Parents/guardians received an email regarding this policy change last week. Here are the details again...
We are experiencing many issues with cell phones on our campus, including:
- Students not storing their cell phone in the storage provided in each classroom, then using the phone during class.
- Students looking at their phones in the hallways during passing periods which causes distraction, and ultimately safety issues.
- Students using social media apps on their personal phones inappropriately.
- Students refusing to put personal devices away or arguing with campus staff about the rules.
Please take time to review with your student the Frisco ISD section of the student handbook below that outlines both the policy and consequences associated with personal cell phones. We are going to begin more strictly enforcing this policy immediately. It is important to note that if students who do not have their device powered off and are seen with their phone, the phone will be confiscated and a parent will have to pick up the device - on the first occurrence. The consequences escalate with repeat offenses.
On a side note, many times when students are approached about having their cell phones out, students say to staff that they are looking at their phone because they need to check messages from their parents. We absolutely know that your child might have a cell phone so that you can directly communicate with them; however, please let them know that an appropriate time to check their phone for a message from you is prior to powering down in the morning and again at 3:45 when the dismissal bell rings. The office is happy to deliver urgent messages during the school day in emergency situations.
Students will no longer be allowed to use their cell phones at lunch. We hope to re-extend this privilege to them soon, but only if we are seeing more compliance with regular expectations.
Additionally, many students are bringing Airpods to school. This is causing a large distraction in both hallways and classrooms. Students should bring wired earbuds or wired headphones each day that they can plug directly into their Chromebooks. Airpods are not needed for any application at school and should remain at home.
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Frisco ISD Student Handbook (excerpts from pages 53-54)
Electronic Devices and Technology Resources (All Grade Levels)
Possession and Use of Personal Telecommunications Devices, Including Cell Phones, and Other Electronic Devices (Apple Watches, Airpods, etc.)
The district permits students to possess personal cell phones for safety purposes; however, these devices must remain turned off during the instructional day.
If a student uses such a device, leaves the device turned on, or displays the device without authorization, it will result in confiscation of the device. The device will only be returned to a parent or guardian.
■ The first offense will result in the phone/watch/tablet being taken up and returned to the parent with a warning for the student/parent.
■ The second offense will result in a $15 fine being required before the phone/watch/tablet is returned to the parent.
■ The third offense will result in an additional $15 fine being required before the phone/watch/tablet is returned to the parent.
■ A fourth offense will result in the phone/watch/tablet being confiscated for the remainder of the school year and an additional $15 fee being required for the return.
Parents will be notified within two school days after the device has been confiscated and may set a time to pick up the device and pay the fine if applicable.
If the parent refuses to pick up the phone or pay the fine, the company whose name and address appear on the device will be notified if applicable.
Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. The district is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen telecommunications devices.
