Cell Phones and Technology use

Cell Phone and headphone use

State law bans using cell phones, headphones, or smart watches during school hours (8:35-3:45), as outlined in bill H.5100, which amended section 59-63-280 of the S.C. Code, and the resulting district policy JDCA. Districts that do not follow this policy face the loss of school funding.

Therefore, all use of personal electronic devices is banned in school during school hours. 

Consequences for violating the rule are as follows, district-wide:

First Offense: removal from class and Lunch Detention

Second Offense: In-School Suspension (ISS)

Third Offense: Out of School Suspension (OSS)

Link to Bill: https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess125_2023-2024/bills/3293.htm 

Link to district policy: https://go.boarddocs.com/sc/greenville/Board.nsf/Public# 

The District expects students to conduct themselves in an orderly, courteous, dignified, and respectful manner. This requirement refers to their actions toward other students and teachers, their language, their dress, and their manners. Students have a responsibility to know and respect the policies, rules, and regulations of the school and the District. Violations of such policies, rules, and regulations will result in disciplinary actions. The school directs students to the District's Behavior Code set forth in Policy JCDA and this handbook. Students are prohibited from using electronic devices to capture images, record, or otherwise use electronic devices in a manner that harasses, humiliates, threatens, embarrasses, or intimidates another person or otherwise violates the law. Students may not use electronic devices to access and/or view websites, the internet, or other content or images that are inappropriate or otherwise blocked to students at school while on school property or at a school-sponsored event. Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of electronic devices. 

In accordance with state law and Board Policy/Administrative Rule JCDA, personal electronic devices cannot be used during the school day unless specifically authorized in writing by the school. Students cannot wear personal electronic devices, such as smart watches, during the school day and must keep personal electronic devices out of sight of others unless authorized by the school to utilize them for school-related purposes. When outside of the classroom, students can use personal electronic devices for instructional reasons or for school-related purposes, such as emailing teachers, conducting research, checking class schedules, or working on assignments. The restrictions pertaining to the use of personal electronic devices start at 8:45 a.m. and end at 3:45 p.m. The use of personal electronic devices before and after that time is permitted so long as that use does not violate the District’s Behavior Code (Policy JCDA) or is otherwise disruptive to the school environment. For field trips, students will be provided additional information regarding the use of personal electronic devices based on the specific trip. Students may be permitted to utilize personal electronic devices during the school day if necessary for that student in accordance with the student’s IEP/504/Health Plan. 

Student Use of School Technology

Students must use school technology in an appropriate manner and in accordance with Board Policy and Administrative Rule EFE.  This school technology includes District email, network, equipment, and assigned devices to students.   Students will be disciplined in accordance with the District’s Behavior Code (JCDA) for any misuse of school technology.   While the District implements filters and safeguards for school technology, the District cannot guarantee that these measures will detect or prevent inappropriate use of technology by students.   Parents and students should immediately contact the student’s school with any concerns pertaining to the use of technology.