5030: Student Use of Cell Phones and Other Personal Technology Devices

District Policy 5030

STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY DEVICES                                                                                                      

1.0       For purposes of this policy, “Personal Technology Device” (PTD) includes any privately-owned portable technology device, including but not limited to cell phones and wearable technology such as smart watches, smart glasses, wireless earbuds, and wireless headphones.

2.0       Cell phones and other personal technology devices as defined by this policy are prohibited as follows:

2.1       For students in grades K-8, PTDs must be in the “off” or “silent” position and stored out of sight at all times during the school day.

2.2       For students in grades 9-12, PTDs are prohibited in academic settings. During class time, PTDs must be stored out of sight and in the “off” or “silent” mode.

2.2.1    High school students may use PTDs during non-academic time – lunch, open periods, and passing periods.

2.3       Examples of devices which may be permitted for instructional purposes under staff supervision include but are not limited to calculators, tablets, laptop computers, wired head phones and voice recording devices.

2.4       In non-academic settings outside the school day, including before or after school activities or on school transportation, PTDs may be used in “silent mode” provided the use of the PTD, as determined by the supervising staff member or bus driver, in no way disrupts, poses a safety concern or otherwise violates the District’s Student Code of Conduct.

3.0       PTDs may not be used in a manner which is potentially unsafe, illegal or otherwise might violate the District’s Student Code of Conduct. Prohibited uses include but are not limited to:

3.1       Using the PTD to create video or audio recordings of students and/or staff, without permission of the student and/or staff member;

3.2       Using the PTD to take photographs of students and/or staff, without permission of the student and/or staff member;

3.3       Using the PTD for academic dishonesty or cheating;

3.4       Using the PTD in any manner that disrupts the academic environment, or otherwise disrupts school activities or functions;

3.5       Using the PTD to send, receive or possess text or e-mail messages reasonably interpreted to violate the District’s Student Code of Conduct while at school, on school transportation, or at a school-related function;

3.6       Using the PTD to threaten, harass, intimidate, or bully; or

3.7       Departing a class to activate or operate the PTD.

4.0       Under all circumstances students shall be personally and solely responsible for the security of their PTDs. Adams 12 Five Star Schools shall not assume responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of any PTD and will not be responsible for investigation of such incidents.

5.0       Students who require access to technology that may include a PTD to access a free appropriate public education will have their needs addressed as part of their Section 504 plan or Individual Education Program (IEP) that will supersede this policy. Students seeking an accommodation related to a temporary health condition may have their needs addressed through a student support plan developed through a team process at the school with the final decision regarding the requested use of the PTD to be made by the school, unless otherwise required by law. If other unique circumstances (e.g. required academic support) exist warranting the need for a student to use a PTD during school hours, such requests shall be submitted to the Principal or designee in writing. The Principal’s or designee’s decision shall be final in responding to such requests.

6.0       A building administrator may, at the administrator’s discretion, impose further restrictions upon student use of PTDs during school hours, including but not limited to rules prohibiting the possession of PTDs in classrooms, hallways, and other locations on school property. A teacher may, upon mutual agreement with the Principal, impose further restrictions upon classroom use of PTDs than have been imposed by the building administrator.

7.0       Typical progression of interventions for violations of this policy, except as otherwise noted in District Policy shall be addressed as follows:

7.1       1^st Offense. The student will receive a warning and the PTD will be properly secured by the student.

7.2       2nd offense. The PTD shall be confiscated, secured and transferred to the appropriate school administrator. The student’s parent/guardian shall be notified and the PTD may be released to the student at the end of the school day, upon review of this policy with the student.

7.3       3rd offense. The PTD shall be confiscated, secured and transferred to the appropriate school administrator. The student’s parent/guardian shall be notified and the PTD may be released only to the parent/guardian, upon review of this policy with the parent/guardian.

7.4       4^th offense. The fourth offense shall be considered disruptive behavior and defiance of authority, and may result in a minimum of one day of suspension to be served in or out of school at the discretion of school administration. Subsequent violations may result in increasing suspensions of up to three (3) days. The PTD shall be confiscated, secured and transferred to the appropriate school administrator. The student’s parent/guardian shall be notified and the PTD may be released only to the parent/guardian, upon review of this policy with the parent/guardian. At the discretion of school administration, a fourth or subsequent offense may also result in the student losing the privilege of bringing the PTD to school.

8.0       Depending upon the nature and the severity of the violation, as determined by school administration, any violation of this policy may result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion from school.

LEGAL REFERENCE:
22-33-106 C.R.S.

CROSS REFERENCE:
Policy 3500
Policy 5000

Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Most Recent Adoption: May 9, 2025
Effective: July 1, 2025