| Franklin Community School Corporation |
| Bylaws & Policies |
5136 - CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Possession of a cellular telephone or other ECD by a student is a privilege, which may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege.
Student possession of telephone paging devices (e.g., beepers or pagers) is prohibited on school grounds, at school sponsored events, and on school buses or other vehicles provided by the Corporation during regular school hours. Students may not use cellular telephones, including camera phones, or other electronic communication devices (ECDs) (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other devices designed to receive and send an electronic signal) during the school day. Cellular telephones and ECDs must be kept out of sight and turned off (not just placed in vibrate or silent mode) during the school day. In addition, students are not permitted to use cellular telephones, including camera phones, or ECDs to record/store/send/transmit the spoken work or visual image of any person, including other students or staff members, or educational instrument/document (e.g., test, quiz, etc.) any time while on school property or at a school-sponsored event. Finally, students may not use cellular telephones or ECDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to access and/or view Internet web sites that are otherwise blocked to students at school.
The following exceptions will apply:
| A. | The student has a special circumstance (e.g., his/her own special medical condition) and has been approved by the building principal. | |
| B. | The student is using the cellular telephone or ECD for an educational or instructional purpose with the teacher’s permission and supervision. |
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the cellular telephone or ECD. If the cellular telephone or ECD is confiscated, it will be released/returned to the student’s parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequence that is imposed. The building principal may also refer the matter to law enforcement if the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g., child pornography).
The student who possesses a cellular telephone or ECD is responsible for its care. The Board is not responsible for preventing theft, loss, damage, or vandalism to cellular telephones or ECDs brought onto its property.
Parents/guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the school office.
Students may use school phones to contact parents/guardians during the school day.
Adopted 9/11/06