503.9-Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
503.9-Student Use of Personal Electronic DevicesCode No. 503.9
STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
In order to promote the best educational experience, students should feel connected to their educational environment and to others in the school community. Building meaningful connections can occur in a variety of ways. Technology has advanced peoples' ability to connect with one another across a variety of virtual platforms, and when used appropriately, adds value to the learning environment. However, it is vital to the developmental health and growth of students that the district provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and other members of their school community in-person whenever possible. In-person learning and interactions teach vital life and social skills that students will need for their continued success in the community.
For this reason, student use of personal electronic devices during instructional time is prohibited. Students have access to district-owned electronic devices as appropriate for the instructional needs of the learning environment and authorized by the classroom teacher. Parents or guardians who need to communicate with students during instructional time may contact the school building administrative office.
Instructional time is defined to mean periods of classroom instruction from the beginning of class bell until the end of class bell
Personal electronic devices means any device that is capable of electronically communicating, sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing and/or displaying information and data. This may include but is not limited to electronic communication equipment, mobile phones, smart phones, video game devices and portable media players. Students may wear smart or electronic watches but may not use any communication applications or features that are prohibited from use on other electronic devices and all notifications must be turned off. Personal electronic devices that have been specifically authorized under a current individual education plan (IEP), a Section 504 plan, or an Individual Health Plan (IHP) are exempt from this policy.
Parents or guardians of students may request to building level administration that a student retain access to the student's personal electronic device during instructional time if the parent or guardian can establish there is a legitimate reason related to the student's mental or physical health for the student to retain access during instructional time. This reason must be tied to the student's multi-tiered system of support framework. Any denials may be appealed to the Superintendent, who will be the final decision maker on the request.
Students who choose to use personal electronic devices outside instructional time but while on school property, at school-sponsored events, or in a manner that may impact the educational environment must use these devices in accordance with all applicable laws and board policies. Students who violate this policy may face disciplinary consequences up to and including suspension or expulsion. The Superintendent, in conjunction with building level administration, will develop administrative regulations in accordance with this policy.
Legal Reference: 16 C.F.R. 312 34 C.F.R. pt. 99 47 C.F.R. 54.520 Iowa Code 279.8
Adopted: 08/11/2025
Reviewed:
Revised:
503.9R1-Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices
503.9R1-Student Use of Personal Electronic DevicesCode No. 503.9R1
STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Definitions
For purposes of this policy, a “personal electronic device” is a device that is used by a student to send or receive information or create or review content, including cellular and mobile phones, watches or other wearable devices in a receive or transmit mode, laptop or notebook computers, tablets, video game devices, portable media players, and any applications or programs installed by the student on a school-owned or issued device. A “personal electronic device” does not include a device possessed by the student for documented legal, health, and safety purposes and used solely for those purposes.
The “school day” is defined as once the first bell rings until the end of day school bell minus lunch period.
“Instructional time” is any time during which a student is under the guidance and supervision of licensed instructional staff or instructional assistants, including independent study time during the school day and homeroom.
General Rules
The following are the district-provided educational technologies and devices that will be made available to
students for instructional purposes: MacBook Air Computers, iPads, other classroom technology provided by the school.
A student’s personal electronic device, not otherwise allowed to be used under this policy, must be securely stored at all times in a school-provided device in each classroom for High School students in the Secondary Building and in the student lockers for Middle School & Elementary. High School students may utilize their personal electronic devices during passing time and at lunch.
A parent or guardian, after verification by school officials, may communicate with a student through the
school office. If there is an emergency requiring the student’s immediate attention, a parent or guardian may contact the school office or the district office. In the event of an emergency, the school will contact the parent or guardian by the method most recently listed by the parent in the school’s student information system immediately when it becomes safe to do so. In the event of an emergency involving the broader school community, the school will contact parents and guardians by the district wide mass notification system.
Violations of Policy
First Offense - Upon the first offense, the student’s remotely activated, or activating communication device(s) will be confiscated by a staff member and taken to the principal’s office. After reviewing the policy with the principal or principal’s designee, the device will be given back to the student at the end of the school day.
Second Offense - Upon the second offense, the student’s remotely activated, or activating communication device(s) will be confiscated by a staff member and taken to the principal’s office. The principal or principal’s designee will review the cell phone policy with the student. The student will be required to bring their device to the office upon their arrival at school for a period of 5 school days. It will be kept safe in the office. It will be the student’s responsibility to pick it up at the end of each school day.
Third Offense - Upon the third offense, the student’s remotely activated, or activating communication device(s) will be confiscated by a staff member and taken to the principal’s office. The principal or principal’s designee will review the cell phone policy with the student. The student will be required to bring their device to the office upon their arrival at school for a period of 10 school days. It will be kept safe in the office. It will be the student’s responsibility to pick it up at the end of each school day.
Fourth Offense - Upon the fourth offense, the student’s remotely activated, or activating communication device(s) will be confiscated by a staff member and taken to the principal’s office. The principal or principal’s designee will review the cell phone policy with the student. The student will be required to bring their device to the office upon their arrival at school for a minimum of 20 days or the remainder of the school year. It will be kept safe in the office. It will be the student’s responsibility to pick it up at the end of each school day. A parent meeting may be requested to determine the next course of action.
If the student uses a personal electronic device during the administration of any assessment, the student will receive no credit for the assessment without the ability to retake and will also face the consequences identified in the prior paragraph. If the student uses a personal electronic device in a state or federal mandated assessment, the school will follow any protocols for that assessment’s security.
Student-Specific Exceptions to Policy
Petition by Parent or Guardian. A parent or guardian of a student may petition to allow their child to maintain access to a personal electronic device for a legitimate reason related to the student’s physical or mental health, based on the unique facts of the student’s case. The petition shall be addressed to the building principal. If not granted, a parent or guardian may appeal to the superintendent or designee, whose decision shall be final. A parent or guardian has the burden of providing a legitimate reason for allowing the child to maintain access of a personal electronic device contrary to Maquoketa Valley’s policy.
Student Plans. A student who has a current Individualized Education Program, a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, or health plan may maintain access to a personal device during an appropriate portion of the school day as documented in the plan. The device should be used solely in the manner necessary and documented.
Inappropriate use of Electronic Devices
Cell phones with cameras and other portable “remotely activated, or activating communication devices” capable of storing, and transmitting or receiving images are banned from being used in locker rooms and rest rooms at ALL times. Students will be disciplined for use of cell phones with cameras in school locker rooms, restrooms, or for being used inappropriately affecting the well being of other students or staff.
First Offense: Immediate suspension plus one day, Law enforcement may be notified
Second Offense: Immediate suspension plus 3-day suspension, Law enforcement notified
Third Offense: Possible recommendation for expulsion, Law enforcement notified
Adopted: 08/11/2025
Reviewed:
Revised: