Overview

Students are permitted to possess personal devices at school. Students must keep them silenced and put away during instructional time between morning and afternoon bells. For the purpose of this policy, a device is “put away” when it is out of sight and not easily accessible (e.g., stored in a locker, backpack, or bag). Students may not display, use, or make devices visible during this time period unless one of these exceptions applies:   

1. Use of the personal device during school hours is specifically authorized or required by a student’s individualized education program (IEP), Section 504 plan, or the individualized health plan (IHP) on file for that student, or has been approved by the administration for translation purposes, assistive communication, or a safety plan.   

2. The personal device is displayed, used, or made visible for instructional purposes with the prior authorization of the classroom teacher, consistent with a school-wide rule regarding such instructional use.   

3. School staff, in their discretion, may authorize brief use of a personal device if there is a reasonable and legitimate need to communicate with someone outside the school during the instructional day. Students must ask for permission in advance and must honor any specific directions from staff regarding the duration or specific time of day for any such authorized use. 

If a student uses a device when they shouldn't:

• They will get a verbal warning first.

• If the behavior continues, the device may be taken away temporarily.

• Parents will be contacted if it becomes a pattern.

• Administrative Referral

Updated August 2025