3245 – Students and Telecommunication Devices
Students in possession of telecommunications devices, including, but not limited to, pagers, beepers, and cellular phones, while on Northwest Educational School District 189 (NWESD 189) property or while attending NWESD 189-sponsored or NWESD 189-related activities shall observe the following conditions:
- Telecommunication devices will be turned on and operated only before and after the regular program day and during the student’s lunch break, unless an emergency situation exists that involves imminent physical danger or an administrator authorizes the student to use the device.
- Students will not use telecommunication devices in a manner that poses a threat to academic integrity, disrupts the learning environment, or violates the privacy rights of others.
- Students will not send, share, view, or possess pictures, text messages, emails or other material depicting sexually explicit conduct, as defined in RCW 9.68A.011, in electronic or any other form on a cell phone or other electronic device, while the student is on
NWESD 189 grounds, at NWESD 189-sponsored events, or in vehicles provided by the NWESD 189. - When a NWESD 189 official has reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable evidence, that a student is using a telecommunications device in a manner that violates the law or program rules, the official may confiscate the device, which will only be returned to the student’s parent/legal guardian.
- By bringing a cell phone or other electronic devices to any NWESD 189 program or NWESD 189-sponsored events, the student and his/her parent/guardian consent to the search of the device when NWESD 189 officials have a reasonable suspicion, based on objective and articulable evidence, that such a search will reveal a violation of the law or program rules. The scope of the search will be limited to the violation of which the student is accused. Content or images that violate state or federal laws will be referred to law enforcement.
- Students are responsible for devices they bring to any NWESD 189 program. The
NWESD 189 will not be responsible for loss, theft or destruction of devices brought onto NWESD 189 property or to NWESD 189-sponsored events. - Students will comply with any additional rules developed by the NWESD 189 administrator or designee concerning the appropriate use of telecommunication or other electronic devices.
- Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.
First Reading: 04/26/17
Second Reading: 05/24/17
Revised: 11/18/19
Cross Reference:
Policy 2022
Policy 3207
Policy 3241
Policy 4310
Date Revised: 11/18/19