Purpose

To promote a focused and respectful learning environment by minimizing distractions from personal electronic devices during instructional time.

Pueblo District 60 Board of Education recognizes that electronic communication devices can play a vital communication role during emergency situations. However, ordinary use of electronic communication devices in school situations disrupts and interferes with the educational process and is not acceptable. Students may carry electronic communication devices but these devices must be turned off inside school buildings, on school buses, at school-sponsored activities and on field trips. In these locations, electronic communication devices may be used only during emergencies.(For the purpose of this policy, “emergency” shall mean an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety, which may result in loss of life, injury or property damage.)

Electronic communication devices with cameras are prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, or other locations where such operation may violate the privacy rights of another person. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the device is turned off and out of sight during unauthorized times. Violation of this policy and/or use that violates any other district policy shall result in disciplinary measures and confiscation of the electronic communication device.

Policy Summary

• Upon entering the classroom, students must store their cell phone, earbuds, and smartwatches out of sight (e.g., in a backpack or pocket).

• Devices may only be used with explicit teacher permission for instructional purposes only.

• If a student fails to meet expectations, the phone will be placed in the classroom cell phone lockbox for the remainder of the period, as needed.

• If a student habitually fails to meet expectations, teachers will follow the Consequence Ladder listed below.

Additional Guidelines

• Personal devices must be silent and not visible unless directed otherwise.

• Emergency communication must go through the front office.

• Teachers are expected to implement and document the policy consistently. Administration will support staff with escalation and follow-through on consequences.

Consequence Ladder

Offense Response

1st

Verbal Reminder – Teacher reminds the student of the storage expectation.

2nd

Warning & Phone Lockbox Use – Student places phone in the classroom  lockbox for the remainder of the period; teacher documents behavior.

3rd

Parent Contact & Locker Hold – Teacher contacts parent. Phone is placed in the classroom lockbox and held until the end of class. (Violation of Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Code JICDA #23, Repeated interference with the school’s ability to provide educational opportunities to other students.)

4th

Office Referral, Parent Contact & Detention – Phone held in classroom lockbox until end of class. Office referral made; Dean of Students assigns lunch detention and contacts the parent. (Violation of Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Code JICDA #24, Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority including deliberate refusal to obey a member of the school staff.)

5th+

Progressive Administrative Action – May include in-school suspension, out of school suspension,  behavior contract, or further restrictions on device use. (Violation of Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Code JICDA #24, Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority including deliberate refusal to obey a member of the school staff.)

If the student refuses to comply with the consequence ladder, the teacher will escalate the incident to an office referral for defiance.

Support & Implementation

• Cell phone lockboxes will be provided in all classrooms.

• Staff will receive training and templates for documentation and parent communication.

• Policy will be clearly communicated to students and families in advance of implementation.