PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES (District-Wide Policy)

For purposes of this policy, “Personal Electronic Devices” are defined to include cellular phones, digital cameras (still or video), personal digital assistants (PDAs), iPods, MP3 players, headphones, pagers, or any other easily concealed electronic device capable of transmitting data or images.

Gardner Edgerton School District extends to students the privilege to possess and use Personal Electronic Devices before and after the instructional school day.  All Personal Electronic Devices must be turned off before the start of each school day and may not be reactivated until after the last bell of the day.  They shall be stored in a student’s locker (or backpack for elementary students) throughout the instructional day. The instructional day includes, but is not limited to, lunch breaks, class changes, study halls, fire drills, assemblies, school evacuations, and any other structured or non-structured activity that occurs during the normal school day.  During all times when electronic devices are allowed to be on and in use, students are encouraged to keep their phone on “silent” mode.

Due to the potential for invasions of privacy, the use of Personal Electronics Devices that are capable of recording audio, video or still images is prohibited at all times in the bathrooms or locker rooms. In addition to disciplinary action that may be taken by the Administration, violators of this provision may be referred to law enforcement authorities.

Students, parents, and guardians are advised that the Board of Education assumes no responsibility in any circumstances whatsoever for the loss, destruction or theft of any Personal Electronics Devices that are brought to school or to any extra-curricular or after-school activity.

Building administrators shall have the discretion to determine the appropriate punishment for violations of this policy.  Building administrations shall also have the discretion to allow exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis, e.g., in situations where a student’s 504 plan or IEP requires the use of a Personal Electronic Device, or in cases of medical necessity or emergency.

Adopted by the Gardner Edgerton USD 231 Board of Education on May 7, 2007