Champion Learning: Develop, Educate, and INSPIRE!

DHS Cell Phone Policy

Introduction

Cell phone use by students in class is a distraction to the educational process. The use of cell phones has not been permitted in Dexter K-8 buildings since their inception and this year the high school is following suit. Cell phone use will be prohibited during class periods. We understand this is a major change and we need parental support as we work together to focus on students being engaged in their schoolwork, developing lifelong interpersonal skills, and staying off their phones.
 

Policy

  • The use of cell phones is not allowed during class periods unless directed by the teacher and the use is strictly for educational purposes only.
  • Students may bring cell phones to school but need to keep them powered off and out of sight in their backpacks, stored in a phone caddy in the classroom, or locked in their lockers during class.
  • Students are permitted to use phones before school, between classes, at lunch, and after school. 
  • Students are not permitted to use cell phones in bathrooms, locker rooms, or any other location where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (according to the DCS Handbook).

Consequences*

  • 1st Offense: Cell phone confiscated by teacher - student may pick it up at the end of class
  • 2nd Offense: Cell phone confiscated by teacher - phone taken to the office and student can pick it up at the end of the day. Parent contact.
  • 3rd Offense: Cell phone confiscated by teacher - taken to the office and only a parent can pick it up from school.
  • Additional offenses: administrator discretion according to the code of conduct

*Failure to submit a phone to the teacher when asked will be interpreted as insubordination and is an additional infraction of the student code of conduct.

Summary

Please discuss this change with your student and perhaps have them begin to reduce their cell phone use before school starts in order to adapt to this change.

This will also require some adjustments for parents. Please refrain from texting or calling your student during the school day, or limit that contact to your student's lunch period or before and after school. The main office can always be called and relay any important messages to your student during the school day. Additionally, in the event of any sort of school emergency, students would be allowed to use their phones to contact their parents.

We appreciate your support as we make this important change in policy that will likely have very positive impacts on the culture/climate here at DHS and your student's academic success and mental/emotional/social well-being.

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  • policy