Purpose: To establish the basic structure for student possession/use of electronic communication devices in school and/or on school property

For purposes of this policy, electronic communication devices are defined as any telecommunications device (including cellular telephones, camera phones, pagers, etc.) that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, a picture, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor.

To reflect changes in state law, the district will allow the possession of operating electronic communication devices by elementary, middle, and high school students under the following limited circumstances.

• Operating (i.e., turned “on”) electronic communication devices are not allowed in school buildings or on school campuses beginning at 7:30 a.m. on an academic school day without the permission of the school principal or her/his designee. Operating (8.3., turned “on”) electronic communication devices are allowed during classroom instruction, subject to permission from both the principal and classroom teacher. Use of these devices is for academic purposes only. When not permitted, electronic communication devices are to be turned “off” and stored out of sight in pockets, bags, backpacks, etc. District personnel will direct students in the appropriate use of personal electronic communication devices which at times may be encouraged, and at other times may require that the devices be turned off and put away for certain activities. Personal devices will not be allowed to disrupt the school environment and may be collected by the teachers or other district personnel as outlined below. Personal devices that negatively impact the district computing environment or network may be shut down or blocked to prevent disruption of service to others. Students who wish to use a personal electronic communication device must have a signed User Agree and Parent/Legal Guardian Permission Form on file. This file must be updated annually.
• Operating (i.e., turned “on”) electronic communication devices are not allowed en route to and from school on school buses. While on a school bus, a student’s electronic communication device is to be turned “off” and stored out of sight in pockets, bags, backpacks, etc.
• Operating (i.e., turned “on”) electronic communication devices are allowed on school campuses or in school building prior to 7:30 a.m. on an academic school day and in school buildings and on the school campus after the academic school day has ended (2:30 p.m. for elementary school, 3:10 p.m. for middle school, and 3:15 p.m. for high school unless the day is extended due to school bus schedules) and days when schools are not in session.

The school principal or his/her designee will have the authority to limit the use and/or confiscate electronic communication devices if the use or possession of these devices may cause or it causing a disruption to the school and/or event.

A student who is in violation of this policy is subject to the following penalties.

• First offense* - confiscation of the device; and, after a conference with the parent/legal guardian, the device will be returned to the adult.
• Second offense* - confiscation of the device; and, after a conference with the parent/legal guardian, the device will be returned to the adult after 14 calendar days.
• Third offense* - confiscation of the device; and, after a conference with the parent/legal guardian, the device will be returned after 60 calendar days.
• Fourth and subsequent offenses* - confiscation of the device and the device will be returned at the conclusion of the current academic year.

The principal or her/his designee may assign additional disciplinary consequences if the principal or his/her designee determines that the circumstances of a particular incident warrant such an action.

*Note: In an elementary school, the principal may reduce the consequence(s) if extenuating circumstances exist.

As a point of clarification, it should be noted that the above-specified penalties are limited to the current school year.

School personnel and/or the school district are not responsible for the loss or damage of any electronic communication device brought onto school property. In addition, the district will not be responsible for the condition of any confiscated device upon its return to the owner.