STUDENT PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND CELL PHONE USE

The School District has determined that cell phones are a convenience for students and parents, yet their use may create a disruption in the learning environment.  Student possession and use of cell phones or other electronic devices in the schools is a privilege only allowable subject to appropriate rules and regulations.  The District reserves the right to define the educational value of any electronic devices that may become available in the future, to regulate their use and to prohibit their use if they have no educational value or if such use creates learner distraction or disruptions.

Possession of a cell phone by a student is a privilege which may be forfeited by any student not abiding by the terms of this policy.  Students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security and use of their cell phones.

The District shall not assume any responsibility for theft, loss or damage of a cell phone, or unauthorized calls made on a cell phone.
 

Use of Cell Phones on School Grounds 

Student use of a cell phone depends on the grade level of the student.  The following categories outline the grade levels and authorized use/possession of cell phones or other electronic devices by students:

1. Elementary Schools, Kindergarten-Sixth Grade:  Student use of cell phones and other electronic devices is prohibited during the school day and in the school building.  Communication with parents/guardians is facilitated through the school office.
   
   
2. Middle School – Seventh Grade–Eighth Grade:  Students may use cell phones and other electronic devices before and after school, as long as they do not create a distraction or a disruption.  Use of cell phones and other electronic devices during the school day is prohibited and phones shall be powered completely off during the academic day.  
   
   
3. High School – Ninth Grade–Twelfth Grade:  Students may use cell phones or other portable electronic devices before and after school, during passing periods, lunch and nutrition break.  The use of such devices is prohibited during class time unless allowed by instructors for educational purposes and approved by school administration. Possession of any portable electronic device is a privilege, which may be forfeited by any student not abiding by the terms of this policy.
    

Camera or Picture Cell Phones  

At no time may any electronic communication device or camera be utilized by any student in a way which might reasonably create an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed, or intimidated.  Additionally using any electronic device to cheat or to assist another student to cheat is strictly forbidden and will result in permanent confiscation of the device until a parent or legal guardian can retrieve it. 

Sanctions

In cases of policy violation, the user of the device shall be subject to disciplinary action; i.e. warning, confiscation of device, suspension/expulsion, or other disciplinary action.  If the device is confiscated and forwarded to the school administration, it may only be returned to a parent or legal guardian.

KETCHIKAN GATEWAY BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Adoption Date:  9/27/06
Revision Date: 9/25/2019

• BP 5138