Developments in cell phone technology in recent years have resulted in enhanced communication opportunities. The Johnson County R-VII School District recognizes that students increasingly have access to and are using personal electronic devices for many purposes, including educational purposes. The Board authorizes the superintendent and building principals to designate classes, grade levels and/or buildings where teachers are authorized to utilize and incorporate personal electronic devices into their instruction and lesson plans in accordance with this policy. The superintendent and building principals may also develop guidelines for student device use during non-educational times (lunch, passing periods, before and after school times). These guidelines, as well as any disciplinary consequences for violation of said guidelines, shall be placed in the student handbook and made available to all students and parents.
Teachers who incorporate such technology into their classrooms shall, with the assistance of the principal or designee, make accommodations for those students who do not have access to personal electronic devices. No student shall be penalized in any fashion for failure to own or have access to personal electronic devices.
Regardless of building guidelines, cell phone and other media device use is to be banned in restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas at all times. This ban will be in effect throughout the instructional day as well as during extracurricular events.