Personal Device Policy
A personal device is defined as devices such as cell phones, Airpods, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, smartwatches and any device that connects to the internet or a cellular network.
The William S. Hart Union High School District acknowledges the importance of communication between students and parents, particularly when it is essential or in emergency situations. Further, the district recognizes that instructional time is precious and school time must be protected from unnecessary disruptions. There is also growing evidence that increased screen time and social media use is linked to teenage depression and anxiety.
Therefore, students may be permitted to have in their backpack in the off position, a cell phone/personal device (with parent permission) on campus during the school day while attending school-sponsored activities, or while under the supervision and control of a school district employee. Cell phones and other personal/communication devices, including smart watches, must be in the off position, in backpacks during the school day. Students shall be allowed to possess and use personal devices in conjunction with being in school under the following parameters:
○ Personal devices are to be turned off and put away upon entering the main gate. Teachers may grant permission for specific learning activities or a staff member may give permission for use in another school building, but Rio Norte staff members must expressly give permission.
○ No student shall use a personal device with camera, video or voice recording function in any way or under any circumstances, which infringe on the privacy rights of other students or staff. This includes but is not limited to the video recording of staff, other students, fights, peer conflicts, and medical emergencies. Education code 78907 and 57578 state it is not permissible for students to record others in a classroom without their permission.
○ Permission for student possession or use of a personal device may be revoked by parents or administration for inappropriate use.
○ The Hart District and Rio Norte assume no liability for the damage, loss or misuse of the personal device by the student or another person. Staff will not be responsible for any damage that results from confiscation in situations where use has been violated.
○ Students will be asked to surrender their personal device while in the office to protect the privacy of others.
○ At any time during a school activity, a school official may give specific direction regarding student use or non-use of a personal device and the student is expected to comply.
Progressive Discipline Plan
1st Offense - Student can pick up their device in the office after 2:35 pm.
2nd Offense - Student can pick up their device in the office after 2:35 pm and parent notification is made by office staff.
3rd Offense - School consequence assigned and a parent or parent designee over 18 years old must pick up the device in the office during office hours (7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on school days, except minimum days). 4th Offense - Additional consequences will be assigned and parent or parent designee over 18 years old must pick up the device in the office during office hours.
5th Offense - Possible in-school suspension/additional consequences and a phone misuse contract with parent and student.
Continued offenses may result in further in-school suspensions.
***Any personal device usage that is determined to have taken place during school hours, even after the fact, will be enforced by the progressive discipline model.
Updated: 6/1/24