Students must comply with all rules and regulations stated in the handout “Franklin County Schools Acceptable Use Policy for Telecommunications”. The complete policy can be found online at the Franklin County Schools website (www.fcschools.net).
Franklinton High School will follow FCS Board Policy 4318 regarding cell phones: "The Board recognizes that cellular phones and other portable wireless communication devices have become an important tool through which parents communicate with their children. Therefore, students are permitted to possess such devices on school property as long as such devices are not powered on, used, displayed or visible in the classroom setting. Students may use cell phones before school begins and after the school day ends. At the discretion of site-based school administration, cell phones may be allowed at lunchtime and during class changes, but this opportunity is a privilege and not a requirement. Cell phones may not be used in the restroom setting. Instances of students using cell phones in restrooms will be considered “insubordination” based on the Franklin County Schools’ student code of conduct.
Students with documented health conditions that require the availability of specific mobile applications in order to manage their health condition may have access to their cell phone throughout the school day. Students with a health condition that requires constant application (app) based monitoring must have current orders for care from their healthcare provider on file with the school nurse and the accommodation for access to the device will be written into their school health care plan. This accommodation is allowed based on a medical need and students and parents will be expected to acknowledge that use outside of managing their health condition (taking pictures, texting, social media or web browsing) will be cause for disciplinary action.
District issued chromebooks may be used during instructional time within the parameters outlined by the teacher and by the guidelines in the student device agreement.
Smart watches can be worn as long as they do not create a disruption to instructional time. If a student’s smart watch becomes a disruption or distraction to the learning environment for either the wearer or their classmates, the teacher shall ask administration to confiscate the smart watch and request that the parent collect it from the office. Smart watches will be removed during benchmark, EOG and EOC testing, as well as any other tests that the teacher deems appropriate.
Consequences for Unauthorized Use
School employees shall immediately notify school administration to confiscate any cell phones and other electronic devices that are on, used, displayed or visible in violation of this policy. For the first and second offense, the student may pick up the cell phone at the front office at the end of day based on specific administrative guidelines. For third and subsequent offenses, the parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to come and pick up the phone from school.
The disciplinary consequences for violations of this policy shall be consistent with Section D of Policy #4300, Student Behavior Policies. The superintendent or designee shall list in the Code of Student Conduct the specific range of consequences that may be imposed on a student for violation of this policy.
The following factors should be considered when determining appropriate consequences whether the wireless communication device was used: (1) to reproduce images of tests, obtain unauthorized access to school information or assist students in any aspect of their instructional program in a manner that violates any school board policy, administrative regulation or school rule; and (2) to bully or harass other students; (3) to send illicit text messages; (4) to take and/or send illicit photographs; or (5) in any other manner that would make more severe disciplinary consequences appropriate.
Search of Wireless Communication Devices
In accordance with Policy #4342, Student Searches, a student's wireless communication device and its contents, including, but not limited to text messages and digital photos, may be searched whenever a school official has reason to believe the search will provide evidence that the student has violated or is violating a law, board policy, the Code of Student Conduct or a school rule. The scope of such searches must be reasonably related to the objectives of the search and not excessively intrusive in light of the nature of the suspected infraction.
Liability
Students are personally and solely responsible for the security of their wireless communication devices. The school district is not responsible for the theft, loss or damage of a cellular phone or any other personal wireless communication device.
Noncompliance with applicable regulations shall result in disciplinary action which may result in suspension or termination of privileges and other disciplinary action consistent with FCS policies. Violations of law may result in criminal prosecution as well as disciplinary action by the District."
Franklin County School Specific rules regarding Cell Phones/Electronic devices:
Students are allowed to use personal electronic devices during transition time between classes and in the Commons Area/Cafeteria.
Students may only have ONE earbud/headphone in at any time during transitions so they can hear staff and other announcements.
Students may use their electronic devices before school and during their personal lunch time in the Cafeteria/Commons Area.
Students may not have their Chromebooks Open in the hallways during transitions.
NO Bluetooth/Wireless speakers are allowed at any time on campus. This includes before and after school hours.