For purposes of this policy, "personal communication device" (PCD) includes computers, tablets (e.g., iPad-like devices), electronic readers ("e-readers"; e.g., Kindle-like devices), cell phones, smartphones (e.g., iPhones, Android devices, Windows Mobile devices, etc.), telephone paging devices (e.g., beepers or pagers), and/or other web-enabled devices of any type.

Students may possess PCDs in school, on school property, during after school activities (e.g. extra-curricular activities) and at school-related functions, provided that during school hours the PCDs are powered completely off (i.e., not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and concealed and secured in hall lockers (but not locker room lockers) or vehicles, or stored out of sight.

A "personal communication device" is a device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor. The following devices are examples of WCDs: cellular and wireless telephones, pagers/beepers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), BlackBerries/Smartphones, WiFi-enabled or broadband access devices, two-way radios or video broadcasting devices, laptops, and other devices that allow a person to record and/or transmit, on either a real time or delayed basis, sound, video or still images, text, or other information. Students may not use PCDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to access and/or view Internet web sites that are otherwise blocked to students at school. "Students may use WCDs while riding to and from school on a school bus or other vehicle provided by the Board or on a school bus or Board-provided vehicle during school-sponsored activities, at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom teacher, and/or sponsor/advisor/coach. Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated."

During after school activities when directed by the administrator or sponsor, WCDs shall be powered completely off (not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight.

The requirement that PCDs must be powered completely off will not apply in the following circumstances when the student obtains prior approval from the Principal:

The student is a member of a volunteer fire company/department, ambulance or rescue squad.

The student has a special health circumstance (e.g. an ill family member, or his/her own special health condition).

The student is using the PCD for an educational or instructional purpose (e.g. taking notes, recording a class lecture, writing papers) with the teacher's permission and supervision. However, the use of any communication functionality of the PCD is expressly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, wireless Internet access, peer-to-peer (ad-hoc) networking, or any other method of communication with other devices or networks. In no circumstances shall the device be allowed to connect to the District's network. The preceding prohibitions do not apply to Board-owned and issued laptops, PDAs or authorized assistive technology devices.

Students are prohibited from using PCDs to capture, record or transmit the words (i.e. audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person in the school or while attending a school-related activity, without express prior notice and explicit consent for the capture, recording or transmission of such words or images. Using a PCD to take or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without his/her consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted, unless authorized by the building principal. Students who violate this provision and/or use a PCD to violate the privacy rights of another person may have their WCD confiscated and held until the end of the school year.

No expectation of confidentiality will exist in the use of PCDs on school premises/property.

Students are prohibited from using a PCD in any way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed or intimidated. See Policy 5517.01 – Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior.

Students are also prohibited from using a PCD to capture and/or transmit test information or any other information in a manner constituting fraud, theft, cheating, or academic dishonesty. Likewise, students are prohibited from using their WCDs to receive such information.

Possession of a PCD by a student is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege.

Students are expressly prohibited from using covert means to listen-in or make a recording (audio or video) of any meeting or activity at school. This includes placing recording devices, or other devices with one - or two-way audio communication technology (i.e., technology that allows a person off-site to listen to live conversations and sounds taking place in the location where the device is located), within a student's book bag or on the student's person without express written consent of the Superintendent. Any requests to place a recording device or other device with one- or two-way audio communication technology within a student’s book bag or on a student’s person shall be submitted, in writing, to the Principal or Director of Pupil Services. The District representative shall notify the parent(s), in writing, whether such request is denied or granted within five (5) days.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the PCD. The building principal may also refer the matter to law enforcement if the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g. child pornography). Discipline will be imposed on an escalating scale ranging from a warning to an expulsion based on the number of previous violations and/or the nature of or circumstances surrounding a particular violation. If the PCD is confiscated, it will be released/returned to the student's parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequences that are imposed.

A person who discovers a student in possession of or using a PCD in violation of this policy is required to report the violation to the building principal.

Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their PCDs. The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, damage, or vandalism to PCDs brought onto its property, or the unauthorized use of such devices.

Parents/Guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the school office.

Students may use school phones to contact parents/guardians during the school day.

Adopted 2/13/06
Revised 5/18/09
Revised 10/16/17