Cell Phone and Personal Electronic Device Protocol

April 18, 2019

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Please review the school policy revision outlined below.  It is effective immediately.  Thanks to our School (Parent) Council for their consultation, input and endorsement.

21^st CENTURY LEARNING

The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is committed to promoting 21st century learning skills. HWDSB believes all students and staff should have equitable access to learning experiences that are engaging, authentic, and that leverage local and global connections to help develop critical and creative thinking, problem solving, collaboration and communication skills. HWDSB supports this learning through ethical, competent, and acceptable use of technology, tools and social media.

TAPLEYTOWN PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE/CELL PHONE PROTOCOL

The use of personal electronic devices, especially cellular/smartphones has brought challenges related to safety, privacy, well-being and disruption in our school.  The school recognizes that unacceptable use of this technology can be disruptive and intrusive in classroom instruction and interfere in the day-to-day operations of the school.  Tapleytown expects that all persons in the school can support a positive teaching and learning environment by adhering to the following expectations:

• Student personal cell phone use (including texting) is not permitted during the school day (9:10-3:30).  Cell phones must be powered off and locked in the child’s locker or kept securely out of sight.  All calls must be made through the school office or facilitated by a staff member for safety, tracking and accountability reasons. 
• Teachers may however, at their discretion, allow Personal Electronic Devices, including Smart Phones to be used to accommodate learning during class time, while supervised by a staff member.
• Staff may securely store cellular/smartphones until the end of the school day if the devices are being used inappropriately.  If inappropriate use continues, then the school’s Code of Conduct applies and parents may be required to pick up the device.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES

• The secure storage of these devices is the sole responsibility of the owner/user;
• The school does not accept responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen personal electronic devices; students bring devices to school at their own risk.  If this risk is unacceptable, devices should be left at home.
• Volunteers may have a cellular/smartphone on in silent mode however; they must step outside the classroom to answer/return calls and messages.
• The electronic transmission or posting of photographic images and recordings of a person or persons on school property, at school events, and during school activities and/or hours, is prohibited without the permission of the person or persons being photographed, the Principal or designate, and where the student is below the age of 18 years, the consent of the parent/guardian.
• Personal electronic devices may not be taken into washrooms or change rooms.
• The Principal may authorize use of devices on certain occasions, eg. to photograph or video a graduation.

Sincerely,

B. Berketa
Principal