S73-Cell phone usage policy

S73-Cell phone usage policy

Revised October 2025

The School’s Board of Directors has adopted the following policy in order to limit the use of personal cellular telephones and other personal electronic communication devices (collectively, an “ECD”) by students during school hours. The School’s Board of Directors acknowledges the scientific research which has proven that ECDs distract students from classroom instruction and have other negative effects on student performance and their overall mental health.

As such, and in order to reduce ECD-related distractions during school hours, students are hereby prohibited from using any ECD during school hours unless permitted under the building’s comprehensive emergency management plan. Students may only use school-issued or approved devices during school hours.

Notwithstanding the prior prohibition, the following exceptions may apply. Students may use an ECD during school hours if:

- Determined appropriate by the Board, or if included in a student's Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Plan, a student may use an ECD for student learning or to monitor or address a health concern;
- The School administrator, or their designee, receives a written statement from a student’s physician requiring such use, the School shall permit a student to use an ECD to monitor or address a health concern.

Any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, ranging from verbal warnings up to and including suspension and expulsion, and may result in school confiscating the ECD. If an ECD is confiscated by the school, it will be released/returned to the student at the end of the day. Repeat confiscations may require the Parent/Guardian to appear at school prior to the ECD being released.

The school understands that Parents/Guardians may desire their student to have an ECD at school and during school hours. However, Parents/Guardians are reminded that, in the event of an emergency, the best way to reach their student is to call the main office. Students who have an ECD with them during school hours must keep their phones in a secure place, such as a locker, storage container designated by school, or in their backpack/bag. Even then, the ECD must remain “off” during all school hours (i.e., simply having it on “vibrate” mode is not sufficient). Any ECD brought by the student which disrupts the learning environment may subject the student to disciplinary action.

The school assumes no responsibility for the theft, loss, or damage of any ECD brought by a student to school. Students assume all risks in bringing such devices onto school property.

This Policy shall be posted on the school's website.