CELL PHONE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
The school strives to maintain a safe and respectful learning environment while providing students with opportunities for reasonable access to cell phones and other electronic devices. Telecommunication and electronic devices include but is not limited to: smartwatches, Chromebooks, cell phones, gaming devices, and earbuds. Connecticut General Statute § 10-233j gives New London Public Schools the authority to restrict student possession or use of cellular telephones at school.
The New London Board of Education policy grants the building principal permission to authorize use of electronic devices in school. The possession and use of electronic devices at NLHSMMC is a privilege and a responsibility, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in the loss of privileges.
Mobile devices such as cell phones, may be used for information access and/or text-based communication during lunch in the cafeteria, study halls, during passing time and before and after school. The devices are not allowed in classes, unless their use is part of the teacher’s lesson plan. Teachers have discretion concerning how the devices may be used for learning.
Since the unauthorized use of cell phones has proven to be a distraction to student engagement & learning, the following are the key expectations of our campus community, faculty, and administration at our school:
- Teachers may allow students use devices for instructional/research purposes only. The teacher will determine the length and type of usage permitted and will also clearly indicate this by use of procedure posted in the classroom. A teacher has discretion concerning how the devices may be used for learning and may stop the use of electronics at any time during class. Failure to follow teacher direction will result in disciplinary consequences.
- Other than the reasons described above, cell phones should be off during instruction, class work, testing, etc. Failure to follow this directive will result in disciplinary consequences.
- The use of games, movies/videos, and social media on either a student’s personal or district-issued device is not allowed during school hours.
- Devices shall not be used in a testing environment unless authorized and must be used in a manner that does not violate cheating/plagiarism policy as written in student handbook.
- No recording, video or audio, or photographs may be taken in school unless it is part of a teacher-directed lesson and all appropriate privacy protections, such as contained in FERPA, are honored.
- No earbuds or headphones shall be worn during the school day unless authorized by an administrator or as part of a teacher-approved classroom lesson or activity.
- The use of electronic devices will not be allowed during emergency situations, including drills.
- The use of electronic devices will not be allowed in the locker room and/or bathrooms at any time.
- Students are solely responsible for any electronic devices brought to school. Do not leave them unattended. The school is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to devices that are brought to school or confiscated for violation of this policy.
- The sending, sharing, viewing, or possessing pictures, emails or other material of a sexual nature in electronic or any other form on cellphones or other electronic devices is prohibited in the school setting.
- Devices are subject to search and seizure per BOE policy and guidelines outlined in this handbook.
- Students not adhering to these guidelines regarding the use of electronic devices will be referred to school administration.
For further information and/or clarification, please speak to administration. For additional information, please refer to NLPS Board of Education Policy 5131.81 “Use of Private Technology Devices by Students” by clicking here.
