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JICJ Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Electronic Devices

CELL PHONES AND OTHER PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN SCHOOLS

The Boardintent recognizesof thatthis manypolicy studentsis possessto support a focused learning environment, minimize distractions, and promote student social and emotional well-being by regulating the use of student personal cell phones, smart watches, and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) during the school day. This policy applies to all student personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network connection connectivity capabilities, wearable or handheld.

BELL TO BELL PROHIBITION All students, from Pre-K through Grade 12, are prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices. These devices maywith Internet or cellular network connectivity capabilities for the duration of the entire school day, from starting to dismissal, except as otherwise permitted in this policy.

Students are not permitted to carry/wear or access personal cell phones, smart watches, or other PEDs during the school day. • Prior to the starting bell, cell phones and other PEDs must be usedpowered off and remain off and stored as determined by the building administrator. • Exceptions to the prohibition on use may be granted for monitoring or management of a health condition in anyaccordance mannerwith thata disruptshealth care provider’s order as incorporated into the instructionalstudent’s processindividual health plan (IHP) (e.g., glucose monitoring); implementation of a student’s IEP; a documented Section 504 accommodation for an individual student (e.g., use of assistive technology); in language support services for emergent English language learners when no other translation option is reasonably available; or violatesin Boardan policiesemergency situation as authorized by the building administrator in accordance with the school unit’s health and safety and emergency management plan. At all grade levels, violations of this policy may result in:

• A verbal warning and direction to store the device in the designated location. • Confiscation of the cell phone, smart watch, or other device for the remainder of the day. • Repeated violations may require a parent/guardian meeting and/or result in additional interventions or disciplinary consequences such as detention, in-school rules.suspension, or out of school suspension. In the event of a school emergency, the school/district will communicate with parents as promptly as possible in accordance with the school unit’s Health and Safety and Emergency Management Plan.

RSUThe 1school shallunit will not be responsible for the loss, thefttheft, or damage to students’ personally owned cell phonesphones, smart watches, or other electronicPEDs devicesbrought thatinto studentsschools bringor with them toonto school orproperty, including school activitiesbuses, parking lots, athletic fields and/or useany onother studentschool transportation.facilities.

The following provisions apply to student use of cell phones and other electronic devices:

A. Students are prohibited from using privately-owned electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, "smart phones," "smart watches," I-Pods, MP3 players, handheld computers/PDA's, and electronic games during classes and school activities. Within the building during school hours, students will have their smartwatches and smartphones locked in their Yondr pouches.

B. The use of cameras, including camera phones, is strictly prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, and other places where privacy is generally expected. In all other school locations, permission must be granted before photographing or taking videos of another person.

C. When on school premises, the use of personal electronic devices that violates Board policy, administrative procedure or school rule is prohibited. In addition, accessing, viewing, submitting, forwarding, downloading or displaying any materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing, bullying and/or illegal is prohibited.

D. The useSuperintendent/building administrators will be responsible for developing and implementing procedures to implement/enforce this policy. Students and parents will be provided notice of athis cellpolicy phonethrough student handbooks and/or other electronicmeans deviceof incommunication any manner that violates Board policy or school rules is prohibited. This includes but is not limitedprior to harassment, cheating and violations of the student code of conduct. If a Board policy or school rule is violated, the teacher or school administrator may confiscate the device for the remainderbeginning of the school day. Student cell phones and other electronic devices may be subject to search if there is reasonable suspicion of a violation.year.

G.Legal StudentsReference: who violate Board policy or school rules will be subject to disciplinary consequences which may include:

  1. Confiscation of the device until the end of the school day;

  2. 20-A conferenceMRSA with§ the student's parent/guardian;

  3. Exclusion of the device from school for an extended period of time;

  4. Penalties up to suspension or expulsion from school, depending upon the nature and circumstances of the violation and the student's prior disciplinary record; and

  5. Referral to law enforcement.

The Superintendent/designee may develop additional rules to implement this policy. The policy and rules will be communicated to students and parents through the student handbook and/or the student code of conduct.1001(23)

Cross Reference: JICGBCC–Employee -Use of Cell Phones IJNDB–Student Computer and Internet Use and Internet Safety JIC–Student Code of Conduct JIH--JIH–Questioning and Searches of Students

Adopted: June 24, 2013

Revised: February 26, 2015; April 27, 2020; November 25, 20242024; June 15, 2026

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