCPS’ control. Therefore: i. FCPS is not liable for any damage to or loss of student safety tracking devices. ii. FCPS cannot guarantee the reliable, consistent, and accurate functionality of student safety tracking devices on school grounds or within FCPS’ facilities.

• Under Maryland wiretap and privacy laws, individuals are not permitted to listen or record others without consent. Therefore, except as may be required pursuant to an IEP or Section 504 Plan, student tracking safety devices with audio or video recording capabilities are prohibited on school grounds. c. Student safety tracking devices must be managed by the parent and the parent recognizes and accepts that FCPS is not liable for any damage or loss of the device.