By Marcia Barnes
Staff Writer
The policy code in place at Clay County Schools recognizes that cell phones are an important link between parents and their children while they are in school. Yet, there are necessary rules and specific guidelines during the instructional day.
Superintendent Melissa Godfrey made that point clear when she said, “Students can’t take calls during class.”
Is there an across the board policy for Hayesville Elementary, Middle and High Schools? The across the board policy is students are permitted to possess cell phones and other wireless communication devices on school property so long as the devices are not activated, used, displayed or visible during the instructional day.
What if there’s a transportation change after the student is on campus? When that happens, the parent must call the school and the school will advise the child or older student.
What if there is a reasonable need for a student to make a call for personal purposes? Teachers and administrators may authorize that call when there is a need for such communication.
Although use generally is permitted before and after school, use of phones and other wireless devices may be prohibited on school buses when noise from such devices interferes with the safe operation of the buses. In addition, elementary and middle school students who participate in after-school programs are prohibited from using cell phones during such programs.
High school students are permitted the use of cell phones and wireless devices during breakfast and lunch and in-between classes. During class, cell phones should be stored in lockers and backpacks.
The policy for the use of wireless communication devices —Policy Code: 4318 — is appropriately balanced for in class and out of class use and there are consequences for any unauthorized use. School employees may immediately confiscate any wireless communication devices that are on, used, displayed or visible in violation of the school’s policy. Confiscated devices will only be returned to the student’s parent.
There is a range of consequences that may be imposed on a student for violations and there are factors considered when determining appropriate consequences. Reproducing images of tests, obtaining unauthorized school information and use to bully or harass other students would create a serious violation to the policy. Sending illicit text messages, taking and/or sending illicit photographs would make more severe disciplinary consequences appropriate.
In accordance with Policy 4342, Student Searches, a student’s wireless communication device and its contents may be searched whenever a school official has reason to believe the search will provide evidence that the student has violated or is violating the law, board policy, the Code of Student Conduct or a school rule.
Students are personally and solely responsible for the security of their wireless communication devices and the school is not responsible for theft, loss or damage of a cell phone or any personal wireless communication device.
The Clay County School policy views students’ cell phones as an important tool through which parents communicate with their children. The policy also indicates the manner in which students may use the devices responsibly.