Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Mobile Telephones

Students are issued, or allowed access to, school computers for instructional purposes; therefore, there is no instructional need for students to possess personal electronic devices, such as tablets, laptop computers, or MP3 players at school. The district understands that many parents feel their children need to carry cell phones (smart phones) to school for emergency communication purposes; however, there is no instructional need for students to use cell phones during the school day.

In order to minimize distractions to instruction and to protect our students from obscene, violent, or other inappropriate media and content, the district will no longer allow these personal devices to be brought to school (tablets, laptops, Nooks, etc.). The district cannot effectively control and monitor personal devices for such inappropriate content, and there is no instructional need for these personal devices. Phones may be brought to school, but may not be used during the school day on school grounds, including the lunch period.

Cell phones may not be openly visible, used, or turned on during the school day on school grounds. Any personal devices being used at school during the school day (other than school issued laptops) will be confiscated by staff and given to the principal. The first confiscation/violation will result in the device being held until the end of the school day and may be picked up by an authorized adult (not the student). The second confiscation/violation will result in the device being held for a minimum of 1 week and may be picked up by an authorized adult (not the student). The third confiscation/violation will result in the device being held until the end of the semester and may be picked up by an authorized adult (not the student).

Beginning January 6, 2015, any confiscated electronics will be assessed a fine of $15. The equipment will be available for pick up as described above after the first, second, and third offenses, but a fine will be collected prior to the device being released.