Cell Phones and Personal Devices
The cell phone policy remains the same K-12 but is applied slightly differently at the three levels. Cell phones are permitted but must remain turned off and out of sight during the school day. See the various levels below for how the policy is implemented. Cell phones are the responsibility of the student; PRA takes no responsibility in case of theft, damage, or loss of a cell phone or personal device.
Cell phones and personal electronic devices may not be used in a manner, which is potentially unsafe, illegal or otherwise might violate the Student Code of Conduct. Prohibited uses include but are not limited to:
Using the device to create video or audio recordings of students and/or staff without permission of the student and/or staff member.
Using the device to take photographs of students and/or staff without permission of the student and/or staff member.
Using the device for academic dishonesty or cheating.
Using the device in any manner that disrupts the academic environment, or otherwise disrupts school activities or functions.
Using the device to send, receive or possess text or email messages reasonably interpreted as threatening or indecent while at school or while participating in a school sponsored event.
Departing an academic setting to activate or operate such devices.
Cell phones and personal electronic devices are the sole responsibility of the student; PRA takes no responsibility in case of theft, loss, or damage of such devices and will not be responsible for investigation of such incidents.
A PRA Administrator may, at his or her discretion, impose further restrictions upon student use of personal electronic devices, including but not limited to rules prohibiting the possession of personal electronic devices in classrooms, hallways, and other locations on school property.
A teacher may, upon mutual agreement with the administrator, impose further restrictions upon classroom use of personal electronic devices than have been imposed by the school.
K12 Expectations
K5 Students: Off and Out of Sight All Day
For ordinary school days, students may have cell phones in their possession. Phones must be turned off and stored out of sight (in backpack, purse, jacket, etc.). Cell phones will be confiscated if students do not adhere to these procedures.
During testing times, no cell phones will be permitted in the testing room. Students are encouraged to leave phones at home during state testing time. However, phones may be turned into the office with the owner’s name securely attached. Students may pick up the phone at the end of the day.
MS Students: Off and in the Lockers All Day
Students are asked to leave their cell phones and smart watches in their lockers between the hours of 8:15 and 3:15.
Based on research, and after the community viewing of “Screenagers” in the spring of 2019, we believe that this will distinctly improve our students’ ability to communicate, foster empathy, improve their classroom performance, reduce conflict, and increase our already great middle school culture.
HS Students: Off and Out of Sight, Except at Lunch
Cell phones and other personal devices must be in the “off” position and stored out of sight between the hours of 8:15 and 3:15. This includes passing periods and all interior and exterior areas of the school campus, as well as school-sponsored activities off site. The only exception to this policy is when a staff member has permitted the usage for instructional purposes.
Students may use their personal devices on silent mode or with the use of headphones during lunch and recess in the Commons area only, provided the use of such device, as determined by the supervising staff member, in no way disrupts, poses a safety concern, or otherwise violates the Student Code of Conduct.
Students in the library during lunch must follow the library staff’s policies of device usage.
Receiving and making phone calls, texting, and/or use of Social Media is prohibited during this time (emergency communication with parents/guardians can be done in the front office).
Examples of devices that may be used under staff supervision for instructional purposes include but are not limited to calculators, tablets, laptop computers, voice recorders, and cell phones.
The definition of “Academic Setting” is the discretion of school staff and administration.
Policy Violation Steps
1st Offense: The device/phone shall be confiscated and secured in the front office and be released to the student at the end of the school day upon review of this policy with the student. Email sent to student and parent/guardian.
2nd Offense: The device/phone shall be confiscated and secured in the front office. Email sent to student and parent/guardian. The device/phone may be released to the parent/guardian upon review of this policy.
3rd Offense: The third offense will be considered disruptive behavior and a defiance of authority and will result in automatic Friday detention after school. Email to student and parent/guardian.
4th Offense: The privilege to possess a cell phone/personal electronic device on campus may be revoked as determined by PRA Administration. A Cell Phone Contract will be applied (student must check in the phone every morning to the front office for two weeks). A 4th offense, and any additional offenses, will also result in automatic Friday detention after school. If, during this time period, student does not comply with the contract, an in-school suspension will apply.
Depending on the nature and the severity of the violation, as determined by PRA Administration, any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion from school.