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JICJ - STUDENT USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN SCHOOLS

The Cape Elizabeth School Board recognizes that many students possess cell phones and other electronic devices. These devices may not be used in any manner that disruptsduring the instructionalschool processday.  The intent of this policy is to support a focused learning environment, minimize distractions, and promote student social and emotional well-being by regulating the use of student personal cell phones, smart watches, and other personal electronic devices (PEDs) during the school day.

This policy applies to all student personal electronic devices with Internet or violatescellular Boardnetwork policiesconnection connectivity capabilities, wearable or schoolhandheld.  rules.

 

BELL TO BELL PROHIBITION

 

All students, from Pre-K through Grade 12, are prohibited from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices with Internet or cellular network connectivity capabilities for the duration of the entire school day, from starting to dismissal, except as otherwise permitted in this policy.

Students are not permitted to access personal cell phones, smart watches, or other PEDs during the school day. Cell phones, smart watches and other PEDs need to be off, away, and students may not access them during the school day.

  • Prior to the starting bell, cell phones and other PEDs must be powered off and remain off and stored as determined by the building administrator.

  • Exceptions to the prohibition on use may be granted for monitoring or management of a health condition in accordance with a health care provider’s order as incorporated into the student’s individual health plan (IHP) (e.g., glucose monitoring); implementation of a student’s IEP; a documented Section 504 accommodation for an individual student (e.g., use of assistive technology); in language support services for emergent English language learners when no other translation option is reasonably available; or in an emergency situation as authorized by the building administrator in accordance with the school unit’s health and safety and emergency management plan.

At all grade levels, violations of this policy may result in discipline measures as determined by each school.  

In the event of a school emergency, the school/district will communicate with parents as promptly as possible in accordance with the school unit’s Health and Safety and Emergency Management Plan.

The Capeschool Elizabethunit School Department shallwill not be responsible for the loss, theft, or damage to students’ personally owned cell phonesphones, smart watches, or other electronicPEDs devicesbrought thatinto studentsschools bringor with them toonto school orproperty, including school activitiesbuses, orparking uselots, onathletic school transportation.

The following provisions apply to student use of cell phones and other electronic devices:

  1. Teachersfields and/or any other school facilities.

    The Superintendent/building administrators maywill establishbe rulesresponsible regardingfor students'developing useand implementing procedures to implement/enforce this policy; including disciplinary actions.  Students and parents will be provided notice of privately-ownedthis electronic devices including, but not limited to, cell phonespolicy and othercorresponding handheldprocedures devices,through atstudent schoolhandbooks or during school activities.

  2. The use of cameras, including camera phones or similar recording devices, is strictly prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, and nurses offices. Care should be taken in other locations to respect the privacy of all individuals on our school grounds.
  3. The use of a cell phone and/or other electronic device in any manner that violates Board policy or school rules is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, harassment, cheating, and violationsmeans of thecommunication studentprior code of conduct. If a Board policy or school rule is violated,to the teacher or school administrator may confiscate the device for the remainderbeginning of the school day.year. Student cellA phones and other electronic devices may be subject to search if there is reasonable suspicionlist of aprohibited violation.

Building administrators may develop additional rules to implement this policy. The policy and rulesdevices will be communicatedmaintained toby studentsthe school department, and parentsupdated throughannually the student handbook and/or theas student code of conduct.needed.

 

Legal Reference:

  • 20-A MRSA § 1001(23)

Cross Reference:    

Adopted:

  • February 9, 2021

Revised:

  • June 9, 2026

 

 

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