Electronic Device Policy
According to the Almont Community Schools policy, students may bring a cellular telephone or other electronic communication device (ECD) to school. During school hours and on all school vehicles the cell phone or other ECD must be in compliance with the Electronic Device policy. The use of cell phones and other ECDs in locker rooms and restrooms is prohibited. During school activities, such as an evening award ceremony or band/choir concert, cell phones and other ECDs shall be turned off and out of sight. The school will gladly relay any message to a student from parents; however, students will have the opportunity to check messages during designated times in designated areas.
Students are not permitted to use Electronic Devices at non-designated times or in non-designated areas.
Students may have such devices at other school-sponsored events; however, the Administration reserves the right to restrict the use of such devices by students at events, e.g., athletic contests, concerts, dances, etc., should their use create problems. Possession of a cellular telephone or other ECD is a privilege, which may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise engages in misuses of this privilege. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action against the student, which may result in confiscation of the cellular phone or ECD, suspension, and/or other disciplinary action. A student who possesses a cellular phone or ECD shall assume full responsibility for its care. At no time shall the District be responsible for preventing theft, loss, or damage to cell phones or ECDs brought onto its property. In addition, there are other such as but not limited to I-Pods, MP-3 players, electronic games, Smart Watches, Wireless headphones, and other electronic devices beyond cell phones that fall under this umbrella. These items often cause distractions from the mission of creating an environment where all students can learn.
There will be a Phone Tree placed in every classroom at Almont High School. It is the expectation that all students place their cell phone in their classroom’s Phone Tree. The only time the use of a cell phone is permitted in a classroom is if the teacher of that class designates their use for that time only. A teacher may also have students store other electronic devices in the Phone Tree in addition to their cell phone if the teacher deems it is necessary.
As with all disciplinary actions, final determination is made by Administration and these consequences are examples of what could happened should the student violate the policy.
If a student is observed using a prohibited electronic device during school hours at non-designated times, the following consequences shall be administered.
First Offense
Prohibited item is confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day; a warning is issued and recorded.
Second Offense
Prohibited item is confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day. A one hour detention is issued to the student. Parent is contacted.
Third Offense
Prohibited item is confiscated and returned to a parent or guardian. The student receives a Saturday School. Parent contact is required.
Fourth Offense
The prohibited item is confiscated and returned to the parent. The student will be allowed to bring the item to school, but must turn it into the office upon entry into school and pick it up at the end of the school day for ten days or until the semester ends if less than ten days remain in the semester.
Fifth and Subsequent Offenses
Administrative discretion.