Cell phones and other electronic devices are a valuable tool in today’s society and the staff at Amador Valley believe in promoting positive behaviors in the use of mobile communication devices. As a school, we believe students should be allowed to use electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and earbuds at appropriate times. Research has shown increased screen time for our teenagers has resulted in problems with their social-emotional well-being. As a partner in the work to develop healthy and well-balanced members of our society, we strongly believe class time is for learning and is not the time when devices should be used by our students. We also believe that any accommodations for our students with disabilities regarding the use of devices while at school shall be followed to the best of our ability..
Possession of mobile communication devices (i.e. laptops, cell phones, AirPods, etc) by a student at school is a privilege which may be forfeited by any student who chooses not to follow the Amador Valley High School Electronic Device Policy as detailed below. Important Note: Students bring all mobile communication devices to school at their own risk.
Students may ONLY have their electronic device out in a classroom upon the teacher's request (a device could be a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, audio listening device, or smartwatch). When using a device in class, the device may only be used for instructional purposes.
Upon entering any classroom, students are to turn off their electronic devices or put on ‘do not disturb’ and place the device(s) in the teacher-designated storage container (Note: possessing a second device while placing one in the container is a violation of this policy).
Electronic devices will remain in the container for the entire duration of class time. This includes when a student leaves the classroom for any reason (i.e. bathroom or wellness center visit) unless directed to bring their cell phone to the office by an administrator. Students found outside of their classroom with their device without administrative permission will have their device confiscated and held in the office.
Students are not permitted to use their devices during class time for direct messaging, gaming, watching videos, or reading/posting on social media unless directed by a teacher as part of a lesson.
Headphones/Earbuds of any kind in or covering of the ears are not allowed during class time.
Students are not encouraged, but may use their electronic devices (i.e. mobile communication devices, smartwatches, and/or headphones/earbuds) before school, at brunch & lunch, during passing periods, and after school.
All electronic devices must be turned over in its entirety if requested by any staff member.
*The use of any electronic listening or recording device (audio or video) by any person in the classroom without prior consent of the teacher is prohibited. (Ed Code 78907)
*The use of any electronic device to audio or video record teachers, administrators, or other staff members without their permission at any time is prohibited (PUSD Discipline Matrix).
*Amador Valley High School considers the capturing of any photos or videos of classroom assessments (i.e. a test) on an electronic device as a violation of the school’s Academic Honesty policy (AR 5131.9; PUSD Discipline Matrix).
*The use of any electronic device at any time which has photographic or video capabilities is prohibited in school locker rooms and bathrooms. (BP 5131.8).
PUSD and Amador Valley High School shall not be responsible for the loss of or damage to a mobile communication device brought on campus. (BP 5131.8).
1st Offense: Warning, parent contact
2nd Offense: Device(s) confiscated; to be picked up from the teacher at the end of the day, parent contact by teacher, and referral to administration.
3rd Offense: School detention, device(s) confiscated for the day and delivered to the office, referral and student conference with an administrator, 7 days loss of school privileges (LOSP), parent contact.
4th+ Offense: School detention, device(s) confiscated and delivered to the office for the day; mandatory retrieval by parent, referral and parent conference with an administrator, 7 days LOSP, and mandatory check-in of device(s) in the office for 5 school days.
*these violations are subject to the disciplinary recommendations as outlined in the PUSD Discipline Matrix.
Each classroom at Amador Valley High School is equipped with a phone in case of emergency. In case of a family emergency that occurs during the school day, a parent or guardian shall call the front office and staff will notify the student in the classroom as necessary.
While ACCESS periods are considered to be class time and we are strongly encouraging students not use their electronic devices during the school day, the use of cell phones for non-instructional purposes during ACCESS is at the discretion of the ACCESS classroom teacher.