Benton Harbor Area Schools

File :JCABA

Board Policy JCABA : ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES

No student shall be allowed or permitted to carry or possess a pocket pager, cell phone, digital media player, earphones, laser pointer or other electronic communication device (E/CD) at a school sponsored event, during the regular school day, or enroute to or from school in transportation provided by the District. In no case will any personal communication device be allowed that provides for a wireless, unfiltered connection to the Internet or which has the capability to take photographs of any kind. "Walkie Talkies, " portable CBs or "Ham" radios, scanning devices, portable electronic games or toys, laser pointers or other electronic devices shall not be allowed. The only exception to this policy shall be a situation where the student is in need of such pager or electronic communication device for a condition of health, which has been previously certified to the Superintendent or designee by competent medical authority. Upon receipt of said medical certification, the Superintendent or designee shall issue a written decision whether or not said certification constitutes an exception to this policy for the particular student.

At no time shall the District be responsible for preventing theft, loss or damage to cell phones, digital media player, earphones or E/CDs brought onto its property.

If any employee or other authorized agent of the school district discovers that a student is carrying or in possession of a pocket pager, cell phone, digital media player, earphones, laser pointer or other electronic communication device, the employee and/or agent shall immediately confiscate said pager, cell phone, digital media player, earphones, laser pointer or electronic communication device and said mechanism shall be delivered to the appropriate administrator for further disposition. At the time of said confiscation, authorized personnel shall notify the student's parents and/or legal guardian of said confiscation.

Students in violation of this policy will have the device confiscated and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion from school. A student who is found to be in possession of or carrying a pocket pager, cell phone, digital media player, earphones, laser pointer or electronic communication device in violation of this policy shall be subject to discipline as set forth therein of the Uniform Code of Discipline and Students' Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.

While certain electronic communications devices are allowed in school, the following regulations apply:

• "Walkie Talkies," either long or short range shall not be allowed in any circumstances.
• In no case will any personal communications device be allowed that provides for a wireless, unfiltered connection to the Internet or that allows for photo imaging.
• The school district shall in no manner be responsible for lost or stolen devices.
• All electronic devices, other than those specified for classroom use, shall be kept in lockers, backpacks or purses. They shall be kept out of sight and not be worn by the student.
• Devices operated in violation of these rules, or for any illegal purpose, shall be confiscated and shall be returned to the parent at the discretion of the building administrator.
• This policy applies to the instructional school day.

Revised : 6-08-04
8-14-07

The Benton Harbor Area Schools, Berrien County, Michigan

This page was last modified : September 11, 2007