Cell Phones & Social Media

Personal Use of Social Media

This section of the policy refers to the personal use of social media sites such as, but not limited to, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter. Staff and students may not mention members of the school community without their consent unless the subject is of public concern and the speech falls under applicable constitutional protections.

‘Friending’ of current students by staff and vice versa is forbidden on a staff’s personal social networking site. Personal posts must use appropriately respectful speech and refrain from harassing, defamatory, abusive, discriminatory, threatening, or other inappropriate communications. Students are a representative of the school at all times.

Cell Phones and Communications

All use of cell phones, smart-watches (i.e., Apple Watch or similar devices), and headphones (i.e., air buds or similar devices) during school hours (8am-3pm) will be prohibited. All headphones used during the school day must be wired.  Students must place and lock their cell phones in a Yondr pouch during the school day. It is not acceptable to have it on their person (i.e. in their pant/shorts/shirt pockets or jacket pockets). If a student damages their pouch or is caught using their phone, the Administration will collect the student’s pouch/phone and call home. In the event of an emergency, students and parents will be able to follow the traditional method of contact through Student Services which has worked effectively and safely for decades. Furthermore, the administration will have access to portable magnets to unlock the student's pouches if deemed necessary by the administration.

As students arrive at school, they will: 

• Turn their phone on airplane mode.

• Place their phone inside their pouch and secure it in the presence of school staff.

• Store their pouch in their backpack for the day.

At the end of the day, students will unlock their pouch, remove their phone and put their pouch in their backpack. Students must bring their pouch to school with them each day.  Students arriving late or leaving early will pouch/unpouch their phones at the west desk or student services

If a student forgets their pouch, their phone will be collected and held in student services. The phone will be returned to the student at dismissal. If this behavior becomes consistent or excessive the Administration will call home to remind the parent/guardian of the policy and consequences will be at the discretion of the Dean(s). 

Any intentional damage done to the pouch will result in a fine. Examples of pouch damage include:

• Bent pin

• Ripped fabric

• Deep scratches on the lock exterior + green ring 

• Intentional pen marks on the inside of the pouch

• Pin and button not fully recessing due to pin damage

Any violation of this policy will result in the following disciplinary action:

• 1st offense -  1 hour of Detention & $100 fine/completion of school service, device confiscated and a parent must pick it up at the end of the school day.

• 2nd offense - 2 hours of detention, $100 fine/completion of school service, device, and devices will be confiscated and a parent must pick it up at the end of the school day.

• 3rd offense - 2 hours of after-school detention,  $150 fine/ completion of school service, and the student will be required to surrender their cell phone/headphones each day to student services upon arrival at school for the remainder of the quarter.

• 4th offense - Possible suspension, behavior contract, suspension from extracurricular involvement, meeting with administration

The administration reserves the right to increase fine amounts as necessary at any given time. Repeat offenses may have fines doubled, tripled etc. 

Electronic and/or Digital communications with students should be conducted for educationally appropriate purposes and employ only school-sanctioned means of communication. The school-sanctioned communications methods include:

• Staff school web pages, wiki, or learning management sites like Canvas or Teacher Web.

• Staff school email address.

• Staff school phone number.

• Staff-created, educationally focused networking sites.

• No staff member is permitted to 1-on-1 text message any student and, likewise, no student is permitted to 1-on-1 text message any staff member, except in emergency reporting.

Electronic and Mobile Devices: Users must adhere to school policies that may further define the uses of mobile devices. Access will be determined by the administration of the school.