Student Use of Cellular Phones, Digital Imaging Devices and Other Personal Electronic Devices I.

Purpose The purpose of this policy is to set expectations for the appropriate use of technologies which students may possess and bring onto the campus of the Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy or at school-sponsored events. These devices include but are not limited to: cellular phones, digital picture/video cameras and/or camera phones, iPods, IPads, tablets, laptops, personal reading devices, MP3’s and other personal electronic devices capable of transmitting data or images.

II.

General Statement of Policy The Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy holds high expectations for student behavior, academic integrity and the responsible use of existing and emerging technologies, such as those listed above. Students who possess and/or use such devices while on the campus of the Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy or at school sponsored events shall demonstrate respect for the educational environment and the rights and privacy of all individuals within the school community.

III.

Standards for Responsible Use at School, on Buses or at School Activities A. Respect for the educational environment i. Cellular phones and other personal electronic devices shall be turned off and kept out of sight during instructional time or at school-sponsored events (8:15AM3:10PM) unless being used for a teacher directed educational activity. ii. With prior approval of the school directors, teachers may permit the purposeful use of personal electronic devices in support of the curriculum learning objectives. iii. Administration, faculty, and staff may request at any time that students must turn off their privately-owned technology. Failure to do so will be deemed a violation of this policy. iv. In the case of medical necessity or emergency, a student shall be permitted to possess or use a cell phone or other personal electronic device provided the student receives advanced authorization from the school directors.

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B. Respect for privacy rights i. Students shall not photograph or videotape other individuals at school or at school sponsored activities without their knowledge and consent, except for activities considered to be in the public arena such as sporting events and public performances. ii. Students shall not e-mail, post to the Internet, or otherwise electronically transmit images of other individuals taken at school without their expressed written consent. iii. Use of cellular phones or other personal electronic devices is strictly prohibited in locker rooms and rest rooms. C. Assuring Academic Integrity: Students shall not use cellular phones or other personal electronic devices in any way that may cause a teacher or staff member to question whether the student may be cheating on test or academic work or violating copyright policy. D. Compliance with Other School Policies: Use of cellular phones or other personal electronic devices must not violate any other school polices including those regarding student privacy, copyright, cheating, plagiarism, civility, student code of conduct, electronic technologies acceptable use, or harassment. If a violation occurs which involves more than one school policy, consequences for each policy will apply. IV.

Violations of this policy A. First Infraction: An employee shall direct the student to turn off the device. B. Second Infraction: The second infraction shall result in confiscation of the device, which is to be turned into the school office, and the student will be allowed to retrieve the device at the end of the school day. The student will be warned that the next infraction will result in the parent/guardian being required to retrieve the device from school. C. Third Infraction: The third infraction shall result in confiscation of the device, which is to be turned into the office. The student will be given a letter discussing the infraction and instructing the parents to retrieve the device from the school office. D. Repeated or Severe Infraction: Any violation of this policy may also, at the discretion of the director, result in additional disciplinary action or termination of the right to possess a cellular phone or any electronic device at school.

V.

Dissemination of Policy This policy shall be included in the student/parent handbook, posted to the school website, and otherwise distributed upon request. Adopted: January 7, 2013 Effective: January 22, 2013 Page 2 of 3

Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Agreement Form Complete this form and return it with your device(s) to the Technology Director. Please note that no student is required to bring a device to school to obtain the full benefit of their public education. My Device May Use or Requires Network Access Brand and Model (may list more than one) Serial Number (may list more than one) MAC Address (may list more than one) I have spoken with my teacher(s) about potential ways to use my device in the classroom. Yes I accept the responsibility to keep my device protected via up to date software and acknowledge that Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy is not liable for any malware contracted by the device while using a Scholars Academy Network nor any data charges when using a non-Scholars Academy network (e.g. cellular network) I understand that the Scholars Academy is not responsible for the loss of, theft of, or damage to my device. I will take all reasonable steps to ensure that it is secure and protected.

Yes

Yes

My Device DOES NOT Require Network Access Brand and Model (may list more than one) Serial Number (may list more than one) I have spoken with my teacher(s) about potential ways to use my device in the classroom. Yes I understand that the Scholars Academy is not responsible for the loss of, theft of, or damage to my device. I will take all reasonable steps to ensure that it is secure and protected.

Yes

I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy Student Use of Cellular Phones, Digital Imaging Devices and Other Personal Electronic Devices Policy. I understand any violation of this policy may result in revocation of my privileges, confiscation of my device (to be returned only to a parent/guardian), and potentially additional consequences. I also understand that the Academy, pursuant to law and otherwise at its discretion, will report to the proper authorities any violation of this policy that may constitute a criminal offense. Such a report could result in prosecution by the government under state and/or federal laws. Grade: _____

Homeroom Teacher: ____________________

Student Name & Signature: ________________________________ _________________________________ PRINTED

SIGNED

Parent/Guardian Name & Signature: ________________________________ ______________________________ PRINTED

Date: __________ Page 3 of 3

SIGNED