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Cell Phone Expectations

CELL PHONES 
Delano Public Schools provides a safe and welcoming environment for all learners to rigorously challenge student thinking and to support individual student needs.  The use of cell phones and other electronic devices by students at the high school has undermined the ability to achieve our educational goals.

WHAT RESEARCH TELLS US

  • 97% of students use cell phones during school amounting to spending 43 minutes per day primarily on social media, YouTube and gaming. 
  • 72% of high school teachers report that cell phones are a major distraction in the classroom.  
  • As cell phone use has become prevalent among students, research suggests that anxiety has increased 134% and depression has increased 106%.  
  • Schools that have already implemented a cell phone ban report a 46% decrease in bullying among girls and a 43% decrease in bullying among boys.

PURPOSE 
We believe restricting the use of cell phones during academic times will greatly increase student achievement and efficiency.  The purpose of the policy is to promote a  focused learning environment.  Note, the term cell phone pertains to smart phones and electronic accessories  including earbuds and smart watches when used in conjunction with a cell phone.   

EXPECTATIONS:

  1. Cell phones, earbuds and other personal devices are prohibited during academic time. 
    1. Academic time is considered from the beginning bell to the ending bell of all periods 1 through 6, as well as Advisory and WIN.  
    2.  Students may use cell phones when a teacher has given them permission to use it for a specific educational purpose.
    3.  Any instance in which a cell phone is in use or heard without the teacher's express permission during academic time will result in the consequences below.  
    4.  Students are allowed to use cell phones during passing time and during the lunch period.  No cell phones or accessories (smartwatch, earbuds, etc.) during academic time (this includes WIN, Advisory, and Study Hall)

STORAGE OPTIONS:

  1. Teachers may ask students to place their phones in a designated location in the classroom. Students must also turn off their devices or switch them to airplane mode during academic time.  
    1. Students are always encouraged to keep cell phones and other devices/personal items in their lockers.  
    2. Regardless of the teacher’s or student’s storage decisions, phones must not be heard or in use during academic time.  

CONSEQUENCES
A violation of these rules occurs when a student’s cell phone is heard or is actively used by the student during academic time.  

1st Offense-A Staff member confiscates the device for the remainder of the day and takes it to the office for the student to pick up at the end of the day

2nd Offense-A staff member confiscates the device for the day. It is then taken to the office, and parents will need to pick it up.

3rd Offense-School Administration will levy appropriate consequences.  A cell phone plan will also be developed to ensure compliance with DHS protocols.   

FAILURE TO COMPLY 
With a teacher's request for a cell phone is insubordination and will result in further consequences.  

EXCEPTIONS to this strict procedure may be considered due to a student’s individual medical and educational needs in consultation and with the approval of the building administration.

QUESTIONS
Please contact any of the High School Principals: Barry.Voight@Delanoschools.org,  Steve.Schauberger@Delanoschools.org,  Shane.Baughman@delanoschools.org.