Cell Phone and Wireless Communication Device Usage Guidelines

Cell Phone and Wireless Communication Device Usage Guidelines

The following guidelines create a safe and age-appropriate environment for students by establishing guidelines for cell phones and other personal wireless communication devices (including but not limited to watches, ear buds, and other wearable technology). Students must follow these guidelines while on school property, including school buses, or at school-sponsored events regardless of location.

Exceptions to these guidelines may be granted as disability accommodations through Section 504 plans or IEPs when necessary to ensure student access to school and school-sponsored activities. Exceptions may also be granted as part of a student’s health, safety, or other support plan.

Guidelines

K-8 Grade Students

All functions within personal wireless communication devices must be silenced and stored away during the school day.
Dual-purpose watches may be worn at school, but wireless/cellular features must be turned off during the school day (e.g., must be placed in airplane mode).
Cell phones and wireless communication devices may be used on school buses provided the device does not distract the driver, compromise safety, or violate the Prohibited Content and Use for All Students provisions detailed below.

9-12 Grade Students

Personal wireless communication devices, including earbuds, must be silenced, and stored away during all instructional periods.
Dual-purpose watches are allowed, but wireless/cellular features must be turned off during instructional times (e.g., must be in airplane mode).
Personal wireless communication devices and one earbud are permitted during lunchtimes and during hallway passing times but are prohibited in all locker rooms and restrooms.
Cell phones and wireless communication devices may be used on school buses provided the device does not distract the driver, compromise safety, or violate the Prohibited Content and Use for All Students provisions detailed below.

Prohibited Content and Use for All Students

Students are not allowed to create, access, or share content that is incompatible with a K-12 educational environment while on school property, including school buses, or at school-sponsored events regardless of location. Examples include, but are not limited to:

Content that is obscene, contains profanity, or that involves or threatens illegal acts.
Content that bullies, harasses, threatens, or degrades others is strictly prohibited including the use of artificial intelligence to impersonate others.
Videotaping misconduct is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary actions.
Use of cell phones and wireless communication devices in restrooms or locker rooms is strictly prohibited. Photographing or videotaping other students in a state of undress in these or other areas of the school will result in discipline and may result in a referral to law enforcement.
Use of cell phones and wireless communication devices to cheat or in ways that violate the school division’s acceptable use policy.

Safety and Privacy

Emergency: Students will be permitted to use a phone in the main office to contact a parent/guardian during the school day should the need arise. If a personal wireless communication device is needed to contact a parent/guardian as part of a reunification following an emergency, staff will provide direction when approved to do so.
Privacy and Respect: Respecting the privacy of others is emphasized; taking photos or videos of classmates, peers, and staff is strictly prohibited on school property, including school buses, or while involved in school-related activities without prior approval of an administrator or staff member.

Expectations

Students must comply with staff directives and the provisions of this policy to avoid disruption of the educational environment, or they may be subject to disciplinary actions.
Parents/guardians should not contact their student on their personal wireless communication devices during the school day. Parents/guardians should contact the office with urgent messages for students and the office will facilitate communication.
Students and families/guardians will receive the cell phone and wireless communication devices guidelines at the beginning of the school year and must read the notice. A student and/or parent’s failure to read the guidelines does not exempt a student from the responsibility to follow these guidelines.
The student is responsible for adhering to these guidelines and always securing their belongings. Classes and/or instruction will not be stopped to resolve or search for a lost personal wireless communication device.

Last Updated: August 2, 2024