In order to avoid disruption of the educational environment and protect students’ right of privacy, student use of

wireless communication devices (WCDs) is generally prohibited on school grounds, at school sponsored events

and on school buses or other vehicles provided by the District. A "wireless communication device" is a device

that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication

to the possessor. The following devices are examples of WCDs: cellular and wireless telephones (including

camera phones), pagers/beepers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), Blackberries/Smartphones, WiFi-enabled

or broadband access devices, laptops, and other devices that allow a person to record and/or transmit, on either

a real time or delayed basis, sound, video or still images, text, or other information.

 

However, the Board of Education recognizes the value of students maintaining communication with their

parents/guardians and other appropriate persons for health, safety and educational purposes.  Therefore, with prior

approval of the building principal, the above prohibitions may be relaxed under the following circumstances:

 

    A. The student is a member of a volunteer fire company/department, ambulance or rescue squad.

 

    B. The student has a special medical circumstance (e.g. an ill family member, or his/her own special medical

        condition).

 

    C. The student is using the WCD for an educational or instructional purpose (e.g. taking notes, recording a

        class lecture, writing papers) with the teacher’s permission and supervision.

 

    D. The student is involved in an extra-curricular activity after school hours and needs to communicate with

        his/her parent/guardian when the activity is ending so the student can be picked up.

 

    E. Other circumstances as authorized by school personnel.

 

No expectation of confidentiality will exist in the use of WCDs on school premises/property.

 

Students are prohibited from using a WCD in any way that might reasonably create in the mind of another person

an impression of being threatened, humiliated, harassed, embarrassed, or intimidated.  See Policy 5517.01 - Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior. Additionally, the possession or use of a WCD may not, in any

way:

 

    A. Disrupt the educational process in the School District;

 

    B. Endanger the health or safety of the student or anyone else;

 

    C. Invade the rights of others at school; or

 

    D. Involve illegal or prohibited conduct of any kind.

 

When use of WCDs is prohibited the devices must be powered completely off (not just placed in vibrate or silent

mode) and kept out of sight.

 

The use or possession of a WCD in locker rooms is prohibited.

 

Possession of a cellular telephone or other ECD by a student is a privilege, which may be forfeited by any student

who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege.

 

Violation of this policy can result in discipline ranging from a warning up to and including suspension or expulsion,

and notification of law enforcement authorities. The particular discipline imposed will depend on the number of

prior violations and the nature of the violation at issue. In addition, if a student violates this policy, his/her WCD

may be confiscated. Under such circumstances, the WCD will be released/returned to the student’s 

parent/guardian after the student complies with any other disciplinary consequence that is imposed. In particular

egregious offenses involving the invasion of another person’s privacy, the Board reserves the right to confiscate the

WCD and hold it until the end of the school year. Confiscated devices will be marked in a removable manner with

the student’s name and held in a secure location in the building’s central office until they are retrieved by the

parent/guardian. While in District custody, students’ WCDs will not be searched or otherwise tampered with

unless exceptional circumstances are present (i.e. school officials reasonably suspect a student has violated the

law or other school rules). Any search will be conducted in accordance with Board Policy 5771 – Search and Seisure.

 

Students are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their WCDs.

 

The Board assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, damage, or vandalism to WCDs brought onto its property, or

unauthorized use of such devices.

 

Parents/Guardians are advised that the best way to get in touch with their child during the school day is to be

calling the school office.

 

Students may use school phones to contact parents/guardians during the school day.

118.258 Wis. Stats.

Approved/Adopted:  July 13, 2009