The possession and use of Electronic Devices (E-Devices) is a privileged part of the educational experience. The school may revoke the privilege of possessing and using E-Devices at any time. E-Devices include devices used to communicate, receive, send, store, record to listen to voice, text, digital, audio, video, photo, electronic, or internet/cyberspace data, images, and/or information which shall include but not be limited to cell phones, iPads/tablets, iPods, Bluetooth speakers, portable music players, game players, cameras, video cameras, smart watches, etc. Students who require the use of an E-Device as part of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will work with case managers for specific use parameters.

 

Cell Phone Guidelines:

• Elementary Schools (grades K-5): Cell phone are not allowed during the school day. Smartwatches must also remain in student backpacks/ lockers during the academic school day, including lunch and recess.

• Middle School (grades 6-8): Cell phone use is not allowed during the school day. Students must keep cell phones in lockers or in the main office. Cell phone use is allowed before and after school. Smart watches, including all wearable electronic devices capable of sending/receiving messages and phone calls, or accessing the internet, are prohibited for use in this capacity during the school day.

• High School (grades 9-12+): Cell phone use is not allowed in classrooms/instructional spaces, including the media center. Cell phone use is allowed during passing time, at lunch, before and after school.

Specific Restrictions: 

• Students are prohibited from using cell phones or electronic devices to engage in conduct prohibited by school district policies.

• Locker Rooms and Bathrooms: Devices with photo-taking capabilities are NOT allowed in locker rooms or bathrooms at any time. Confiscation and search of such devices is standard procedure if found in these areas.

• Lockdowns and Fire Drills: Phone usage during lockdown and fire drills is prohibited.

• Unauthorized Recording: Students who take pictures or videos of others without permission in any school setting, including the bus, will face disciplinary actions.

 

If the school district has a reasonable suspicion that a student has violated a school rule or law by use of a cell phone or other electronic communication device, the school district may search the device and require that the video/photo be deleted. The search of the device will be reasonably related in scope to the circumstances justifying the search. 

 

Students who use an electronic communication device during the school day and/or in violation of school district policies may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the school’s discipline procedures.  In addition, a student’s cell phone or electronic communication device may be confiscated by the school district and, if applicable, provided to law enforcement.  Cell phones or other electronic communication devices that are confiscated and retained by the school district will be returned in accordance with school building procedures.

 

The school is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones or any other E-Devices, its programs or its contents. 

 

POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES The progressive discipline procedures below are designed to improve and prevent a recurrence of the behavior. Administrators reserve the right to combine or skip steps depending on the facts of each situation.
Grades K-12	Confiscation of phone, parent/legal guardian contact; Principal conference with student; In/out of school suspension; Expulsion/ Exclusion
Activities and Athletics	Eligibility to participate in school sponsored activities may be jeopardized.  For more information see an administrator or activities/athletic directors or visit the MSHSL Eligibility Brochure