The Board of Education of the Valley Central School recognizes the importance of wireless communications devices in facilitating a parent/guardian’s ability to contact his/her child during the school day. The Board is also aware that the display and/or use of such devices on school grounds can cause disruption to the educational process.
Balancing the interests in maintaining order, discipline and security in its schools with the concerns of parents/guardians for their child’s well-being, the Board will permit students to carry wireless communications devices during the instructional day and on school buses. However, the following rules shall apply:
- Wireless communications devices shall not be visible during the instructional day.
- All wireless communications devices shall remain off during the instructional school day.
- No student may use any wireless communications device during the instructional day unless prior approval is obtained from the principal and/or his/her designee.
For purposes of this policy, a “wireless communications device” means any hand-held electronic device having the ability to receive and/or transmit voice, texts, photographs or data messages without a cable connection, including, but not limited to, cellular telephones, digital wireless phones, smart phones, radiophones/walkie-talkies, telephone pagers/beepers, and iPods.
Unauthorized use or display of a wireless communications device during the instructional day is grounds for confiscation of the device by school officials and classroom teachers. Students who repeatedly violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the District’s Code of Conduct, and parents may be required to pick up the device at the school. The District will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damaged wireless electronic devices.
Wireless Communications Devices and Testing
In order to ensure the integrity of testing, in accordance with state guidelines, students are not allowed to bring wireless communications devices or other electronic devices into classrooms or other exam locations during state assessments.
Test proctors, monitors and school officials shall have the right to collect wireless communications devices and other prohibited electronic devices prior to the start of the test and to hold them for the duration of the test taking time. Admission to the test will be prohibited to any student who has a wireless communications device or other electronic device in their possession and does not relinquish it.
Students with individualized education plans (IEPs), 504 Plans, or documentation from a medical practitioner that specifically requires the use of an electronic device may do so as specified.
Cross-ref:
- 5300, Code of Conduct
- 5312, Prohibited Conduct
Ref:
- Price v. New York City Board of Education, 16 Misc.3d 543 (2007).
Adoption date: August 30, 2010
Revised: February 25, 2013
Reviewed: May 22, 2017