Possession of a cellular telephone or other electronic communication device (ECD), (e.g., laser pointers and attachments, paging devices/beepers, personal digital assistants (PDA's), and other devices designed to receive and send an electronic signal) by a student is a privilege, which may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this guideline, or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege.

Students in grades K-8 are prohibited from using cellular telephones or other electronic communication devices (ECD) or having them "On" during the school day. This includes lunch periods and passing periods. "Using" refers to, not only the making and/or receiving of calls, but also using the cellular telephone or ECD for any other purpose (i.e., sending text messages, taking pictures, making recordings, etc.)

At the high school level, students are permitted to use cellular telephones or other electronic communication devices (ECD) during lunch, before 7:30 a.m. or after 2:50 p.m., and with specific permission from a high school staff member. High school students are not permitted to use cellular telephones or other ECD's during class, in study hall, or during any other academic period. Cellular telephones and other ECD's are not to cause any classroom disruptions. The ringing or vibration of a cellular telephone or ECD is considered a classroom disruption. Therefore, these devices should be turned off during all class periods.

Using a cellular telephone or other ECD in an unauthorized manner or in violation of the policy, may result in the loss of this privilege, additional disciplinary action (e.g., warning, parental notification and conferences, suspension, expulsion), confiscation of the cellular telephone or ECD (in which case, the cellular telephone or ECD will only be released/returned to the student's parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequence that is imposed), and/or referral to law enforcement if the violation involves an illegal activity. Students also may not use cellular telephones or ECD's to access and/or review Internet web sites that are otherwise blocked to students while on school property or at a school-sponsored activity. Students cannot use a cell phone to violate school policy.

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 parent/guardians during the school day.

The Board or Education is not responsible for the loss, theft, damage, or vandalism to student cellular telephones or ECD's as well as other student property. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to take appropriate precautions, if students have cellular telephones or ECD's in their possession, to make sure the cellular telephones and ECS's are not left unattended or unsecured.

Adopted 11/13/07
Revised 06/09/09