Section 3 Electronic Devices
Holy Family School strongly discourages students from bringing and/or using electronic devices at school. The use of electronic devices can be disruptive to the educational process and are items that are frequently lost or stolen. In order to maintain a secure and orderly learning environment, and to promote respect and courtesy regarding the use of electronic devices Holy Family School hereby establishes the following rules and regulations governing student use of electronic devices, and procedures to address student misuse of electronic devices.
Definitions. “Electronic devices,” include, but are not limited to, cell phones, Mp3 players, iPods, personal digital assistants (PDAs), compact disc players, portable game consoles, cameras, digital scanners, lap top computers, and other electronic or battery powered instruments which transmit voice, text, or data from one person to another.
Possession and Use of Electronic Devices.
1. Students are not permitted to possess or use any electronic devices during class time or during passing time except as otherwise provided by this policy. Cell phone usage is strictly prohibited during any class period; including voice usage, digital imaging, or text messaging. Electronic devices which hare brought to school must be kept in the student’s locker or car. If in the locker, the device must be turned off.
2. Students are permitted to possess and use electronic devices before school hours and after school hours, provided that the student not commit any abusive use of the device (see paragraph (4)(a). Administrators have the discretion to prohibit student possession or use of electronic devices on school grounds during these times in the event the administration determines such further restrictions are appropriate; an announcement will be given in the event of such a change in permitted use.
3. Electronic devices may be used during class time when specifically approved by the teacher or a school administrator in conjunction with appropriate and authorized class or school activities or events (i.e., student use of a camera during a photography class; student use of a lap top computer for a class presentation).
4. Students may use electronic devices during class time when authorized pursuant to an Individual Education Plan (IEP), a Section 504 Accommodation Plan, or a Health Care Plan, or pursuant to a plan developed with the student’s parent when the student has a compelling need to have the device (e.g., a student whose parent is in the hospital could be allowed limited use of the cell phone for family contacts, so the family can give the student updates on the parent’s condition).
Violations
1. Students shall not use electronic devices at any time or place for: (a) activities which disrupt the educational environment; (b) illegal activities in violation of state or federal laws or regulations; (c) unethical activities, such as cheating on assignments or tests; (d) immoral or pornographic activities; (e) activities in violation of Board or school policies and procedures relating to student conduct and harassment; or (f) activities which invade the privacy of others. Such student misuses will be dealt with as serious school violations, and immediate and appropriate disciplinary action will be imposed, including, but not limited to, suspension and expulsion from school.
2. Electronic devices used in violation of this policy will be confiscated by school personnel and returned to the student or parent/guardian at an appropriate time. If an electronic device is confiscated, the electronic device shall be taken to the school’s main office to be identified, placed in a secure area, and returned to the student and/or the student’s parent/guardian in a consistent and orderly way.
3. First Violation: The electronic device will be confiscated and brought to the principal. A conference will be held between the student and the school principal. The electronic device shall remain in the possession of the school administration until such time as the student personally comes to the school’s main office and retrieves the electronic device.
4. Second Violation: Depending upon the nature of the violation and the imposition of other appropriate disciplinary action, consequences at a minimum may include a relinquishment of the electronic device to the school administration and a conference between the student and his/her parent/guardian and the school principal or assistant principal. The electronic device shall remain in the possession of the school administration until such time as the student’s parent/guardian personally comes to the school’s main office and retrieves the electronic device.
5. Third Violation: Depending upon the nature of the violation and the imposition of other appropriate disciplinary action, consequences at a minimum may include a relinquishment of the electronic device to the school administration, a conference between the student and his/her parent/guardian and the school principal or assistant principal, and suspension of the student. The electronic device shall remain in the possession of the school administration until such time as the student’s parent/guardian personally comes to the school’s main office and retrieves the electronic device.
6. Subsequent Violations: Students who are repeat offenders of this policy shall be subject to the imposition of any appropriate disciplinary action, which may include suspension and expulsion from school.
Responsibility for Electronic Devices. Students or their parents/guardians are expected to claim a confiscated electronic device within ten (10) days of the date it was relinquished. The school shall not be responsible, financially or otherwise, for any unclaimed electronic devices. By bringing such devices to school, students and parents authorize the school to dispose of unclaimed devices at the end of each semester. Holy Family School is not responsible for the security and safekeeping of students’ electronic devices and is not financially responsible for any damage, destruction, or loss of electronic devices.
Lindsay Holy Family School 