1. PURPOSE While in some instances the possession and use of electronic communication devices or other devices or objects by a student at a school may be appropriate, often the possession and use of such devices or objects by students at school can have the effect of distracting, disrupting and intimidating others in the school setting and leading to opportunities for academic dishonesty and other disruptions of the educational process. These types of devices are frequently lost or stolen. The District is not responsible for the security and safekeeping of these items and is not financially responsible for any damage, destruction, or loss of electronic devices. In order to maintain a secure and orderly learning environment, and to promote respect and courtesy regarding the use of electronic devices, Sevier School District hereby establishes the following rules and regulations governing student use of electronic devices and procedures to address student misuse of electronic devices.
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 An “interfering device” includes a device or object which does not constitute a weapon or explosive but may, if used or engaged, interfere with the educational process for either the student possessing or using the object or for other students. By example, such objects include any electronic communication device (defined below), a camera, lasers, laser pens or pointers, radios, portable CD players, or other electronic equipment or devices.
2.2 “Electronic devices” include, but are not limited to, cell phones, camera phones, Mp3 players, iPods, personal digital assistants (PDAs), compact disc players, portable game consoles, cameras, digital scanners, two-way radios, video broadcasting devices, pagers, and any other device that allows a person to record and/or transmit, on either a real time or delayed basis, sound, video or still images, text, or other information.
2.3 “Camera” includes any device for taking still or motion pictures, whether in a digital or other format.
3 POLICY
3.1 INTERFERING DEVICES
3.1.1 Except as set forth below, a student may possess, but may not operate or engage, any interfering device during school hours or at school functions, unless specifically authorized in advance by the school personnel in charge of the class or activity.
3.2 ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES AND CAMERAS
3.2.1 It is school district policy that students and others in the public schools should not be subject to video or audio capture, recording or transmission of their words or images by any student at a school without express prior notice and explicit consent for the capture, recording or transmission of such words or images. There are certain situations where the possession or use of electronic communication devices and cameras is absolutely prohibited within the public school.
3.2.2 In addition to those circumstances where possession or use of electronic communication devices and cameras is absolutely prohibited by this policy, school administrators and classroom teachers may prohibit the possession or use of such devices at specific times and in specific circumstances.
3.2.3 During any time when a student is scheduled to be in class or involved in a regular school activity, it is a violation of policy for the student to have in his or her possession an electronic communication device or camera which is in the “on” position and ready to receive, send, capture, or record any communication, visual image, sound, text message, or other information.
3.2.4 Electronic communication devices and 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 rooms, restrooms and any other areas where students or others may change clothes or be in any stage of disrobing or changing clothes.
3.2.5 The principal or director of the school is hereby given authority to make determination as to other specific locations and situations where possession of electronic communication devices and cameras is absolutely prohibited and or allowed.
3.2.6 At no time, may any electronic communication device or camera be utilized by any student in a way which might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed, or intimidated.
3.2.7 Prohibitions against use of electronic devices during standardized assessments unless specifically allowed by statute, regulation, student IEP, or assessment directions.
4. SANCTIONS
4.1 CONFISCATION OF DEVICE
4.1.1 For each observed violation of this policy, it shall be the duty of the schoolteacher or administrator observing the violation to immediately confiscate the interfering device. Furthermore, the school may take additional disciplinary action as described more generally in district policies. If the student refuses to relinquish the device, disciplinary action will be taken as per policy #3075. The confiscated device shall be forwarded to the principal’s office together with the name of the person from whom the device is confiscated. The school office should make arrangements to notify the parent/guardian of the student from whom the device was confiscated and arrange for the parent or guardian to pick up that device at the school office by the end of the school day. If the phone is not picked up by the end of the school year, it will be disposed of.
4.2 DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
4.2.1 Any use of electronic communication device or camera to record sounds or images or otherwise capture material in an unauthorized setting or at an unauthorized time shall subject the user of the device to increased discipline based on the circumstances and whether the student has been involved in prior violations of this policy.
4.2.2 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 other. Such student misuses will be dealt with as serious school violations, and immediate and appropriate disciplinary action will be imposed.
4.2.3 First 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. The electronic device shall remain in the possession of the school administration until the end of the school day. The device will only be returned to a parent/guardian. If the phone is not picked up by the end of the school year, it will be disposed of. The first violation and all subsequent violations shall be logged in the incident reporting system for the school.
4.2.4 Second Violation: Depending upon the nature of the violation and the imposition of other appropriate disciplinary action, consequences at minimum may include a relinquishment of the electronic device to the school administration. The electronic device shall remain in the possession of the school administration until the end of the school day. The device will only be returned to a parent/guardian. If the phone is not picked up by the end of the school year, it will be disposed of. The school shall set a conference time and date between the student and his/her parent/guardian and the school principal or assistant principal to discuss use of electronic devices.
4.2.5 Third and all Subsequent Violations: Depending upon the nature of the violation and the imposition of other appropriate disciplinary action, the student may receive disciplinary action as per policy #3075 and consequences at a minimum may include a relinquishment of the electronic device to the school administration. The electronic device shall remain in the possession of the school administration until the end of the school day. The device will only be returned to a parent/guardian. If the phone is not picked up by the end of the school year, it will be disposed of. The school may charge a $15 fine to return the electronic device to the parent/guardian. The school shall set a conference time and date between the student and his/her parent/guardian and the school principal or assistant principal to discuss use of electronic devices.
Approved: 12/8/04
Revised: 09/05/07
Revised: 06/19/14
Revised: 09/10/14
Revised: 09/14/16
Revised: 10/12/16
