Portsmouth High School is committed to providing a safe, positive, and productive learning environment for all students. We hold high expectations for student behavior, academic integrity, and the responsible use of existing and emerging technologies capable of capturing and/or transmitting data or images. The Portsmouth School Committee recognizes that inappropriate use of personal cellular phones and/or other personal technology devices during instructional time has a disruptive effect on student learning and the educational environment. Students who possess and/or use such devices at school or school-sponsored events are expected to demonstrate the greatest respect for the educational environment and the rights and privacy of all individuals within the school community.

In light of these commitments Portsmouth High School operates under the following expectations:

1. While students are allowed to possess cell phones in school, all cell phones must be placed in the designated, wall mounted phone pockets at the beginning of each period. Students who do not "turn-in" a cell phone at the beginning of class and are found to have one on their person/in their possession will be subject to disciplinary consequences. 

Exception: In the rare instance that a student requires access to their cell phone as indicated by a 504 plan, IEP (Individualized Education Program), or Multilingual Learner services.

2. Students are allowed to use cell phones during passing times and/or lunch so long as the phone does not cause a disruption to the school day of the student and/or other PHS students. 

* Students are not allowed to take their cell phones out of the classroom pockets is leaving class to use the bathroom, access the nurse's office/main office/school counseling office.

** Students who have 2nd Lunch period will be allowed to take their cell phones out of the designated classroom pocket when they attend lunch. Students must return their devices to their designated pocket immediately upon their return to class

*** Should an emergency alarm sound (i.e. Fire Alarm, Evacuation Announcement), students should promptly exit the building per building expectations. In these situations a timely exit and maximizing student safety is our primary concern. As such, students should not retrieve their phones prior to exiting the classroom/building

3. Wireless earbuds are not allowed to be worn at any time in the building unless explicitly required via a 504 plan, IEP (Individualized Education Program), or Multilingual Learner services. Students who repetitively are found to be wearing these devices or who refuse to remove earbuds will be subject to disciplinary consequences. 

4. The use of social media and/or inappropriate applications is strictly prohibited during school hours. Refer to Policy JICJ Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices

5. Students are strictly prohibited from using any electronic device, as defined by Policy JICJ Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices, in any school or district restroom or locker room. 

For more specific information on our district cell phone policy, please navigate ot the following link Policy JICJ Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Electronic Devices