Wireless Communication Devices
POSSESSION OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICES Students are allowed to bring wireless communication devices into school buildings and onto school grounds. Wireless communication devices include:
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a cellular telephone;
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a tablet computer;
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a laptop computer;
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a pager;
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a gaming device;
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a smart watch;
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AirPods; and
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any other portable electronic device that has the capability of exchanging voice, messaging, or other data communication with another electronic device.
The Board is not responsible for the theft, loss, or damage to any wireless communication device brought onto campus by a student.
STORAGE OF DEVICES Unless one of the exceptions listed below applies, any wireless communication device that is in the possession or control of a student, while that student is in a school building or on school grounds, must be turned off and stored off the student’s person in a locker, car, or a similar storage location during the instructional day, which includes:
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when school is open and in session;
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during class time, lunch, transitions between classes, and any non-instructional periods; and
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at any other time students are required to do so by the Code of Conduct or other school rules or are instructed to do so by school staff.
The Superintendent or designee is authorized to determine appropriate storage locations for such devices at each school.
PROHIBITION ON USE AND EXCEPTIONS Students cannot use, operate, or possess a wireless communication device during the instructional day, except under the following limited circumstances:
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The use, operation, and/or possession of the device is specifically included in the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, or an Individualized Health Plan;
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The use, operation, and/or possession of the device is for educational or learning purposes under the supervision of school personnel; or
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The use, operation, and/or possession occurs during an emergency threatening the life or safety of the student or another person.
The Superintendent or designee is authorized to develop additional guidelines for implementation of these exceptions.
SEARCHES School officials may read, examine, or inspect the contents of any wireless communication device upon reasonable suspicion that the device contains evidence of a violation of Board policy, the Code of Conduct, or other school rules, provided that the nature and extent of such examination shall be reasonably related and limited to the suspected violation.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION Any violations of this policy can result in disciplinary action as outlined in the I Code of Conduct.
ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES AUTHORIZED The Superintendent or designee is authorized to develop any additional rules necessary to carry out this policy. [Reference: Ala. Act 2025-386]
DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS
No student may possess a Wireless Communication Device (WCD) in any public elementary or secondary school building or on the grounds thereof during the instructional day unless the WCD is turned off and stored off the student’s person.
Best practice is to leave all wireless communication devices at home. Athens City Schools is not responsible for storage, security, loss, and/or damage of electronic devices.
Violation of this policy shall result in disciplinary action as follows:
- FIRST OFFENSE: WCD is confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the day. Parent is notified.
- SECOND OFFENSE: WCD is confiscated and returned to the parent.
- THIRD OFFENSE: WCD is confiscated and returned to the parent. Student receives suspension or eDiscipline.
Failure to comply with directions of staff and/or consequences may result in additional disciplinary action.
Offenses start over at the beginning of each semester.
DEVICES ON SCHOOL BUSES
Students may bring and use devices on school buses if allowed by the bus driver. However, recording, videoing, and/or creating a disruption is prohibited. Violations may result in loss of bus device privileges and further disciplinary actions. Athens City Schools assumes no responsibility for device loss, theft, or damage.