503.09 - Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices

In order to promote the best educational experience, students should feel connected to their educational environment and to others in the school community. Building meaningful connections can occur in a variety of ways. Technology has advanced peoples' ability to connect with one another across a variety of virtual platforms, and when used appropriately, adds value to the learning environment. However, it is vital to the developmental health and growth of students that the district provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and other members of their school community in-person whenever possible. In-person learning and interactions teach vital life and social skills that students will need for their continued success in the community.

For this reason, student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time is prohibited. Students have access to district-owned electronic devices as appropriate for the instructional needs of the learning environment and authorized by the classroom teacher. Personal electronic devices means any device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data. Students may wear smart or electronic watches but may not use any communication applications or features that are prohibited from use on other electronic devices and all notifications must be turned off. Personal electronic devices that have been specifically authorized under a current individual education plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or an Individual Health Plan (IHP) are exempt from this policy. For purposes of this policy, instructional time is defined as the time from the beginning of class bell through the end of class bell, and includes all lunch and recess periods.

Students who choose to use personal electronic devices outside instructional time but while on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in a manner that may impact the educational environment must use these devices in accordance with all applicable laws and board policies. Students who violate this policy may face disciplinary consequences. The Superintendent, in conjunction with building level administration, will develop administrative regulations in accordance with this policy.

Note: This policy and the language contained here is optional. The language should be adapted to suit the needs of individual districts. The definition of personal electronic devices includes cell phones, headphones and other Bluetooth devices. Smartwatches have been specifically exempted if the settings are appropriately configured. However, individual districts should decide whether to exempt smartwatches. Instructional time is defined to include lunch, recess, and passing periods in this policy. However, districts should adapt this language to suit the needs of their individual communities.

Legal References:

16 C.F.R. 312

34 C.F.R. pt. 99

47 C.F.R. 54.520

Iowa Code 279.8

I.C. Iowa Code References Description

Iowa Code § 279.8 Directors - General Rules - Bonds of Employees

C.F.R. - Code of Federal Regulations References Description

16 C.F.R. 312 Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule

34 C.F.R. Pt. 99 Education - Family Rights and Privacy

47 C.F.R. 54.520 Communications - Children's Internet Protection Act

Cross References Description

401.12 Employee Use of Cell Phones

401.12-R(1) Employee Use of Cell Phones - Regulation

Approved November 18, 2024 Reviewed Revised

bgreene@cresto… Mon, 11/25/2024 - 11:55

503.09R1 - Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Regulation

The district is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment for students and families. It is valuable for students' educational experience for families to engage in and support their students' educational experience. As part of this commitment, the district will take steps to create opportunities for students to engage in peer-to-peer activities, and ensure that student use of personal electronic devices does not occur during instructional time.

Every district staff member is empowered to assist in the enforcement of this policy and regulation as appropriate. To avoid distraction during instructional time, personal electronic devices must be silenced or turned off and not visible.Staff members may establish classroom rules or protocols for the placement of personal electronic devices during instructional times consistent with this regulation. If a student is observed using a personal electronic device during instructional time, the employee who observed the student's behavior will notify the building administration, who will require the student to turn in the device for safekeeping until the end of the school day. The device will be secured in the building's front office. The district, however, is not responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of personal electronic devices brought onto school, or district property, or while the student is attending district or school-sponsored events.

For a student's first violation of this policy, the student may pick up the device at the end of the school day and the student's parent/guardian will be notified. For subsequent violations of this policy, the device will be released to the student's parent/guardian following a meeting with the student and the student's parent/guardian to create a plan to avoid further violations. If a student in violation of this policy refuses to turn over their device, they may be sent home for the remainder of the school day. Repeated violations of this policy may result in additional disciplinary consequences for students in accordance with board policy.

Note: This regulation is optional, as is the language. All the language of this regulation should be amended to suit the unique needs of your district. Historically, cell phone bans in school buildings have been enforced unequally between classrooms. The language above is intended to create a more uniform enforcement approach by having the building administration handle the enforcement of the students in violation of this policy and minimize disruption within the learning environment. Some districts may choose to require turning in all students' personal electronic devices at the beginning of instructional time each day. Districts who choose to do so should proceed only after weighing their own risk of loss of personal electronic devices.