Cell Phone Acceptable Use Policy

The purpose of the cell phone acceptable use policy is to create an environment where students can use cell phones for academic and practical purposes during free time, while maintaining a connected and discussion-based community. Students may use their phones during free periods in a manner that does not make noise and does not distract others.  A student wishing to make a phone call must do so in a private manner that does not disturb the community (i.e. students may not make or receive phone calls in hallways, the library, or other public locations).  All phone use of any kind is prohibited in class, class meetings, assemblies, in the dining hall (during lunch periods), and during any other commitments during the school day, unless explicitly permitted by the presiding faculty member.

Consequences for violation of this policy distinguish between active and passive use of the phone.  Passive use implies forgetfulness and requires strategies that remind students that phones should be turned off in class, class meetings, assemblies, dining hall, etc.  Active use implies blatant disregard of the policy and disrespect toward the teacher, classmates, and activity at hand.

For passive use (phone is not turned off and presents a noise distraction in class):

• 1^st instance:  Teacher removes the phone and gives it to the Dean.  The student will pick up the phone from the Dean at the end of the day.  Parents will be notified.
• 2^nd instance:  The phone will be returned only to the parents.
• 3^rd instance:  The student will appear before the Discipline Committee

For active use (texting, checking texts/messages, Snapchat, etc):

• 1^st instance:  Teacher removes phone and gives it to the Dean.  The phone will be returned only to parents.  For the next week, student does not have access to the phone during school hours of 8-3.  The phone will be kept in the Dean’s office.
• 2^nd instance:  The student will appear before the Discipline Committee.