Personal Electronic Devices

STUDENTS

The school teachers and administrators believe that modern technology has a major role to play in the education arena and when used properly can produce many benefits for students, teachers and others. However, while many benefits are possible, we realize that such technology can also be the cause of many distractions through misuse. Therefore, this policy has been developed to give guidance to all segments of the leaders preparatory School with respect to the use of cell phones and other electronic devices.

It is the position of the school principal that students are not allowed to have cell phones or other electronic devices in their possession during the regular school day or while being transported on regular route school buses. (Unless the teachers request laptop, tablets, I pad or others) Some electronic devices may be carried on activity trips with pre approval of the principal. Emergency phone calls can always be made or received through the school’s main office; therefore cell phones are not needed. If parents must contact their child, they should call the school office. Messages from parents to their child will be relayed as requested.

Students MUST leave their cell phones in the office before classes start at 8:30 AM and retrieve them at the dismissal time or when picked up by parents or guardians.

Students found to be in violation of this policy will have cell phones and other game or electronic signaling device confiscated by school staff. Devices that are confiscated will be held according to the following schedule:

  1. 1st time—Parent may pickup the device the following school day following a parent conference with the principal or his/her designee

  2. 2nd time—Parent may pick up the device after it has been held for one week following a parent conference with the principal or his/her designee

  3. 3rd time—Parent may pick up the device after it has been held for 30 days following a parent conference

  4. 4th time—Parent may pick up the device at the end of the school year

Students who allow electronic devices to become a distraction, use them to attempt cheating on tests, to bully or intimidate others, to take unauthorized photographs without consent or similar activities, may face disciplinary measures beyond just confiscation. Any violation of this policy may also, at the discretion of the principal result in additional disciplinary action. Other disciplinary action may include work detention, after school detention, in-school suspension, out of school suspension, assignment of demerits or other disciplinary action based on the disciplinary ladder.

If a school staff member finds it necessary to confiscate a device, it will be turned in to a school administrator who will handle the device in accord with school policy. While every effort will be made to maintain and return confiscated items, the school is not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen electronic signaling devices in light of the fact that such items are not allowed at school.

Students are not to use material or text message to invade personal privacy or harass another person, or disrupt the instructional day, or engage in dishonest acts. The following are inappropriate uses of electronic signaling devices:

  • Harassment,

  • Threats,

  • Intimidation,

  • Electronic forgery,

  • Cyber-bullying /cyber-threats,

  • Invasion of personal rights,

  • Cheating on tests/exams,

  • Or other forms of illegal behavior during instructional and non-instructional day.