Cell Phone Policy
New Law Alert – ACT 313
Students are not allowed to use cell phones on school property during the instructional day.
If a student brings a cell phone to school, it must be turned off and stowed away (backpack, purse, etc) during the school day.
The TPSS Board has placed new guidelines into effect concerning the violations of the policy.
TPSS Families,
Back to School 2024 is right around the corner and we are preparing for the best school year yet! Our theme for this year will be Accept the Challenge. We all experience challenges on a daily basis but with determination, support, and positive attitudes we can overcome those challenges. We hope that you will #AccepttheChallenge and do your part to make it a great 24-25 school year!
We want to make you aware of Act 313 which forbids possession of cell phones by students during the instructional day. Student cell phones MUST be turned off and out of site while they are at school.
We "challenge" you to take some time to look over the law and discuss it with your children. We can overcome any challenge set before us if we all work together to ensure a safe and positive environment where students are present every day so they can reach their greatest potential.
TPSS Administration
STUDENT USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES
No student shall possess, on his/her person, an electronic telecommunication device throughout the instructional day. If a student brings an electronic telecommunication device in any public elementary or secondary school building or on the grounds thereof during an instructional day, the electronic device shall either be turned off and properly stowed away for the duration of the instructional day or prohibited from being turned on and used during the instructional day, except in accordance with the District Acceptable use Policy. Electronic telecommunication devices shall include, but not be limited to, cellular telephones, Smart watches, personal computers, laptops, electronic instruments, iPads, iPods, tablet devices, e-readers, or similar devices.
These provisions shall not be applicable to a student whose Individualized Education Program, Individualized Accommodation Plan, Section 504 plan, or Individualized Health Plan requires the student's use of an electronic telecommunication device.
Nothing shall prohibit the use and operation by any person, including students, of any electronic telecommunication device in the event of an emergency. Emergency shall mean an actual or imminent threat to public health or safety which may result in loss of life, injury, or property damage.
For purposes of this policy, the terms use and operation shall mean whenever the electronic device is turned on.
ACCEPTABLE USE
The protection of instructional time and campus safety are priorities in establishing guidelines for acceptable use of electronic devices. Every campus that includes 5th through 12th grade students may develop and submit to the Superintendent’s Office an Acceptable Use Plan for Electronic Devices outlining when and how students may be allowed to possess, access and use their electronic communication devices on campus or on a school bus. Schools whose grade levels range from Kindergarten to 4th grade are not allowed to use technology devices on campus unless during a lesson when a teacher has it outlined in their lesson plan. All plans may allow teachers to appropriately integrate and include technology in the classroom under their guidance and instruction. Each plan must be communicated in writing and verbally to all students and parents at the beginning of the school year and throughout the year as new students enroll. The Tangipahoa Parish School Board shall not be responsible for lost or stolen personal electronic devices.
Should cell phones or other personal electronic devices be seen, used or heard for any purpose during the regular school day, outside of the Acceptable Use Plan for Electronic Devices at the given school, except during an emergency situation as defined by state statutes, the student shall receive consequences as listed below:
Student use of the Internet, cameras, smart watches, cell phones, ”IPODS” video or audio recorders, and/or any other electronic systems, on or off campus, that subsequently causes substantial disruption to the educational environment, interferes with the rights of others, or can be considered a threat, shall result in the student receiving discipline in accordance with the parish‘s Student Code of Conduct.
Should students choose to use an electronic device to video fights, text message test items, text message for unauthorized persons to check them out, post incidents that happened on school campus on the internet or similar practices that create a “substantial disruption” to the learning environment on a campus, they shall be given consequences according to the Student Code of Conduct. Law enforcement shall be asked to assist with any investigation involving a cell phone or other electronic device that “substantially disrupts” the learning environment on a campus.
VIOLATIONS
First Offense
The phone shall be taken from the student then labeled with student’s name and kept in a locked place at the school and returned to the student at the end of the school day. For this offense and any subsequent offense the parent shall be notified of the incident and associated consequence via email at the email address on file for the parent/legal guardian. If no email address is on file, then said notification shall be provided via text message to the phone number on file. The parent shall be notified of the incident. A behavior contract with the student will be initiated and agreed upon.
Second Offense
The phone shall be taken from the student then labeled with the student’s name and kept in a locked place at the school until the parent or guardian can set up a conference with the administrator to develop a plan to resolve the issue and upon which time the device will be returned to the parent/guardian. The conference between the guardian and the administrator shall take place within three (3) school days after receiving a written or electronic communication from the parent.
Third and Subsequent Offense
The phone shall be taken from the student then labeled with the student’s name and kept in a locked place at the school until the parent or guardian can set up a conference with the administrator to develop a plan to resolve the issue and upon which time the device will be returned to the parent/guardian. This conference shall take place no sooner than seven (7) school days and no later than 14 school days from the date that the parent/legal guardian sends in a written or electronic communication requesting said conference.
Should a student refuse to follow a directive and relinquish an electronic device when requested to do so by school personnel, he/she shall be placed on the appropriate level according to the Student Code of Conduct.
Revised
July 30, 2024