Electronic Device Policy

- Just pretend it is 1995 -

District Policy:  

Under Policy 5209:

• Students may not use wireless communication devices on school grounds during “instructional time,” defined as the start of the school day through dismissal, except for specified exceptions.

• Exceptions include medical necessity, an IEP or 504 Plan, District-owned devices, District-designated instructional use, permission from a classroom teacher for a lesson-specific academic assignment, and certain emergency use.

• The Superintendent, principals, and teachers are specifically authorized to develop building-level and classroom rules for wireless devices, but those rules must be clearly communicated to students. A violation is subject to “corrective or disciplinary action, consistent with Policy and the student code of conduct.” 

• Administrators and teachers may confiscate a device if its use or possession violates Policy 5209, the Student Code of Conduct, or an applicable building/classroom rule. The principal/designee may require a parent meeting before returning it.

Hastings High School Student Handbook

• The handbook says that during school hours, students may not use or access cell phones or other electronic devices. This expressly includes smartwatches, tablets, earbuds/headphones, smart glasses, cameras, recording devices, and essentially any device capable of communicating, recording, photographing, or transmitting data. If brought to school, the device must be powered off and stored in the student’s locker during school hours. 

• For a violation, the handbook expressly authorizes administrators and teachers to confiscate the device when its use or possession violates Board Policy, the Student Code of Conduct, or a building/classroom rule. The principal or designee may also require a parent/guardian meeting before returning the device.

Mr. Carl's Policy/Action:  

• Everyone in my lab has access to a District personal computer.  There is absolutely NO reason to have any personal electronics in my lab.  All personal electronics MUST BE OFF (not on standby).  If I see you using your device, I will ask for it.  I will not give you any warnings.  It doesn’t matter what you’re using it for, whether you’re checking the time or using it as a calculator.  If I see it, I will ask for it, so your best bet is to just keep it out of sight.  If I do collect your device, I will turn it in to the office for your parent/guardian to pick up.

• You may bring in your own headset or earbuds for listening to music or instructional videos.  If listening to music, the screen MUST BE MINIMIZED so I can not see it.