STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

The School Committee recognizes that many students possess cell phones and other electronic devices.  These devices may not be used at school or during school activities in any manner that disrupts the educational process or violates School Committee policies or school rules. 

Lewiston Public Schools shall not be responsible for the loss, theft, or damage to cell phones or other electronic devices that students bring with them to school or school activities or use on school transportation.

The following provisions apply to student use of cell phones and other electronic devices:

A.  Grades Pre K-8: Privately-owned electronic devices including but not limited to cell phones, I-Pods, MP3 players, handheld

 computers, electronic games, laser pointers, headphones, and other similar devices must be turned off and stored during the school

 day unless it is determined to be essential for the student's health, safety, or for educational purposes as determined by the

 administration. 

Grades 9-12: The use of electronic devices is only authorized during passing time, and all lunches unless it is determined to be

 essential for  the student's health,  safety, or for educational purposes as determined by the administration. 

B.  The use of cameras, including camera phones, is strictly prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, and other places where privacy is

 generally expected.  In all other school locations, permission must be obtained from staff or administration before photographing,

 video, or audio recording another person unless it is for safety and is turned into the appropriate staff as soon as reasonably possible.

C.  The use of a cell phone or other electronic device in any manner that violates School Committee policy or school rules is

 prohibited.  This includes but is not limited to harassment, cheating, and violations of the student code of conduct.  If a School

 Committee policy or school rule is violated, the teacher or school administrator may confiscate the device for the remainder of the

 school day.  Student cell phones  and other electronic devices may be subject to search if there is reasonable suspicion of a

 violation in accordance with the law.

D.  Students who violate School Committee policy or school rules will be subject to disciplinary consequences which may include:

1. Warning; and/or

2.  Confiscation of the device until arrangements can be made to hand off the device to a parent or guardian or to the student with

 parent or guardian permission, whenever possible; and/or

3.  A conference with the student’s parent/guardian; and/or

4.  Exclusion of the device from school for an extended period of time; and/or

5.Penalties up to suspension or expulsion from school, depending upon the nature and circumstances of the violation and the

 student’s prior disciplinary record; and/or

6.Referral to law enforcement or appropriate authorities, if the content warrants mandated reporting, violates law, or is deemed

necessary for safety purposes.

The Superintendent/designee may develop additional rules to implement this policy.  The policy and rules will be communicated to students and parents through the student handbook and/or the student code of conduct.

Cross Reference: JIC–Student Code of Conduct

JICIA- Weapons, Violence and School Safety

JICK- Bullying and Cyberbullying in Schools

JIH–Questioning and Searches of Students

Adopted: August 29, 2022