Cell Phone and Electronic Devices: JICJ
- Students: J
27J Schools strives to create safe learning environments. We recognize that the use of cell phones and other electronic devices can harm the learning environment by distracting students from learning, have impacts on student’s mental health and social well being, and are contributing to ongoing concerns around safety, ease of access to illegal substances and ease of access to weapons. Therefore, we believe that by removing these devices from the learning environment and helping our students and communities understand the negative impacts, we can create safer environments throughout our schools and facilities.
In the learning environment, 27J Schools prohibits the use of cell phones and all other electronic communication devices; including smart watches, game systems, tablets, 2-way radios, earbuds/headphones, and other similar electronic devices during any and all instructional time unless instructed to use such a device by the teacher. A school/district-owned laptop checked out to a student is exempt from this rule; however, it violates the policy if it is using a 2-way messaging capability or wireless transmittal capability and/or is not being used for educational benefit. 27J Schools reserves the right to define the educational value of any new electronic devices that may become available in the future, and to prohibit or allow their use accordingly. All violations of this policy will be considered a 27J Code of Conduct violation and disciplinary action may result.
The following categories outline the grade levels and authorized use/possession of cell phones by students. No student, at any grade level, shall use a cell phone or electronic device to engage in, promote or facilitate any other conduct that violates the student code of conduct, other superintendent policies or regulations, or state or federal law. If the building principal or designee believes a student’s possession or use of a cell phone or other electronic device may involve a violation of law, the building principal or designee may also refer the matter to law enforcement.
- Elementary Schools: Student use of cell phones is prohibited. If a student is asked to carry a cell phone by parents (ie. the student walks home and phone is for safety), the phone must be kept in a secure location until the end of the day.
- Secondary (Middle & High) Schools: Students may use cell phones before and after school, during passing periods, and during lunch break as long as they do not create a distraction or disruption or cause the student to be tardy for the next period; School Administration has the discretion to restrict phone usage in these areas. During class period, cell phones will be secured in lockers, backpacks, or vehicles and will remain concealed (not seen or heard).
- Student Plans/Accommodations: There are times when a student’s use of a cell phone or other electronic device is required to meet a student’s IEP, 504 plan or building level plan with accommodations to access their education. When a cell phone or other electronic device is required to meet such requirements, it will be allowed and monitored by an appropriate school staff member.
- 27J Transportation (All Students): Students may use cell phones to/from school or school-sponsored activities, as long as they do not create a distraction, disruption or safety concern.
Possession of any and all electronic devices 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 of their cell phone and/or other electronic device(s). 27J Schools shall not assume any responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of a cell phone or other electronic device, nor will the district assume any responsibility for unauthorized calls made on a cell phone. No administrative time will be used in an attempt to recover lost, stolen or damaged cell phones or electronic devices. A student or his/her parent/guardian may contact the police department for appropriate action if necessary. Furthermore, by bringing cell phones and/or other electronic devices to school, the student and parents’ consent to the search of that device when school officials have a reasonable suspicion that such a search will reveal a violation of the student code of conduct.
Updated: August 1, 2023
Approved: March 2010
Revised: July 2017
LEGAL REF: 16A COPRAC § 5.17.1
Employee Use of Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
1 CCR 301-26, Rule 4204-R-232.0
SB 23-249
False Reporting of Emergency
CROSS REF: EEAE, Bus Safety Program
EEAEG, Use of Wireless Communication by Bus Drivers
EHC, Use of Internet and Electronic Communications
JBB-R, Sexual Harassment
JICED, Student Expression