JICJ – Student Use of Electronic Communication Device – Cherry Creek Schools Board of Education

The Board of Education recognizes that electronic communication devices ("ECDs") can play a vital communication role both during emergency situations and as technology in the educational setting. However, personal use of electronic communication devices in school may disrupt and/or interfere with the educational process and may be subject to appropriate usage guidelines. For purposes of this policy, "electronic communication devices" includes cell phones, beepers, pagers, walkie-talkies, and any other telecommunications device that emits an audible signal, vibrates, displays a message, or otherwise summons or delivers a communication to the possessor (e.g., computers, I-Pads or other tablet devices, smart phones, etc.). For purposes of this policy, the term shall also include electronic entertainment devices like electronic games and compact disc players.

Students may carry electronic communication devices during the school day, on school vehicles and at school-sponsored events/activities. Students shall comply with administrative or staff member directives relating to the use of cellular phones and other ECDs in school, on school vehicles and at school-sponsored events/activities. Students are permitted to use cellular phones and other ECDs as defined by the building principal or other school administrator. The principal or other school administrator may confine the use of ECDs to certain defined locations in each building. Possession of a cellular telephone or other ECD by a student is considered to be 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 the device so as to violate school rules, board policy or law. Violations may result in disciplinary action under student discipline policies. Inappropriate use of cellular phones or ECDs includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Accessing and/or viewing an Internet site that is otherwise blocked to students at school.
Sending an email, text message or other communication that harasses, intimidates, threatens, bullies, or discriminates against another individual.
Using a camera device at school or a school-sponsored event to take, send, download or upload an unwanted, harassing, threatening, or embarrassing photos, audio or text of anyone.
Using such devices to engage in scholastic dishonesty.
Using such devices to save personal or non-school related files to a district-owned computer.
Using such devices for any form of "cyber-bullying," or other unwanted or unsolicited electronic communications or other communications that otherwise cause a disruption to the learning environment.

Use of electronic communication devices with cameras are prohibited in locations where such operation may violate the safety or privacy rights of another person. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that the device is turned off and out of sight during unauthorized times. Violation of this policy and/or use that violates any other district policy may result in disciplinary measures and confiscation of the electronic communication device. Confiscated devices shall be returned to the student only after a conference with the parent/guardian, student and school personnel. The building principal or designee may also refer the matter to law enforcement, as appropriate. Upon reasonable suspicion that a school rule, district policy or law has been violated through the use of a cellular phone or ECD, search for evidence of the suspected wrongdoing may also occur in accordance with district policy. Any refusal on the part of a student to comply with a request to surrender the cellular phone or ECD may result in disciplinary action. A cellular telephone or ECD that has been confiscated and not turned over to law enforcement will be released to the parent or guardian of a student when it is no longer necessary for investigation or disciplinary proceedings. At the discretion of the principal, the cellular telephone or ECD may be returned directly to the student. The district shall not be responsible for the security and safekeeping of these items and is not financially responsible for any loss, theft or destruction of electronic communication devices brought to school by a student or confiscated by a school employee for violation of this policy governing the acceptable use of such devices. Any damage to the equipment is the responsibility of the individual. Originally Adopted: January 9, 2012 Revised: August 11, 2014

Cross References:	JIC – Student Conduct
	JIH – Student Interrogations, Searches and Arrest
	JK – Student Discipline

Adoption Date: January 09, 2012 Last Revised: August 11, 2014