Cell Phone/Portable Electronic Device (PED) Policy

Cell phones and personal electronic devices (PEDs) must be turned off and stored in a backpack, pocket, purse, or locker during the school day, except when given permission by a teacher or administrator to use for instructional purposes.
Students are permitted to use cell phones and PEDs only during the following times:
- Before or after the school day on school property
- During evening or weekend extracurricular activities while on school property; or
- An emergency situation with the permission of a teacher, staff member or administrator.
Students are not permitted to take, upload or share photos, record audio, or capture video during the school day in a manner that reflects bullying, harassment, intimidation or cyber bullying.
Headphones are not to be worn in the hallway or classroom, at any time, unless for instructional or testing purposes.
Administrators, faculty, and staff may request at any time that students must turn off and put away PEDs, unless the PED is permitted or required under an IEP or 504 Plan. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action and possible confiscation by the school principal.
If a cell phone/PED is used inappropriately,
- First offense: Verbal Reminder to "turn off" and secure phone.
- Second offense: Parent/Guardian will be contacted and/or consulted (email, SchoolMessenger, phone call).
- Third offense: PED Confiscation by Principal/Designee and Parent-Administrator Conference
- Subsequent offenses: Student will be subject to disciplinary action
Per the PGCPS Administrative Procedure 5132--Portable Electronic Devices, the school system assumes no liability for theft, loss, damage or unauthorized use of student-owned PEDs possessed by students on school property or held by school officials during the confiscation period.