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2010-2011 Gayle Middle School Cell Phone Policy CELL PHONE USE AND TEXT-MESSAGING AT SCHOOL… IS A MAJOR INSTRUCTIONAL DISTRACTION AND DISCIPLINARY PROBLEM The use and/or display of cell phones, iPhones, wired or wireless ear receivers, internet access devices, MP-3’s, PDA’s, iPods, or like devices, is prohibited at school (on school grounds and inside the school building) during the school day. Cell phone use is also prohibited while riding to and from school on a school bus. Cell phones may be “appropriately” used at school after bus dismissal, unless there is an “extended” instructional activity taking place. “Use” shall be defined as the device being turned on or otherwise activated whether or not sending or receiving a call, voicemail, text message, sexually explicit message, or other communication, or using any feature of the device including but not limited to games, camera, instant text messaging, etc. A phone that “beeps,” “rings,” “buzzes,” “vibrates,” emits noises, etc., is considered “in use.” “Display” shall be defined as possession in such manner that any portion of said device is visible to others. “Sexting,” or the sending of sexually explicit photos or text through one’s mobile phone to friends or others, is illegal , against the law, and prohibited. Any cell phones or like devices brought to school must be turned “off” and stored inside the student’s locker during the entire school day. Students may not carry cell phones or like devices around the school. Administrators may trace your text messages sent to or from your and other phones during the school day. Disciplinary Consequences for Cell Phone Violations In accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, the minimum penalty for violating this rule is a short-term, out-of-school suspension of ten (10) days or less. School administrators have the authority to exercise discretion in terms of the disciplinary consequences applied to cell phone offenses based on the individual situation, school setting, level of disruption to instruction, and degree of code violations associated with each offense.
"2010-2011 Gayle Middle School Cell Phone Policy"