FILE:  JCDAE

ELECTRONIC TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES

STUDENTS GRADE PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 5

No student in grades Pre-K through Grade 5, unless specifically authorized by the school principal or his/her designee, shall have in their possession, use or operate any cell phone, camera, or other electronic telecommunication device in any public school buildings, public school grounds or on any school buses used to transport public school students.  A violation of these provisions may be grounds for disciplinary actions outlined in the Plaquemines Parish School Board (PPSB) Student Code of Conduct.

STUDENTS GRADE 6 THROUGH GRADE 8

Students shall be allowed to possess a telecommunication device on a school campus provided the device is turned to the off position, completely stowed away, and not in use during the instructional day or on the bus to and from school.  A violation of these provisions may be grounds for disciplinary actions outlined in the PPSB Student Code of Conduct.  The Superintendent or his/her designee may authorize exceptions to this policy on an individual, case by case basis.

STUDENTS GRADE 9 THROUGH GRADE 12

Students shall be allowed to possess a telecommunication device on a school campus during the instructional day or on the bus to and from school provided the device is turned to the off position, completely stowed away, and not in use during instructional time or any other time deemed inappropriate by school administration.  Stowing of cell phones is defined as being placed in the student’s locker, school bag, purse, or a storage system provided by the school.  The PPSB authorizes schools for grades 9-12 to implement a plan to protect instructional time from distractions resulting from use of electronic devices.  Such plans should outline device security, minimize loss of instruction, and state consequences for not adhering to the plan.  If a student is found using a cell phone, displaying a cell phone, or in possession of a ringing cell phone during instructional time or any time deemed inappropriate by school administration, the disciplinary procedures as outlined in the PPSB Student Code of Conduct shall be utilized as a consequence.  The Superintendent or his/her designee may authorize exceptions to this policy on an individual, case by case basis.

EMERGENCY USE

Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the emergency use of electronic telecommunication devices by any student or person.  Emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life or injury.  Use or operation of an electronic telecommunication device shall mean the device is either visible or turned to the on position for receiving or transmitting signals.

Possession and/or use of other electronic devices by students shall be prohibited unless authorized by the Superintendent or his/her designee.  The School System will not be responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices.

These provisions shall not be applicable to a student whose Individualized Education Program, Individualized Accommodation Plan, Section 504 plan, or Individualized Health Plan requires the student's use of an electronic telecommunication device.

See:  Act 313 of the Louisiana Legislature

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:239, 17:416, 17:416.1

Board minutes, 7-9-07, 7-31-23, 9-5-24

Plaquemines Parish School Board