2026-2027 Student Personal Device Policy

 

USD 480 Personal Electronic Communication Device Policy

Board Policy- JCDC

Purpose

USD 480 is committed to creating a safe, focused, and academically productive learning environment. In accordance with Kansas HB 2299, students shall be prohibited from using or accessing personal electronic communication devices during the school day. The district recognizes that excessive use of personal devices can negatively impact learning, student engagement, and school culture. USD 480 believes students learn best when they are fully engaged in instruction and interpersonal interaction. Consistent with HB 2299, personal electronic communication devices shall remain off and be inaccessible throughout the school day. The district will enforce this policy consistently across all grade levels.

Definitions

A personal electronic communication device includes any privately owned wireless electronic device capable of voice, text, video, internet, or digital communication, including but not limited to:

·         Cell phones

·         Smart watches

·         Tablets

·         Personal laptops

·         Wireless earbuds/headphones

·         Personal digital assistants

·         Text messaging devices

**District-issued instructional devices are exempt from this policy.**

School Day Definition

For the purpose of this policy, the school day begins when a student arrives on school property and ends when the student is dismissed from school. This includes:

·         Class time

·         Passing periods

·         Lunch periods

·         Recess

·         Study halls

·         Advisory periods

·         Any other school supervised activity occurring during the instructional day
 

Student Expectations

Students shall:

1.      Not carry devices on their person during instructional hours unless authorized through an approved exception.

2.      Use school telephones or designated communication methods to contact parents or guardians during the school day.

Approved Exceptions

A student may use a personal electronic communication device only when:

·         Required by an IEP or Section 504 Plan.

·         Approved by a licensed physician as a medical necessity.

 

Administrative Procedures

ELEMENTARY

Violation Consequences: At the time of violation of this policy, the communication device shall be taken from the student and the following consequences shall apply: 

• First Offense: The student will be given a warning. The communication device will be returned at the end of the day. 
• Second Offense: The communication device will be returned to the parent or guardian at the end of the day. 
• Third Offense: The student will receive ISS (In School Suspension).
• Subsequent Offenses: Will be handled at the building principal's discretion

 

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

First Offense:

• Parent notification
• Device is secured by administration and returned to a parent once the electronic device agreement is signed
• Student serves one 30 minute detention

Second Offense:

• Parent notification
• Device is secured by administration and returned to a parent once the electronic device agreement is signed
• Student serves three 30 minute detentions

Third and Subsequent Offenses:

• Parent, student, & administrator conference
• Device is secured by administration and returned to a parent once the electronic device agreement is signed
• Student serves one day of ISS.  Subsequent Offenses may result in multiple days of ISS or other disciplinary actions consistent with the student handbook

LIBERAL HIGH SCHOOL

First Offense

• Student will conference with an administrator and be reminded of the policy.
• Device is secured by administration until the end of the school day.
• Parent notification.

Second Offense

• Device secured by administration until the end of the school day.
• Parent notification, and device secured until picked up by a parent/guardian (parent must keep phone until off campus).
• In-school suspension for 1 day or other disciplinary consequence consistent with discipline plans in place. .

Third Offense

• Student, parent, and administrator conference.
• Device secured until picked up by a parent/guardian (parent must keep phone until off campus).
• In-school suspension for 3 days or other disciplinary consequences consistent with discipline plans in place. 

Continued Violations

Repeated refusal to comply will be considered insubordination and will result in additional disciplinary action consistent with the Student Handbook.

 

**Refusal to surrender a device upon request by a staff member or administrator shall be considered insubordination. **