Cell Phone Policy

A. Restrictions at School

1. Cell phones and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination.
2. Computing devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where such use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.
3. Use of cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and other electronic devices during the administration of state standardized examinations is governed by State Education Department Rules.
4. Cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.
5. Cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems may not be used in locker rooms or bathrooms.

B. Cell Phones

During the school day: 256@43 and Elementary Sites

Cell phones must be collected by the school when students enter the school building and stored in a designated location until the end of the school day.

During the school day: St. John’s and MercyFirst

Cell phones must be collected by the school when students enter the school building and stored in a designated location until the end of the school day.

During the school day: 256@Gateway Academy

Cell phones must be collected by the school when students enter the school building and stored in a designated location until the end of the school day.

During after-school, school-sponsored programs or activities

Cell phones may not be turned on or used while on school property.

C. Computing Devices

During the school day

Computing systems may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.

During after-school, school-sponsored programs or activities

Computing systems may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.

D. Portable Music and Entertainment Systems

During the school day

Portable music devices and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used while on school property.

During after-school, school-sponsored programs or activities

Portable music devices and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used while on school property.

E. Confiscation and Return of Electronic Items

School-based policies must describe the procedures for the confiscation, storage and return of electronic devices. In determining whether to confiscate an electronic device, schools should consider the nature of the violation. Where appropriate, measures should be instituted in a progressive fashion. Such measures may include, but are not limited to:

• Warnings
• Confiscation of item and return at end of school day
• Confiscation of item and return following parent conference
• Confiscation of item and return following student entering into behavioral contract
• Revocation of privilege to bring item to school

F. Discipline

School-based policies must state that students who use cell phones, computing devices, and/or portable music and entertainment system in violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor's Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“ISUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.