3.16 WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FOR 9-12 HIGH SCHOOLS, PAXTON 9-12, AND EMERALD COAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE Students may carry an electronic communication device to school and school sponsored activities. Students may use such devices while being transported on district vehicles. However, the use of wireless communication by a high school student is not allowed during the school day or anywhere on the school campus at any time unless prior approval is given by the teacher and/or administrator, or in accordance with a student’s IEP or 504, or based on a doctor’s note licensed under chapter 458 or 459 certifying in writing that the student requires the use of a wireless communications device based upon valid clinical reasoning or evidence. All communication devices shall be turned completely off and kept out of sight unless prior approval is given by the teacher and/or administrator.
1. Unless the classroom teacher or administrator allows the use of devices for a particular lesson or activity, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that their wireless communication devices are turned off and out of sight. Classroom teachers and administrators will designate an area for wireless devices to be kept and/or used. Students who violate the district policy shall be deemed to have created a disruption to the instructional environment and are subject to disciplinary action including ISS, suspension, expulsion, as well as confiscation and return of the device to the student’s parents or guardians after the end of the school day. Distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated.
2. Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their wireless communication devices. The WCSD shall not assume responsibility for the theft, loss, or damage of a device, or unauthorized calls made on a cell phone.
3. Students may not have cellular telephones or other personal electronic devices in their possession during testing, including state testing, as it may invalidate test results.
4. Emergency calls to students will still be made through school’s office.
5. Use of a wireless communication device in a criminal act may result in the imposition of criminal penalties.
6. Students should use electronic devices for acceptable educational activities. The use of electronic devices to display or utilize apps, which show unsuitable material or materials that cause disruptive behavior, is not appropriate. Students who misuse apps will be subject to disciplinary action.
7. The school administration reserves the right to search seized electronic devices if there is reasonable suspicion that the student was using the device in violation of school policy or law.
CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATION OF WIRELESS ELECTRONIC DEVICE USAGE WHEN USAGE IS NOT FOR INSTRUCTIONAL PURPOSES
1 st Offense: Verbal warning and Parent/Guardian must pick up the phone/device
2 nd Offense: Written warning/ODR and Parent/Guardian must pick up the phone/device
3 rd Offense: 1 day ISS or 3 days detention and Parent/Guardian must pick up the phone/device
4 th Offense: 1 day OSS and parent/guardian must pick up the phone/device
5 th Offense: 3 days OSS and parent/guardian must pick up the phone/device
6 th Offense: See Major Infractions Requiring Formal Consequences Section and parent/guardian must pick up the phone/device