503.9 - Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
503.9 - Student Use of Personal Electronic DevicesIn order to promote the best educational experience, students should feel connected to their educational environment and to others in the school community. Building meaningful connections can occur in a variety of ways. Technology has advanced peoples’ ability to connect with one another across a variety of virtual platforms, and when used appropriately, adds value to the learning environment. However, it is vital to the developmental health and growth of students that the district provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and other members of their school community in-person whenever possible. In -person learning and interactions teach vital life and social skills that students will need for their continued success in the community.
For this reason, student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time is prohibited. Students have access to district-owed electronic devices as appropriate for the instructional needs of the learning environment and authorized by the classroom teacher.
Parents or guardians who need to communicate with students during instructional time may contract the school building administrative office.
Instructional time is defined to mean periods of classroom instruction from the begging of the class bell until the end of the class bell; include lunch, recess, and passing periods.
Personal electronic devices mean any device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data. This may include but is not limited to electronic communication equipment, mobile phones, smart phones, video game devices and portable media. Students may wear smart or electronic watches but may not use any communication applications or features that are prohibited from use on other electronic devices and all notifications must be turned off. Personal electronic devices that have been specifically authorized under a current individual education plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or an Individual Health Plan (IHP) are exempt from this policy.
Parents or guardians of students may request to building level administration that a student retain access to the student’s personal electronic device during instructional time if the parent or guardian can establish there is a legitimate reason related to the student’s mental or physical health for the student to retain access during instructional time. This reason must be tied to the student’s multi-tiered system of support framework. Any denials may be appealed to the Superintendent, who will be the final decisionmaker on the request.
Students who choose to use personal electronic devices outside instructional time but while on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in a manner that may impact the educational environment must use these devices in accordance with all applicable laws and board policies. Students who violate this policy may face disciplinary consequences up to and including suspension or expulsion. The Superintendent, in conjunction with building level administration, will develop administrative regulations in accordance with this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code § 279.8
Cross Reference: 401.12 Employee Use of Cell Phones
Initially Approved: 10-09-2024
Last Reviewed: 04-23-2025
Last Revision: 04-23-2025
503.9R1 - Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Regulation
503.9R1 - Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices RegulationThe district is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment for students and families. It is valuable for students’ educational experience for families to engage in and support their students’ educational experience. As part of this commitment, the district will take steps to create opportunities for students to engage in peer-to-peer activities, and ensure that student use of personal electronic devices does not occur during instructional time.
Every district staff member is empowered to assist in the enforcement of this policy and regulation as appropriate. To avoid distraction during instruction time, personal electronic devices must be silenced or turned off, not visible, and not physically attached to the student’s body. Students may store their personal electronic devices in their backpacks, unless otherwise instructed; in the space designated by the classroom teacher. Student personal electronic devices in the possession of the district will be secured using the following methods:
Staff members may establish classroom rules or protocols for placement of personal electronic devices during instructional times consistent with this regulation. If a student is observed using a personal electronic device during instructional time, the employee who observed the student behavior will notify building administration, who will require the student to turn in the device for safekeeping until the end of the school day. The device will be secured in the building’s front office. The district, however, is not responsible for the loss, theft, or destruction of personal electronic devices brought onto school, or district property, or while the student I attending district or school-sponsored events.
For a student’s first violation of this policy, the student may pick up the device at the end of the school day and the student’s parent/guardian will be notified. For subsequent violations of this policy, the device will be released to the student’s parent/guardian to create a plan to avoid further violations. If a student in violation of this policy refuses to turn over their device, they may be sent home for the remainder of the school day. Repeated violations of this policy may result in additional disciplinary consequences for students in accordance with board policy.