The Lee County Board of Education recently updated Policy 4138 which regulates student use of cell phones and other wireless communication devices.
This update reinforces the existing cell phone rules our schools have in place, while expanding the definition of wireless communication devices, allowing principals to ban devices on testing days, and adding consequences for failing to turn over a confiscated device.
While focusing on instruction is important for students, we recognize that situations may arise during the school day when students need to communicate with their parents. Our administrators and teachers will make every effort to ensure that needs are met in a timely and appropriate manner.
Please review the attached Q&A: Use of Wireless Communication and Other Electronic Devices, and share the information with your student.
Please contact your child's school if you have questions or need more information.
Q&A: Use of Wireless Communication and Other Electronic Devices
What are considered Wireless Communication Devices?
Wireless communication and other electronic devices include, but are not limited to: cell phones, electronic devices with internet capability, paging devices, two-way radios, electronic games, laser pointers, cameras, video cameras, tablets, wireless and corded earbuds/headphones and similar devices. Smartwatches are considered wireless communication devices when used for messaging or accessing the internet.
Can students bring wireless devices to school?
Yes. Students may bring wireless devices to school as long as they follow the rules at their school. Students are personally and solely responsible for the security of their wireless devices – the district is not responsible for theft, loss or damage of a cell phone or other wireless device.
Can high school students use cell phones at school?
High school students may use cell phones and other electronic devices between classes and during their assigned lunch period. Students may use cell phones and other wireless devices during class when requested by their teacher for classroom instruction. At other times during the instructional day, from the first bell to begin school to the last bell for dismissal, cell phones and other devices should remain turned off or put away.
What about elementary and middle school students?
Elementary and middle school students are not allowed to use cell phones and other electronic devices from the time of arrival on campus to the last bell for dismissal.
Are there exceptions to the restrictions on the use of wireless devices by students?
Yes. Administrators may allow students in elementary, middle and high schools to use wireless devices for personal purposes when a reasonable need arises.
Can students use wireless devices on school buses?
Yes. However, the bus driver may ask students to put away devices if they feel the noise from those devices interferes with the safe operation of their bus.
What are the consequences if my child violates the policy?
1st Offense: Item will be confiscated and parents may pick up the item at the end of the school day.
Additional Offenses: Same as above. The student also loses the privilege of possessing the item on campus for the remainder of the school year. In-school or out-of-school suspension may be imposed.
Failure to comply with a request to turn over such devices will be disciplined as a separate or additional violation.
Will wireless devices continue to be used as an instructional tool in the classroom?
Yes. Teachers may give permission to use wireless devices for classroom instruction and must supervise the use of the devices.
Can principals ban the use of electronic devices from their campus?
Administrators may ban the use of electronic devices on their school campus for any legitimate reason, including testing days. Such a ban will not include use by students with disabilities who use the devices to access their educational program.