Electronic Devices Policies


CELL PHONE POLICY

Cell phones are to be turned off during class time, meetings, and group activities. They may only be used during non-instructional times, such as before and after school and between class times. If they are on or in use at any other time, the disciplinary steps listed below will be enforced.

ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES POLICY


iPODS, MP3 players, and electronic games are considered “Entertainment Devices”. They are no longer allowed on campus at any time during the school day. This includes attaching these devices to one’s person by ear buds.  If they are found during the school day, the disciplinary steps listed below will be enforced.

West Sonoma County Union High School District (WSCUHSD) Board Policy:
Possession of Cellular Phones and Other Personal Electronic Signaling Devices

The Board of Education recognizes that cell phones and other electronic signaling devices are important components in today’s rapid communication methodology. It is important to balance a person’s communication needs with the required integrity of a school’s academic processes and an individual’s privacy rights. Thus, prudent regulations and guidelines are important to the safe and professional operation of a school district [48901.5(a)].
No student shall be prohibited from using or processing an electronic signaling device that is determined by a licensed physician or surgeon to be essential for the student’s health and the use of which is limited to health-related purposes.
The following standards shall guide cell phone or other electronic signaling devices used on WSCUHSD campuses:

  1. Cell phones with the capability to capture digital images are only approved for use as a verbal or written communication device. Use of the camera feature in classrooms, buildings, or on school grounds is not allowed due to privacy and academic security issues.
  2. Regular cell phones, pagers, and beepers are to be turned off during class time, meetings, or group activities where their use could be disruptive to the normal flow of the activity or instruction.
  3. Cell phones without the use of a camera feature may be used on campus for important family or school business during non-instructional times such as lunch or before or after the school time period.

When students are not able to abide by the above standards, it is expected that the first intervention step by school staff is to counsel regarding approved usage. Continued problems after counseling should result in the phone device being taken from the student for the duration of the day and parent contact initiated.
In situations where a camera phone is used to compromise an academic process or violates the personal privacy of a student or a staff member, appropriate disciplinary steps would include possible suspension and the loss of cell phone privileges on campus should be initiated.
In situations where a phone or other electronic device is used to  provide text message capability that compromises an academic process, appropriate steps would include possible suspension and the loss of cell phone privileges on campus should be initiated.

El Molino High School Policy
[page 20-21 of the 2008-2009 Student & Parent Handbook]
CELL PHONES, ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS DEVICES, iPODs, MP3 PLAYERS AND ELECTRONIC GAMES
It is understood that many students may carry cell phones at school due to health issues and/or to communicate to parents and/or places of employment. Students who have on file at El Molino a current “Statement of Parent Permission for Student Electronic Device/Cell Phone” may carry such a device with them during the school day.
The school is not responsible for loss or damage of such devices that students elect to carry with them during the school day or at school-sponsored events.
Use of an electronic communications device shall be restricted to the period before classes begin in the morning, during passing periods, during the student’s lunch period, and after the student’s last class in the afternoon.
Such devices shall not be used or visible during instructional time, nor may they interrupt or disturb classroom instruction, presentations, or assemblies. These devices may not be used in the Library.
Note: The school is not responsible for lost/confiscated items.

Disciplinary Steps:

First Infraction -Student warned and advised to turn off the electronic device in the classroom or around the school event.
Second Infraction -Student referred to the office to surrender the device for the remainder of the school day, unless a compelling medical or health issue exists. Call to parent/letter of warning concerning the potential loss of privilege.
Third Infraction -Permission to have device on campus may be rescinded by the School Principal or designee. Return of the device only to the parent.

iPODs, MP3 Players, and Electronic Games are considered to be “ENTERTAINMENT DEVICES”. These items are no longer allowed on the El Molino campus during the school day.
Note: The school is not responsible for lost/confiscated items.

Disciplinary Steps:

First Infraction -Student referred to the office to surrender the device for the remainder of the school day. Call to parent/letter of warning that iPods are not allowed on campus during school hours.
Second Infraction -Detention; iPod confiscated; return of device only to parent.