• 5136 - ELECTRONIC DEVICES

    For the purpose of this policy, "electronic devices" are defined as, but not limited to: cellular telephones, laptops, pagers, and all other devices, including electronic communication devices (ECDs) and electronic storage devices (ESDs), in which the major purpose of the device is to transmit and/or receive voice, imaging, and/or alphanumeric communications.

    A student may possess electronic devices in school, on school property, at after school activities and at school-related functions, provided that during times to be determined by the building administrator, the electronic devices remain off.

    Also, during school activities when directed by the administrator or sponsor, electronic devices shall be turned off and stored away out of sight.

    The use of electronic devices in locker rooms or bathrooms is prohibited at any time.

    Students are prohibited from using electronic devices to capture, record or transmit the words (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person in the school or while attending a school-related activity, without the express prior notice and explicit consent for the capture, recording or transmission of such words or images. Using an electronic device to take or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of individuals without his/her consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted, unless authorized by the building administrator, or designee.

    Possess and use of electronic devices by a student is a privilege, which may be revoked by the District if a student fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege. No expectation of confidentiality will exist in the use of electronic devices on school property.

    Students are prohibited from using electronic devices in any way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed or intimidated. See Policy 517.01 - Bullying and Other Aggressive Behavior Toward Students.

    Students are also prohibited from using electronic devices to capture and or transmit test information or any other information in a manner constituting fraud, theft, cheating or academic dishonesty. Likewise, students are prohibited from using their electronic devices to receive such information.

    Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the electronic device. The building administrator may also refer the matter to law enforcement if the violation involves an illegal activity. Electronic devices in District custody will not be searched or otherwise tampered with unless building administrators reasonably suspect that the search is required to discover evidence of a violation of the law or other school rules. Any search will be conducted in accordance with Policy 5771 - Search and Seizure.

    The student who possesses an electronic device shall assume responsibility for its care. At no time shall the District be responsible for theft, loss or damage to electronic devices brought onto its property.

    The taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing of obscene, pornographic, lewd, illegal images or photographs, or items that disrupt the educational process, whether by electronic data transfer or otherwise (commonly called texting, 'sexting', emailing, etc.) may constitute a crime under State and/or Federal law. Any person taking, disseminating, transferring, or sharing obscene, pornographic, lewd, illegal images or photographs, or items that disrupt the educational process will be disciplined, and may be reported to law enforcement and/or other appropriate State or Federal agencies.

    Revised 6/09
    Revised 1/17/12