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