Policy 5136
Personal Communication Devices (PCDs)
The use of PCDs, except those approved by a teacher or administrator, at any time other than what is listed below is prohibited, and they must be powered completely off (i.e., not just placed into vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight in the student’s locker. Students in grades 9-12 may use PCDs before and after school; during their lunch break; and in between classes as long as they do not create a distraction, disruption, or otherwise interfere with the educational environment; during after school activities (e.g., extra-curricular activities); or at school-related functions. Students in grades PreK-8 may only use PCDs before and after school, during after school activities (e.g., extra-curricular activities), or at school-related functions after school hours.
Students may not use PCDs on school property or at a school-sponsored activity to access and/or view Internet websites that are otherwise blocked to students at school.
Except as authorized by a teacher, administrator, nurse for medical purposes, or IEP team/case conference committee ("CCC"), students are prohibited from using PCDs during the school day, including while off-campus on a field trip, to capture, record and/or transmit the words or sounds (i.e., audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/video) of any student, staff member or other person. Using a PCD to capture, record and/or transmit audio and/or pictures/video of an individual without proper consent is considered an invasion of privacy and is not permitted. Students who violate this provision and/or use a PCD to violate the privacy rights of another person may have their PCD confiscated and held until the end of the school day. If the violation involves potentially illegal activity, the confiscated-PCD may be turned over to law enforcement.
The use of PCDs in gymnasiums, locker rooms, shower facilities, rest/bathrooms and/or swimming pool is prohibited.
Students shall have no expectation of confidentiality with respect to their use of PCDs on school premises/property.
Students may not use a PCD in any way that reasonably might create in the mind of another person an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed or intimidated.
Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior.
In particular, students are prohibited from using PCDs to: (1) transmit material that is threatening, obscene, disruptive, or sexually explicit or that can be construed as harassment or disparagement of others based upon their race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation/transgender identity), disability, age, religion, ancestry, or political beliefs; and (2) engage in "sexting" - i.e., sending, receiving, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, text messages, e-mails or other materials of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form. Violation of these prohibitions shall result in disciplinary action. Furthermore, such actions will be reported to local law enforcement and child protection services as required by law.
Students also are prohibited from using a PCD to capture, record, 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 PCDs to receive such information.
Possession of a PCD by a student at school during school hours and during extra-curricular activities is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise abuses this privilege.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the PCD. The building principal also will refer the matter to law enforcement or child protection services if the violation involves an illegal activity (e.g., child pornography, sexting). Discipline will be imposed on an escalating scale ranging from a warning to an expulsion based on the number of previous violations and/or the nature of or circumstances surrounding a particular violation. If the PCD is confiscated, it will be released/returned to the student's parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequences that are imposed unless the violation involves potentially illegal activity, in which case the PCD may be turned over to law enforcement. A confiscated device will be marked in a removable manner with the student's name and held in a secure location in the building's Principal’s, Assistant Principal’s, or Dean’s office until it is retrieved by the parent/guardian or turned over to law enforcement. School
officials will not search or otherwise tamper with PCDs in Corporation custody unless they 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 Search and Seizure Policy. If multiple offenses occur, a student may lose his/her privilege to bring a PCD to school for a designated length of time or on a permanent basis.
A person who discovers a student using a PCD in violation of this policy is required to report the violation to the building principal.
Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their PCDs. The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, or damage to, or misuse or unauthorized use of, PCDs brought onto its property.
Parents/Guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is by calling the school office.
Students may use school phones to contact parents/guardians during the school day.
The Pioneer Regional School Corporation along with Pioneer Jr./Sr. High School High School and Pioneer Elementary School shall not be responsible for the theft, loss or damage to personal electronic devices brought to school by a student.
Cell Phone Discipline Policy
1st violation: Teacher confiscates the phone/PCD, turns it into the office, and the student may pick-up the phone/PCD at the end of the day. Teacher contacts home.
2nd violation: Teacher confiscates the phone/PCD, turns it into the office, and the student may pick-up the phone/PCD at the end of the day. Teacher contacts home. The student will be assigned detention.
3rd violation: Teacher confiscates the phone/PCD, turns it into the office, and the student may pick-up the phone/PCD at the end of the day. The student will be assigned 1 day of ISS.
4th violation: Teacher confiscates the phone/PCD, turns it into the office, and the student may pick-up the phone/PCD at the end of the day. The student will be assigned 1 day of OSS.
5th+ violation: Teacher confiscates the cell phone, turns it into the office, and parents can pick-up the phone/PCD at the end of the day. The student will be assigned 2-10 days OSS as progressive discipline.
VIDEO/AUDIO RECORDINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Students are forbidden from recording audio, video, or taking pictures with personal devices or school-issued devices during the school day without permission from a teacher or administrator. Students who are found to be violating this policy will be required to delete their recordings or photography and are subject to school discipline. Any violation of this rule that constitutes an illegal activity (ex. capturing nude images or video) will be referred to law enforcement.
Approved: June 11, 2024