Book: J

Section: Students

Title: Student Use of Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic Devices

Code: JFCK

Status: Active

Adopted: November 17, 2010

Revised: January 3, 2023

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STUDENT USE OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

 

The Board recognizes that many students possess personal cellular telephones and other personal electronic devices including but not limited to: tablets, smartwatches, earbuds and headphones. These devices may not be used in any manner that disrupts the educational process, is illegal, or violates Board policies and/or school rules. The Portland Public Schools is not responsible for damage, loss or theft of such devices. The Superintendent is authorized to develop any school rules necessary to implement this policy.
 

RULES FOR STUDENT USE OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

 

1. These devices may not be used in any manner that disrupts the educational process, is illegal, or violates Board policies and/or school rules.

 

1. At the elementary and middle school levels, during school day hours, all such devices must be turned off or silenced and out of sight. At the high school level during classes and school activities such as, but not limited to assemblies and field trips, they must be turned off or silenced and out of sight.

 

2. At the elementary and middle school levels, the only exception to this rule is when a teacher or building leader specifically authorizes students to use such a personal electronic device for a brief, urgent communication with a family member, or to use headphones to listen to music on school devices.

 

3. At the elementary and middle school levels, if this rule is violated, the teacher may immediately confiscate the device for the remainder of the school day, and discipline may be imposed as provided below.

 

2. High school students only may use electronic devices between class periods and during lunch periods. Cellular telephones must be silenced to avoid disrupting others.

 

3. Students may use electronic devices on field trips and during extracurricular activities only if authorized by the staff member in charge.

 

4. The use of cameras in any type of electronic device is strictly prohibited in locker rooms and restrooms.

 

1. In other locations and at times when students are allowed to use electronic devices, students are required to obtain permission before taking a photograph or video of any individual. Students must also obtain permission from any individual appearing in a photograph or video prior to posting on any social networking site or other Internet site such as YouTube.

 

5. Any use of cellular telephones and other electronic devices that violates any Board policy/procedure or school rule is strictly prohibited. In addition, accessing, viewing, posting, forwarding, downloading or displaying any materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal is prohibited.

 

6. Student cellular telephones and other electronic devices may be subject to search if there is reasonable suspicion that a student is violating Board policies/procedures and/or school rules.

 

1. A building administrator may maintain possession of an electronic device as long as is reasonably necessary for evidentiary purposes.

 

7. Students violating these rules will be subject to the school’s behavioral intervention and support protocols, which may include:

 

1. Requiring parents to pick up the device from school,
2. Not being allowed to bring electronic devices to school, and/or
3. Other interventions consistent with the school’s protocols, the nature of the offense, whether or not it is illegal, and the student’s behavioral history. 

 

Evidence may be forwarded to law enforcement authorities at the discretion of the Superintendent or as required by law, such as for firearms violations, and a building administrator may give a device to law enforcement authorities upon request.

 

 

Cross Reference:

JIH – Questioning and Searches of Students

JICIA – Weapons, Violence, Bullying and School Safety

JK – Student Discipline

 

Adopted: November 17, 2010

 

Revised: January 3, 2023

 

 

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