New Procedure for 2009-10

The School District understands and acknowledges that cell phones are a necessity for many students and parents. However, cell phones are now creating and posing many problems for the District and for the safety of our students.

1. In the event of an emergency situation, cell phones used by students could jam the air waves and emergency personnel would not be able to make the necessary calls to address and resolve the situation quickly.

2. Use of cell phones by students in an emergency situation may cause a significant number of people to learn of the emergency and come to the school building out of concern or curiosity. This could interfere with the ability of emergency personnel to do their jobs or even get to the scene. In addition, a significant number of onlookers could interfere with the district’s implementation of its emergency plan that may call for moving students to another location.

3. Cell phones frequently cause disruptions within the classroom (ringing/vibrating in class, constant text messaging, etc.) that disrupt the educational process and quality of education for our students.

4. Cell phones can be used to bully and harass; to spread false information; to make threats; to intimidate; to commit forgery; to cheat; to share inappropriate and/or illegal information such as “sexting.”

For these reasons, the Cape Girardeau School District will follow and enforce the following procedures and consequences for all students regarding cell phones and other electronic communication devices such as pagers, personal digital assistants or personal laptops. Students shall not use, display or turn on electronic communication devices during the regular school day, including instructional class time, class change time, breakfast or lunch. Students should keep these items locked in their cars or their locked lockers. Exceptions or waivers to this restriction may be made at the discretion of teachers or administrators in the event of an emergency.

First

Offense:

Warning and cell phone to be picked up by parent only.

Second

Offense:

Cell phone locked in the school office for 5 school days. Parent to pick up after day 5.

Third

Offense:

3 days of ISS for student and cell phone locked in school office for 5 school

days. Parent to pick up after day 5.

Fourth and

Subsequent

Offenses:

ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or loss of user privileges and documentation in student

discipline record.