FILE:  JCDAE

Cf:  JD

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

No student, unless authorized in writing by the school principal or his/her designee, shall use or operate with exceptions as listed below, any cell phone, camera, video tape recorder, digital recorder of any kind or electronic device, including but not limited to, iPods, tape players, CD players, MP3 players etc. and their contents, any facsimile system, radio paging service, intercom, or electro-mechanical paging system in any elementary or secondary school building, or on the grounds thereof during the instructional day,  or on any school bus used to transport public school students.  Use or operation of an electronic telecommunication device shall mean the device is either visible, turned on or is in a mode capable of receiving or transmitting signals.  The instructional day shall begin at the time students arrive on campus prior to the take-in bell and conclude upon the dismissal bell at the end of the day. 

No student, unless authorized by the school principal or his/her designee, shall possess, on his/her person, an electronic telecommunication device throughout the instructional day, including wearable technology capable of sending or receiving text messages and other similar notifications.

If a student brings an electronic telecommunication device in any public elementary or secondary school building or on the grounds thereof during an instructional day, the electronic device shall either be turned off and properly stowed away for the duration of the instructional day or prohibited from being turned on and used during the instructional day.  Electronic telecommunication devices, shall include, but not be limited to, cellular telephones, personal computers, laptops, electronic instruments, iPads, iPods, wearable technology such as smartwatches, tablet devices, e-readers, or similar devices.

These provisions shall also apply to any school-sponsored event, including athletic competitions and field trips, which take place during an instructional day.

These provisions shall not be applicable to a student whose Individualized Education Program, Individualized Accommodation Plan, Section 504 plan, or Individualized Health Plan requires the student's use of an electronic telecommunication device.

During the instructional day, parents or guardians may contact students through the school’s office.

Students shall not utilize school-issued devices to access personal messaging features and social media accounts not used for educational purposes.

A violation of these provisions may be grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to, suspension from school and/or recommendation for expulsion, as detailed in the Student Code of Conduct.

Nothing shall prohibit the use and operation by any person, including students, of any electronic device in the event of an emergency. Emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.

DEFINITIONS

Use and operation shall mean whenever the electronic device is turned on or is visible.

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:239, 17:416, 17:416.1, 17:416.13

Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education

Board minutes, 10-14-03, 5-10-06, 9-13-10, 8-13-24, 2-11-25

Richland Parish School Board