Cell Phone Use

CELL PHONE USE (p. 16) Cell phones must be kept out of sight and powered off (not set to vibrate) throughout the school day, including times when students are not in class, with the exception of the lunch period. This includes the other functions of a cell phone such as voicemail, text messaging, calculators, games, MP3 players, still or video cameras, internet browsers, etc. Cell phones also may not be used during lunch when students are participating in class meetings or other special programs.

The school day starts at 8:00 a.m. and extends until the final bell at 4:10 p.m., and includes school-sponsored events either on or off campus during the school day.

Parents may leave a text or voice message for their child on his/her cell phone, with the understanding that the phone will not be checked for messages until lunch time or at the end of the school day. Parents may also call the school office to leave a message for their child.

Messages will be placed in students’ mailboxes. Students are responsible for checking their mailboxes during the school day. In the event of an emergency, the message will be delivered directly to the student.

If a student uses any of the functions of a cell phone when not permitted, the following consequences may be assigned: • 1st offense: The cell phone may be confiscated until the end of the school day.

• 2nd offense: The cell phone may be confiscated by the Academic Dean, and a further consequence may be assigned. Consequences may include the banning of possession of a cell phone in school for a period of time, up to and including the entire school year.