5136 Personal Communication Devices
5136 - WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Possession of a wireless communication device (WCD) by a student is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this guideline or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege. Strict adherence to this guideline is required.
A "wireless 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 are permitted to use WCDs or having them "On" during the regularly scheduled school day when use is a part of an instructional program approved by the District Administrator. Students may use WCDs before and after school, , as long as they do not create a distraction or disruption or otherwise interfere with the educational environment. "Using" refers to, not only the making and/or receiving of calls, but also using the WCD for any other purpose (e.g. sending e-mails, text messages or instant messages, taking pictures, making recordings/videos, etc.). Students also may not use WCDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to access and/or view Internet Websites 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 of Education or on a school bus or Board-provided vehicle during school-sponsored activities, at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom teacher, sponsor/advisor/coach. Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated.
Students may carry WCDs in a backpack, purse, or inside a pocket of slacks, jeans, jacket, etc. provided they are powered completely "Off". WCDs must be stored out of sight, concealed and secured in hall lockers (but not locker room lockers).
WCDs, including but not limited to devices with cameras, may not be possessed, activated or utilized at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. These locations and circumstances include but are not limited to, locker rooms, shower facilities, bathrooms, and any other areas where students or others may change clothes or be in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing clothes, whether here or at another school district where a school activity or athletic event is occurring. A student may keep his/her WCD "On" under the following circumstances with prior approval of the building principal:
A. The student has a special health circumstance (e.g. an ill family member, or his/her own special health condition).
B. The student is using the WCD for an educational or instructional purpose (e.g. taking notes, recording a class lecture, writing papers) with the teacher's permission and supervision.
Students are prohibited from using WCDs 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 WCD 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 WCD to violate the privacy rights of another person may have their WCD confiscated and held until their parents pick it up.
Students participating in extra-curricular activities and athletics must contact their coach, advisor, or sponsor for his/her rules involving the use of WCDs after school hours or on after-school bus trips. Coaches and sponsors will set their rules and enforce consequences involving the use and/or misuse of these devices.
No expectation of confidentiality will exist in the use of WCDs on school premises/property.
Students are prohibited from using a WCD 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. In particular, students are prohibited from using their WCDs to: (1) transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or political beliefs; and (2) send, share, view or possess pictures, text messages, e-mails or other materials of a sexual nature (i.e. sexting) in electronic or any other form. Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement and child services as required by law.
Students are also prohibited from using a WCD 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.
The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, damage, or vandalism to WCDs brought onto its property, or the unauthorized use of such devices. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to take appropriate precautions, if students have WCDs in their possession, to make sure the devices are not left unattended or unsecured.
Using a WCD in an unauthorized manner or in violation of Policy 5136 or this guideline may result in loss of this privilege, additional disciplinary action (e.g. warnings, parental notification and conferences, suspension, expulsion), confiscation of the WCD (in which case, the device will only be released/returned to the student's parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequences that are imposed), and/or referral to law enforcement if the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g. child pornography). A person who discovers a student in possession of or using a WCD in violation of this guideline is required to report the violation to the District Administrator.
If a school teacher or administrator observes a violation of this guideline, s/he is required to confiscate the device and bring it to the building District Administrator's office and provide the name of the student from whom the WCD was taken. Any confiscated device will be held in a secure location in the building's central office until the item is retrieved by the student's parent/guardian. Students whose WCDs are confiscated may be required to contact their parents/guardians to inform them that the item was confiscated and that it will only be returned to the parents/guardians. Confiscated devices will not be searched or otherwise tampered with except in exceptional circumstances (i.e. school officials reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of law or other school rules). Any search undertaken by school officials will be conducted in accordance with AG 5771 – Search and Seizure. If multiple offenses occur, a student may lose his/her privilege to bring a WCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis.
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.
© Neola 2009
Possession of a wireless communication device (WCD) by a student is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this guideline or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege. Strict adherence to this guideline is required.
A "wireless 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 are permitted to use WCDs or having them "On" during the regularly scheduled school day when use is a part of an instructional program approved by the District Administrator. Students may use WCDs before and after school, , as long as they do not create a distraction or disruption or otherwise interfere with the educational environment. "Using" refers to, not only the making and/or receiving of calls, but also using the WCD for any other purpose (e.g. sending e-mails, text messages or instant messages, taking pictures, making recordings/videos, etc.). Students also may not use WCDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to access and/or view Internet Websites 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 of Education or on a school bus or Board-provided vehicle during school-sponsored activities, at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom teacher, sponsor/advisor/coach. Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated.
Students may carry WCDs in a backpack, purse, or inside a pocket of slacks, jeans, jacket, etc. provided they are powered completely "Off". WCDs must be stored out of sight, concealed and secured in hall lockers (but not locker room lockers).
WCDs, including but not limited to devices with cameras, may not be possessed, activated or utilized at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. These locations and circumstances include but are not limited to, locker rooms, shower facilities, bathrooms, and any other areas where students or others may change clothes or be in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing clothes, whether here or at another school district where a school activity or athletic event is occurring. A student may keep his/her WCD "On" under the following circumstances with prior approval of the building principal:
A. The student has a special health circumstance (e.g. an ill family member, or his/her own special health condition).
B. The student is using the WCD for an educational or instructional purpose (e.g. taking notes, recording a class lecture, writing papers) with the teacher's permission and supervision.
Students are prohibited from using WCDs 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 WCD 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 WCD to violate the privacy rights of another person may have their WCD confiscated and held until their parents pick it up.
Students participating in extra-curricular activities and athletics must contact their coach, advisor, or sponsor for his/her rules involving the use of WCDs after school hours or on after-school bus trips. Coaches and sponsors will set their rules and enforce consequences involving the use and/or misuse of these devices.
No expectation of confidentiality will exist in the use of WCDs on school premises/property.
Students are prohibited from using a WCD 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. In particular, students are prohibited from using their WCDs to: (1) transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or political beliefs; and (2) send, share, view or possess pictures, text messages, e-mails or other materials of a sexual nature (i.e. sexting) in electronic or any other form. Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement and child services as required by law.
Students are also prohibited from using a WCD 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.
The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, damage, or vandalism to WCDs brought onto its property, or the unauthorized use of such devices. Students and parents are strongly encouraged to take appropriate precautions, if students have WCDs in their possession, to make sure the devices are not left unattended or unsecured.
Using a WCD in an unauthorized manner or in violation of Policy 5136 or this guideline may result in loss of this privilege, additional disciplinary action (e.g. warnings, parental notification and conferences, suspension, expulsion), confiscation of the WCD (in which case, the device will only be released/returned to the student's parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequences that are imposed), and/or referral to law enforcement if the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g. child pornography). A person who discovers a student in possession of or using a WCD in violation of this guideline is required to report the violation to the District Administrator.
If a school teacher or administrator observes a violation of this guideline, s/he is required to confiscate the device and bring it to the building District Administrator's office and provide the name of the student from whom the WCD was taken. Any confiscated device will be held in a secure location in the building's central office until the item is retrieved by the student's parent/guardian. Students whose WCDs are confiscated may be required to contact their parents/guardians to inform them that the item was confiscated and that it will only be returned to the parents/guardians. Confiscated devices will not be searched or otherwise tampered with except in exceptional circumstances (i.e. school officials reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of law or other school rules). Any search undertaken by school officials will be conducted in accordance with AG 5771 – Search and Seizure. If multiple offenses occur, a student may lose his/her privilege to bring a WCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis.
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.
© Neola 2009
5136 - PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES
Students may use personal communication devices (PCDs) before and after school, and during after school activities (e.g., extra-curricular activities). Use of PCDs, except those approved by a teacher or administrator, at any other time is prohibited and they must be powered completely off (i.e., not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight.
However, technology including, but not limited to, PCDs intended and actually used for instructional purposes (e.g., taking notes, recording classroom lectures, writing papers) will be permitted, as approved by the classroom teacher or the building principal. The use of a PCD to engage in non-education-related communications is expressly prohibited.
For purposes of this policy, "personal communication device" includes computers, tablets (e.g., iPads and similar devices), electronic readers ("e-readers"; e.g., Kindles and similar devices), cell phones (e.g., mobile/cellular telephones, smartphones (e.g., BlackBerry, iPhone, 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 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 PCDs while riding to and from school on a school bus or other Board-provided vehicles or on a school bus or Board-provided vehicle during school-sponsored activities, at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom teacher, sponsor/advisor/coach. Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated.
Also, during after school activities, PCDs shall be powered completely off (not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight when directed by the administrator or sponsor.
Under certain circumstances, a student may keep his/her PCD "On" with prior approval from the building principal.
Except as authorized by a teacher, administrator or IEP team, students are prohibited from using PCDs during the school day, including while off-campus on a field trip, to capture, record and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person. Using a PCD to capture, record and/or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without proper consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted. Students who violate this provision and/or use a PCD to violate the privacy rights of another person may have their PCD confiscated and held until the end of the school day and/or a required parent/guardian pick up, and may be directed to delete the audio and/or picture/video file while the parent/guardian is present. If the violation involves potentially illegal activity the confiscated-PCD may be turned-over to law enforcement.
PCDs, with cameras or any other recording capabilities, may not be activated or utilized at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. These locations and circumstances include, but are not limited to, locker rooms, shower facilities, rest/bathrooms, and any other areas where students or others may change clothes or be in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing clothes. The District Administrator and building principals are authorized to determine other specific locations and situations where use of a PCD is absolutely prohibited.
Students shall have no expectation of confidentiality with respect to their use of PCDs on school premises/property.
Students may not use 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. In particular, students are prohibited from using PCDs to: (1) transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, or political beliefs; and (2) engage in "sexting" - i.e., sending, receiving, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, e-mails or other materials of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form. Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement and child services as required by law.
Students are also prohibited from using a PCD to capture, record, 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 PCDs to receive such information.
Possession of a PCD by a student at school during school hours and/or during extra-curricular activities is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise abuses this privilege.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the PCD. The building principal will also refer the matter to law enforcement or child services if the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g., child pornography, sexting). 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, unless the violation involves potentially illegal activity in which case the PCD may be turned-over to law enforcement. A confiscated device will be marked in a removable manner with the student's name and held in a secure location in the building's central office until it is retrieved by the parent/guardian or turned-over to law enforcement. School officials will not search or otherwise tamper with PCDs in District custody unless they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of the law or other school rules. Any search will be conducted in accordance with Policy 5771 – Search and Seizure. If multiple offenses occur, a student may lose his/her privilege to bring a PCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis.
A person who discovers a student 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, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its property.
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.
Revised 1/6/14
© Neola 2012
Students may use personal communication devices (PCDs) before and after school, and during after school activities (e.g., extra-curricular activities). Use of PCDs, except those approved by a teacher or administrator, at any other time is prohibited and they must be powered completely off (i.e., not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight.
However, technology including, but not limited to, PCDs intended and actually used for instructional purposes (e.g., taking notes, recording classroom lectures, writing papers) will be permitted, as approved by the classroom teacher or the building principal. The use of a PCD to engage in non-education-related communications is expressly prohibited.
For purposes of this policy, "personal communication device" includes computers, tablets (e.g., iPads and similar devices), electronic readers ("e-readers"; e.g., Kindles and similar devices), cell phones (e.g., mobile/cellular telephones, smartphones (e.g., BlackBerry, iPhone, 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 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 PCDs while riding to and from school on a school bus or other Board-provided vehicles or on a school bus or Board-provided vehicle during school-sponsored activities, at the discretion of the bus driver, classroom teacher, sponsor/advisor/coach. Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated.
Also, during after school activities, PCDs shall be powered completely off (not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight when directed by the administrator or sponsor.
Under certain circumstances, a student may keep his/her PCD "On" with prior approval from the building principal.
Except as authorized by a teacher, administrator or IEP team, students are prohibited from using PCDs during the school day, including while off-campus on a field trip, to capture, record and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person. Using a PCD to capture, record and/or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without proper consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted. Students who violate this provision and/or use a PCD to violate the privacy rights of another person may have their PCD confiscated and held until the end of the school day and/or a required parent/guardian pick up, and may be directed to delete the audio and/or picture/video file while the parent/guardian is present. If the violation involves potentially illegal activity the confiscated-PCD may be turned-over to law enforcement.
PCDs, with cameras or any other recording capabilities, may not be activated or utilized at any time in any school situation where a reasonable expectation of personal privacy exists. These locations and circumstances include, but are not limited to, locker rooms, shower facilities, rest/bathrooms, and any other areas where students or others may change clothes or be in any stage or degree of disrobing or changing clothes. The District Administrator and building principals are authorized to determine other specific locations and situations where use of a PCD is absolutely prohibited.
Students shall have no expectation of confidentiality with respect to their use of PCDs on school premises/property.
Students may not use 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. In particular, students are prohibited from using PCDs to: (1) transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, or political beliefs; and (2) engage in "sexting" - i.e., sending, receiving, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, e-mails or other materials of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form. Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement and child services as required by law.
Students are also prohibited from using a PCD to capture, record, 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 PCDs to receive such information.
Possession of a PCD by a student at school during school hours and/or during extra-curricular activities is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise abuses this privilege.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the PCD. The building principal will also refer the matter to law enforcement or child services if the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g., child pornography, sexting). 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, unless the violation involves potentially illegal activity in which case the PCD may be turned-over to law enforcement. A confiscated device will be marked in a removable manner with the student's name and held in a secure location in the building's central office until it is retrieved by the parent/guardian or turned-over to law enforcement. School officials will not search or otherwise tamper with PCDs in District custody unless they reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of the law or other school rules. Any search will be conducted in accordance with Policy 5771 – Search and Seizure. If multiple offenses occur, a student may lose his/her privilege to bring a PCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis.
A person who discovers a student 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, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its property.
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.
Revised 1/6/14
© Neola 2012