Student Use of Cell Phones & Other Personal Technology Devices

The Board of Education believes personal technology devices may be useful tools for students in the educational environment and can play a vital communication role during emergency situations. However, use of personal technology devices (PTD) in school situations must be regulated to assure that the use of such devices does not disrupt or interfere with the educational process or school operations. Therefore, students may only use PTDs on district property, on a district vehicle or at a district or school-sponsored activity or event in accordance with this policy.

For purposes of this policy, “personal technology device" (PTD) includes any privately-owned portable technology device, including but not limited to cell phones, pagers, tablets, laptops, cameras, audio and/or video recorders and players, and all other hand-held electronic communication and data storage devices. 

Students may use PTDs as a designated tool for learning if authorized by the student's teacher. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the PTD is turned off or placed in silent  mode during unauthorized times. 

Students’ use of PTDs with cameras and/or video recording capabilities is prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, or any other location where such use could violate another person's reasonable expectation of privacy. 

Students shall not use PTDs to engage in, promote or facilitate any other conduct that violates the student code of conduct, other Board policies or regulations, or state or federal law. 

Violation of this policy or any other district, school or classroom rule or regulation on student use of PTDs may result in disciplinary measures and/or temporary confiscation of the PTD. Confiscated devices shall be returned to the student only after a conference with the parent/guardian, student and school personnel. If the building principal or designee believes a student's possession or use of a PTD may involve a violation of the law, the building principal or designee may also refer the matter to law enforcement. 

The district shall not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of PTDs brought onto school or district property or while the student is attending district or school-sponsored activities or events. 

Please refer to Board policies JICJ (Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Technology Devices), JIC (Student Conduct), JIH (Student Interviews, Searches and Arrests), JK (Student Discipline), and JS (Student Use of the Internet and Electronic Communications) for more information regarding District 6 policies and procedures regarding the use of PTD at school or during school activities.

Cell Phones and Electronic Policy

Due to daily classroom disruptions, misuse of social media, and overall misuse of cell phones during the school day, all electronic devices and cell phones must be turned off (Door to Door) during the school day. All electronics must be turned off and be safely stored either in backpacks or in the pockets of their clothing during the school day (7:50 am-3:20 pm) unless students are otherwise permitted and directed by a staff member. We have also provided storage pocket charts in each middle-level classroom so students can safely store their cell phones at school. Using electronics at school is always subject to the teacher’s permission and supervision. Electronics are forbidden from use in the cafeteria during breakfast, lunch, or outside during recess. We respectfully ask parents, staff, and visitors to refrain from using cell phones within the building unless necessary. Please contact our front office if you need to contact your child during the school day. Chappelow is not responsible for the theft, loss, or destruction of students’ electronics. *** Please contact the front office if your child needs a personal cell phone for documented medical or educational needs (504 or IEP) during the school day.  This entire policy on student internet and electronic communications use is available at BOE policy JS.