Lake Country School’s policy on student cell phones, smartwatches, and other telecommunication devices as outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook and Technology Use Agreement:  Students are prohibited from using or possessing any electronic communication devices (ECDs) including, but not limited to, cell phones, I-Pads, I-Pods, smartwatches, and others during the school day or at school-sponsored activities that occur during the regular school day unless given permission by a teacher for educational purposes only. If a student brings an ECD to school, it must remain in the student’s locker and be turned off until the end of the school day. 

Cell phones, smartwatches, and other telecommunication devices have become an integral part of our society and culture. Not long ago, devices were limited to making phone calls and sending text messages only. However, today, cell phones and smartwatches provide instant access to a variety of applications, information, and recordings. Many parents/guardians, teachers, and students have expressed their concerns about how these devices can be a distraction during school hours.

If a student fails to adhere to the cell phone and electronic communication device rules mentioned in the Student/Parent Handbook under the sections CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES and REGULATIONS ON PERSONAL ITEMS, consequences will be enforced. During the instructional day, it is expected that all personal devices be turned off when not in use unless approved for a medical reason.

This week, your child's classroom teacher will inform them about the consequences of using cell phones, smartwatches, and other telecommunication devices.

First Offense: The student may pick up the phone at the end of the day from the Front Office. The teacher will get in touch with the parent or guardian.

Second Offense: Cell phone/electronic device will be taken up by the teacher and turned into the front office. The parent/guardian may pick up the device at the end of the day. The administrator will get in touch with the parent or guardian.

Third Offense: Cell phone/electronic device taken up by the teacher and turned into the main office. The administrator will get in touch with the parent or guardian.  The parent/guardian may pick up the device at the front office. The student will no longer be permitted to have the device on campus for the remainder of the semester. 

We understand that cell phones can be important for safety reasons and that parents/guardians may need to contact their children while they are at school. If parents/guardians need to reach their child or if a child needs to reach their parent/guardian, they may use the telephone in the front office, health room, or classroom. Since our school district provides each student with a 1:1 device, cell phones should not be used for instructional purposes.

The Lake Country School District promotes safe online activity for children and educates students about appropriate online behavior, including how to interact with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms. The school also raises awareness about cyberbullying and how to respond to it. The district monitors students' online activity when using a school-issued device.  However, this is not possible when students use personal devices.  Therefore, the school believes that enforcing the cell phone/telecommunication device rules during the school day will create a much more positive learning environment, allowing students to remain focused and engaged during instruction. 

LINKS:

Student Parent Handbook

Student Use of Electronic Communication Devices -  Policy #:  443.5 

Internet Safety and Acceptable Use - Policy #:  363.2