503.9 STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES

503.9 STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES

 

In order to promote the best educational experience, students should feel connected to their educational environment and to others in the school community. Building meaningful connections can occur in a variety of ways. Technology has advanced peoples' ability to connect with one another across a variety of virtual platforms, and when used appropriately, adds value to the learning environment. However, it is vital to the developmental health and growth of students that the district provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and other members of their school community in-person whenever possible. In-person learning and interactions teach vital life and social skills that students will need for their continued success in the community. 

 

For this reason, student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time is prohibited. Students have access to district-owned devices as appropriate for the instructional needs of the learning environment and authorized by the classroom teacher. Parents or guardians who need to communicate with students during instructional time may contact the school building administrative office. 

 

Instructional time is defined to the school day from 8:05 am to 3:26 pm. 

 

Personal electronic devices means any device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data. This may include but is not limited to electronic communication equipment, mobile phones, smart phones, video game devices and portable media players. Only district issued electronic devices are allowed. Personal electronic devices that have been specifically authorized under a current individual education plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or an Individual Health Plan (IHP) are exempt from this policy. 

Parents or guardians of students may request to building level administration that a student retain access to the student's personal electronic device during instructional time if the parent or guardian can establish there is a legitimate reason related to the student's mental or physical health for the student to retain access during instructional time. This reason must be tied to the student's multi-tiered system of support framework. Any denials may be appealed to the Superintendent, who will be the final decision maker on the request. 

Students who choose to use personal electronic devices outside instructional time but while on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in a manner that may impact the educational environment must use these devices in accordance with all applicable laws and board policies. Students who violate this policy may face disciplinary consequences up to and including suspension or expulsion. The Superintendent, in conjunction with building level administration, will develop administrative regulations in accordance with this policy.

This policy is mandatory

 

Approved 6/18/25       Reviewed           Revised   

 

 

rmccartan@e-ha… Fri, 04/23/2021 - 08:26

503.9R1: STUDENT USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES-REGULATION

503.9R1: STUDENT USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES-REGULATION

The district is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment for students and families. It is valuable for students' educational experience for families to engage in and support their students' educational experience. As part of this commitment, the district will take steps to create opportunities for students to engage in peer-to-peer activities, and ensure that student use of personal electronic devices does not occur during instructional time. 

Every district staff member is empowered to assist in the enforcement of this policy and regulation as appropriate. To avoid distraction during instructional time, personal electronic devices will be placed in a lock box located in individual classrooms. 

If a student is observed using a personal electronic device during instructional time, the employee who observed the student behavior will require the student to turn in the device for safekeeping until the end of the school day. The device will be secured in the building's front office. The district, however, is not responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of personal electronic devices brought onto school, or district property, or while the student is attending district or school-sponsored events. 

Anytime that a personal electronic device, not issued by the school, is seen in the possession of a student, the device will be taken by that staff member and turned into the office. Students who violate this policy are subject to the following disciplinary measures:

  1. First Violation: The phone is turned into the office and the student will serve a 30 minute detention prior to receiving their personal device. Parents will also be notified. 

  2. Second Violation: The personal electronic device is turned into the office and the student will serve a 60 minute detention. Parents will meet with administration to develop a plan to address this policy.

  3. Third Violation: The personal electronic device is turned into the office and the student will receive a Good Conduct Policy violation. Parents will need to pick up the device. 

  4. Any subsequent violations will result in the student turning in their personal electronic device at the beginning of the school day by 8:05 am and will receive it at the end of the day at 3:26 pm.

Any student that refuses to turn over their personal electronic device will be suspended immediately pending a meeting with the parents and administration. 

Note: This regulation is optional, as is the language. All the language of this regulation should be amended to suit the unique needs of your district. Historically, cell phone bans in school buildings have been enforced unequally between classrooms. The language above is intended to create a more uniform enforcement approach by having building administration handle the enforcement of the students in violation of this policy, and minimize disruption within the learning environment. Some districts may choose to require turning in all students' personal electronic devices at the beginning of instructional time each day.  Districts who choose to do so, should proceed only after weighing their own risk of loss of personal electronic devices. 

I.C. Iowa Code

Description

Iowa Code § 279.8

Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees

 

C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations

Description

16 C.F.R. 312

Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule

34 C.F.R. Pt. 99

Education - Family Rights and Privacy

47 C.F.R. 54.520

Communications - Children's Internet Protection Act

cjenness@e-hawks.org Mon, 06/23/2025 - 15:16