Cell Phone Policy

Newlon Elementary School believes all students have the right to a safe, welcoming and positive educational experience. Please refer to the guidelines below for clarity on our school’s cell phone policy.

Guidelines

• All phones/devices are brought on campus at one’s own risk.
• The school is not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen devices.
• Students in ECE – Grade 3 may NOT have cell phones or any electronic devices at school.
• Students in grades 4-5 may have cell phones on campus provided the following guidelines are followed.
• No gaming devices, cell phones that do not have current active service, electronic watches that do not provide intentional communication capacity with families or any other electronic device deemed inappropriate by school leadership are allowed on campus
• Cell Phones are powered off before entering campus and stored all the way inside the backpack, not in clothing pockets or on the person. Place the device all the way inside of the backpack so that it is not visible.
• Cell phones may be turned on after the classroom teacher dismisses the student from school and  must remain off until the student exits the school building.
• Phone calls, texting, and videotaping of oneself or others is strictly prohibited at any time during the school day to include classrooms, library, school-yard, cafeteria, common areas or restrooms.
• School staff may request and take possession of a student’s phone if the following guidelines are not being followed. Staff will not access the phone. Family will be contacted and a resolution will be developed. Resolutions may include:
  • Restrictions or revocation of student cell phone privileges
  • Restorative consequences to support more responsible adherence to the policy
  • 1:1 Meeting with family to establish clearer guidance on the cell phone policy
• Families take responsibility for the actions of their students and are willing to engage in 1:1 conferences with school staff to clarify or develop restorative consequences should students be unable to follow the school guidelines
• In the case that unique circumstances arise, school staff will communicate with families and develop specific written guidance to inform next steps. Example: student wants to share a new game with a school mentor for a celebration activity.

Cell phones generally should NOT be sent to school with your child. Newlon has ample resources to facilitate daily communication between you and your child. Please speak with your child to assure that they understand these guidelines.