Posen Schools Cell Phone / Wireless Communication Device Policy – Q&A
Q: When are students allowed to use wireless communication devices on school grounds?
A: Students may use wireless communication devices during school hours, including instructional time, only when the device meets one of the exceptions outlined in the policy.
Cell phone use is approved for lunch times within the Junior and Senior High and before and after school hours.
Q: When may a student use a wireless communication device during school hours?
A: A student may use a wireless communication device if:
It is medically necessary to monitor a health issue.
It is required by the student's Section 504 Plan or IEP.
It is a District-owned device.
The District has designated the device for instructional purposes.
A classroom teacher has permitted the device for a specific lesson or academic assignment listed in their lesson plans for the day.
It is being used during an emergency in accordance with the District's emergency operations plan under Policy 3402, provided that its use does not interfere with emergency protocols, first responders, or endanger students or staff.
Q: Can a student use a personal cell phone during instructional time?
A: Generally, no. A personal cell phone may only be used during instructional time if one of the policy exceptions applies, such as teacher permission for a lesson-specific academic assignment, a medical need, or a requirement in the student's Section 504 Plan or IEP.
Q: What happens if a student chooses to bring a wireless communication device to school?
A: The device must be stored in the school's designated storage area during class hours and passing times between classes.
Q: Does a student have to leave their cell phone at home?
A: No. Students may bring wireless communication devices to school. However, if they bring one, it must be stored in the school's designated storage area during school hours unless the student is permitted to use it under one of the policy exceptions.
Q: Can a teacher allow students to use their phones for a class assignment?
A: Yes. A classroom teacher may permit students to use a wireless communication device for a specific lesson or academic assignment.
Q: Can students use their phones during an emergency?
A: Students may use wireless communication devices during an emergency when the use is consistent with the District's emergency operations plan under Policy 3402. Device use must not interfere with school emergency procedures or first responders and must not endanger students or staff.
Q: What if a student needs a device because of a medical condition?
A: A student may use a wireless communication device when it is medically necessary to monitor a health issue.
Q: What if a student's IEP or Section 504 Plan requires the use of a wireless communication device?
A: The student may use the device as required by their IEP or Section 504 Plan.
Q: Can students use their phones during lunch?
A: Yes. Junior and Senior High students may use cell phones during lunch and before and after school. Elementary students may not use their cell phones at all after the first bell rings until the end of the school day unless an exemption applies for medical health or IEP.
Q: What happens if students do not follow the policy?
A:
First offense: student phone will be held in the office until the end of the school day. Student may pick up the phone at the end of the school day.
Second offense: student phone will be held in the office until the end of the school day. The student’s parent or guardian is required to pick up their cell phone from the school office.
Third offense: student will not be allowed to use their cell phone at school. It will be held in the office and picked up by the parent or guardian. If it is brought to school it will be held in the office at all times school is in session.
Q: What is the main rule students should remember?
A: If a student brings a wireless communication device to school, it must be stored in the school's designated storage area during school hours unless the student is using the device for an approved reason listed in the policy. All Junior High and High School students will be responsible for placing their devices in the proper school designated storage area before the first bell and then again after the end of lunch bell.
Q: What if a student forgets to place their cell phone in the designated area?
A: The student may give their cell phone to any staff member who will contact the office and ask for a cell phone pick up. If the student is found or reported to have a cell phone prior to the student alerting staff it will be considered a policy offence.
Q: Can elementary students bring cell phones to school?
A: Yes, if necessary for before or after school communications. Elementary students may not use their cell phones after the first bell rings until the end of the school day unless an exemption applies for medical health or IEP.