ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Cell Phones, iPods, etc.
The
use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones/smart phones,
laptop computers, tablets, e-book readers, etc., can provide unique and
important access to educational resources during the school day and
assist in the effective management of school work. For these reasons,
HHS is piloting the use of district-issued technology resources in
school while also permitting students to bring their own devices to
school for educational purposes.
Students are expected to manage the use of these devices responsibly
in accordance with the student code of conduct and the acceptable use
policy of HTPS for educational purposes only and at the direction and
discretion of the supervising staff members at all times. Additional
guidelines for specific types of devices are outlined below. Misuse
of such equipment in any manner that is disruptive or distracting to
the learning environment may result in immediate confiscation of the
device and referral to the administration for disciplinary action that
may include suspension of this privilege or other consequences in
keeping with the school’s code of conduct.
Failure to surrender a device upon request of a staff member is
considered an act of insubordination and will result in Saturday
detention, although stronger consequences may be assigned depending upon
the nature of the incident itself. Confiscated items
will only be returned to the child’s parent or guardian who may
retrieve the item during school hours (7:00 AM – 3:00 PM). Students who
are 18 years old or older may claim their devices from their vice
principals no sooner than dismissal time
on the day in which the device was taken, with the express permission
of the vice principal. Repeat offenses will result in additional
disciplinary consequences.
Use of any device to intentionally cause emotional harm, to discredit
another person, or to harass, intimidate, or bully someone is strictly
prohibited. Strict consequences will be imposed for hurtful behavior in
accordance with the school’s code of conduct and the law on harassment,
intimidation, and bullying. Students are also reminded that electronic
devices cannot be used to transmit or store inappropriate images
(nudity, etc.) of minors and that doing so may constitute possession or
distribution of child pornography, an illegal act with harsh penalties
and lifelong repercussions. In addition, audio or video recording or
taking pictures without the knowledge and permission of all involved is
prohibited and potentially illegal.
Personal Responsibility in Protecting Belongings and Guarding against Theft
Students
are encouraged to take extra care in securing these valuable items in
locked lockers or keeping these items on one’s person at all times to
proactively avoid an opportunity to have the devices stolen or damaged.
While every effort is made to keep the building free from theft, items
such as these are often lost or stolen. If students wish to have these
items at school, please be aware that they do so at their own risk.
Hillsborough High School will not be held responsible for any items that
are lost, stolen, or damaged.
Etiquette
Often,
a person using an electronic device becomes somewhat oblivious to what
is happening around him/her. When using any electronic devices in the
school building, students are reminded to be polite, cognizant of their
surroundings, and safe at all times. Phone conversations should be quiet
enough not to disturb others. Care should be taken when moving through
the building so that you do not cause injury to self or others or cause a
delay to the normal traffic patterns in the building. Passing time is
limited so it is important to keep the hallways moving freely. While in
the classroom, electronic devices should be used only for educational
purposes, and it is critical that one person’s use of a device does not
inhibit the learning environment for other students or the teacher’s
ability to teach without interruption.
Cell Phones/Smart Phones
All
cell phones/smart phones should have the ringer silenced during the
school day (7:30 AM – 2 2:25 PM). Students are permitted to use phones
for making calls and texting during passing time but not during class
time without the express permission of the teacher. During class, use of
other features accessible through cell phones such as calendars, task
lists, internet access, etc., must be limited to educational purposes at
the discretion of supervising staff, must comply with appropriate
student code of conduct, and must not disrupt or distract from the
school learning environment.
Laptop Computers, Tablet PC’s & e-Book Readers
Students
may bring portable computing devices and e-book readers to school for
educational purposes. The use of a computing device in class is at the
complete discretion of the instructor. Students are expected to use the
device for instructional purposes during class time and to act in
accordance with the directions of the supervising staff member at all
times. The use of computing devices and e-readers during lunch periods
and study hall are at the discretion of the supervising staff member.
iPods/MP3 Players, Portable Game Devices
Electronic
entertainment devices for music/games are restricted to use before
school, during passing time, during lunch, during study hall, and after
school only. All sounds are to be muted or played through headphones
only. Usage during class time is at the sole discretion of the teacher.
The privilege of using these entertainment devices may be revoked at any
time if the student demonstrates an inability to do so responsibly and
without disrupting others.