PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES

PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES

po5136Adopted June 15, 2026

5136 - PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES

The Board is aware that PCDs are used by students and parents to communicate with each other. However, the use of PCDs on school grounds must be appropriately regulated to protect students, staff, and the learning environment.

"Personal communication devices" (PCDs), also referred to as "wireless communication devices", as used in this policy, mean a portable wireless device that has the capability to provide voice, messaging, or other data communication between two (2) or more parties and includes all of the following:

  1. cellular/mobile telephone;
  2. tablet computer;
  3. laptop computer;
  4. gaming device;
  5. smartphone;
  6. e-reader;
  7. smartwatch;
  8. wearable technology;
  9. any other web-enabled devices of any type. 

In order to avoid disruption of the educational environment and protect students' right of privacy, student use of PCDs is prohibited on school grounds during  instructional time. Cell phones must be stored in cell phone pockets provided in each teacher's classroom. 

Students are also prohibited from using a PCD to capture, record, and/or transmit test information or any other information in a manner constituting fraud, theft, cheating, or academic dishonesty. Likewise, students are prohibited from using PCDs to receive such information.

Possession of a PCD by a student at school during school hours and/or during extra-curricular activities is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise abuses this privilege.

Policy Violations

Violations within a school year.

1st Violation: The student must give the phone to the school employee who will place it in the school office.  The student will meet with a school panel composed of student senate members and school officials who will explain proper cell phone use. The student may pick up the cell phone from the office at the end of the school day.

2nd Violation: The student must give the phone to the school employee who will place it in the school office. The student’s parent/guardian must pick up the cell phone from an administrator at the end of the school day.

3rd Violation:  The student must give the phone to the school employee who will turn it into the school office. The phone will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian. The student loses cell phone privileges for the remainder of the school year.

In addition:  Refusal to hand over a cell phone when asked by a school employee will result in an immediate in-school suspension.  Students may not use a cell phone when they leave the classroom (i.e. bathroom break).  Using a cell phone during a test will result in an automatic “0” on the test in addition to violation consequences.  Using a cell phone outside of class time but using it inappropriately will result in 2-3 demerits depending upon the seriousness of the behavior.

If there is an urgent need to contact a parent or guardian, students must report to the office to use a cell phone or the office phone. 

If caught with a "Burner" phone, 3rd Violation is imposed.

Student use of PCDs in the following circumstances will not be considered a violation of this policy:

  1. Emergency or Threat: Student use of a PCD is allowed in the event of an emergency or a perceived threat to address the safety and security of students and staff.
  2. Health Care Management: Student use is authorized as necessary to manage or support a specific student’s health care needs.
  3. Individualized Education Plans: Student use is authorized consistent with a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a plan developed under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  4. Educational Purposes: Student use is authorized by a teacher for legitimate educational purposes during instructional time as described above.

Duty to Report

A person who discovers a student using a PCD in violation of this policy is required to report the violation to the building dean of students or principal.

Students Responsible for Their PCDs

Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their PCDs.  The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its property.

Parents are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the school office.

Students may use school phones to contact parents during the school day.

Annual Notice

No later than October 1 of each year, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) shall be notified by the District of whether any changes have been made to this policy and, if so, the updated policy shall be submitted to the DPI.

© Neola 2025