Device Policy

SCHOOL-BASED POLICY OF CLARA BARTON HIGH SCHOOL FOR USE OF CELL PHONES, COMPUTING DEVICES, AND PORTABLE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Effective: September 9, 2015

Students are permitted to bring the following electronic items to school: 1) a cell phone; 2) a laptop, tablet, iPad or other similar computing device (“computing devices”); and 3) portable music and entertainment system, such as iPod, MP3 player, PSP, or Nintendo DS. Students may only bring in one cell phone.

A. The use of cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems at school is subject to the restrictions below.

1. Cell phones and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination.  
2. Computing devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of any school quiz, test or examination, except where such use has been explicitly authorized by the school or is contained in an Individualized Education Program or Section 504 Accommodation Plan.
3. Use of cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and other electronic devices may not be turned on or used during the administration of state standardized examinations as governed by State Education Department Rules.
4. Cell phones, computing devices and portable music and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during school fire drills or other emergency preparedness exercises.
5. Cell phones, computing devices, and portable music and entertainment systems may not be used in locker rooms, bathrooms or hallways.
6. Use of cell phones, computing devices, portable music and entertainment systems and other electronic devices during clinical experiences in health care facilities is strictly prohibited. These devices must remain in a locked locker and are not permitted to be carried by the student during the clinical experience.
7. Chargers are not permitted in the building. Students may not charge their cellular devices at school.

8. Selfie-Sticks may not be brought into the building.

 During the school day:

• Cell phones may not be turned on or used while on school property with the exception of the scheduled lunch period in the student cafeteria.
• Cell phones may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.
• Cell phones must be kept out of sight at all times with the exception of the scheduled lunch period in student cafeteria ONLY.

 During after-school: 

• Cell phones may not be turned on or used while participating in school-sponsored programs or activities including: P.M Tutoring and Saturday Credit-bearing Academies, and after-school extracurricular programs, clubs and PSAL sports activities.

During the school day:

• Computing systems may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.

During the school day:

• Portable music devices and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used while on school property.
•       Portable music devices and entertainment systems may not be turned on or used during instructional time, except for instructional and educational purposes with the explicit approval of the teacher.

 During after-school, school-sponsored activities:

• Portable music and entertainment systems may not be used during the school day or during P.M. tutoring/Saturday Credit Bearing Academies and tutoring classes.

• First violation will result in a warning issued by the teacher and data entry into Skedula.
• Second violation will result in a telephone call home to parents or guardians by the teacher and data entry into Skedula by the teacher. A warning letter generated by the Department of Pupil Personnel will be sent home.
• Third violation will result in the pupil personnel department telephoning parents/guardians and mailing a letter home informing the parent/guardian that their child may not bring the cellular device onto the school property for a period of ten (10) school days. Student will receive and sign a copy of cell phone ban letter. Failure to comply with this provision will result in an additional five (5) school days added on to the original revocation of the privilege, plus confiscation of the cell phone. Cell phones will be returned to the parent/guardian after the tenth day.

• Violation of any provision of the DOE’s Discipline Code, the school’s policy, Chancellor’s Regulation A-413, and/or the DOE’s Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy (“ISUSP”) will be subject to discipline in accordance with the guidance interventions and disciplinary responses set forth in the Discipline Code.
• Use of an electronic device for bullying, testing improprieties, or posting pictures of staff or students is strictly forbidden and will be subject to the DOE’s Discipline Code.