Student use of an electronic pagers, cellular phones, or two-way communication devices is generally prohibited during the school day, in school buildings, and at all school-sponsored activities. Students who bring cellular phones to school are responsible for keeping their phones turned off and out of sight during the school day, which includes the full period of time between the beginning of the first class and the end of the last class of the school day. Text messaging and cellular camera photography is also prohibited under the standards of this policy.
However, the Board of Education recognizes the value of students maintaining communication with their parents/guardians and other appropriate persons for health, safety, and educational purposes. Therefore, use of pagers, cellular phones, and two-way communication devices may be permitted only if use by the student is determined to be for a medical, school, educational, vocational, personal safety, or other legitimate use. Such possession or use of a pager or two-way communication device may not, in any way:
- Disrupt the educational process in the school district;
- Endanger the health or safety of the student or anyone else;
- Invade the rights of others at school; or
- Involve illegal or prohibited conduct of any kind.
If a question arises as to the compliance of a student with this policy, the determination of the administration shall be final. Students who repeatedly violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures, which may include suspension and/or consideration for expulsion, as determined to be appropriate by the administration and/or Board. The device shall be immediately surrendered to administration and will be returned to the student’s parent or legal guardian, unless the devise is confiscated by law enforcement officials.
This policy and its implementing rules shall be published annually in student handbooks.
LEGAL REF.: 118.258 Wisconsin Statutes
APPROVED: November 12, 1992
REVIEWED: November 1997
REVISED: July 12, 2005
APPROVED: August 9, 2005
REVISED: December 14, 2006
APPROVED: January 11, 2007
01/15/2007 pw