Electronic Devices Policy |
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 Section: Pupils
Title: Electronic Devices
Adopted: February 23, 2005 |
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The Board prohibits possession of laser pointers and attachments and telephone paging devices/beepers by students on school property, on buses and other vehicles provided by the district, and at school-sponsored activities.
The Board prohibits use of personal communication devices by students during the school day in district buildings, on district property, and while students are attending school-sponsored activities.
In addition, the Board prohibits possession and use by students of any device that provides for a wireless, unfiltered connection to the Internet.
The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage or misuse of any electronic device brought to school by a student.
The Superintendent or designee shall annually notify students, parents/guardians and staff about the district's electronic device policy by publishing such policy in the student handbook, newsletters, posted notices and other efficient methods.
Violations of this policy by a student shall result in disciplinary action and may result in confiscation of the electronic device.
The confiscated item shall not be returned until a conference has been held with a parent/guardian.
Telephone Pagers/Beepers
With prior administrative approval, the telephone paging device/beeper prohibition shall not apply in the following cases:
1. A student who is a member of a volunteer fire company, ambulance or rescue squad.
2. A student who has a need for such device due to the medical condition of an immediate family member.
3. Other reasons determined appropriate by the building principal.
Personal Communication Devices
Cellular telephones shall be turned off during instructional and class time, during passing times between classes and at any other time where use of the device would cause a disruption of school activities.
Cellular telephones that have the capability to take photographs or to record audio or video shall not be used for such purposes while on district property or while a student is engaged in school-sponsored activities, unless expressly authorized in advance by the building principal or designee.
Laptop computers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) brought to school shall be restricted to classroom or instructional-related activities. Students shall comply with the guidelines set by the classroom teacher or school officials for the educational use of laptop computers and PDAs.
Exceptions to the prohibitions set forth in this policy may be made for health, safety or emergency reasons with prior approval of the building principal or designee, or when use is provided for in a students' individualized education program (IEP).
References:
Pennsylvania Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act -
18 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 5703
School Code - 24 P.S. Sec. 510, 1317.1
Board Policy - 113, 218, 233, 815
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Use of Cell Phones
Through discussion of the policy committee of the MASD School Board, it has been determined that exceptions to the prohibitions set forth in District Policy #237 "Electronic Devices" can be made by building principals in relation to cell phone use in schools. Should an exception be given granting permission for students to bring cell phones to school, it is understood that all cell phones will be kept in the student's locker during school/instructional hours. It should be understood that exceptions granted will be done with the understanding that cell phone use will only be permitted after school/instructional hours.
Information pertaining to such an exception in relation to Policy #237 will be provided to the building principals to place into their building handbooks. The above stated information will be posted on the District's webpage. Students will be advised of above stated exceptions via the building intercom system.
It should be noted that all cell phones used during school/instructional hours, in a method that violates the exceptions, will be confiscated by the building administration. Permission slips to request exemptions to the prohibitions will be developed by each building principal and will require a parent's signature before being granted.
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