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Cell Phone Policy

Cell Phone Policy

hand-holding-cell-mobile-phone-with-news-on-screen

PGCPS Cell Phone/Personal Electronic Device (PED) Policy

Definitions

  • Cell Phone includes, but is not limited to, iPhones, "smart" phones, Internet-enabled phones, ... and other devices that are capable of placing and/or receiving telephone calls [or] text messages, ... creating and distributing videos [or] photographs, and the like.
  • Personal Electronic Device is an electronic device that emits an audible signal, visual signal, vibration, displays a message, or otherwise summons the possessor.  [This includes but it not limited to] paging devices, ... video cameras, iPods or other MP3 players, laser pointers, portable video game players, laptop computers, ... and any device that provides a connection to the Internet.

Prohibited Use

    • Students are prohibited from using these devices on school property during the school day, including
      • Parking lots
      • Buses
      • In and around the school building
    • Cell phones and PEDs may not be visible during regular school hours and must be completely turned off (not in silent or vibrate mode).  It is a violation of this policy to share or post any images that have been taken or stored on these devices while on school property.

Permitted Use

    • Students are permitted to use cell phones/PEDs on school property only
      • Before and after regular school hours, or with the permission of the school staff member in charge
      • At after-school or athletic activities
      • In an emergency situation, or
      • For instructional use, as approved by the student's teacher

Violations

  •  Violations shall result in the following consequences: After an initial warning, the following actions will be taken.
    • First Offense - The student's cell phone/PED will be confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day.
    • Second Offense - The student's cell phone/PED will be confiscated and returned only to the student's parent/guardian.
    • Thereafter - Students committing repeated violations shall be subject to additional disciplinary action.

Students who refuse to comply with a request to turn over their cell phone/PED shall be subject to discipline for insubordination and other such disciplinary action consistent with the Student Code of Conduct.