Electronic Devices, Cell Phones, and Personal Items

Electronic Devices and Personal Items

Students are not to bring items to school that are unnecessary for schoolwork.  Such items may be confiscated and turned in to administrators.  In this case, parents/guardians may claim the item or it will be returned to the student at the end of the year.  Examples of items that students should not bring to school include but are not limited to bandanas, Nintendo Switch, radios, cameras, hand-held game systems, walkie-talkies, toys, trading/game cards, fish hooks, roller blades/shoes with wheels, ripsticks and skateboards.  Laser pointers and lighters may be considered dangerous instruments, and are not to be brought to school and students with those items are subject to disciplinary action. Earbuds/headphones are to only be out and visible for instructional use only in the classroom and require teacher permission.  FVMS will not assume responsibility for any lost or unclaimed confiscated items.

Cell Phones

Cell Phone Policy 

Our goal is to refocus our students on the primary purpose of school, which is learning and the learning process.  We want our students to have interpersonal skills to be able to communicate in face-to-face conversations with their teachers, other adults, and their peers.  When they are constantly on their phones, texting, listening to music through their ear buds, etc.. this is not possible. Additionally, we want our teachers to have the best opportunity to be able to teach your child in the best learning environment possible.  

Beginning this school year, the following cell phone/electronic policy will be in effect for Fuquay-Varina Middle School:  

• Phones must be powered off before entering the school and stored in bookbags.  Students must keep their phones and other personal devices completely out-of-sight and not in use for the duration of the school day.  

• Earbuds and headphones will need to be stored in their bookbags during class unless directed by their teacher for instructional purposes.  

We realize there may be times that you will need to get in touch with your child.  You may contact your child through their email address or by leaving a message with our receptionist in the front office.  In the event of an emergency, teachers will have established procedures to allow students the ability to get in touch with their parents/guardians.  

Thank you for your support of Fuquay-Varina Middle School as we continuously strive to create the best educational learning environment possible that is free from distractions and helps your child be the best they can be.    Parents are asked NOT to text students throughout the school day.

Consequences: Students who have their cell phone or other device (Airpod, headphones, etc.) visible or in use may receive consequences ranging from verbal warnings to temporary confiscation and from lunch detention to confiscation requiring parent pick-up.

Telephone Use

Students are permitted to use school phones only in emergencies or as directed/permitted by a staff member.  Students may only use the phones designated for student use.  Using a cell phone is not appropriate because they should be turned off during school hours.

Preventing Theft

Do not bring large amounts of money or items with high monetary value to school. If you wear glasses or jewelry, always keep track of these items. You, not the school, are responsible for your personal property. Please label or place identifying marks on your items. When something appears to be missing, tell a staff member immediately. Cell phones are the most common item that is misplaced, lost, or stolen. Consider putting a tracker/find-my-phone app on cell phones of students.

Bookbags/Backpacks

Each team creates the policy surrounding book bags.  If students are not allowed to bring book bags into the classroom, the team will provide locations for students to secure materials.

Lockers

The school may provide a lock and locker based on availability and efficiency.  In the gym locker rooms, students may bring a personal lock if choosing to use a locker in this setting. Only school-issued locks may be used on assigned lockers in hallways.  Students are charged $5.00 to replace a lost lock.  Students are expected to secure (lock) their belongings in the school-assigned locker.  Students are not to share lockers unless directed to do so by a staff member.  Students should not share their combination with any other students or leave their lockers unlocked.  The school is not responsible for items taken from lockers.  Securing items in a locker is an effective deterrent to theft. Students are asked not to bring valuables to school.  Students should notify their locker-assigning teacher immediately if their locker cannot be locked or is unusable.  Lockers are the property of the school and may be opened at any time for inspection and service without the permission of the student.  Students are responsible for any items found in their locker.  Investigations for items stolen from unlocked lockers will not be a priority for administration or law enforcement.