CODE: 5131.7R
SECTION: PUPILS
WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS OR PROHIBITED INSTRUMENTS
The following Regulations are specific to the usage of cellular phones,
electronic communication devices, and other electronic devices.
The West Milford Board of Education recognizes that many parents or guardians
depend on cellular phones/electronic communication devices to communicate with
their school age children. However, the West Milford Board of Education does not
encourage students to bring these devices to school. The West Milford Board of
Education is not responsible for any damage to or loss or theft of such items.
Students who possess these devices while at school or at a school-related
educational activity are required to adhere to the following Regulations for
appropriate usage.
If a student is found using a cell phone or electronic communication device or
having such a device visible to an employee (i.e., the cell phone or device is
out of his/her book-bag, purse, pocket, etc.) during the school day or at a
school-sponsored educational activity or if a student’s cell phone or electronic
communication device disturbs or disrupts an educational activity, the employee
will ask the student to immediately relinquish the cell phone or electronic
communication device. Failure to do so will result in a referral to the school
administration for insubordination.
The employee who discovered the cell phone or electronic communication device
will deliver it to the Principal’s Office, Assistant Principal’s Office, or Dean
of Student’s Office by the end of the school day before leaving the building.
The employee will provide the following information, in writing, when delivering
the cell phone or electronic communication device:
1. The student’s name;
2. The employee’s name;
3. The reason, date, and time of confiscation (i.e., third period, phone rang in
class).
Elementary Schools
On the first confiscation, the required paperwork will be processed by the
Principal, the parent/guardian will be called, and the cell phone or electronic
communication device will be confiscated. After the parent/guardian is
contacted, the cell phone or electronic communication device will be returned to
the student at the end of that day, accompanied by a written statement from the
Principal acknowledging the incident. This statement must be signed by the
parent/guardian and returned to the Principal.
On the second confiscation, the parent/guardian will be called, and the
parent/guardian must pick up the cell phone or electronic communication device
from the Principal.
On the third confiscation, the parent/guardian will be called. The
parent/guardian must pick up the cell phone or electronic communication device
from the Principal, and the student will be issued disciplinary consequences as
deemed appropriate by the Principal.
Any additional infractions of these Regulations, which occur after the third
confiscation, will result in suspension from school for insubordination and/or
banning the cell phone or electronic communication device from school for the
remainder of the school year.
If a student is caught using a cell phone or an electronic communication device
during any testing/assessment process, it will be presumed that the student was
cheating. This will result in disciplinary consequences as deemed appropriate by
the Principal.
Parents or guardians should contact the Principal’s Office of their student’s
school in the event of an emergency situation whereby they may need to speak
with their school-age child.
Middle School/High School
First Offense: The required paperwork will be processed by the Assistant
Principal, Dean of Students, or the Principal. The parent/guardian will be
called, and the cell phone or electronic communication device will be
confiscated. After the parent/guardian is contacted, the cell phone or
electronic communication device will be returned to the student at the end of
that day, accompanied by a written statement from the administrator
acknowledging the incident. This statement must be signed by the parent/guardian
and returned to the Principal or other appropriate administrator.
Second Offense: The student’s cell phone or electronic communication device is
confiscated, parents/guardians are notified, and a parent/guardian must pick up
the cell phone or electronic communication device from the Assistant Principal,
Dean of Students, or Principal.
Third Offense: The student’s cell phone or electronic communication device is
confiscated, parents/guardians are notified, a parent/guardian must pick up the
cell phone or electronic communication device at the end of the day, and the
student must serve a Super Friday Detention (High School students) or a
detention (Middle School students).
Any additional infractions of these Regulations, which occur after the third
infraction, will result in suspension from school for insubordination and/or
banning the cell phone or electronic communication device from school for the
remainder of the school year.
If a student is caught using a cell phone or electronic communication device
during any testing/assessment process, it will be presumed that the student was
cheating. This will result in disciplinary consequences as deemed appropriate by
the Principal.
Parents or guardians should contact the Principal’s Office of their student’s
school in the event of an emergency situation whereby they may need to speak
with their school-age child.
Other Electronic Devices
Other electronic devices, which are not used for purposes of communication, are
strictly prohibited. This includes electronic games, CD/tape players, tasers,
and the like. Students possessing or using such items will be subject to
immediate disciplinary consequences. This applies to all students, elementary
through high school.
First Reading: January 22, 2008
Adopted: February 26, 2008