MANCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Manchester School District is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged personal electronic devices.  

Electronic Devices (Cell Phones, Headphones, Speakers and Smartwatches)

In an effort to prepare our high school students for the future, our cell phone and personal electronic device protocol prepares our students for what will be expected when they enter a college classroom or the workforce after graduating.  

While the use of cell phones and other electronic devices is permitted at designated times and locations during the school day, it has been determined their presence in the classroom leads to student inattention, lack of engagement and often results in disruptions in the learning environment. In an effort to always provide an optimal learning experience, the cell phone/personal electronic device protocol must be adhered to at all times during the school day.  

Students do NOT have the right to use their cellular device to audio- or video-record other students, staff, or visitors without the express permission of the person(s) in the recording. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from school.

Students CAN use their cell phones and earbuds:

• Before school

• After school

• In the cafeteria

• While passing between classes  

• If the student is using earbuds or headphones during the allowed times, they must have one ear free of a device at all times (one in and one out, one on and one off).  

• Make a phone call to a parent/guardian in their Assistant Principals Office with permission from their Assistant Principal only

• Check their Smart Watch for the time only (this does not require the student to touch their watch repeatedly, it only requires a brief glance)

Students CANNOT use cell phones or other electronic devices (earbuds and watches)

• At any time during class  

• In the hall during any scheduled class period (ex. on the way to places such as the restroom, nurse, guidance or administrators office).

• While in any other location outside of the classroom during any scheduled class time (ex. While in guidance, at the nurse or in the administrator's office)

• Play music out of an external speaker, including putting a cell phone on speaker mode at any time during the day (not in the halls, not in the cafeteria).  Speakers are not allowed at all during the school day. 

• Talk on the phone or FaceTime at any time during the school day.  (ex. Students cannot walk down the hall and talk on the phone/facetime while in the building in between classes, on the way into school or exiting school or while at lunch).  Any and all phone calls have to happen in the students Assistant Principal’s Office with permission

• Use their Smart Watch during class time (touch their watch repeatedly to use functions on it.  Checking the time does not require repeated touching of the watch).

Exceptions to the rule: The only exceptions to this rule are:

• if the teacher gives permission to use a personal device during class temporarily and it is strictly for educational purposes ONLY and the device is put away as soon as the task is complete.  

• If the student has permission from their administrator/administrative assistant to contact their parent(s)/guardian(s) while in the office only.  

• With the permission of the study hall teacher, a student will be allowed to have one earbud in and one out during study hall as long as they are actively working on school work and the phone is put away. The student cannot actively use their phone.  The teacher will monitor this and can tell the student to put the earbuds away at any time.     

Classroom Rules/Expectations:

• 1st offense: The student will be directed by the teacher to put their phone/electronic device away (in their bag, pocket but not on their desk)  The teacher will not remind the student daily.  The student is expected to comply with the protocol.  

• 2nd offense: The student's parent(s)/guardian(s) will be notified by the teacher (via conduct referral/selecting option in digital hall pass/aspen).

• 3rd offense: The student is sent to their Assistant Principal’s Office, the phone is turned off by the student and handed over to the Assistant Principal.  If the student refuses to go to the Assistant Principal’s Office, the Assistant Principal will be called to retrieve the student or cell phone.  The student will be required to pick up the device at the end of the day, consequences will be issued at the administrative level and parents will be notified by the administrator.  A conduct referral will be submitted by the teacher.  

• 4th offense: The student is sent to their administrators office, the device will need to be picked up by a parent/guardian and a consequence will be issued (ext suspension).

• Teachers have the discretion to issue a teacher detention for first and second offenses in addition to what is stated here.