Student Cell Phone Usage
Developments in cell phone technology in recent years have resulted in enhanced communication opportunities. However, the use of cell phones in schools poses increasing risks of school disruptions, bullying, criminal activity, and academic dishonesty. For purposes of this policy, an “electronic personal communications device” means a portable device used to initiate, receive, store, or view communication, information, images, or data electronically. As a result, student cell phones, digital cameras and similar electronic devices will be banned during the school day, as well as, in dressing areas during extracurricular activities. If a student chooses to bring a cell phone to school, it must be powered off and stored in a back pack or a locked locker. Students will not be allowed to carry a cell phone on their person.
Disciplinary Procedures-Violation of this policy will result in the following consequences:
-Any student that refuses to give an electronic device to a teacher or a building administrator is subject to suspension for insubordination.
-Please note that if a student is in possession of inappropriate or lewd pictures or texts on their electronic device(s), the district will discipline according to the Student Handbook and notify the proper authorities as deemed necessary.
-Emergency phone calls can always be made in the main office; so, cell phones are not needed during school hours. If parents must contact their child, they should call the school office.
1st offense-The electronic personal communication device will be confiscated and given to the building administrator. The device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.
2nd offense- The electronic personal communication device will be confiscated and given to the building administrator. The device will need to be picked up by a parent. The student will serve (1) one after school detention.
3rd offense- The electronic personal communication device will be confiscated and given to the building administrator. The device will be picked up by the parent. The student will serve (2) two after school detentions.
Subsequent offenses- The electronic personal communication device will be confiscated and given to the building administrator. The device will be picked up by the parent. For the remainder of the semester, the student will be required to check-in the device to the school office at the beginning of the school day and the device will be returned to the student at the end of each school day. The student will also serve any other disciplinary measures deemed necessary by the building administrator: detentions, days of in-school suspension (ISS), and/or days in out- of-school suspension (OSS) and possible notification to juvenile officers.
However, such electronic devices may be used in serious, unexpected and dangerous situations that require immediate action. Such emergency situations include but are not limited to: an active fire, active tornado or earthquake, active shooter, an evacuation of school grounds, a medical emergency, or any other serious, unexpected, and dangerous situation that requires immediate action.
In addition, exceptions will also be made when use of such electronic device is provided or required by:
-An Individualized Education Program (IEP)
-A Section 504 Plan
-An Individualized Emergency Health Care Plan or Individualized Health Care Plan (under § 167.625 RSMo)
-The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as amended
-The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended
-The Civil Rights Act of 1964
-The Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 for English language learners
Immunity-School employees and volunteers are immune from the liability provided that they are acting in good faith and are adhering to the Policy’s disciplinary procedures.
This Policy will be published on the District’s website.