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Model Policy

Cell Phone Restriction

Why adopt this policy?

The movement to restrict cell phone usage in the classroom or at school is a growing and bipartisan movement in America. There is a growing body of research that shows cell phone usage can hurt students’ ability to learn, which validates a sentiment felt by 90% of teachers across the country. There are a wide range of solutions, but more and more school districts are restricting the use of cell phones during class time.

Text:

Purpose

This policy is established to reduce distractions for students during the school day and to minimize interruptions to the learning process for all students. The District recognizes that personal telecommunications may be a safety tool, but asks that parents and guardians please call the school’s phone number to relay any urgent messages to their child.

Personal Use

All telecommunications devices must remain turned off during the instructional school day and stowed off the student in a backpack, purse, or locker unless the devices are being used for approved purposes. The instructional school day begins at the beginning of the of the first instructional period of the day and ends at the last instructional period of the day. As such, telecommunications devices are not to be used during class change passing periods or lunch periods. An authorized District employee may confiscate a personal telecommunications device, including a mobile telephone, used in violation of this policy or applicable campus rules.

At any time, administrators reserve the right to deny cell phone/electronic devices usage or possession during the school day.

The use of cell phones or any device capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at a school-related or school-sponsored event.

Retrieval of Devices

If a personal telecommunications device is not retrieved, the District shall dispose of the device after providing notice required by law.

The District is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.

Consequences for Unauthorized Use of Telecommunications Devices

The consequences for unauthorized use of telecommunications devices during the school day have been established based on the student’s grade level and campus.

High School Students

Consequences for students in high school include:

  • 1st offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, and detention.
  • 2nd offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, and Saturday school.
  • 3rd offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, and one day of in-school suspension (ISS). The student shall no longer be eligible for exemption from semester finals.
  • 4th offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, and three days of ISS. The student shall no longer be eligible for exemption from semester finals.
  • 5th offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, and five days in the District’s Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
  • 6th offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, and 30 days in the DAEP.

Intermediate and Middle School Students

Consequences for students in an intermediate or middle school include:

  • 1st offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, and device shall be held in school office until the end of the day.
  • 2nd offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, and detention.
  • 3rd offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, and one day of ISS. The student shall no longer be eligible for exemption from semester finals.
  • 4th offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, two days of ISS. The student shall no longer be eligible for exemption from semester finals and shall be required to turn in their phone to front office each day for the remainder of the school year

Elementary School Students

Consequences for students in elementary school include:

  • 1st offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, and device shall be held in school office until the end of the day.
  • 2nd offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, and detention.
  • 3rd offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, and one day of ISS.
  • 4th offense: Confiscation of device, administrator shall contact parent, device shall be held in school office until the end of the day, two days of ISS, and the student shall be required to turn in their phone to front office each day for the remainder of the school year.

Other Electronic Devices

A student must have approval to possess other personal telecommunications devices on campus such as laptops, tablets, or other portable computers. Without such permission, teachers shall collect the items and turn them in to the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return items to students at the end of the day or to contact parents to pick up the items.

Instructional Use

A student shall obtain prior approval before using personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for on-campus instructional purposes. The student shall also acknowledge receipt and understanding of applicable regulations and shall sign the appropriate user agreements.