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Cell Phone Policy

COMMUNICATION DEVICES

Students will be prohibited from using their electronic devices during instructional time. Cell phone use is not permitted in the hallway during instructional hours. Students will be instructed on respectful use of electronic devices (including earbuds, watches). Consequences for inappropriate use may result in disciplinary action.  When students enter the classroom, they will be expected to turn off their electronic devices and place them in their pocket, drawstring bag, or cell phone caddy based on the teacher’s direction. Students may use their cell phones in the cafeteria before school and during lunch.

With this plan we reduce the temptation for students to text or use social media during instructional time, and students will not need to keep their cellphones in their lockers. We recognize that our parent community feels more at ease when students can access their phones throughout the school day, especially in the case of an emergency. In the event of an actual emergency, students will have access to their phones. We also recognize that parents may need to contact their students during the school day, but this has led to some issues as well. If you need to contact your student during class, please call the main office and we will get a message to them. Another option is to contact them during their lunch period as cell phones will be permitted in the cafeteria, however, they are to remain in drawstring bags, purses, or pockets in the hallways for safety reasons.

Acceptable use of communication devices is outlined as follows:

  1. During all lunch periods for appropriate purposes (listening to music, texting/calling parents, etc.).
  2. In class only when approved by a teacher for reasonable and appropriate purposes
  3. At extracurricular events that are unlikely to be disrupted using electronic communication devices, such as athletic contests and Activity Nights.

Prohibited use of communication devices includes the following:

  1. Texting or otherwise contacting (via call, social media, etc.) students who are in any LPS classroom at the time of the message.
  2.  Engaging in harassing behavior via text, call, or social media.
  3. Taking pictures or recording video of oneself or others, regardless of whether the subject has given permission.
  4. Use anywhere/anytime during the regular school day (outside of lunch) without the approval of Emerson staff.
  5. Use at concerts, plays, performances, awards ceremonies, or any event that may likely be disrupted by such.
  6. Use of cell phones on the bus without the approval of the driver.

Students found in violation of the guidelines stated above will be subject to the following:

  • 1st offense: Warning from staff member to put their device in the designated area (pocket, caddy, bag).
  • 2nd offense: The device will be taken to the office for the remainder of the day. The student may pick it up at dismissal (2:50pm)
  • 3rd offense: The device will be taken to the office for the remainder of the day. The parent must pick it up.
  • Further offenses may range from a parent meeting to suspension.