Electronic devices, such as cell phones, iPods, iPads, tablets, camera cell phones, tape or CD players, video games, laser pointers, BlackBerrys, radios, pagers/beepers, Walkie Talkies (long/short range), portable CB radios, portable “HAM” radios, portable police scanning devices, (and so on) and their earphone attachments are not permitted to be used in the classroom, unless for instructional purposes, during the school day. If seen or heard in a classroom or instructional setting, these devices may be confiscated and the consequences may include, but are not limited to:
- Not being able to retrieve the device from an administrator until the end of the school day
- The scholar’s Parent(s)/Guardian(s) may have to pick up the device from the Department of Public Safety at District Administrative Offices
- The device may be confiscated until the end of the school year
- A meeting with the scholar, Parent(s)/Guardian(s), and administrator
- The scholar being placed on Social Probation such as loss of participation in extra-curricular activities and/or school-sponsored events
The school prohibits the use of any video device in or near any restroom, locker room, or other location where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Taking or transmitting images or messages during testing in any location is also prohibited.
Note: At the discretion of building administrators, certain electronic devices may be allowed for the sole purposes of educational instruction.
Electronic Device Policy
| Grade | Policy |
|---|---|
| Grades K-5 | Electronic Devices ARE NOT permitted to be used, or in a scholar’s possession at any time during school hours. |
| Grades 6-8 | Electronic Devices are permitted to be used Before and After School ONLY. During the School Day, to include After-School Activities, Electronic Devices ARE NOT to be used. If a scholar is in possession of an Electronic Device, that Device must be turned off and stored. |
| Grades 9-12 | Electronic Devices are permitted to be used at the teacher’s approval during instructional time for instructional purposes. Other permitted times of use and possession will be determined by School Administrator. |
Confiscation of Electronic Devices
Electronic Devices that are not retrieved from the Department of Public Safety by August 1st will be destroyed and no longer eligible to be returned to the Parent/Guardian.
- First Offense: The first time an electronic device is confiscated, the device may be sent to the Department of Public Safety at the District Administrative Offices/Rev. Lyman S. Parks, Sr. located at 1331 Martin Luther King Jr St., SE, and the Parent/Guardian shall be contacted. The device shall be returned to the Parent/Guardian, a report shall be written and the incident documented with the Department of Public Safety and school security office.
Disciplinary Action
The possession and/or use of electronic devices are considered a Level I Act of Misconduct for a first offense for scholars in Grades K-12. Any second or subsequent violation of the Electronic Device Policy may result in the implementation of Level III Disciplinary Action for scholars in Grades K-5; and Level IV Disciplinary Action for scholars in Grades 6-12. Building administrators reserve the right to recommend more severe discipline based on the nature of the violation.
At the discretion of building administrators, certain electronic devices may be allowed, to aid in instructional presentations.
Also see Scholar Expectations and Disciplinary Action, Grades K-5 and Grades 6-12.
