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Cell Phone Policy

ECSD (and GCMS) Cell Phone Policy
ECSD recognizes the importance of communication and collaboration, and provides devices for students to be productive in the classroom. To keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the District  has a no cell phone policy with all electronic devices other than the student’s Chromebook.

Academic Settings

  • Cell phones and electronic devices including smart watches and tablets shall be TURNED OFF when the morning bell rings and not turned back on until dismissal.
  • Cell phones and electronic devices, including smart watches and tablets, shall be kept in a student’s locker or backpack– not in clothing pockets. 
  • Cell phones and electronic devices, including smart watches and tablets, are not allowed to be used on school grounds (inside  nor outside) during school hours.
  • Cell phones and electronic devices, including smart watches and tablets, can be turned back on at the end of school after the bell rings and used to communicate directly with parents/friends.      
  • Cell phones and electronic devices, including smart watches and tablets, are not allowed to be used during transition times, at lunch or between classes.
  • If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, they are to go to the office or use a classroom phone with teacher permission.
  • Students may not use AirPods or headphones during class, lunch or during transition times. If teachers need for students to use AirPods or other headphones during class it must be directly tied to the lesson. 
  • Students may not use Smart Watches to message or communicate with others during the day.
  • While on school transportation students may use their cell phones and other electronic devices in “silent mode” provided the use of the device, as determined by the supervising staff member or bus driver, in no way disrupts, poses a safety concern or otherwise violates the School District’s Code of Conduct for Students or other parts of this policy. 

Action steps for violation of the above policy:

  • 1st Offense:  Teacher confiscates device, gives it to the office as soon as possible and the student can retrieve it at the end of the day. The teacher and the student have a conversation to help prevent further violations.
  • 2nd Offense:  Teacher confiscates device, gives it to the office as soon as possible and a parent must retrieve the phone/give verbal permission to release the phone. Students will be required to have a restorative conversation about their device usage with administration. 
  • 3rd Offense: Student will be required to turn in their device to the office at the beginning of each day and may pick it up at the end of each day for as long as administration deems appropriate. 

Acceptable Use
Cell phones and electronic devices, including smart watches and tablets, may not be used in a manner which is potentially unsafe, illegal, or otherwise might violate the School District’s Code of Conduct for students Prohibited uses include, but are not limited to: 

  • Using the device to create video or audio recordings of students and/or staff, without permission of the student and/or staff member;
  • Using the device to take photographs of students and/or staff, without permission of the student and/or staff member;
  • Using the device for academic dishonesty or cheating;
  • Using the device in any manner that disrupts the academic environment, or otherwise disrupts school activities or functions;
  • Using the device to send, receive or possess text or e-mail messages reasonably interpreted as indecent or sexually suggestive while at school, on school transportation, or at a school-related function;
  • Using the device to threaten, harass, intimidate, or bully; or
  • Departing a class to activate or operate such devices.

Parents may call the school office during school hours if they need to get a message to their child. If a parent needs to speak with their child, we will arrange for the student to call the parent back using an office phone. 

ECSD is not responsible for any lost or stolen electronic devices. Students are encouraged to leave these items at home, but if a student chooses to bring these items to school they are responsible for them at all times. 

If a unique circumstance exists warranting the need for a student to use a cell phone or personal electronic device, outside this policy, such requests shall be written into an official plan such as IEP, 504, Health Plan, ALP, or ELD plan, or submitted to the principal in writing. The Principal’s decision shall be final in any requests not included in an official plan. 

If a teacher wishes for students to use their cell phones or electronic devices as part of a lesson, and the device is important to the learning, they may do so with the permission of the administrator.