After hearing feedback from a wide variety of stakeholders, the School Board had a first policy reading on a revised Unauthorized Communication Devices policy during its most recent board meeting.
The policy came following state legislation which passed last legislative session requiring school districts across the state to adopt a bell to bell cell phone ban.
Under purpose it explains that the “district is committed to providing students with a learning environment free from disruptions. Use of personal communication devices for nonacademic means often leads to disruptions in the learning environment for both individual students and the classroom.”
“The school community should model cell phone use that abides by this policy, this includes students, teachers, staff, coaches, etc. Students and staff are allowed to use any available mobile communication device in the event of an emergency that threatens the safety of students, staff, or other individuals,” the proposed policy states.
It goes on to state that “For the purposes of this policy, a personal communication device is defined as any non-district provided internet/cellular or data capable device that can support voice or video calls, texts, emails, or instant messages. Personal communication devices include, but are not limited to cell phones, tablets, laptops, and smart devices. For ease of reference, devices provided by the district for instructional use shall be referred to as “district-owned” devices.”
Under restrictions it explains that “Student use of personal communication devices is strictly prohibited from when the first bell rings to start instructional time until the dismissal bell rings to end the academic school day (referred to as “the school day”). The school day includes lunch periods, passing time, and recesses.”
“Students participating in extracurricular activities, co-curricular activities, field trips or other activities shall abide by the rules and consequences established for personal communication devices set by the coach, instructor, sponsor or other designated supervisor for the activity,” the proposed policy states. “However, in no event shall personal communication devices (or any other device with photographic or recording capabilities) be used in locker rooms, bathrooms, or any other location where such use could violate another person’s reasonable expectation of privacy.”
As part of the proposed policy it states that “If digital devices are used to enhance learning in the classroom, the district is responsible for providing district-owned devices. As part of school district’s practice, students are allowed to bring their own personal device (i.e. laptop computer, tablet) to be used for educational purposes. This practice is still allowed, however if the personal device is not used for educational purposes and for personal communication then section D “consequences and violations” of this policy will apply.”
“While it is best practice that these devices are not brought to school, if these devices are brought to school, they shall be kept with the power turned off in a student’s assigned locker, backpack, or handbag,” the proposed policy states. “The district will not be responsible for loss, damage or theft of any electronic communication device brought to the school.”
Under consequences and violations it explains that “Students are not permitted to use any electronic device to record audio or video media or take pictures of any student or staff member without their permission. The distribution of any unauthorized media may result in disciplinary action.”
“The school reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, and review a student’s personal electronic device subject to the limitations of RSA 189:70, if there is reasonable suspicion to believe that a student has violated board policies, regulations, school rules, or has engaged in other misconduct while using their personal electronic device,” the proposed revised policy states.
One of the major changes that was made to the proposed revised policy was to get rid of a verbal warning at the recommendation from the high school administration.
As part of the revised proposed policy it states:
“Consequences for violations of this policy will be pursuant to the District Student Behavior Standards. Additionally:
- First Offense: Documented written warning with student securing their device into a predetermined location and referral to school administration to formalize the written warning.
- Second Offense: Secure the device for the remainder of the school day (office). Family contact.
- Subsequent Offenses: Secure the device for the remainder of the school day (office), administrative detention, and request for family meeting.”
The school board approved sending the proposed revised policy to a second policy reading.