Electronics Policy
Can I Use My Cell Phone at Desert Hills?
There is no one answer to this question:
YES, you may use them BEFORE school and AFTER school when you are outside of the building.
NO, you may not use them when you enter the building. It is expected that phones will be turned off and kept in your locker during the school day. This includes wireless earbuds &/or headphones, which should be removed and kept in your locker throughout the day. There may be instances where your teacher will allow headphones (to listen to textbook audio), but this will only be allowed after permission is given.
DHMS Electronics Policy
It is highly recommended that students do not bring electronic devices such as cell phones, video games, iPODs, MP3 players, cameras, i-pads, tablets and other electronic devices to school. Students who bring electronic devices to school must turn them off and place them in their lockers upon entering the building. Exceptions are Chromebooks, Kindles and MP3 players that students use for reading.
This policy includes wireless earbuds and/or headphones. Students should remove headphones when entering the building and keep them in their locker during the school day.
CELL PHONES
Cell phones are not allowed in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, outside, or any other part of the school for any reason at any time. If a cell phone is being used by a student while in the building, the cell phone will be taken to the office and arrangements will need to be made with a parent to pick it up during office hours (7:00-3:00). If a parent cannot pick up the phone, then the student will need to drop off the phone in the office before 8:00 each morning and pick it up at after 2:35 (1:10 on Wednesdays) each afternoon for a period of two weeks.
If a cell phone is being used by a student at any time for inappropriate purposes, the student will be asked to fill out a minor or major incident form. Inappropriate uses include, but are not limited to:
making a video or audio recording without the permission of the person(s) being recorded
taking vulgar or other types of inappropriate pictures
looking up or viewing inappropriate pictures/materials on the internet
using “apps” such as Instagram or Snapchat to send inappropriate messages to others
bullying others by text or social media
The school is not financially responsible for any cell phone or electronic device that is lost or stolen. Parents will need to contact the police to investigate lost or stolen electronic devices.
Parents who need to contact their students during the school day need to call the office and leave a message. They will not be able to call their child’s cell phone because the cell phone will be in their child’s locker and turned off.
Exceptions to the cell phone policy:
Certain students with medical issues, such as diabetic students, need to have their cell phones with them at all times in order to monitor their insulin pumps, pacemakers, etc.