Thursday, March 28, 2024

Carroll ISD Implements New Electronic Device Policy for the 2019-2020 School Year

During the July 22 Board Meeting, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Janet McDade revealed the new Electronic Device Policy, which will be implemented in the 2019-2020 school year. Based on feedback received during the 2018-2019 school year from PTO presidents, members of SHAC, CLASS, and other parents across the District, the Student Services Department worked with campus administrators to develop new recommendations for consistent electronic device policies for each campus level.

The Electronic Device Guidelines have been streamlined by campus level to better fit the needs of the students, teachers, and desires of the stakeholders’ feedback. These guidelines are included in each campus handbook and are expected to be adhered to as a part of the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct. With the 1:1 device roll out across the District there is no longer a need for students to bring their own device to campus, however, the District realizes there may be a parental desire for students to still have a device for safety and/or health reasons.

At the elementary and intermediate school levels, the district is asking students to leave all personal communication and electronic devices at home in order to preserve the learning environment while also eliminating unnecessary distractions. The use of as the of these devices by students during the school day is prohibited and any communication between the student and home during the school day must be made through the school.

However, if devices are brought to school, students must comply with the following guidelines:

  • Devices are to be kept in the student’s backpack, cubby (elementary), or locker (intermediate) during the school day.
  • Devices are to be turned off. Placing a device in silent/vibrate mode is not considered “turned off.”
  • Devices may be used after students have been dismissed from school and exited the building.
  • Teachers may request students to bring a device to class to use for instructional purposes. At this time, students may use their devices for these teacher-approved activities.

Students found in violation of these guidelines will have their devices confiscated by the classroom teacher/staff­ member and turned into the main office.

  • 1st Off­ense – Device confiscated and returned to student at the end of the day.
  • 2nd Offense – Device confiscated and parent/guardian contacted by the staff member who took up the device. Return device to student at the end of the day.
  • 3rd Off­ense – Device confiscated and parent/guardian contacted by staff member who took up the device. Parent may pick-up device in the main office at the end of the day.
  • 4th Offense – Parent/Guardian contacted by staff member who took up the device. Student must pay $15 before collecting device at the end of the school day.

At the middle school level, between the regular school hours of 8:40 a.m. and 3:40 p.m., students are allowed use of their electronic device in designated areas and when permitted by school staff.  Electronic device use is not permitted: during lunches in the cafeteria, in student restrooms, in the hallways during passing periods, or when otherwise prohibited by school staff. If an electronic device is used when not permitted it may be confiscated and returned to the student or parent after paying a $15 fine through the assistant principals’ office.

At the high school levels, students may have cell phones in their possession at school, while they are permitted to be used for instructional purposes. At times the teachers will require that students turn their cell phones off. Students found to be using cell phones when prohibited, may be fined, disciplined and the phones may be confiscated. Arrangement must be made with the student/parents to return the phone. By law, all campuses may assess and collect a $15 fee on the device before releasing the item. Students may be subjected to disciplinary action in these cases.

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