The Board of Education recognizes that there are personal electronic devices that have educational applications such as calculators, voice recorders, digital cameras and music listening devices. In some instances a “smart phone” may include applications that permit these functions. These devices shall be allowed to be used in classrooms only when they are included as part of a lesson under the direction of a teacher.

The Board acknowledges that cellular phones and 2-way communication systems can be a positive means to facilitate communication; however, the display and/or use of such devices can cause disruption to the educational process.

Therefore, to prevent such disruption, the display and/or use by students of cellular phones (including “smart phones”) and 2-way communication systems and/or other electronic devices shall follow the individual school procedures for electronic devices (see “Off and Away Procedure” below). The district is not responsible for stolen, lost or damaged personal electronic devices.

In emergency situations, exceptions to the prohibition of the use of cellular phones and 2-way communication systems may be granted by teachers or administrators.

Misuse of any of these electronic devices will result in its confiscation until the end of the school day. Some uses of personal electronic devices constitute violation of the school district code of conduct and in some instances, the law. The school district will cooperate with law enforcement officials as appropriate.

Cellular Telephones and Testing

In order to ensure the integrity of testing, in accordance with state guidelines, students should not possess cell phones or other electronic devices while in the testing location (state assessments).

Test proctors, monitors and school officials shall have the right to collect cell phones and other prohibited electronic devices prior to the start of the test and to hold them for the duration of the test taking time. Admission to the test will be prohibited to any student who has a cell phone or other electronic device in their possession and does not relinquish it.

Students with individualized education plans (IEPs), 504 Plans, or documentation from a medical practitioner that specifically requires the use of an electronic device may do so as specified.

SGFCSD BOE Policy 5695

Off and Away Electronic Device Procedure

All student cell phones will be turned off and put away at all times during academic instruction and study halls. This includes when students are out of the classroom during class time (e.g. signed out of class to go to the bathroom, walking in the hallways, the library, etc.).

Off is defined as powered fully off. Not in airplane mode.

Away is defined as out of sight and not easily accessible. Examples include in a backpack or bag, in a pocket, locked in a locker, etc. This does not mean turned over on the desk.

As per SGF Board of Education Policy #5695, teachers may allow student cell phone use with specific, acceptable purposes. The use of the phone should be for instructional purposes in connection with student learning or for immediate, necessary communication.

There are no “cell phone breaks” during academic classes or study hall.

Teachers may allow appropriate, monitored cell phone use where necessary (e.g. contacting a parent when it can’t wait, ChromeBook malfunction etc., not for entertainment, communication with peers, or social media, etc. )

Students who are serving consequences during the school day or after school will not have access to their cell phones until their consequences have been served (e.g. detention, internal suspension, etc.).

Students can contact parents for non-emergency communication through the phone in the attendance office.

Students are not permitted to use earbuds, earphones, or smart watches unless for use in a teacher approved activity.

Students who attend outside programming (e.g. BOCES, New Visions, PTech, ECCA, etc.) will follow the procedures for each of those programs, provided their use does not impact learning at South Glens Falls High School.

Students who have specific accommodations for access as part of a 504, IEP, or Health Care Plan will be allowed access based on the wording of their individual plan.

South Glens Falls High School

Policies/Administering the Code

Attendance Policy

Attendance in the Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Framework

Family Communication Regarding Absences

Dress Code

Electronic Devices Policy

Drug Free Campus

Dignity for All Students