Cell Phone Policy 24-25
Liberty High School
Dear Liberty High School Parents and Guardians,
We hope each of you are having a restful and enjoyable summer! The start of the school year, August 19th, will be here before we know it!
We wanted to update you on Liberty High School’s expectation regarding student cell phones for this new school year.
We all agree that cell phones have become part of the fabric of our society and culture. It wasn’t that many years ago that cell phones were limited to only making calls and texting. However, today the cell phone is a device that allows for instant access to nearly unlimited applications and information. We have heard from many parents, teachers, and students about their concerns regarding how cell phones have become a distraction during the school day.
Beginning this year, consequences will be enforced if a student does not follow the cell phone board policy that is addressed in the Student Handbook. It is expected that all personal devices be stored away during classtime. This includes cell phones, Wi-Fi ear buds, as well as watches that can act as a telecommunication device. Our administration team will share the following consequences with you and your student in the earliest school days ahead.
Board Policy 2610:
Electronics: Improper Possession or Use; Cell Phones. Possession and use of any electronics by students during the school day is strongly discouraged and is governed by the following rules.
Definitions. The following definitions apply to Section 12, Electronics: Improper Possession or Use:
The terms “electronics” or “electronic devices” mean any electronic components, devices, or equipment, including but not limited to cell phones, tablets, laptops, smartwatches, video game systems, headphones, speakers, and cameras.
“School day” is defined as the time period that begins when a student enters the school building at the start of the day and ends when the student leaves the school building following the final class or dismissal. The term encompasses all instructional time, scheduled breaks such as passing periods and lunch periods, and other activities occurring within the school building during these hours. It does not include time spent on school grounds before entering or after leaving the school building, during school-sponsored activities outside of these regular designated hours, or traveling by bus to or from school.
“Class time” is defined as any period during the school day when instruction, either within a teacher’s regular classroom or in an alternative instructional setting, is being delivered, or when academic activities supervised by school personnel are taking place. Class time does not include breaks, lunch periods, passing periods between classes, travel time on school buses.
General Rules Applicable to all Students. The following rules relating to possession and use of electronic devices apply to all students regardless of level:
Creation of Digital Images, Videos, and Audio Recordings. Students are prohibited from creating digital images, videos, and audio recordings that disrupt the educational environment, pose the potential to disrupt the educational environment, or are of the type prohibited elsewhere in this code of student conduct. See, e.g., Disruptive Behavior (prohibiting, among other things, the recording of fights or other altercations on any electronic device).
Laser Pointers. Laser pointers are not allowed at any time. Possession of a laser pointer will result in a consequence.
Wireless Headphones. Students may not use wireless headphones during class time and wireless headphones may not be visible or audible during class time.
Tracking Devices. The use of tracking devices, such as AirTags, for unauthorized tracking of students, staff, other individuals, or property is strictly prohibited. Misuse of such tracking devices will result in a consequence.
Responsibility for Electronic Devices. Students, who bring electronic items to school, do so at their own risk and are responsible to secure the item from damage, theft, or loss.
Confiscation of Electronic Devices. If a student brings an electronic device to school and it is visible, audible, or in the possession of or being used by a student during an unauthorized time, that student is subject to the consequences set out in the table below and the student may have his or her electronic device confiscated by an administrator. In the event an electronic device is confiscated, the building administrator will notify the student’s parent(s) and return the confiscated electronic device to the student at the end of the school day on which it was confiscated.
Exceptions for Assistive Technology. Restrictions on electronic devices in this section do not apply to assistive technology devices that are required by a student with disabilities as part of his or her Individualized Education Program (“IEP”), related services, or supplementary aids and services. Exceptions also apply to accommodations required under a Section 504 plan. Assistive technology devices required by students as established by their IEP or Section 504 plans may be used during the school day, including during class time, as necessary to facilitate their learning and participation, in accordance with their IEP or Section 504 plan.
High Schools. The following rules relating to possession and use of electronic devices apply to high school students:
During Class Time:
Students may not use cell phones for any purpose during class time. Cell phones may not be visible or audible during class time. Cell phones, however, may be stored in backpacks during class time if they are placed in silent mode or turned off.
Electronic devices other than administration-approved devices that are used for instructional or educational purposes are prohibited.
Outside of Class Time:
Electronic devices, including cell phones, may be used on the way to and from the school on the bus.
Electronic devices, including cell phones, may be used outside of class time, including assigned lunch periods and in the passing time between classes.
1st offense - The student may be assigned a detention and/or ISS.
2nd offense/subsequent offences - Principal/student conference, detention, ISS
We also recognize that cell phones are an important safety device and that parents may want to contact their child during the school day. Parents can contact the front office if they need to reach their child. As we are a 1:1 school district, the need for cell phones to be used for instructional purposes should be limited. Below we have a Q & A section about some frequently asked questions regarding the district cell phone policy.
What if there is an emergency and I need to contact my student immediately?
Call the office at 636-561-0075 and we can take a message for your student or have them come down to the office to contact you.
Students will still have cell phones within their possession (backpack/purse).
This means any location device tools parents may use will still work ex. Life360 app
If in danger, your children can reach the authorities or a medical provider.
What if my students' sport/activity is cancelled?
Administration will announce this information over the intercom. Students may then raise hand and use phone with permission.
Why are we doing this?
Overall classroom engagement
Student grades
Research
Distraction to the learning environment
Self-regulation
Social Media/Cyberbullying
Mental Health
When can my student use their phone?
Before school, after school, during passing time, on the bus, and soar time (lunch).
Where can phones not be used?
Classrooms, bathrooms, school offices (ex. counselors), unless otherwise stated by an administrator.
We believe that by enforcing the cell phone/telecommunication device rules, it will create a much more positive learning environment so that our students remain focused and engaged during instruction.
Sincerely,
Liberty High School Administration