School Policies » Cell Phone and Other Electronic Devices Policy

Cell Phone and Other Electronic Devices Policy

Cell Phone and Other Electronic Devices* Policy

Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices are permitted to be used:
In the Cafeteria during morning entry and lunch periods.
In classrooms for instructional use only, with the permission and prompting of the teacher.
In designated rooms (117, 229, 331) on each floor for emergency purposes and for students who do not have a lunch period, or school day ends prior to 2:47 pm.
However absolutely no external speakers are to be used in the cafeteria or other subsequent area of the school.

Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices are NOT permitted to be used:
In the hallway during the changing of classes, or any other time during school hours from 8:00 am - 2:47 pm.

Electronic Device Use in the Library:
iPads, iPods, laptops/tablets, cell phones for school related internet use only are permitted.

* laptops, tablets, iPads and other similar computing devices; portable music and entertainment systems.

Discipline:
Students who use cell phones, computing devices, and/or portable music and entertainment systems in violation of any provision of the Department of Education's Discipline Code, the school's policy, Chancellor's Regulation A-413, and/or the Department of Education's Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.
 
There are a number of infractions in the Discipline Code that address inappropriate use of electronic devices.  The Discipline code provides that when "misbehavior involves communication, gestures or expressive behavior, the infraction applies to oral, written or electronic communications, including but not limited to texting, emailing or social networking."  Accordingly, students may not use electronic devices to engage in prohibited behaviors, which include but are not limited to:
 
  • making sexually suggestive comments, innuendos, propositions or similar remarks, or engaging in nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
  • posting, distributing, displaying or sharing literature or material containing a threat of violence, injury or harm, or depicting violent actions against or obscene, vulgar or lewd pictures of students or staff.
  • engaging in harassing, intimidating and/or bullying behavior, including use of electronic communication to engage in such behavior (cyber-bullying).
  • using slurs based upon actual race or perceived race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship/immigration status, weight, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or disability. Such behaviors include, but is not limited to: physical violence; stalking; verbal, written, or physical conduct that threatens another with harm; seeking to coerce or compel a student or staff member to do something; hazing; taunting; exclusion from peer groups designed to humiliate or isolate; using derogatory language or making derogatory jokes or name calling to humiliate or harass.
  • The Discipline Code also prohibits students from taking unauthorized photos and audio/video recordings of others.
 
Academic Integrity:
The Discipline Code prohibits students from using electronic devices to engage in scholastic dishonesty, which includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarizing and colluding (Discipline Code Infraction B31).  Students are prohibited from turning on or using devices during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination.  The only exception is computing devices, which may be used only with the explicit authorization of the school or as required by an IEP or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.
 
Confiscation:
If a student uses an electronic device in violation of the school policy, or in a manner that causes disruption to classroom instruction, school activities and programs.  Based on the nature or violation, faculty and/or staff may direct the student to comply with our school policy and put the device away and/or confiscate the device.  If a student's device is confiscated, the school will store the device in a secure location and provide the student with a receipt for confiscation.  Student's parent or/or guardian or any other individual listed on the student's blue card may retrieve the electronic device on the following school day during school day operating hours.