Developments in cell phone technology in recent years have resulted in enhanced communication opportunities. However, the use of cell phones in schools poses increasing risks of school disruptions, bullying, criminal activity, and academic dishonesty. As a result, beginning with the 2008-09 school year, student cell phones will be banned during the instructional day, as well, as in dressing areas during extracurricular activities. Cell phones maybe kept in lockers only if they are tumed off and cannot be used during the operating hours of the school day. Violations of this policy during the first semester after adoption of this policy will result in the following consequences; 1st offense - 1 day of detention and parent must retrieve the phone: 2nd offense - 1 day of ISS and narent must retrieve the phone: 3rd or more offenses - 1 day of OSS and pnarent must retrieve the phone. After the first semester 2008-09. the consequences for the lSi infraction will be ISS: the 2nd infraction will be 1 day of OSS: 3rd infraction will be 2 days of OSS. 4th infraction will be 3 days of OSS. and so on. In each case. the parent must retrieve the phone.
Parents may apply to the building principal to obtain a hardship exception. In such cases, the student's cell phone must be retained in the principal's office. Students granted a hardship may visit the office to use their cell phone for approved purposes. Each school's phones are also available for parents to contact their student for legitimate reasons.