Hagerman Municipal Schools recognize cell phones/electronic devices as part of the fabric of 21st century society and believe in the importance of integrating technology into instruction. Cell phone/electronic devices have become a way of life, a technological convenience that has impacted all our lives in many ways. However, in the school environment, personal cell phones/electronic devices can be a distraction and interruption during the learning process. The ringing of the cell phone during class or text-messaging takes away from the valuable time needed for instruction and, most importantly, student learning.
We do recognize that cell phones/electronic devices can be a safety/security tool; however, they can be a detriment in the event of a building emergency and our protocol to manage such emergencies in a safe and effective manner. Parents and guardians are asked to call the child’s school building phone number to relay any messages that may be urgent in reference to their child.
The district permits students to possess personal cell phones and telecommunications devices for safety purposes; however, all telecommunications devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, off their person, and stored away in a backpack or purse, including during all testing, unless they are being used for approved purposes. A student must have approval to possess other personal telecommunications devices on campus such as laptops, tablets, or other portable computers. Without such permission, school personnel will collect the items and turn them into the principal’s office. The principal will determine whether to return items to students at the end of the day or to contact parents to pick up the items.
The use of cell phones or any device capable of capturing images is strictly prohibited in locker rooms or restroom areas while at school or at a school-related or a school-sponsored event.
If a student uses a telecommunications device without authorization during the school day or authorized school event, the following consequences may be implemented:
● 1st Offense: Cell phone/electronic device taken up by teacher or other school personnel, and turned into the main office. Parent contact by campus administration or designee. The parent may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from the front office at a time agreed upon with the campus administration.
● 2nd Offense: Cell phone/electronic device taken by a teacher or other school personnel, and turned into the main office. Parent contact by campus administration or designee. The parent may pick up the confiscated telecommunications device from the front office and the student will not be able to possess a cell phone while on school grounds. Campus principal discretion for appropriate disciplinary actions.
NOTE: Based on the judgment of campus administration and the severity of the offense, the administration holds the right to accelerate any disciplinary action in accordance with the school disciplinary code and its policies and procedures.
At any time, the administration reserves the right to deny cell phone/electronic devices usage or possession during the school day or at school-sponsored events.
Confiscated telecommunications devices that are not retrieved by the student or the student’s parent will be disposed of after the notice required by law. In limited circumstances and in accordance with law, a student’s personal telecommunications device may be searched by authorized personnel. Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Discipline Code of Conduct. The district is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.
Instructional Use of Personal Telecommunications and Other Electronic Devices
Students must obtain prior approval to use personal telecommunications or other personal electronic devices for instructional purposes while on campus. All personal devices must be turned off during the instructional day, and stowed away off their person, when not in use for approved purposes. Violations of the user agreement may result in withdrawal of privileges and other disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the campus administration.
Date of Board Approval: May 15, 2023
